The third week of NFL action proved to be tumultuous as multiple teams grappled with a slew of injuries. Key players across various teams found themselves sidelined due to a wide range of ailments, raising significant challenges for coaching staff and resulting in strategic adjustments.
Quarterback Woes
Justin Herbert's status was a focal point after he was initially listed as questionable due to an ankle injury. The situation worsened during the game against the Steelers when Herbert aggravated the injury in the third quarter. Taylor Heinicke stepped in as Herbert underwent X-rays, which fortunately came back negative. "Herbert will be carefully monitored throughout the week," the team assured, reflecting the ongoing concerns about his availability.
Meanwhile, the Packers have been without Jordan Love for the past two games due to a sprained MCL. However, head coach Matt LaFleur offered a glimmer of hope, stating, "Love will at a minimum be a limited participant in practice starting Wednesday." The team is taking his recovery day-by-day, emphasizing a cautious approach.
Injuries Across the Board
In other games, Sam Darnold’s brief exit in the Vikings' win over the Texans due to a knee injury resulted in an MRI revealing a bone bruise but no structural damage. This news came as a relief, although his return timeline remains uncertain. DeVonta Smith and Britain Covey also faced setbacks; Smith suffered a concussion and was ruled out for the remainder of the game, while Covey's shoulder injury turned out to be a broken bone that will keep him sidelined for multiple weeks.
Defensive Disruptions
Defensively, several players were impacted. Myles Garrett of the Browns had to leave the game momentarily due to lower-leg ailments linked to foot issues but later returned. "Head coach Kevin Stefanski acknowledged that Garrett’s status would be evaluated day-to-day," reflecting the team's cautious optimism. Joey Bosa was another significant loss, as he was ruled out of the game entirely.
Jeffery Simmons, suffering from an elbow injury, and Alex Highsmith, with a groin injury, both faced setbacks. Nick Herbig stepped in for Highsmith, showcasing the depth required to navigate these challenges. Marcus Davenport’s significant elbow injury, however, ended his season prematurely, posing a significant blow to his team's defensive lineup.
Kwity Paye's quad injury, Leonard Williams' rib injury, and Byron Murphy's hamstring issue further compounded the list of defensive casualties, highlighting the brutal nature of the sport.
Offensive Line Troubles
The offensive line saw its share of turmoil as well. Lane Johnson was ruled out with a concussion, and both Mekhi Becton and Rashawn Slater left the field with undisclosed and strained pectoral muscle injuries, respectively. The Browns experienced a particularly rough outing, with Jedrick Wills Jr. going down in the second half, Wyatt Teller being ruled out with a knee injury that may land him on injured reserve, and James Hudson suffering a shoulder injury.
Additionally, Erik McCoy's groin injury is under evaluation, while Kaleb McGary and Joe Alt both sustained sprained MCLs. Alt’s injury, fortunately, won't require surgery, providing a silver lining for his team's offensive line outlook.
Secondary Setbacks
The secondary was not spared either. Adoree' Jackson did not appear on the field in the second half against Cleveland, and Cory Trice Jr.’s hamstring injury kept him out of the Chargers matchup. Terell Smith's hip injury initially marked him as doubtful, but he was later confirmed as unable to return, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of in-game injuries. Chidobe Awuzie's groin issue could see him on injured reserve soon, and Marcus Epps faced a season-ending ACL tear in the loss to Carolina, pushing his expected return to 2025.
These injuries underscore the constant need for adaptation and strategic planning within NFL teams. As head coach Shane Steichen confirmed, the focus is now on adjusting plans and maintaining competitive edge despite the setbacks. This week's injuries present a stark reminder of the physical toll the sport exacts and the resilience required from both players and coaching staff.