As the 2026 NFL campaign hits its midpoint in Week 9, several star athletes recovering from extended injury absences are preparing to step back onto the field.
Matt LaFleur, head coach of the Green Bay Packers, announced to the media that Micah Parsons has had his 21-day practice period activated following his recovery from a torn ACL and meniscus. Consequently, Parsons will take part in his initial practice sessions of the current season with Green Bay, targeting a comeback during the Thanksgiving week matchup versus the Los Angeles Rams.
“He dedicated immense effort and energy to reach this point. His presence on the field will provide a major lift for our squad,” stated LaFleur, according to ESPN.
Additionally, LaFleur mentioned that Parsons will start off with restricted involvement in positional drills before steadily increasing his workload to reach complete readiness over the coming weeks.
The New Orleans Saints are likewise expecting the return of a vital contributor: wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, who was selected eighth overall in 2026. Lingering hamstring ailments from his collegiate career at Arizona State postponed his professional debut, but New Orleans Football Network indicates that Tyson is set to resume practicing.
Although Green Bay and New Orleans received encouraging updates, numerous other injury outlooks across Week 9 remain far less promising.
On Wednesday, the Rams received discouraging news regarding Jaylen Watson, as the cornerback is slated for shoulder surgery that will sideline him for the rest of the year. After suffering a shoulder dislocation that kept him out of a contest earlier in the campaign, he exacerbated the condition during last week’s clash with the Chargers.
“It is a major setback … He has played incredibly well for our defense. While he fought to push through the discomfort, taking everything into consideration led to the consensus that procedure was necessary, placing him on injured reserve,” head coach Sean McVay explained.
Betting lines provided by DraftKings Sportsbook
Jacksonville Jaguars at Baltimore Ravens (+10)
Bhayshul Tuten sustained an ankle problem during the previous game yet managed to finish playing. Following a week without practice, his status is listed as questionable. Should Tuten be sidelined or constrained, Chris Rodriguez is expected to take on a heavier workload. Meanwhile, defensive end Travon Walker (rib) sits as questionable as well, having logged limited sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday after sitting out Monday.
Baltimore welcomed primary quarterback Lamar Jackson back to action last week, though his comeback was abruptly cut short. Jackson incurred a thumb injury on his initial snap and was promptly removed from the game. Subsequently, secondary passer Tyler Huntley sustained a turf toe injury expected to end his season, according to ESPN. Both quarterbacks are being placed on injured reserve. Consequently, emergency third-stringer Joe Fagnano—who stepped in last week following the exits of Jackson and Huntley—will make his initial NFL start guiding Baltimore’s offense. Fagnano logged complete practice sessions over the past two days following restricted work on Monday. Elsewhere, Trey Hendrickson returned to full practice on Tuesday and Wednesday after Monday limitation, while Adam Randall (neck) alongside cornerback Nate Wiggins (stinger/illness) are designated as questionable.
Cincinnati Bengals at Atlanta Falcons (+3)
With Cincinnati foregoing practice on Wednesday and Atlanta conducting only a walkthrough, the participation levels on their respective injury reports represent calculated estimates.
Regarding Cincinnati, four athletes failed to take part: defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (veteran rest), safety Kyle Dugger (quadriceps), defensive end Cedric Johnson (ankle/foot), and cornerback DJ Turner II (heel). Safety Jordan Battle (hamstring) stood as the sole remaining entry, projected as a limited participant.
Conversely, Atlanta listed just a single non-participant: wide receiver Zachariah Branch. Restricted participants for the Falcons were linebacker Yasir Abdullah (hamstring), in addition to linebacker Devine Diablo (forearm) and running back Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring), both of whom sat out the prior contest. Defensive end Billy Bowman Jr. (hamstring), wide receiver Beaux Collins (hip), and defensive end James Pearce Jr. (non-injury related) were recorded as full participants.
New York Jets at Kansas City Chiefs (-10)
Jets wideout Garrett Wilson did not join practice due to being in concussion protocol, whereas running back Breece Hall might return to action following a multi-game hiatus. Hall (quadriceps), pass rusher David Bailey (groin), edge defender Joseph Ossai (ankle), and tight end Mason Taylor recorded restricted activity during Wednesday’s session, with head coach Aaron Glenn remarking that their recoveries are “trending in the right direction.”
For Kansas City, a single player was absent from Wednesday’s practice: defensive lineman Peter Woods (neck). Tight end Travis Kelce (ankle) and wide receiver Rashee Rice (hamstring/knee) saw limited reps. Meanwhile, quarterback Patrick Mahomes (knee), linebacker Nick Bolton (neck), and linebacker Drue Tranquill (pectoral) took part fully. Additional restricted participants featured cornerback Mansoor Delane, defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott, and receiver Nikko Remigio.
Detroit Lions at Miami Dolphins (+7)
Head coach Dan Campbell confirmed that safety Kerby Joseph will sit out for Detroit. The Lions’ non-participants during Wednesday’s session comprised linebacker Jack Campbell—who is still hospitalized following a frightening injury last week—center Cade Mays (ankle), cornerback D.J. Reed (hip), and pass rusher DJ Wonnum (concussion). Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown was restricted due to a rib issue. Safety Kerby Joseph (knee), linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga (toe), and running back Jacob Saylors (neck) were likewise limited, while cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (cramps) stood out as the lone full participant in their estimated walkthrough report.
Miami presented an extensive injury report this period, featuring eight restricted participants: long snapper Tucker Addington, running back Kaytron Allen, edge defender Malik Herring, tight end Will Kacmarek, edge rusher Chop Robinson, defensive lineman Zach Sieler, safety Michael Taaffe, and safety Dante Trader Jr.
Los Angeles Rams at Washington Commanders (+5.5)
Washington moved running back Jeremy McNichols, defensive tackle Daron Payne, and defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw onto injured reserve, sidelining all three for a minimum of four contests. Quarterback Jayden Daniels (left elbow) participated fully. Wide receivers Treylon Burks (foot) and Stefon Diggs (veteran rest) were the sole Commanders absent from Wednesday’s practice. Meanwhile, tight end John Bates (shoulder), guard Sam Cosmi (knee), and defensive tackle Shy Tuttle (shoulder) were restricted, whereas defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton (pectoral) and tight end Colson Yankoff practiced without limitations.
The most prominent development involves cornerback Jaylen Watson, who requires year-ending shoulder surgery. Conversely, Los Angeles initiated linebacker Myles Garrett’s 21-day return window, positioning him to resume field work. Garrett sustained a knee injury during Week 1 and had been sidelined ever since, though he managed limited participation on Wednesday. Cornerback Trent McDuffie arrived “feeling better than expected,” according to head coach Sean McVay. McDuffie skipped practice alongside long snapper Joe Cardona, safety Kam Curl, and tight end Colby Parkinson. Guard Steve Avila, tight end Terrance Ferguson, linebacker Grant Stuard, and wide receiver Jordan Whittington were all limited. Quarterback Matthew Stafford was named on the report but engaged as a full participant.
Denver Broncos at Carolina Panthers (+2.5)
Wide receiver Pat Bryant was cleared to begin his return from injured reserve on Wednesday, taking part in practice fully. Wideout Jaylen Waddle (chest) likewise practiced without restriction. Defensive lineman Zach Allen (rest) and receiver Courtland Sutton (rest) were Denver’s only limited contributors. Four Broncos sat out Wednesday completely: safety Talanoa Hufanga (ankle), safety Brandon Jones (hamstring), defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike (shoulder), and cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine (ankle).
Carolina’s Wednesday injury status represents an estimated report. Quarterback Bryce Young (ankle) was projected as a full participant. Linebacker Jaelan Phillips (hamstring), left guard Damien Lewis (knee), linebacker Bobby Okereke (foot), and cornerback Will Lee III (hamstring) did not participate, with Phillips and Lewis having sat out the previous contest as well. Linebackers Corey Bullock (quadriceps) and Torricelli Simpkins III (ankle) were recorded as limited. Defensive tackle Bobby Brown III (hand) and offensive lineman Brady Christensen (hamstring) were also accounted for on the report.
Dallas Cowboys at Indianapolis Colts (+5.5)
Dallas registered a lengthy list of non-participants on Wednesday: defensive back Caleb Downs (concussion/ankle), tight end Jake Ferguson (ankle), offensive tackle Broderick Jones (veteran rest), edge rusher Malachi Lawrence (ankle), safety P.J. Locke III (concussion), Von Miller (veteran rest), and receiver KaVontae Turpin (ribs). Downs and Locke performed rehabilitation work on the side. Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer noted that Lawrence will be sidelined for several weeks, adding that Dallas is evaluating an injured reserve designation for him.
Four Cowboys had restricted participation: wide receiver George Pickens, tight end Luke Schoonmaker (groin), guard Tyler Smith (ankle), and linebacker Dee Winters (calf).
Five Indianapolis players did not practice Wednesday: receiver Keenan Allen (veteran rest), linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither (knee), tight end Andrew Ogletree (knee), cornerback Justin Walley (knee), and cornerback Charvarius Ward (veteran rest). Running back Jonathan Taylor (veteran rest) was the lone Colt designated as a limited participant.
New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles (+3.5)
Two key Giants who missed Wednesday’s work were outside linebacker Abdul Carter (illness) and running back Cam Skattebo (hamstring). Restricted participants consisted of offensive tackle Jermaine Eluemunor (calf), linebacker Malik Harrison (groin), cornerback Colton Hood (illness), receiver Charlie Jones (hand), and tackle Andrew Thomas (groin). Tight end Theo Johnson (neck), tackle Marcus Mbow (knee), and interior lineman DJ Reader (knee) appeared on the report but were able to participate fully.
Philadelphia continues to endure relentless injury troubles, presenting another extensive slate of compromised players this week. Running back Saquon Barkley (hamstring/back) and receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring), both of whom have missed action previously this season, sat out entirely. With starting quarterback Jalen Hurts already sidelined, missing their primary playmakers in both the rushing and passing attacks compounds the offense’s difficulties. Linebacker Jihaad Campbell (hamstring/quadriceps), defensive back Michael Carter (abdomen), receiver Britain Covey (knee), cornerback Jonathan Jones (hamstring), and receiver Dontayvion Wicks (ankle) were also absent from Wednesday’s field session. Kicker Jake Elliott (right ankle), edge rusher Jonathan Greenard (ankle), and linebacker Jalyx Hunt (knee/ankle) were listed as limited. Full participants comprised linebacker Zack Baun (shoulder), tackle Markel Bell (finger), defensive tackle Jordan Davis (thumb), guard Landon Dickerson (hip), tight end Dallas Goedert (knee), quarterback Tanner McKee (chest), defensive back Kenny Moore (glute), and defensive tackle Moro Ojomo (neck).
Cleveland Browns at New Orleans Saints (-3)
Cleveland quarterback Deshaun Watson entered concussion protocol and did not take part in Wednesday’s session. Also sitting out were linebacker Quincy Williams (hamstring), tackle Austin Barber (calf), and defensive tackle Maliek Collins (elbow). Receiver Denzel Boston (calf), cornerback Myles Harden (hamstring), interior lineman Elgton Jenkins (knee), linebacker Carson Schwesinger (wrist/ankle), and defensive end Jared Verse were all limited.
Running back Alvin Kamara (rest) was the lone Saints player absent from practice. Receiver Jordyn Tyson (hamstring), tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. (ankle), running back CJ Donaldson (shoulder/concussion), cornerback Martin Emerson (shin), and tackle Asim Richards (thumb) were all limited. Safety Justin Reid (concussion), guard Cesar Ruiz (knee), and defensive end Nathan Shepherd (illness) participated fully.
Las Vegas Raiders at San Francisco 49ers (-10)
Las Vegas posted a concise injury report for Wednesday. Cornerback Darien Porter (groin) was the team’s only non-participant, while defensive tackle Thomas Booker (ankle), defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi (shoulder/elbow), and tight end Ian Thomas (ankle) recorded limited practice reps.
San Francisco has been plagued by prominent health issues throughout the year and once again featured several star players on its injury log. Defensive end Nick Bosa (knee/calf) and wide receiver Christian Kirk were limited, whereas wideouts Mike Evans (ribs/Achilles) and Deebo Samuel (hamstring), along with running back Christian McCaffrey (hamstring), sat out practice entirely. Evans and Samuel were unable to play last week as well. Linebacker Luke Gifford, cornerback Nate Hobbs, receiver Demarcus Robinson, cornerback Upton Stout, and linebacker Garrett Wallow were limited. Additional non-participants included tackle Trent Williams and defensive back Siran Neal.
Houston Texans at Los Angeles Chargers (+4.5)
DeMeco Ryans mentioned Monday that he possessed “no significant update” regarding running back David Montgomery (groin), who sat out two contests prior to the bye week. Montgomery was one of two Houston players absent from Wednesday’s practice, alongside safety Reed Blankenship (concussion/hand). Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (groin), tight end Brevin Jordan (finger/foot), and tackle Braden Smith (ankle) were restricted, while tackle Blake Fisher (thumb) and safety Jalen Pitre (shoulder) participated completely.
Four Chargers were absent from Wednesday’s work: cornerback Deane Leonard (concussion), defensive end Khalil Mack (rest), receiver Brenen Thompson (quadriceps/hamstring), and safety Kendall Williamson (calf). Seven squad members saw limited action, including tight end David Njoku (fibula), guard Kayode Awosika (fibula), cornerback Donte Jackson, cornerback Rodney Shelley, and linebacker Denzel Perryman. Los Angeles continues to seek its opening victory of the campaign.
Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks (-8.5)
Seahawks starting quarterback Sam Darnold will miss this contest after sustaining a quadriceps injury during the prior game, paving the way for Drew Lock to start. Seattle had not issued an injury report prior to publication time. Updates will follow as information becomes available.
Quarterback Jacoby Brissett, who is concluding a trade deal with Baltimore, did not take part in Wednesday’s session. Safety Budda Baker, center Hjalte Froholdt, guard Jon Gaines, running back Bam Knight, guard Isaac Seumalo, linebacker Josh Sweat, and tackle Jayden Williams were likewise absent. Guard Isaiah Adams, defensive tackle Walter Nolen, and receiver Michael Wilson recorded limited work, whereas receiver Reggie Virgil practiced without restriction.
Green Bay Packers at New England Patriots (-3)
Pass rusher Micah Parsons made his return to practice in a limited capacity following the activation of his 21-day window. Guard Aaron Banks (knee), running back Chris Brooks (ankle), cornerback Keisean Nixon (groin), and receiver Christian Watson were also limited participants. Linebacker Zaire Franklin (shin), guard/tackle Travis Glover (knee), and tight end Josh Whyle (concussion) were non-participants.
Unfavorable updates regarding wide receiver A.J. Brown persist, as an ankle/knee condition that kept him out last week forced him to miss Wednesday’s practice entirely. Defensive tackle Christian Barmore (illness) and tight end Hunter Henry (foot) were among the other key players sitting out. Quarterback Drake Maye appeared on the injury list with a right shoulder issue but logged a full practice. Safety Kevin Byard III (chest), cornerback Carlton Davis III (neck), receiver Mack Hollins (calf), outside linebacker Dre’Mont Jones (shoulder/knee), tackle Morgan Moses (foot), and offensive lineman Greg Van Roten were all limited as New England’s injury concerns escalate.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Chicago Bears (-6)
Baker Mayfield was listed on the injury report due to a right thumb issue that had previously forced him to miss several contests, yet he engaged fully in practice. Three Buccaneers were sidelined Wednesday: outside linebacker Yaya Diaby (knee), wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (foot), and defensive lineman Elijah Roberts (personal). Running back Kenny Gainwell (hip) and safety Tykee Smith were limited, whereas guard Cody Mauch (back) and tight end Cade Otton practiced without limitations.
Chicago did not submit injury details prior to publication. Further details will be provided upon release.
Buffalo Bills at Minnesota Vikings (+3.5)
Both Buffalo and Minnesota are scheduled to publish their opening injury reports on Thursday, three days ahead of their Monday Night Football matchup.
