NFL Injury Report: Week 3 Updates
As we dive into the third week of the NFL season, the injury bug has already made its presence felt across the league. With key players sidelined, teams are scrambling to adjust their rosters and game plans. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most significant injuries affecting teams and their star players.
Quarterbacks
Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers
Status: Questionable vs. Titans
Jordan Love sprained his MCL in the dying moments of the Packers’ Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. In his absence, backup Malik Willis stepped in admirably, leading the team to a 16-10 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Coach Matt LaFleur has indicated that Love’s status will depend on his readiness, stating, “If he’s ready, he’ll be ready.” Love was a limited participant in practice, expressing hope for a return but emphasizing a cautious, day-by-day approach.
Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
Status: Questionable vs. Steelers
Herbert sustained a right leg injury during the Chargers’ Week 2 win against the Carolina Panthers. Despite walking off the field, he returned to the game, and X-rays revealed no fractures. He was limited in practice leading up to the game against the Steelers, leaving fans anxious about his availability.
Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins
Status: Out, placed on injured reserve
Tagovailoa suffered his third career concussion in a tough loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 2. The Dolphins have placed him on injured reserve, meaning he will miss at least the next four games. Skylar Thompson is expected to take the reins as the starting quarterback during Tagovailoa’s absence.
Russell Wilson, Pittsburgh Steelers
Status: Questionable vs. Chargers
Wilson has yet to see the field this season due to a calf injury. Coach Mike Tomlin has indicated that Wilson will likely miss more time, which means Justin Fields will continue to lead the offense against the Chargers.
Running Backs
Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers
Status: Out, placed on injured reserve
McCaffrey, a dynamic force in the NFL, has been placed on injured reserve due to Achilles tendinitis. He is expected to miss at least six weeks. In his absence, Jordan Mason has stepped up, averaging 5.1 yards per carry and contributing significantly to the 49ers’ offense.
Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs
Status: Out, placed on injured reserve
Pacheco was poised for a breakout season but will now miss at least six weeks due to a fractured fibula. With Clyde Edwards-Helaire also sidelined, the Chiefs have signed Kareem Hunt to bolster their backfield, while Carson Steele is expected to lead the rushing attack in Week 3.
Joe Mixon, Houston Texans
Status: Doubtful vs. Vikings
Mixon suffered an ankle injury during the Texans’ victory over the Bears but returned to finish the game. However, he was absent from practice on Friday, leading to a doubtful designation for the upcoming matchup against the Vikings.
Kenneth Walker III, Seattle Seahawks
Status: Questionable vs. Dolphins
Walker is dealing with an oblique injury that kept him out of Week 2. With his status uncertain, Zach Charbonnet stepped in as the starter, and the Seahawks are hopeful for Walker’s return against the Dolphins.
Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Status: Questionable vs. Broncos
White suffered a groin injury in the Buccaneers’ narrow win over the Lions. While he is not expected to miss significant time, his participation in practice has been limited, raising questions about his availability for Week 3.
Wide Receivers
Keenan Allen, Chicago Bears
Status: Questionable vs. Colts
Allen missed the Week 2 game due to a heel injury and remains questionable for the matchup against the Colts. If he is unable to play, expect rookie QB Caleb Williams to rely more heavily on DJ Moore and Cole Kmet.
Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals
Status: Questionable vs. Commanders
Higgins has yet to play this season due to a hamstring injury, but reports suggest he is making progress. His return would be a significant boost for the Bengals as they face a Commanders defense that has struggled against the pass.
Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams
Status: Doubtful vs. 49ers
Kupp has been dealing with an ankle injury and could be placed on injured reserve. With star receiver Puka Nacua also sidelined, the Rams are facing a tough challenge in their offensive lineup.
Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams
Status: Out, placed on injured reserve
Nacua’s re-aggravated posterior cruciate ligament strain has led to his placement on injured reserve, which could keep him out until Week 9. This is a significant blow for the Rams, who are already struggling with depth at the receiver position.
A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles
Status: Doubtful vs. Saints
Brown missed the Eagles’ recent game due to a hamstring injury and has indicated he expects to be sidelined for a couple of weeks. His absence could impact the Eagles’ offensive rhythm as they face the Saints.
Deebo Samuel, San Francisco 49ers
Status: Doubtful vs. Rams
Samuel strained his calf in a recent game, and coach Kyle Shanahan has indicated he might miss a couple of weeks. This adds to the 49ers’ challenges as they navigate the absence of McCaffrey.
Tight Ends
David Njoku, Cleveland Browns
Status: Out vs. Giants
Njoku missed Week 2 due to an ankle injury and has officially been ruled out for the upcoming game against the Giants. His absence will be felt in the Browns’ passing game.
Jake Ferguson, Dallas Cowboys
Status: Questionable vs. Ravens
Ferguson missed the previous game due to a knee injury but is expected to return for the crucial matchup against Baltimore. His presence would be a welcome addition to the Cowboys’ offense.
Taysom Hill, New Orleans Saints
Status: Questionable against the Eagles
Hill sustained a chest injury in the Saints’ Week 2 victory. Coach Dennis Allen has expressed optimism about Hill’s recovery, suggesting he could return soon.
As the NFL season progresses, teams will continue to navigate the challenges posed by injuries. Fans will be watching closely to see how these situations unfold and how teams adapt to the ever-changing landscape of player availability.