The third week of NFL action proved to be tumultuous as multiple teams grappled with a slew of injuries. Several key players found themselves sidelined with various ailments, causing significant adjustments on the field and sparking concerns among fans and coaching staff alike.
Quarterback Woes
One of the most notable injuries involved Justin Herbert, who was initially listed as questionable due to an ankle issue. However, his situation worsened during the third quarter against the Steelers. Herbert aggravated his injury and had to undergo X-rays, prompting Taylor Heinicke to step in. Fortunately for the Chargers, the X-rays came back negative, though Herbert’s status moving forward remains under close scrutiny. "Herbert will be carefully monitored throughout the week," a source indicated.
Another quarterback dealing with injuries is Jordan Love, who has been out for the past two games with a sprained MCL. The Packers reported that Love will be a limited participant in practice starting Wednesday, as confirmed by head coach Matt LaFleur. The team is taking his recovery on a day-by-day basis, hoping for a swift return to form.
Wide Receiver and Offensive Line Setbacks
Wide receivers and offensive linemen were not spared from the injury bug. DeVonta Smith suffered a concussion and was ruled out for the remainder of his game, while Britain Covey was sidelined with a shoulder injury, which turned out to be a broken bone that will keep him off the field for several weeks. Lane Johnson also exited a game due to a concussion, adding to the growing list of Eagles' injury concerns.
The offensive line saw several injuries across different teams. Sam Darnold, quarterback for the Vikings, briefly exited their win over the Texans with a knee injury. An MRI later revealed a bone bruise but no structural damage, which is a positive outcome for Minnesota. Mekhi Becton and Rashawn Slater were also among those injured, with Becton leaving due to an undisclosed issue and Slater suffering a strained pectoral muscle.
Several other linemen, including Jedrick Wills Jr., Wyatt Teller, and James Hudson, were ruled out during their respective games. Teller's knee injury might potentially land him on injured reserve, illustrating the critical nature of these injuries for team strategies moving forward.
Defensive Injuries and Impact
The defense also saw its share of setbacks. Leonard Williams left his game with a rib injury and was ruled out, while Byron Murphy's hamstring injury sidelined him against the Dolphins. Jeffery Simmons' elbow issue is being monitored day-to-day, according to sources.
Myles Garrett, dealing with lower-leg ailments linked to foot issues, momentarily left a game for treatment but managed to return. Head coach Kevin Stefanski acknowledged that Garrett’s status would be evaluated day-to-day, highlighting the fluid situation for the Browns' standout player.
Other notable defensive injuries included Joey Bosa being ruled out of his game and Alex Highsmith unable to return due to a groin injury. Marcus Davenport's significant elbow injury has prematurely ended his season, dealing a significant blow to his team’s defensive lineup. Kwity Paye is also out for an unspecified duration due to a quad injury, further impacting defensive tactics across the league.
Injury Evaluations Ongoing
As teams continue to evaluate and manage these injuries, the need for strategic adjustments by coaching staff becomes paramount. Erik McCoy's groin injury and Kaleb McGary’s sprained MCL are under assessment, while Drew Dalman's high-ankle sprain adds to the list of offensive line concerns.
Joe Alt, suffering a sprained MCL, won't require surgery, which is a small relief amid the landscape of injuries. Adoree' Jackson did not appear on the field in the second half against Cleveland, suggesting another potential long-term absence. Meanwhile, Cory Trice Jr.'s hamstring issue kept him out against the Chargers, and Terell Smith’s hip injury led to him being confirmed as unable to return after initially being considered doubtful.
The Bengals dealt with Chidobe Awuzie’s groin issue that might see him on injured reserve soon, while Marcus Epps' torn ACL in the loss to Carolina has positioned him for a lengthy recovery, with expectations for his return set for 2025.
This week’s injuries highlight the harsh physical toll of the sport, underscoring the ongoing need for strategic adjustments by coaching staff and the resilience required from players. Fans will keenly watch the progress of these athletes, hoping for speedy recoveries as teams navigate the rigorous NFL season.