Official injury reports ahead of Sunday's Championship games:
Green Bay Packers: QUESTIONABLE: RB Christine Michael (back), WR Jordy Nelson (ribs, illness), WR Davante Adams (ankle), WR Geronimo Allison (hamstring), S Morgan Burnett (quadricep), CB Quinten Rollins (neck, concussion). OUT: RB James Starks (concussion), C JC Tretter (knee)
Coach Mike McCarthy noted Friday that Nelson, Adams and Allison could all be game-time decisions. The trio did not practice Friday. Nelson missed practice Friday due to illness, but McCarthy said that shouldn't determine his status for Sunday. Nelson, Adams and Allison are expected to play though injury, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported. Nelson has ordered military grade kevlar padding, according to sources.
Michael was added to the injury report on Saturday with a back injury.
Burnett was a limited participant on Friday after missing Wednesday and Thursday. He will be a game-time decision, but there is optimism that he will play, according to Rapoport.
Of note: A sickness bug is going around the Packers locker room. Aaron Rodgers is not noted on the injury report, but said Friday he's dealing with an illness. The quarterback isn't worried about it hindering him.
Atlanta Falcons: No players listed as questionable, doubtful or out.
Julio Joneswon't have any limitations after returning to practice on a limited basis on Friday, Falcons coach Dan Quinn said. Jones has been dealing with a toe injury. Receiver Taylor Gabriel (foot), safety Keanu Neal (foot) and defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux (shoulder) were all full-go on Friday and will play.
Pittsburgh Steelers: QUESTIONABLE: LB James Harrison (shoulder, triceps), TE Ladarius Green (concussion), RB Fitzgerald Toussaint (concussion)
Harrison sat out Thursday, but was a full participant on Friday. It'd be a shock if the linebacker missed Sunday's game. Harrison is expected to play, according to Rapoport. Green was limited on Friday and would need to pass the final stages of protocol after missing the past four games. Green is not expected to play, according to Rapoport.
New England Patriots: QUESTIONABLE: WR Danny Amendola (ankle), TE Martellus Bennett (knee), RB Brandon Bolden (knee), LB Dont'a Hightower (shoulder), WR Chris Hogan (thigh), WR Malcolm Mitchell (knee), DL Jabaal Sheard (knee)
The entire group was limited all week. Hogan was seen in the locker room with a noticeable limp. Mitchell is "trending in the right direction," per ESPN's Mike Reiss after missing last week's game. Bennett said earlier in the week he was feeling ready to go. Amendola, Bennett, Bolden, Hightower and Hogan are good to go, and Mitchell is also expected to play, according to Rapoport.
