The third week of NFL action has been overshadowed by a wave of injuries, sidelining key players and forcing teams into difficult strategic adjustments. Injuries to starters and significant contributors have left coaching staff scrambling to adjust their lineups and game plans for the coming weeks.
Key Players Sidelined
Justin Herbert was among those hit hardest, initially listed as questionable for Sunday due to an ankle injury. He aggravated the injury in the third quarter against the Steelers, leading to Taylor Heinicke stepping in under center while Herbert underwent X-rays. Fortunately for the Chargers, the X-rays came back negative. "Herbert will be carefully monitored throughout the week," a team official remarked.
In another instance, Sam Darnold of the Vikings exited their win over the Texans with a knee injury. This sparked concerns among fans and the coaching staff alike. However, an MRI later revealed a bone bruise but no structural damage, offering some relief.
Packers' Injury Concerns
Jordan Love has been dealing with a sprained MCL, which has kept him out of the past two games. The Packers announced that Love will be a limited participant in practice starting Wednesday. "Love will at a minimum be a limited participant in practice starting Wednesday," head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed. The team plans to take his recovery day-by-day, hoping he can return to full action soon.
Eagles' Woes Continue
DeVonta Smith suffered a concussion and was subsequently ruled out for the remainder of the game. Meanwhile, Britain Covey's shoulder injury was diagnosed as a broken bone, sidelining him for multiple weeks. Also missing from the game was Lane Johnson, who was ruled out with a concussion.
Additional Injuries Across the League
Mekhi Becton did not finish the first half due to an undisclosed injury, while Rashawn Slater suffered a strained pectoral muscle. More trouble brewed for the offensive lines as Jedrick Wills Jr. went down in the second half, and Wyatt Teller was ruled out with a knee injury. Teller's condition is serious enough that it might land him on injured reserve.
James Hudson sustained a shoulder injury against New York, while Erik McCoy's groin injury is still under evaluation. Kaleb McGary's sprained MCL and Drew Dalman's high-ankle sprain have added to the teams' woes.
Significant Defensive Setbacks
Joe Alt's sprained MCL will prevent him from playing, though surgery won't be required. Leonard Williams left the game with a rib injury and was ruled out, and Byron Murphy was sidelined with a hamstring injury against the Dolphins. Jeffery Simmons' elbow injury is being monitored on a day-to-day basis.
Myles Garrett, dealing with lower-leg ailments linked to foot issues, momentarily left the game for treatment but managed to return. Head coach Kevin Stefanski acknowledged Garrett’s status would be evaluated day-to-day.
Other defensive players who faced injuries include Joey Bosa, who was ruled out, and Alex Highsmith, who couldn't return due to a groin injury. Nick Herbig stepped in for Highsmith. Marcus Davenport suffered a significant elbow injury, prematurely ending his season, while Kwity Paye's quad injury will keep him sidelined for an unspecified duration.
Secondary Struggles
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 was taken off with a hip injury and was initially considered doubtful but was later confirmed as unable to return. Chidobe Awuzie faces a groin issue that could soon place him on injured reserve.
Long-Term Impact
Among the significant injuries, Marcus Epps tore his ACL in the loss to Carolina and is expected to be ready for play in 2025.
With so many injuries cropping up, the necessity for strategic adjustments by the coaching staff is evident. Teams will need to assess both short-term backups and longer-term injury management to stay competitive in the weeks ahead. The NFL's third week has undoubtedly highlighted the high stakes and physical toll of the sport, as players and coaches alike brace for the challenges yet to come.