NFL Week 16 injuries: News on Trevor Lawrence, Ja'Marr Chase, more - ESPN

The Los Angeles Rams greatly improved their playoff chances while dealing a serious blow to those of the New Orleans Saints in the first game of Week 16.

Led by quarterback Matthew Stafford and rookie wide receiver Puka Nacua, the Rams built a big lead then hung on to beat the Saints 30-22 at SoFi Stadium.

Stafford passed for 328 yards and two touchdowns as Los Angeles (8-7) won for the fifth time in six games and improved its postseason chances to nearly 70%. Nacua had nine catches for a career-high 164 yards and a touchdown.

New Orleans (7-8) scored the final 15 points on Thursday night, but it wasn't enough. Their playoff chances would have improved to 71% with a victory but dropped to 24% with the loss.

Several games this weekend carry major playoff implications, and some teams will have to go without key starters. Cincinnati Bengals star wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase already has been ruled out, but the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati's opponent, will be minus both of their starting safeties.

Meanwhile, Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence practiced Friday, but he remains in concussion protocol. It could come down to game time whether he will get the green light to play at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Here are more injury updates from our NFL Nation reporters as we head toward the Sunday matchups:

Quick links:
Schedule | Depth charts | PickCenter

Injury: Concussion

Lawrence practiced Friday for the first time this week, and coach Doug Pederson said the quarterback is «trending in the right direction» to play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But he'll have to clear concussion protocol first. Pederson said if Lawrence isn't cleared by the time the team leaves for Tampa on Saturday then he won't travel — which