The NFL injury report continues to grow after Week 3, with several stars suffering or reaggravating injuries that could force them to miss extended periods of time. Christian McCaffrey and Tua Tagovailoa await the latest results of their tests, while Justin Herbert, A.J. Brown, and more could be sidelined in Week 4.
PFN and SICscore.com have teamed up to be your one-stop shop for all the latest injury news and analysis. The team of pro sports doctors, including Dr. David Chao, MD (@ProFootballDoc), has expert insights into this week’s major injury statuses, affecting their availability in Week 4 and beyond.
Why Is 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey Going to Germany?
San Francisco 49ers star RB Christian McCaffrey is headed to Germany to potentially receive treatment for his Achilles tendinitis. The goal is to heal the injury and reduce the risk of rupture.
This trip suggests that McCaffrey may also need a walking boot and a period of immobilization, likely extending beyond the star running back’s four-week stay on injured reserve.
In Germany, there are platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections that are not legal in the United States, which Kobe Bryant famously sought during his career. McCaffrey is likely seeking this type of regenerative medicine, which involves manipulating the blood in ways not permitted in the U.S.
Why is Christian McCaffrey going to Germany for his Achilles? @profootballdoc answers that and he explains why the trip means he will be out longer than his 4 week IR stint. #FTTB
➡️https://t.co/hEryWEW3xW pic.twitter.com/LRSpL9x7KD
— Sports Injury Central (@SICscore) September 23, 2024
This trip suggests that McCaffrey may also need a walking boot and a period of immobilization, likely extending beyond the star running back’s four-week IR.
Will Packers QB Jordan Love Play Week 4 vs. Vikings?
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love participated in a full week of limited practice leading up to the Titans game before ultimately sitting out.
The solid play of Malik Willis, which led the team to a 2-0 record in Love’s absence, allowed the latter additional time to recover.
Dr. Chao and SICscore.com believe he will be ready to play in Week 4 after returning from his left ankle injury.
Chargers Likely Down 4+ Former First-Round Picks, Taylor Heinicke Likely QB1
Justin Herbert Injury Insight
The good news for the Los Angeles Chargers is that quarterback Justin Herbert’s high ankle sprain hasn’t worsened. However, the team may still opt to start Taylor Heinicke in Week 4 against the Chiefs.
Despite Herbert playing through the injury last week, he didn’t finish the game. With the Chargers at 2-1 and facing a critical divisional matchup, the team may prioritize a fully healthy quarterback over risking further injury to Herbert.
Heinicke will benefit from a full week of practice and seems to be the likely starter. Additionally, the Chargers have a bye in Week 5, giving Herbert extra time to heal and return fully healthy for the rest of the season.
Rashawn Slater Injury Update
The Chargers’ starting left tackle sustained a strained left pectoral during Week 3’s game. Though he exited the game, Rashawn Slater attempted to return but was ineffective.
Slater will likely miss Week 4 but will avoid being placed on IR for now. He was integral to the Chargers’ pass protection, and his absence had a noticeable impact on the team.
Rooke Joe Alt Injured Against the Steelers
Rookie first-round pick Joe Alt sprained his MCL against the Steelers on Sunday and is likely to miss Week 4, with the possibility of being sidelined for multiple weeks depending on the severity of the sprain. Alt will continue to be monitored, but there’s a chance he avoids being placed on injured reserve.
Joey Bosa Injury Analysis
The Chargers’ top edge rusher, Joey Bosa, also sustained an injury against Pittsburgh and exited without returning. Bosa’s hip issue will continue to be monitored throughout practice this week, but we lean towards him missing LA’s next matchup.
Dolphins Turning to QB Snoop Huntley, Will Tua Tagovailoa Be Forced To Retire?
Snoop Huntley Set To Start for Dolphins?
Miami Dolphins quarterback Skylar Thompson filled in for his first game of the season, replacing Tua Tagovailoa, who is on IR due to concussion issues. However, Thompson suffered a chest injury against Seattle, which sidelined him for the rest of the game.
Heading into Week 4, the Dolphins will not put Thompson back on the field without a full week of practice.
Who is going to start at QB for the Dolphins? @profootballdoc shared why he believes it will be Snoop Huntley. #GoFins
Watch: https://t.co/uHLMkrYSZp
Listen: https://t.co/jzi5lXghSF pic.twitter.com/3z9SvirMjU
— Sports Injury Central (@SICscore) September 24, 2024
This leads us to believe that Tyler Huntley will start. After joining the team on Sept. 16, Huntley will benefit from a full week of first-team snaps. Expect him to be the starter this week.
Tua Tagovailoa Injury Insight
Tagovailoa faces a critical decision in his career due to repeated concussions, with many suggesting retirement to protect his long-term health. While the majority of fans and pundits may favor retirement, the final decision will depend on medical evaluations and Tua’s personal priorities.
Having suffered multiple concussions, including in college, each incident increases Tua’s risk of long-term neurological damage. To return to the field, Tagovailoa must pass medical clearance from team physicians and independent neurologists, but retirement may be the best option if symptoms persist.
Ultimately, the decision will require balancing medical facts, risks, and personal choices for Tua and his family. SICScore.com leans towards his return to the field of play and not forcing an early retirement.
Eagles Likely Down Both Starting WRs in Week 4
A.J. Brown Injury Insight
SICscore.com expects the Philadelphia Eagles’ top wideout, A.J. Brown, to miss multiple weeks. Brown is probably out for the Week 4 matchup against the Buccaneers due to his hamstring strain and will likely take advantage of the additional rest during the team’s Week 5 bye.
They anticipate Brown will return fully healthy by Week 6.
DeVonta Smith Suffers Head Injury vs. Saints
DeVonta Smith exited last week’s game with a concussion. Recovery from a concussion can be unpredictable, and it’s about a 50-50 chance he is cleared to play next week. However, we are leaning toward the likelihood of Smith sitting out.