The third week of NFL action has unfolded with a series of dramatic turns, as numerous teams were forced to adapt to a wave of injuries affecting key players. The landscape of the league is continually shifting as teams manage the sudden changes to their rosters.
An area of particular concern is the quarterback position, with significant developments surrounding Justin Herbert of the Chargers. Herbert, who was initially listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Steelers due to an ankle injury, further aggravated the injury during the third quarter. His condition warranted immediate X-rays, which thankfully came back negative. Stepping up in his absence, Taylor Heinicke took over under center when Herbert left the field.
"Herbert will be carefully monitored throughout the week," a source close to the team advised, highlighting the ongoing vigilance necessary to manage his recovery.
In other quarterback updates, the Packers' Jordan Love, who has missed the last two games with a sprained MCL, is set to return as a limited participant in practice starting Wednesday. "Love will at a minimum be a limited participant in practice starting Wednesday," affirmed head coach Matt LaFleur. The Packers are approaching his progress on a day-by-day basis, aiming to ensure his full recovery before he takes the field again.
Injuries Plague Multiple Teams
The Panthers felt the impact of injuries when Sam Darnold exited their win over the Texans with a knee injury. Fortunately, an MRI revealed a bone bruise but no structural damage, offering a silver lining amid the tumult. The Eagles also faced setbacks as both DeVonta Smith and Britain Covey were ruled out—Smith with a concussion and Covey with a shoulder injury, the latter diagnosed as a broken bone that will sideline him for several weeks.
Adding to the Eagles' woes, Lane Johnson was ruled out with a concussion, while Mekhi Becton did not finish the first half due to an undisclosed injury. The Chargers' Rashawn Slater strained his pectoral muscle, and Browns' Jedrick Wills Jr. went down in the second half. Wyatt Teller's knee injury could potentially land him on injured reserve—a development under close scrutiny by the team’s medical staff.
Other significant injuries include James Hudson's shoulder issue in the game against New York and Erik McCoy's groin injury, which is currently being evaluated. The Falcons' Kaleb McGary is believed to have suffered a sprained MCL, and Drew Dalman sustained a high-ankle sprain.
Defensive Concerns Continue
The Giants' Leonard Williams was ruled out with a rib injury, and Byron Murphy of the Cardinals was sidelined with a hamstring injury against the Dolphins. Titans’ Jeffery Simmons’ elbow injury is being monitored on a day-to-day basis, while the Browns' standout Myles Garrett continues to deal with lower-leg ailments linked to foot issues. Garrett momentarily left the game for treatment but managed to return to play.
Among other defensive blows, Joey Bosa was ruled out, and Steelers' Alex Highsmith could not return due to a groin injury, with Nick Herbig stepping in his place. Moreover, the significant elbow injury to Marcus Davenport means his season has come to a premature close. Kwity Paye is also out for an unspecified duration due to a quad injury, and the Giants' Adoree' Jackson did not appear in the second half against Cleveland.
The Chargers’ Cory Trice Jr. was kept out of the matchup due to a hamstring injury, and the Bears' Terell Smith was taken off the field with a hip injury, later confirmed as unable to return. Chidobe Awuzie's groin issue may see him on injured reserve soon, and Marcus Epps of the Panthers tore his ACL in a loss to Carolina, projecting his return by 2025.
The rash of injuries underscores the ever-present need for strategic adjustments by coaching staff across the league. The teams must now realign their tactics, taking into account the developing situations and the long list of sidelined players.
As head coach Kevin Stefanski acknowledged, “Garrett’s status will be evaluated day-to-day,” reflecting the cautious optimism that permeates through teams striving to navigate this challenging period.
The resilience and adaptability of NFL teams and their coaching staff will undoubtedly be tested in the weeks ahead as they contend with these significant setbacks and endeavor to maintain competitive momentum.