The third week of NFL action proved to be tumultuous as multiple teams grappled with a slew of injuries that could shape their immediate futures. From ankle sprains to concussions, several key players found themselves sidelined, forcing teams to rethink strategies and rosters.
Quarterback Woes
Justin Herbert, who was initially listed as questionable for Sunday due to an ankle injury, didn't make it through the game unscathed. He appeared to aggravate the injury in the third quarter against the Steelers. Taylor Heinicke stepped in under center as Herbert underwent X-rays that fortunately came back negative. Despite the good news, Herbert will be carefully monitored throughout the week.
Meanwhile, Sam Darnold also faced a scare, briefly exiting the Vikings' win over the Texans with a knee injury. The subsequent MRI revealed a bone bruise but no structural damage, providing some relief for the Vikings camp.
Jordan Love, who has been out the past two games with a sprained MCL, is inching closer to a return. Head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed that Love will at a minimum be a limited participant in practice starting Wednesday, with the Packers taking his progress day-by-day.
Wide Receiver Setbacks
It wasn't easier for wide receivers either. DeVonta Smith suffered a concussion after taking a nasty hit in the second half and was ruled out for the remainder of the game. The hits kept on coming for receivers as Britain Covey was ruled out with a shoulder injury, later diagnosed as a broken bone that will sideline him for multiple weeks.
Offensive Line Challenges
Injuries continued to plague the offensive line ranks across several teams. Lane Johnson was visibly unwell on the sidelines during the first half against the Saints and was eventually ruled out with a concussion. Mekhi Becton did not finish the first half due to an undisclosed injury, while Rashawn Slater suffered a strained pectoral muscle. The Browns faced their own issues as Jedrick Wills Jr. went down in the second half and Wyatt Teller was ruled out with a knee injury, potentially landing him on injured reserve.
James Hudson added to the Browns' injury woes with a shoulder injury in their loss to New York. Erik McCoy's groin injury is currently being evaluated, leaving the Saints waiting for further updates from head coach Dennis Allen as the week progresses.
Mixed Diagnoses for Defensive Players
On the defensive end, Kaleb McGary is believed to have suffered a sprained MCL and is scheduled for an MRI. Drew Dalman of the Falcons sustained a high-ankle sprain and will be out for some time. Similarly, Joe Alt’s sprained MCL will keep him off the field, although he won’t require surgery.
The quarterback pressure continues as Leonard Williams left the game with a rib injury and was subsequently ruled out. Byron Murphy was sidelined with a hamstring injury against the Dolphins. Jeffery Simmons' elbow injury is being monitored day-to-day, as Titans head coach Brian Callahan told reporters.
Myles Garrett provided a mixed blessing; dealing with lower-leg ailments linked to foot issues, Garrett left the game momentarily for treatment but managed to return. Head coach Kevin Stefanski acknowledged that Garrett’s status would be evaluated day-to-day.
Further Setbacks
In more worrying news, Joey Bosa was ruled out, and Alex Highsmith could not return due to a groin injury, with Nick Herbig stepping up in his place. The season has come to a premature close for Marcus Davenport, who suffered a significant elbow injury. The Colts will be without Kwity Paye for an unspecified duration due to a quad injury, confirmed by head coach Shane Steichen.
Adoree' Jackson mysteriously did not appear on the field in the second half of their clash with Cleveland, while Cory Trice Jr.’s hamstring injury kept him out of the Chargers matchup. Terell Smith was taken off with a hip injury initially considered doubtful but later confirmed as unable to return. Chidobe Awuzie’s groin issue could see him on injured reserve soon.
Worst of all, Marcus Epps tore his ACL in the loss to Carolina and is expected to be ready for play in 2025. As Epps prepares for free agency this off-season, his future remains uncertain.
This week’s slew of injuries emphasizes stark realities, reflecting the season’s grueling nature and the constant need for strategic adjustments by the coaching staff. The later weeks will no doubt be shaped by how these teams adapt and respond to their mounting injury concerns.