The third week of NFL action was nothing short of a rollercoaster, underscored by a staggering number of injuries impacting several key players. Teams across the league are now forced to recalibrate their strategies as they cope with these significant setbacks.
Quarterback Woes
The Los Angeles Chargers faced a tense moment when their quarterback, Justin Herbert, was initially listed as questionable for Sunday's game due to an ankle injury. Unfortunately, Herbert aggravated the injury in the third quarter against the Steelers. As Herbert underwent X-rays, Taylor Heinicke stepped in to take over at center. Encapsulating the team's cautious optimism, X-rays for Herbert came back negative, which hopefully bodes well for his return soon. According to an undisclosed source, "Herbert will be carefully monitored throughout the week."
Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers' own quarterback conundrum involves Jordan Love, who has been sidelined for the past two games with a sprained MCL. However, in a more hopeful development, Love is set to be a limited participant in practice starting Wednesday. Head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed, "Love will at a minimum be a limited participant in practice starting Wednesday." The Packers are taking a day-by-day approach to gauge Love’s progress.
Sam Darnold also faced a challenging week after briefly exiting the Vikings' win over the Texans with a knee injury. An MRI revealed a bone bruise but, thankfully, no structural damage.
Other Key Injuries
DeVonta Smith of the Philadelphia Eagles and Lane Johnson were both ruled out with concussions. This marks a critical blow to the Eagles' offensive and defensive lineup. Britain's Covey faced an even more dramatic exit, sidelined with a shoulder injury that was diagnosed as a broken bone, which will keep him out for multiple weeks.
The New York Jets' offensive line felt the impact, too, as Mekhi Becton did not finish the first half due to an undisclosed injury. Rashawn Slater of the Chargers suffered a strained pectoral muscle, while Jedrick Wills Jr. went down in the second half.
Defensive Struggles
The Browns faced significant defensive losses, ruling out Wyatt Teller with a knee injury that may potentially land him on injured reserve. James Hudson also suffered a shoulder injury against New York. Leonard Williams left the game with a rib injury and was ruled out. Myles Garrett provided a brief scare due to lower-leg ailments linked to foot issues. Although Garrett left the game momentarily for treatment, he managed to return. Head coach Kevin Stefanski noted, "Garrett’s status would be evaluated day-to-day."
Experienced Players in Limbo
Marcus Davenport's significant elbow injury marks a premature end to his season. On a more optimistic note, Joe Alt’s sprained MCL will keep him off the field, but it won't require surgery. Similarly, Jordan Love is inching closer to a return.
Among others, Kaleb McGary’s sprained MCL and Erik McCoy's groin injury are being closely evaluated. Byron Murphy was sidelined with a hamstring injury against the Dolphins, while Jeffery Simmons’ elbow injury is being monitored day-to-day.
On the defensive side, Joey Bosa was ruled out of the game, and Alex Highsmith couldn't return due to a groin injury. In his absence, Nick Herbig stepped in. Kwity Paye will be out for an unspecified duration due to a quad injury, and Cory Trice Jr.'s hamstring injury kept him out of the Chargers matchup.
Additional Injuries
Terell Smith suffered a hip injury and was confirmed as unable to return after being initially considered doubtful. Chidobe Awuzie’s groin issue could see him on injured reserve soon.
Adding to the somber update, Marcus Epps tore his ACL in the loss to Carolina, with an extended recovery timeline expected to have him ready for play in 2025.
This week’s spate of injuries underscores the ongoing need for strategic adjustments by coaching staff and the resilience of players stepping in as backups. As the season progresses, teams will be meticulously monitored to see how they adapt and overcome these numerous setbacks.