As the NFL heads into Week 3, several teams deal with significant injury questions after a physically challenging opening weekend. For NFL fans and fantasy managers, the injury list is critical for understanding who might be out or limited in the upcoming games. Here is a breakdown of the notable injuries and what you need to know about them.
What Do The Latest Injury Reports Mean for Week 3?
Jayden Daniels, QB, and Noah Brown, WR, Commanders
Jayden Daniels was diagnosed with a sprained knee after the Commanders’ 27-18 loss to the Green Bay Packers.
While it appears that any long-term damage is not present, whether Daniels will be available for the team’s upcoming game against the Las Vegas Raiders is in doubt.
#Commanders QB Jayden Daniels, who underwent an MRI following the loss to the #Packers, was diagnosed with a sprained knee, per me and @MikeGarafolo.
Not a long-term injury, but Daniels’ status this week vs the #Raiders is in doubt. pic.twitter.com/ovhEHkNnkl
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 15, 2025
As of Tuesday, Daniels is questionable for the upcoming game. On Monday, Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said that Daniels is “day-to-day” right now. In the Packers game, Daniels was 24-of-42 passing for 200 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions.
Should Daniels not be able to go, Quinn will have to turn to backup Marcus Mariota for a Week 3 start.
Wide receiver Noah Brown, who has been dealing with a groin injury, was ruled out on Friday and will not play on Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders.
#UPDATE: Quinn confirmed on Friday that Daniels will be out on Sunday, giving Mariota the start. Daniels did not practice again with the team on Thursday, ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported. On Wednesday, Quinn announced that Daniels would not practice with the team. He also said that Daniels threw on the field and had a good rehab session. He’ll make a decision on Friday whether Daniels will play on Sunday.
Aaron Jones Sr., RB, Vikings
The Vikings shared more bad news from the injury world as running back Aaron Jones Sr. will be out four games, according to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport. He was placed on Injured Reserve on Tuesday with a hamstring injury.
Minnesota will have Jordan Mason as the Vikings’ top back, and the team signed Cam Akers to their practice squad.
The Vikings are placing starting RB Aaron Jones on Injured Reserve, knocking him out four games, per me and @TomPelissero. He has a hamstring injury.
Jordan Mason now becomes RB1. Cam Akers is signing to the practice squad. pic.twitter.com/MgsBoaKNG9
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 16, 2025
Jones was ruled out during Sunday’s 22-6 home loss to the Atlanta Falcons with his hamstring injury. The team will now give Jones four weeks to heal from it. So far this season, Jones has 13 carries for 46 yards and no touchdowns.
In Minnesota’s first two games, Jones had been sharing time at the RB1 spot with Mason. Jones also had three receptions for 44 yards and one touchdown.
Joe Burrow, QB, Bengals
Joe Burrow suffered a turf toe injury in last Sunday’s game, a 31-27 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The team put Burrow on Injured Reserve on Tuesday as he’ll undergo surgery for his injury.
Bengals place QB Joe Burrow on injured reserve. pic.twitter.com/CGIVyJOKNR
— NFL (@NFL) September 16, 2025
The turf toe injury actually went deeper into the muscle below his big toe. When players have to use their feet so much to push off all the time, that exacerbates the injury even more. Burrow has had a difficult time staying healthy while being Cincinnati’s QB1.
Burrow’s surgery will keep him out of action for at least three months. Also on Tuesday, the Bengals signed former Packers quarterback Sean Clifford to their practice squad. Before leaving Sunday’s game, Burrow was 7-of-13 passing for 76 yards and one touchdown.
Jake Browning, who came on in relief of Burrow, will take over the starting quarterback duties now.
#UPDATE: Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said on Friday that Burrow’s surgery went well and he’s in recovery with no timetable on his return. Burrow is scheduled to undergo surgery on Friday to repair his Grade 3 turf toe injury at Birmingham’s Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center, according to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport. Dr. Norman Waldrop, the practice’s foot and ankle specialist, will perform the operation.
Justin Fields, QB, Jets
Justin Fields is currently in concussion protocol after getting hit by Buffalo Bills defensive end Joey Bosa in the fourth quarter of the Jets’ 30-10 loss last Sunday. When Fields was hit, the back of his helmet hit the MetLife Stadium turf, and he was taken out.
On Monday, Jets coach Aaron Glenn said that if Fields wasn’t ready to go, he would turn to backup Tyrod Taylor as his starter this coming Sunday against the 2-0 Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
🚨🚨AWFUL MISSED CALL🚨🚨 #Jets quarterback Justin Fields was CRUSHED by a defender while he was sliding down and the refs did NOT throw a flag.
😳😳😳
Fields continues to get hit by defenders and the refs do not seem to care at all. Brutal.pic.twitter.com/vUT5F6fTTb
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) September 14, 2025
“We have to get more information so we can be more pinpointed on that, but we do have to look at it that way,” Glenn said on Monday, according to ESPN. “If Justin can’t play, then Tyrod would be the guy, and we’d build a plan that’s suitable for him.”
According to the ESPN story, the NFL has put a five-step protocol for concussions in place. A player who suffers a concussion has to be cleared by an independent neurologist before returning to action.
Against the Bills, Fields was 3-of-11 passing for 27 yards and no touchdowns.
#UPDATE: Fields has been ruled out of Sunday’s game against Tampa Bay due to his concussion. Tyrod Taylor gets the start for the Jets.
J.J. McCarthy, QB, Vikings
J.J. McCarthy is out with a high ankle sprain, and it just doesn’t look good. McCarthy was hurt in the Vikings’ 22-6 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on “Sunday Night Football” from U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. On Tuesday, ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported that McCarthy is expected to be out 2-4 weeks.
Schefter broke the news while making an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Tuesday.
A high ankle sprain is expected to sideline Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy two to four weeks, which means he might not play again until an Oct. 19 home game vs. the Eagles.
Here’s why with @tyschmit:
🎧 https://t.co/45VtgpkUwf pic.twitter.com/2X0yVQVz9c
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 16, 2025
With McCarthy out, Minnesota will probably turn to backup Carson Wentz to start this coming Sunday. The Vikings also signed former Falcons starting quarterback Desmond Ridder to the team’s 53-man roster, meaning he’ll be on the sidelines should Wentz prove ineffective or get injured.
The injury also means that McCarthy might be out until Minnesota plays against the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles on October 19. In the loss to Atlanta, McCarthy was 11-for-21 passing for 158 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions.
#UPDATE: On Friday, the Vikings officially ruled McCarthy out of Sunday’s game. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport said on Thursday night that McCarthy could be out two weeks, then the team will look at him possibly returning to play.
Jayden Reed, WR, Packers
Wide receiver Jayden Reed is expected to miss 6-8 weeks after undergoing surgery for his broken collarbone. Reed broke his collarbone early in the first quarter of last Thursday’s game against the Washington Commanders.
Reed had his surgical procedure on his broken clavicle and a Jones fracture in his left foot done on Tuesday, September 16, and decided to go live on his Instagram account.
Wild: Packers star WR Jayden Reed went live on IG right after collarbone surgery still extremely HIGH on his pain meds.
“Packers to the Bowl, bruh. We turnt! We going all the f***kin way.”
😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/GsTQHpQz5K
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 16, 2025
Either Reed was coming out of his anesthesia or was really filled up with powerful pain medications. While a phone camera was on him, he said, “Packers to the Bowl, bruh. We turnt! We going all the f***kin way.”
Tyjae Spears, RB, Titans
Titans running back Tyjae Spears suffered a high ankle sprain during an NFL 2025 preseason game against the Buccaneers. Spears was placed on Injured Reserve and will miss the Titans’ first four games this season.
In the 2024 season, Spears had 312 yards rushing on 84 carries and scored four touchdowns. He was also a receiving target for Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield, catching 30 passes for 224 yards and a touchdown catch.
Brock Purdy, QB, and Jauan Jennings, WR, 49ers
After signing Brock Purdy to a five-year, $265 million contract in the offseason, the San Francisco 49ers hoped their quarterback would start the season strong against the Seattle Seahawks.
While the 49ers secured a 17-13 Week 1 victory, Purdy injured his left shoulder and left toe during the game. Last Thursday, NFL insider Ian Rapoport confirmed that Purdy will be sidelined for two to five weeks with a turf toe variant.
With Purdy out, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan turned over the QB1 duties to Mac Jones.
Wide receiver Jauan Jennings has been dealing with ankle and shoulder injuries with his status for Sunday still needing to be settled.
#UPDATE: On Saturday, the 49ers said that Jones would start on Sunday with Purdy looking to come back as the starting QB in Week 4. As for Jennings, things are trending toward him playing on Sunday against Arizona, despite not practicing all week long. On Friday, Purdy and Jennings were listed as questionable for Sunday’s game. “A lot of progress,” Shanahan said on Friday, according to NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero, about Purdy. “I thought he had a good week. Hopefully, we can get him up for the game.” Purdy was on the field at the start of Thursday’s practice. He returned to the 49ers practice field on Wednesday for a limited amount of work. Shanahan also said on Wednesday, according to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, that Purdy “has a chance” to play this coming Sunday.
George Kittle, TE, and Brandon Aiyuk, WR, 49ers
According to Shanahan, tight end George Kittle will “sit out a few weeks” with a hamstring injury. Kittle has been placed on Injured Reserve and will miss at least the next four weeks.
Kittle was injured in the first half of the team’s 17-13 win over the Seahawks. According to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, he is set to miss games against the New Orleans Saints, Arizona Cardinals, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Los Angeles Rams.
Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk remains on the 49ers reserve/PUP list while recovering from a torn ACL he suffered in the 2024 NFL season. Shanahan has a timeline for his return, which he hopes will come in the team’s Week 6 game.
Austin Ekeler, RB, Commanders
Commanders running back Austin Ekeler sustained a shoulder injury during the team’s Week 1 game.
Against the New York Giants, Ekeler had six carries for 26 yards and three catches for 21 yards. He played against the Green Bay Packers but suffered a torn right Achilles injury on a non-contact play. Ekeler will miss the rest of the 2025 NFL season.
#UPDATE: After Ekeler went down, the Commanders signed veteran running back Chase Edmonds to their practice squad.
Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan, and Emeka Egbuka, WRs, Buccaneers
Chris Godwin is recovering from a dislocated ankle, fractured fibula, and torn deltoid suffered during the 2024 season. The Buccaneers are hopeful he can return by late September or early October.
Last Thursday, Godwin showed up on the team’s practice field and went through some of it in a limited fashion. It’s the first time that Godwin has practiced since suffering his injury last season. Godwin did not play in the Buccaneers’ 20-19 win on Monday night against the Houston Texans.
Teammate Jalen McMillan is expected to miss the first half of the 2025 NFL season after suffering a scary neck injury in the preseason, according to Bowles.
#UPDATE: On Saturday, the Buccaneers said they expect wide receiver Emeka Egbuka to play on Sunday against the Jets. Egbuka practiced on Friday with the team and is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the New York Jets. Godwin was also working out, but he’s not expected to play this week.
Xavier Worthy, WR, Chiefs
On Friday, Xavier Worthy, who has been dealing with a shoulder injury suffered in the Chiefs’ game against the Los Angeles Chargers, was listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants.
#UPDATE: On Saturday, Worthy was ruled out of Sunday’s game and is not traveling with the team.
Ladd McConkey, WR, Chargers
Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey is dealing with a biceps injury and did not practice with the Chargers on Thursday, according to NFL insider Ari Meirov. McConkey was not on the injury report on Friday, and is expected to play against the Raiders.
#UPDATE: On Saturday, McConkey was removed from the injury report and will be ready to go against Las Vegas.
DeAndre Carter, WR, Browns
On Saturday, the Cleveland Browns announced that wide receiver DeAndre Carter had cleared concussion protocol and will play in Sunday’s game.
Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Jaguars
Jaguars wide receiver Bhayshul Tuten has been limited in practice this week for the Jaguars due to a shoulder injury. On Thursday, though, Tuten talked with Rick Ballou of the Jaguars’ flagship radio state 1010XL. When asked if he’d be ready for Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans, Tuten said, “Yes, for sure”.
#UPDATE: On Friday, Tuten was cleared to play on Sunday against the Texans.
Josh Jacobs, RB, Packers
Packers running back Josh Jacobs was put on the Packers’ injury report on Wednesday with an ankle injury. On Thursday, Jacobs was listed as questionable before Green Bay’s game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.
#UPDATE: Jacobs was taken off the Injury Report on Friday and should be good to go on Sunday.
D’Andre Swift, RB, and Jaylon Johnson, CB, Bears
Bears running back D’Andre Swift was limited in practice on Wednesday with a quad injury. It’s not known if Swift will be cleared to play on Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys.
On Saturday, the Bears put cornerback Jaylon Johnson on injured reserve due to a groin injury.
#UPDATE: On Saturday, the Bears said that Swift is expected to play on Sunday against the Cowboys On Friday, Swift was listed as questionable for Sunday’s game. Swift was limited at practice on Thursday.
Xavier Legette, WR, Panthers
Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette came up with soreness in his hamstrings on Wednesday, according to Carolina head coach Dave Canales. It’s not known if Legette will be full speed this coming weekend. Canales said the tightness did just “kind of pop up” on his player.
#UPDATE: On Friday, Legette was listed as questionable for the Jaguars’ home opener against the Houston Texans. Legette was running pass routes at Jaguars practice on Thursday.
Tyler Warren, TE, Colts
Colts tight end Tyler Warren did not practice with the team on Wednesday due to a toe injury. It’s not known at this time whether or not Warren will be available for Sunday’s game.
#UPDATE: On Saturday, the Colts said that Warren was good to go on Sunday against the Titans. Warren was listed as questionable on Friday. He was limited in practice on Thursday.
Zach Charbonnet, RB, Seahawks
On Friday, Zach Charbonnet was listed as doubtful on Friday for Seattle’s game on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints. Charbonnet is dealing with a foot injury.
#UPDATE: On Saturday, Charbonnet was listed as doubtful for the Saints game.
Jordan Love, QB, Packers
On Friday, Jordan Love, who has been dealing with a left thumb injury, was taken off the Injury Report and is good to go for Sunday.
Dallas Goedert, TE, Eagles
On Friday, Dallas Goedert, who missed the team’s Week 2 game with a knee sprain, was listed as good to go on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams.
Tyrone Tracy Jr., RB, and Darius Slayton, WR, Giants
On Friday, Tyrone Tracy Jr., who has been dealing with a calf injury, and Darius Slayton, who has been dealing with groin and calf injuries, have been taken off the Injury Report and will be good to go on Sunday night against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Max Scharping, IOL, Steelers
Steelers interior offensive lineman Max Scharping suffered a knee injury during Wednesday’s practice. On Thursday, the team announced that Scharping had a torn ACL and will be out for the rest of the 2025 NFL season.
#UPDATE: On Saturday, the Steelers put Scharping on the reserve/injured reserve list.
Brian Thomas Jr., WR, Jaguars
On Friday, Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., who has been dealing with a wrist injury, was taken off the team’s Injury Report and will be good to go on Sunday against the Texans.
Isaiah Likely, TE, Ravens
On Saturday, Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely, who has been dealing with a foot injury, was officially ruled out of Monday night’s game against the Detroit Lions.
Trevon Diggs, CB, Cowboys
On Saturday, Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs, who has been dealing with a knee injury, was put on the Injury Report and is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Bears.
Christian Kirk and Braxton Berrios, WRs, Texans
On Friday, Texans wide receivers Christian Kirk, who has been dealing with a hamstring injury, and Braxton Berrios, who also was dealing with a hamstring injury, have been taken off the team’s Injury Report and will be making their season debuts against the Jaguars on Sunday.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seahawks
On Saturday, Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba was put on the injury report due to an illness and is listed as questionable for Sunday, according to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero.
Tucker Kraft, TE, Packers
Packers tight end Tucker Kraft suffered a knee injury in practice. He will be added to the team’s Injury Report, according to ESPN Packers reporter Rob Demovsky. As of Thursday afternoon, Kraft was undergoing tests to determine the severity of the injury. The Packers, though, don’t think it is a season-ending type of injury.
#UPDATE: On Saturday, the Packers announced that Kraft is expected to play on Sunday against Cleveland. On Friday, Kraft was listed as questionable on Friday for the team’s Sunday game against the Cleveland Browns. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said on Friday that Kraft will not practice. “I don’t think it’ll be long-term,” LaFleur said. “That’s a positive, but he will not be out there today.”
Dre Greenlaw, LB, Broncos
On Saturday, Broncos linebacker Dre Greenlaw was placed on injured reserve with a quad strain. He will miss Denver’s next four games.
Cody Mauch, G, and Luke Goedeke, RT, Buccaneers
Buccaneers offensive guard Cody Mauch has a knee injury and he will undergo surgery, taking him out of the rest of the 2025 NFL season.
Right tackle Luke Goedeke is going on Injured Reserve with a foot injury, meaning he’ll miss the team’s next four games, according to NFL Insider Ari Meirov. Goedeke’s news comes on top of losing Mauch for the season and the O-Line still missing left tackle Tristan Wirfs.
Khalil Mack, LB, Chargers
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh announced on Wednesday that linebacker Khalil Mack is going on Injured Reserve due to a dislocated elbow. Mack suffered the injury in the team’s game on Monday night against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Mack was attempting to tackle Raiders rookie running back Ashton Jeanty when the injury occurred. This means that Mack, one of the team’s top pass rushers, will be out for four weeks.
#UPDATE: Chargers signed S Tony Jefferson to active roster while Mack was put on IR.
Ed Oliver, DT, Bills
It’s a tough blow as Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver was added to the team’s injury report last Thursday. According to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, Oliver has an ankle injury and was seen wearing a walking boot. Additionally, some reporters also saw Oliver on a scooter getting around the Bills’ facility.
Last Friday, Bills head coach Sean McDermott confirmed that Oliver would miss last Sunday’s game against the New York Jets. It was also clarified that Oliver injured his ankle after someone stepped on it late in the team’s practice. He’s also expected to miss a few weeks while he recovers from his injury.
#UPDATE: Oliver and teammate Matt Milano were out of Thursday’s game against the Miami Dolphins.
Ty Chandler, RB, Vikings
Running back Ty Chandler will miss the next four games for the Vikings. Chandler was placed on Injured Reserve with a knee injury. He had a key kick return in the Vikings’ game against the Chicago Bears.
Joe Mixon, RB, Texans
Joe Mixon suffered a non-football-related injury during the offseason that kept him out of the Texans’ training camp and preseason. He has been placed on the team’s Non-Football Injury (NFI) list, which will sideline him for at least the season’s first four games.
When asked if Mixon would play at all this season, Texans GM Nick Caserio offered no clear answer, which was a concerning sign of his availability.
MarShawn Lloyd, RB, Packers
MarShawn Lloyd suffered a hamstring injury during the Packers’ preseason matchup with the Colts. He has been placed on IR and will not be eligible to return until at least Week 5, ruling him out for Green Bay’s upcoming games.
Christian Watson, WR, Packers
Christian Watson tore his ACL in the final week of the 2024 season and has been working to recover. However, he has been placed on the PUP list and will miss the season’s first four weeks.
Jalen Coker, WR, Panthers
Jalen Coker sustained a quad injury during a recent Carolina Panthers practice and has been placed on short-term IR, which will sideline him for the first four games of the regular season. There is plenty of anticipation for Coker’s sophomore season after he impressed as a rookie and delivered a strong showing in camp.
