NFL: 5 Injuries That Will Shape Playoffs

By Evan Massey | Dec 14, 2014

Nov 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer reacts as he is taken off the field on a cart after suffering an injury in the second half against the St. Louis Rams at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Rams 31-14. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 7, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs inside linebacker Derrick Johnson (56) leaves the field on a cart against the Tennessee Titans in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Derrick Johnson, Kansas City Chiefs

Derrick Johnson was one of the best defensive players in the NFL last season for a very strong Kansas City Chiefs defense, but they have gone downhill this year. They lost some players and Johnson got hurt early on in the year.

Last season with the Chiefs, he recorded 107 tackles, 4.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries, two interceptions, and six defensed passes. Obviously those numbers prove just how valuable he was for the Chiefs, and he is being missed in a big way. Kansas City is sitting at 7-6 now, and their playoff hopes are looking dimmer after last weeks loss against the Arizona Cardinals.

Johnson would be a huge upgrade over what Kansas City is currently working with, and would have made a major difference throughout the season. He has become one of the best linebackers in the NFL, and has been extremely consistent over the past few seasons. Hopefully he’ll be able to get back to the level that he was at before this injury.

Next: 3. Knowshon Moreno, Miami Dolphins

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