The NFL's third week brought a whirlwind of injuries, posing significant challenges for multiple teams and their coaching strategies. A slew of players were sidelined, with the severity of their injuries ranging from week-to-week concerns to season-ending calamities.
Impact on Quarterbacks
Justin Herbert's questionable status due to an ankle injury became more concerning after he aggravated it during the third quarter against the Steelers. Taylor Heinicke stepped in as Herbert underwent X-rays, which fortunately came back negative. “Herbert will be carefully monitored throughout the week,” assured team officials.
Meanwhile, Sam Darnold had to exit the Vikings' win over the Texans early due to a knee injury. Good news followed, however, as an MRI revealed a bone bruise but no structural damage. Jordan Love, who has been out the past two games with a sprained MCL, is set to be a limited participant in practice starting Wednesday. “Love will at a minimum be a limited participant in practice starting Wednesday,” confirmed head coach Matt LaFleur.
Wide Receivers and Offensive Line Under Duress
DeVonta Smith's concussion left him unable to finish the game, and Britain Covey’s shoulder injury was diagnosed as a broken bone, sidelining him for multiple weeks. Lane Johnson was also ruled out with a concussion, highlighting the fragility of key offensive positions.
The offensive line woes don’t end there. Mekhi Becton couldn't finish the first half because of an undisclosed injury, and Rashawn Slater is dealing with a strained pectoral muscle. Jedrick Wills Jr. and Wyatt Teller faced their issues, with Teller’s knee injury potentially landing him on injured reserve. James Hudson joined the injured list with a shoulder injury, while Erik McCoy's groin injury and Kaleb McGary’s suspected sprained MCL are being evaluated.
Defensive Setbacks
On the defensive front, Marcus Davenport's significant elbow injury has prematurely ended his season. This loss is compounded by Myles Garrett’s lower-leg ailments linked to foot problems. Garrett managed to return to the game after treatment, but his status remains uncertain. “Head coach Kevin Stefanski acknowledged that Garrett’s status would be evaluated day-to-day,” team sources reported.
Joey Bosa and Alex Highsmith were also ruled out due to injuries, with Nick Herbig stepping in for Highsmith. Kwity Paye's quad injury will keep him off the field for an unspecified duration, while Chidobe Awuzie’s groin issue might soon land him on injured reserve.
Adding to the injury barrage, Marcus Epps tore his ACL in the loss to Carolina and is only expected to be ready for play in 2025. Leonard Williams left the game due to a rib injury, and Byron Murphy was sidelined with a hamstring problem.
Additional Notable Injuries
The turmoil continued with Joe Alt’s sprained MCL, which will keep him sidelined without the need for surgery. Drew Dalman sustained a high-ankle sprain, and Jeffery Simmons' elbow injury is being monitored daily. Cory Trice Jr. and Terell Smith were also casualties, with Smith’s hip injury initially rendering him doubtful before confirming he couldn't return.
Throughout this challenging third week, the emphasis on strategic adjustments becomes paramount for all teams involved. Ensuring players' health and readiness for upcoming games is now the primary focus for the coaching staff as they navigate through this tumultuous period.