Get set, folks, another week of NFL competition is almost here. Week 4 presents a wide array of compelling narratives, from the anticipated performance of Micah Parsons as he returns to Dallas to compete against the Cowboys, to the high-stakes matchup between the Baltimore Ravens and the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. We are also treated to two games on Monday night to conclude the week. While we eagerly await these developments, a less desirable aspect of the upcoming schedule is the prevalence of player injuries.
Several key players have been grappling with injuries in the early part of the season, and Week 4’s games will be affected by many of them, including CeeDee Lamb and Mike Evans, who have both been confirmed to be sidelined. New York Giants standout Malik Nabers (shoulder) is expected to participate on Sunday, but Washington Commanders’ primary receiver Terry McLaurin (quad) will not be playing. San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (turf toe) has an undefined game status and is expected back in Week 4 following a two-week absence.
Below, we will delve into the injury statuses across the league as the majority of teams release their final decisions regarding player availability. We will also provide the latest injury updates for the two Monday night games: the AFC East contest between the New York Jets and the Miami Dolphins, as well as the Cincinnati Bengals versus the Denver Broncos.
- Vikings: QB J.J. McCarthy (ankle), OL Donovan Jackson (wrist), OLB Andrew Van Ginkel (neck), TE Ben Yurosek (knee) OUT
- Steelers: LB Alex Highsmith (ankle) OUT; CB Joey Porter Jr. (hamstring), RB Jaylen Warren (knee), TE Jonnu Smith (hip) QUESTIONABLE
Quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle), outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (neck), tight end Ben Yurosek (knee), and guard Donovan Jackson (wrist) were all held out of practice for Minnesota throughout the week. Consequently, they have been declared inactive for the upcoming game. Veteran quarterback Carson Wentz, with a decade of experience, is set to make his second start of the season in McCarthy’s place.
Pittsburgh has announced that edge rusher Alex Highsmith (ankle) will be unavailable for the game after being absent from practice all week. The Steelers imposed limitations on cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (hamstring) and running back Jaylen Warren (knee) during practice sessions, and their participation on Sunday remains uncertain. Tight end Jonnu Smith (hip) missed practice on Wednesday but engaged in limited practice sessions later in the week, leaving his availability for Week 4 in question.
The Browns present a remarkably clean injury report. Only one Cleveland player has a specified game status: right tackle Jack Conklin (elbow), who had limited practice participation throughout the week.
Safety Daniel Thomas (forearm) and running back Sione Vaki (groin) were unable to practice at any point this week for the Lions and have been officially ruled out. Linebacker Zach Cunningham’s practice participation decreased progressively over the week, from full participation to limited participation on Thursday and ultimately no practice and an inactive designation on Friday. Left tackle Taylor Decker (shoulder) is listed as questionable, as is edge rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad (knee) after limited participation on Thursday and Friday.
The Panthers will be competing without the services of edge rusher Patrick Jones II (hamstring), wide receiver Xavier Legette (hamstring), tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders (ankle), and edge rusher D.J. Wonnum (hip) this Sunday. Carolina’s quarterback, Bryce Young, is undoubtedly hoping that rookie receiver Tetairoa McMillan (calf), a first-round pick, will be able to play on Sunday after having limited participation in practices on Thursday and Friday.
New England guard Jared Wilson (ankle, knee) stands as the sole Patriots player already declared inactive for Sunday’s game. All-Pro cornerback Christian Gonzalez (hamstring) is listed as questionable after limited participation in practice throughout the week.
- Saints: OL Dillon Radunz (toe), DE Chase Young (calf) OUT; WR Devaughn Vele (hip) QUESTIONABLE
- Bills: LB Matt Milano (pectoral), DT Ed Oliver (ankle) OUT; OL Spencer Brown (calf), DE AJ Epenesa (pectoral) QUESTIONABLE
New Orleans did not allow guard Dillon Radunz and defensive end Chase Young to practice at all during the week, so it’s no surprise that the Saints have declared them inactive. Meanwhile, wide receiver Devaughn Vele (hip) is listed as questionable after limited participation in practice this week.
Buffalo will be missing linebacker Matt Milano (pectoral) and defensive tackle Ed Oliver (ankle) on Sunday, as neither of them participated in practice throughout the week. Defensive end A.J. Epenesa (pectoral) was limited in practice all week and is questionable, while offensive lineman Spencer Brown (calf) is questionable, having only practiced in a limited manner on Friday.
- Titans: OT JC Latham (hip), WR Bryce Oliver (knee) OUT; S Kevin Winston Jr. (hamstring) DOUBTFUL; LB Dorian Mausi (back) QUESTIONABLE
- Texans: CB Derek Stingley Jr. (oblique) QUESTIONABLE
The Titans have designated offensive tackle JC Latham (hip) and wide receiver Bryce Oliver (knee) as inactive after they were unable to practice at any point this week. Safety Kevin Winston Jr. (hamstring) is considered doubtful after participating in limited practice sessions all week. Linebacker Dorian Mausi (back) is listed as questionable after being absent from practice on Thursday and Friday.
The Texans’ premier cornerback, Derek Stingley Jr. (oblique), is questionable after only participating in practice, in any capacity, on Friday as a limited participant.
- Commanders: QB Jayden Daniels (knee), WR Terry McLaurin (quad), WR Noah Brown (groin/knee), TE John Bates (calf/groin) OUT; S Percy Butler (hip), RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt (knee) QUESTIONABLE
- Falcons: CB A.J. Terrell (hamstring), WR KhaDarel Hodge (groin), RB Nate Carter (hamstring) OUT
Jayden Daniels took part in practice to a limited extent on Wednesday and Thursday; however, the Commanders held him out on Friday and declared him inactive for Sunday as his knee injury continues to be addressed. Marcus Mariota will once again assume the quarterback position. Tight end John Bates (calf, groin), receiver Noah Brown (groin, knee), and receiver Terry McLaurin (quad) have also been ruled out, further depleting Washington’s offense. Running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (knee) and safety Percy Butler (hip) are both listed as questionable. Croskey-Merritt, who had full participation in practice on Friday, is the only one of the two to have practiced at all this week.
Corner A.J. Terrell (hamstring), running back Nate Carter (hamstring), and receiver KhaDarel Hodge (groin) all missed the entirety of the week’s practice sessions, leading the Falcons to declare them inactive for Sunday’s game.
- Eagles: CB Adoree’ Jackson (groin) DOUBTFUL
- Buccaneers: WR Mike Evans (hamstring), S Christian Izien (quad) OUT; WR Chris Godwin (ankle), DL Logan Hall (groin), QB Baker Mayfield (right biceps), OT Tristan Wirfs (knee) QUESTIONABLE
Eagles corner Adoree’ Jackson (groin) was limited on Thursday and Friday after not practicing on Wednesday, so Philadelphia listed him as doubtful. Everyone else is ready to go.
Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) and defensive back Christian Izien (quad) did not practice all week and have been ruled out. Quarterback Baker Mayfield (right biceps) is questionable after being limited in practice all week. Offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs (knee) should be ready after practicing fully on Thursday and Friday. Wideout Chris Godwin, who has yet to play this season due to an ankle injury, was a full participant on Wednesday and Friday this week, which is a good sign for his availability. Defensive lineman Logan Hall practiced for the first time on Friday as a limited participant.
- Chargers: G Mekhi Becton (concussion), WR Derius Davis (knee), TE Will Dissly (knee) OUT; C Bradley Bozeman (back), DB Elijah Molden (hamstring) QUESTIONABLE
- Giants: K Graham Gano (groin), RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (shoulder), DE Chauncey Golston (ankle)OUT; DT Rakeem Nunez-Roches (foot) DOUBTFUL
L.A. has listed guard Mekhi Becton (concussion), receiver Derius Davis (knee), and tight end Will Dissly (knee) as out, as all three have not practiced this week. Defensive back Elijah Molden (hamstring) and center Bradley Bozeman are both questionable after being limited on Friday.
Kicker Graham Gano (groin), running back Tyrone Tracy Jr., and defensive lineman Chauncey Golston (ankle) have all been ruled out. Veteran Younghoe Koo will take Gano’s place this week. Defensive lineman Rakeem Nuñez-Roches Sr. (foot) is doubtful after practicing only on Friday as a limited participant.
- Jaguars: OT Wyatt Milum (knee) OUT; LB Yasir Abdullah (hamstring), WR Dyami Brown (shoulder) QUESTIONABLE
- 49ers: WR Jordan Watkins (calf), DL CJ West (thumb) OUT; OL Connor Colby (groin), CB Renardo Green (neck), WR Jauan Jennings (ankle/shoudler), QB Mac Jones (knee), WR Ricky Pearsall (knee) QUESTIONABLE
Wideout Dyami Brown (shoulder) is questionable for the Jaguars after being limited for the past two days. Offensive lineman Wyatt Milum (knee) has been ruled out.
The 49ers will be without receiver Jordan Watkins (calf) and defensive tackle CJ West (thumb) this week. However, starting quarterback Brock Purdy (left shoulder/toe) will return and does not have an injury designation. Receivers Ricky Pearsall (knee) and Jauan Jennings (ankle), as well as quarterback Mac Jones (knee) and corner Renardo Green (neck), are questionable.
- Colts: WR Alec Pierce (concussion), CB Kenny Moore (Achilles), G Matt Goncalves (toe) OUT; DT DeForest Buckner (back), WR Anthony Gould (illness) QUESTIONABLE
- Rams: WR Davante Adams (hamstring), OL Rob Havenstein (ankle), TE Colby Parkinson (shoulder), TE Tyler Higbee (hip) QUESTIONABLE
Indy will be without guard Matt Goncalves (toe), cornerback Kenny Moore II (Achilles), and receiver Alec Pierce (concussion) in Week 4. Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (back) is questionable after practicing only on Thursday in a limited capacity.
Rams wideout Davante Adams (hamstring) and offensive lineman Rob Havenstein (ankle) were limited on Friday, but head coach Sean McVay said it should not impact their status for Sunday.
- Bears: LB T.J. Edwards (hamstring), DT Grady Jarrett (knee), OL Darnell Wright (elbow) OUT; CB Kyler Gordon (hamstring), TE Colston Loveland (hip), RB D’Andre Swift (hip) QUESTIONABLE
- Raiders: TE Michael Mayer (concussion) OUT; CB Decamerion Richarson (hamstring) QUESTIONABLE
Chicago ruled out linebacker T.J. Edwards (hamstring), defensive lineman Grady Jarrett (knee), and offensive lineman Darnell Wright (elbow). The Bears limited running back D’Andre Swift (hip) all week, so he is questionable for Sunday. Defensive back Kyler Gordon (hamstring) and tight end Colston Loveland (hip) both practiced in a limited capacity on Friday only.
Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (concussion) did not practice this week and has been ruled out. Meanwhile, Las Vegas has listed corner Decamerion Richardson (hamstring) as questionable after practicing fully on Friday.
Baltimore Ravens (-2.5) at Kansas City Chiefs
- Ravens: DL Nnamdi Madubuike (neck), FB Patrick Ricard (calf), DL Broderick Washington (ankle) OUT; DL Travis Jones (knee), TE Isaiah Likely (foot), OT Ronnie Stanley (ankle), OLB Kyle Van Noy (hamstring) QUESTIONABLE
- Chiefs: DE Mike Danna (quad) DOUBTFUL; CB Kristian Fulton (ankle), DE Ashton Gillotte (elbow) QUESTIONABLE
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh informed reporters on Wednesday that defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike will not be participating this week due to a neck injury. Fullback Patrick Ricard (calf) and defensive tackle Broderick Washington (ankle) also joined him in being ruled out. However, on a brighter note, the Ravens are optimistic that tight end Isaiah Likely will be making his season debut in Week 4 and have listed him as questionable. Defensive tackle Travis Jones (knee), tackle Ronnie Stanley (ankle), and linebacker Kyle Van Noy (hamstring) are also listed as questionable.
Defensive end Mike Danna (quad) is considered doubtful, but corner Kristian Fulton (ankle) is questionable after having limited participation all week. In the meantime, receiver Xavier Worthy (shoulder) will return to action for the first time since his Week 1 collision with teammate Travis Kelce.
- Packers: RT Zach Tom (oblique), OT Anthony Belton (ankle) OUT; LG Aaron Banks (groin) DOUBTFUL; S Javon Bullard (concussion) QUESTIONABLE
- Cowboys: WR CeeDee Lamb (ankle) and RG Tyler Booker (ankle) OUT
Neither Green Bay right tackle Zach Tom (oblique) nor rookie offensive tackle Anthony Belton (ankle) will be playing on Sunday night. Left guard Aaron Banks (groin) is unlikely to play, while safety Javon Bullard (concussion) is listed as questionable.
All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons (back), running back Josh Jacobs (ankle), tight end Tucker Kraft (knee, elbow), tackle Rasheed Walker (quad), and defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt (knee) are all ready to go.
As anticipated, tackle Tyler Booker and wideout CeeDee Lamb have been declared inactive due to ankle sprains. Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer mentioned on Friday that the team is still contemplating whether to place either player on injured reserve. Corner DaRon Bland (foot) will return in Week 4 after being sidelined for the past two weeks.
The Jets have two players who have been unable to practice all week: defensive back Jarvis Brownlee Jr. (ankle) and linebacker Jermaine Johnson II (ankle). Quarterback Justin Fields (concussion) fully participated in practice on both Thursday and Friday after being absent in Week 3.
The Dolphins also have two players who have not practiced at all this week: cornerbacks Storm Duck (ankle) and Jason Marshall Jr. (hamstring). Tight end Darren Waller (hip) and wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (shoulder) have had limited participation all week.
The Bengals have two players who have not practiced all week: tight end Noah Fant (concussion) and first-round edge rusher Shemar Stewart (ankle). Cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (hamstring) has been limited in practice all week.
Everyone on the Broncos’ injury report—tight end Nate Adkins (foot), edge rusher Nik Bonitto (wrist), tight end Evan Engram (back), edge rusher John Franklin-Myers (hip), and linebacker Alex Singleton (thumb)—practiced fully on Friday.
