The third week of NFL action unfolded with a series of dramatic injuries that left several teams scrambling for solutions. A tumultuous period, to say the least, as key players found themselves sidelined and coaching staff forced to make swift strategic adjustments.
Justin Herbert's Rollercoaster Day
Leading the parade of injuries was Justin Herbert, initially listed as questionable with an ankle issue before Sunday’s game. The Chargers quarterback aggravated the injury during the third quarter against the Steelers, necessitating X-rays. Fortunately for Chargers fans, the X-rays came back negative. Taylor Heinicke took over under center while Herbert was being evaluated, adding yet another twist to the game. "Herbert will be carefully monitored throughout the week," sources indicated, leaving his status for upcoming games in question.
Sam Darnold and Other Strained Knees
More distress news came from the Vikings’ victory over the Texans, where Sam Darnold exited briefly with a knee injury. An MRI revealed a bone bruise but thankfully no structural damage. Darnold’s prognosis remains cautious but optimistic.
Meanwhile, Jordan Love, who has missed the last two games with a sprained MCL, will return to practice on a limited basis starting Wednesday. As head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed, "Love will at a minimum be a limited participant in practice starting Wednesday." His progress is being assessed day-by-day as the Packers remain hopeful for a swift return.
Concussions and Shoulder Concerns
The Eagles faced major setbacks receiving-wise as DeVonta Smith suffered a concussion, ruling him out for the rest of the game. Britain Covey also found himself sidelined with a shoulder injury, later diagnosed as a broken bone, which will keep him off the field for multiple weeks. Lane Johnson's exit due to a concussion further compounded the Eagles' injury woes.
Offensive Line Turmoil
Offensive linemen across the league seemed especially unlucky. Mekhi Becton did not finish the first half due to an undisclosed injury, while Rashawn Slater strained his pectoral muscle, and Jedrick Wills Jr. went down in the second half. Wyatt Teller's knee injury is severe enough that it may potentially place him on injured reserve. Fellow lineman James Hudson also sustained a shoulder injury against New York.
Offensive lineman Erik McCoy and Kaleb McGary both faced injury concerns -- McCoy with a groin issue and McGary with a sprained MCL. The outlook for Drew Dalman, who sustained a high-ankle sprain, and Joe Alt, nursing a sprained MCL, remains uncertain. Though Alt won't require surgery, he will stay off the field for the foreseeable future.
Defensive Setbacks
Injuries also took their toll on defensive units. Giants’ standout Leonard Williams left the game with a rib injury and was ruled out. The Titans had to do without Jeffrey Simmons, whose elbow injury is 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, which head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed: "Garrett’s status would be evaluated day-to-day."
Other defensive casualties included Joey Bosa, ruled out of the game, and Alex Highsmith, who could not return due to a groin injury, opening the door for Nick Herbig to step in. Marque player Marcus Davenport’s season came to a premature end with a significant elbow injury.
Further compounding defensive woes, Kwity Paye will be sidelined for an unspecified duration due to a quad injury, and Adoree’ Jackson did not appear in the second half against Cleveland. Cory Trice Jr. missed the Chargers matchup with a hamstring injury, and Terell Smith was unable to return after a hip injury. Finally, Chidobe Awuzie's groin issue and Marcus Epps' ACL tear, set to keep him out until 2025, added to the growing list of sidelined defenders.
The spike in injuries this week places a spotlight on the resilience and adaptability required from NFL coaching staffs. Each player absent from the field necessitates strategic tweaks and, at times, severe tactical overhauls. The forthcoming week will undoubtedly be critical as teams reassess their rosters and brace for the upcoming challenges, hoping to have their wounded warriors back in action as soon as possible.