/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48470767/usa-today-8946322.0.jpg)
Entering Week 17, the question for both the Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks has been whether to rest players or not, looking ahead to the postseason. Based on the first injury reports of the week, it does not appear there will be an opportunity to rest some players because of the number of other players who could miss this week. Five players for the Seahawks and six for the Cardinals sat out of Wednesday's practice.
There is one player we know who will not play this weekend. Seattle head coach ruled out running back Marshawn Lynch for the game this weekend.
For the Cardinals, the following players were a no go in practice on Wednesday -- receiver Michael Floyd (knee), linebacker Markus Golden (knee), defensive tackle Josh Mauro (calf), linebacker Dwight Freeney (knee), safety Rashad Johnson (ankle) and defensive tackle Frostee Rucker (ankle).
However, only Markus Golden sounds like he is in danger of missing Sunday. He suffered a deep bone bruise and "is the worst for wear as far as whether he plays on Sunday." Bruce Arians joked about Rucker, showing little concern for his missing practice. "He's old," he said. "He's always hurt on Wednesday. Plays good on Sunday, though. That's okay."
Arians also said Floyd's injury is a pull behind his knee, but "hopefully we get some work out of him before the week's over."
Another large number of players were limited for Arizona, though it would appear they are taking a conservative approach to practice time, especially early in the week. Running back Andre Ellington (toe), receiver Larry Fitzgerald (ankle), linebacker Alani Fua (groin), long snapper Mike Leach (back), quarterback Carson Palmer (finger), cornerback Patrick Peterson (ankle), defensive tackle Ed Stinson (ribs) and running back Stepfan Taylor (shoulder) were limited. With the exception of Fua, all these players have appeared on injury reports with the same issues and have all played.
For Seattle, in addition to Lynch being ruled out, other key players sat out. Defensive end Michael Bennett sat out with a toe injury. Carroll said he had "some injection procedure" on the toe. It might be an injury that keeps him out this week. Safety Kam Chancellor (pelvis) was also out, as were guard J.R. Sweezy and tight end Luke Willson, both with concussions. Willson is making progress every day, according to Carroll.
Defensive end Cliff Avril (back), defensive tackle Jordan Hill (toe) and starting left tackle Russell Okung (calf) were all limited. Carroll said Okung is "on his way back."
Based on the injury reports, some players might be resting by default because of injuries. It just won't include their quarterbacks.