As the NFL season continues uninterrupted, health updates are once again taking center stage ahead of this week’s games. In contrast to earlier action where player absences dominated headlines, Week 6 presents a more balanced scenario regarding player availability—offering a slightly more optimistic outlook.
Even so, Baltimore supporters won’t be pleased by the recent medical updates, with Lamar Jackson set to sit out a second consecutive contest because of a damaged ankle. Consequently, Tyler Huntley is set to take the reins under center following his victory over Atlanta last weekend. At the same time, Philadelphia is facing an overwhelming number of health concerns and must deploy backup signal-caller Tanner McKee. This adjustment follows news that primary quarterback Jalen Hurts has developed a blood clot in his calf, topping an extraordinarily lengthy list of Philadelphia injuries this year.
Nevertheless, the health situation across the league isn’t entirely negative. Atlanta’s Michael Penix Jr. (rib) has been cleared for action, while there remains a chance that Caleb Williams steps back onto the field for Chicago, or that A.J. Brown rejoins New England’s offensive unit for this slate.
Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the injury situation for every team heading into Week 6 action.
Note: Cincinnati, Detroit, Miami, and Minnesota are taking their bye during Week 6.
Texans at Jaguars (in London)
David Montgomery stayed behind instead of traveling to London and has now been designated as out. As a result, reserve running back Woody Marks is expected to handle the vast majority of snaps in Houston’s backfield. Additionally, safety Jalen Pitre missed every practice session this week with a shoulder issue, making his declared absence expected. On a brighter note for Houston, both Ingram and To’oTo’o participated fully in Thursday and Friday drills, putting them on a favorable path despite being listed as questionable.
Jacksonville will have to play without their primary long snapper once more, having ruled out Ross Matiscik after he sustained a shoulder ailment during last week’s matchup with Philadelphia. To address the vacancy, the team added Jacob Bobenmoyer to the roster.
Bears at Falcons
Although Caleb Williams took part in every practice session fully all week, his status remains officially questionable for a Week 6 return. Speaking to media members on Thursday, Williams admitted that he was “not know if I’m playing yet.”
Having practiced without restriction on Friday, Michael Penix Jr. (ribs) enters the matchup without any game-status tag, confirming he will start for Atlanta against Chicago. However, the Falcons will be short-handed at cornerback, with C.J. Henderson ruled out as he recovers from a groin strain sustained during Week 5 versus Baltimore.
Ravens at Browns
- Ravens: QB Lamar Jackson (ankle), C Cam Jurgens (concussion), TE Matt Hibner (hand), DT Broderick Washington (ankle) OUT; G Emery Jones Jr. (ankle), WR Ja’Kobi Lane (wrist) QUESTIONABLE
- Browns: DT Kalia Davis (quad), QB Dillon Gabriel (back), DT Mike Hall Jr. (ankle), G Teven Jenkins (back), RB Dylan Sampson (knee) OUT; DE Derek Barnett (ankle), DT Mason Graham (knee, ankle), RB Quinshon Judkins (ankle) and LB Carson Schwesinger (ankle) QUESTIONABLE
Baltimore is forced to manage without Lamar Jackson for a second consecutive game while his ankle heals. The two-time MVP has remained off the practice field since sustaining the setback, elevating backup Tyler Huntley into the starting lineup once again. Furthermore, Jurgens cannot suit up for Sunday’s division clash because he remains sidelined by concussion protocols, which should give Vega Ioane the start at center. Positively for the offense, Zay Flowers has been cleared entirely and holds no game designation despite managing a toe issue with limited practice sessions on Thursday and Friday.
For Cleveland, Mason Graham, Quinshon Judkins, and Carson Schwesinger all managed limited practice reps on Friday following earlier absences this week. Though all three carry questionable tags, their Friday activity keeps them in contention to suit up for Week 6.
Titans at Colts
Tyjae Spears stepped back onto the practice field on Friday as a complete participant after sitting out Thursday to address a knee problem. Cornerback Joshua Williams also completed a full workload Friday, though he is still designated as questionable.
Regarding Indianapolis, the biggest concern involves Tyler Warren. The tight end was added to the injury ledger Friday following limited participation due to a groin issue, leaving his availability for Sunday in question.
Jets at Patriots
- Jets: RB Breece Hall (quad), WR Adonai Mitchell (finger), EDGE Joseph Ossai (ankle), OL Dylan Parham (knee) OUT; S Dane Belton (knee), WR Omar Cooper Jr. (ankle), TE Kenyon Sadiq (concussion) QUESTIONABLE
- Patriots: CB Carlton Davis III (neck), CB Karon Prunty (hamstring) OUT; WR A.J. Brown (ankle), OT Marcus Bryant (ankle), OT Will Campbell (knee), CB Channing Canada (hamstring), LB Christian Elliss (chest), TreVeyon Henderson (ankle), S Craig Woodson (shoulder) QUESTIONABLE
The Jets will spend another week without Breece Hall lining up in their backfield while his quad continues to heal. As a result, Braelon Allen remains inline to carry the primary rushing burden. On a positive note, New York expects first-round rookie wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. back on the field; despite his questionable status, he logged a full session Friday and is on track to play.
New England welcomes back top cornerback Christian Gonzalez, who has recovered from a shoulder injury. Gonzalez practiced without limitations over the last two sessions and carries no game designation. Meanwhile, attention remains focused on A.J. Brown, who is listed as questionable. Having suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 1, Brown is cleared to exit injured reserve this week after working in a limited capacity all week. Will Campbell and TreVeyon Henderson are likewise questionable following limited practice reps.
Saints at Giants
- Saints: LB Kaden Wlliss (calf), LB Anfernee Jennings (knee) OUT; RB Alvin Kamara (back), WR Chris Olave (illness), DT Nathan Shepherd (illness), CB Lorenzo Styles (knee), LS Zach Wood (calf) QUESTIONABLE
- Giants: S Tyler Nubin (neck), TE Theo Johnson (neck), CB Colton Hood (concussion) OUT; OL Andrew Thomas (groin), OL Jermaine Eluemunor (calf), LB Abdul Carter (calf) QUESTIONABLE
Chris Olave and Nathan Shepherd resumed practicing on a limited basis Friday after missing Wednesday and Thursday sessions because of illness. Both carry questionable tags, as does star back Alvin Kamara, who managed limited reps all week due to a back concern.
The Giants were unable to get Colton Hood, Theo Johnson, or Tyler Nubin on the practice field Friday, leading to all three being ruled out against New Orleans. Conversely, Abdul Carter, Jermaine Eluemunor, and Andrew Thomas rejoined practice Friday in a limited role after sitting out earlier in the week, keeping alive the possibility of them suiting up despite their questionable status.
Panthers at Eagles
- Panthers: RB AJ Dillon (ankle) OUT; OT Monroe Freeling (knee) DOUBTFUL; G Damien Lewis (elbow), OLB Jaelan Phillips (hamstring), RB Trevor Etienne (ankle), OT Taylor Moton (lungs), DT Tershawn Wharton (neck) QUESTIONABLE
- Eagles: RB Saquon Barkley (hamstring), DB Michael Carter II (abdomen), OLB Jalyx Hunt (knee, ankle), QB Jalen Hurts (calf), RB Will Shipley (foot) OUT; OLB A.J. Epenesa (back) DOUBTFUL; CB Jakorian Bennett (knee), TE Grant Calcaterra (back), G Landon Dickerson (knee), IOL Drew Kendall (knee), TE Eli Stowers (quad) QUESTIONABLE
Having completed full practice workloads throughout the week, Carolina tackle Taylor Moton appears likely to take the field in Week 6, though an official roster activation is required first. Outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips (hamstring) increased his participation to full on Friday, putting him in position to play despite his questionable label. Offensive tackle Monroe Freeling remained limited Thursday and Friday, leaving him with a doubtful designation.
Philadelphia had previously ruled starting passer Jalen Hurts out with a calf blood clot, and now the team must also navigate without star running back Saquon Barkley, who is sidelined by a hamstring injury. With both Barkley and Will Shipley unavailable, Dameon Pierce is set to take on the majority of backfield touches. In encouraging news, backup quarterback Tanner McKee will benefit from the return of DeVonta Smith, as the wideout cleared the injury report following hamstring and toe troubles.
Steelers at Buccaneers
- Steelers: WR Roman Wilson (finger), WR Ben Skowronik (calf), S DeShon Elliot (knee) OUT; CB Jalen Ramsey (wrist), WR DK Metcalf (illness), DT Keeanu Benton (ankle), CB Jamel Dean (ankle), RB Rico Dowdle (toe) QUESTIONABLE
- Buccaneers: QB Baker Mayfield (right thumb), WR David Sills V (hamstring), S Antoine Winfield Jr. (rib) OUT; CB Benjamin Morrison (quad) DOUBTFUL; LB SirVocea Dennis (ankle, foot), CB Ayden Garnes (ankle), LB Josiah Trotter (knee), RB Sean Tucker (quad) QUESTIONABLE
DK Metcalf became a late addition to Pittsburgh’s injury report after an illness kept him off the field on Friday. The receiver is listed as questionable, compounding concerns for a receiving corps already missing Roman Wilson (finger). Meanwhile, cornerback Jalen Ramsey closed out the week with consecutive limited practices, and running back Rico Dowdle practiced fully both Thursday and Friday; both players carry questionable designations.
Baker Mayfield remains unable to return after failing to practice at all this week, resulting in an official rule-out that hands Jalon Daniels his third straight start at quarterback. On defense, Tampa Bay will be missing safety Antoine Winfield Jr. while he works through a rib ailment.
Cardinals at Rams
- Cardinals: RB Jeremiyah Love (ankle), S Wydett Williams (concussion), S Andrew Wingard (knee) OUT; S Budda Baker (not injury-related, groin), LB Zaven Collins (hip), S Kitan Crawford (ankle), P Blake Gillikin (back) QUESTIONABLE
- Rams: S Kam Curl (ankle), CB Trent McDuffie (groin) QUESTIONABLE
Arizona will play without top rookie running back Jeremiyah Love as he nurtures a left ankle injury. Though head coach Matt LaFleur clarified Friday that injured reserve remains off the table, Love is ruled out for the Rams game. Expect Tyler Allgeier to handle an expanded workload in Arizona’s backfield as a result.
Los Angeles presents a brief injury list, but one that includes significant defensive players. Cornerback Trent McDuffie missed Friday’s practice with a groin problem, and safety Kam Curl was similarly downgraded to non-participant status Friday after being limited Thursday with an ankle issue.
Chargers at Chiefs
- Chargers: OT Joe Alt (neck), OG Kayode Awosika (fibula), OLB Bud Dupree (neck), WR Tre’Harris (hamstring), CB Donte Jackson (hamstring), S Derwin James (hamstring) OUT; CB Rodney Shelley (hamstring) DOUBTFUL, DL Jamaree Caldwell (knee), LB Daiyan Henley (knee), WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith (hamstring), WR Brenen Thompson (quad), DL Dalvin Tomlinson (hamstring) QUESTIONABLE
- Chiefs: WR Rashee Rice (hamstring, knee), OT Josh Simmons (back) OUT; CB L’Jarius Sneed (knee) QUESTIONABLE
Los Angeles will go into battle without key offensive line anchor Joe Alt, who has been officially ruled out with an ongoing neck injury. The defensive backfield will also lack Derwin James because of a hamstring strain. Encouragingly, receiver Ladd McConkey (foot) is completely off the injury report and ready to play.
Exiting their Week 5 bye, Kansas City will remain without leading target Rashee Rice. After hurting his hamstring in Week 4 against Las Vegas, Rice requires further rehab time. Cornerback L’Jarius Sneed is listed as questionable following limited practice participation across the week.
Bills at Raiders
- Bills: CB Dee Alford (ankle), WR DJ Moore (shoulder), DL Ed Oliver (knee), WR Joshua Palmer (shoulder), DL T.J. Sanders (shoulder) QUESTIONABLE
- Raiders: DT Tonka Hemingway (concussion), TE Carter Runyon (foot), WR Dont’e Thornton (hamstring) OUT; G Trey Zuhn (knee) QUESTIONABLE
Buffalo completed its weekly preparations without officially ruling out a single player ahead of their road trip to Las Vegas. Wideout DJ Moore rejoined practice Friday in a limited role as he works through an ongoing shoulder problem. Furthermore, starting offensive tackle Spencer Brown cleared the injury report entirely following a back issue and will suit up for Week 6.
For the Raiders, standout tight end Brock Bowers completed back-to-back full sessions to close out the week after early limitations with a knee injury, clearing him to play without a game status tag.
Cowboys at Packers
- Cowboys: CB Cobie Durant (hamstring), OT Drew Shelton (hamstring) OUT; LB DeMarvion Overshown (hamstring), DT L.T. Overton (foot), CB Joey Porter Jr. (ankle), CB Ameer Speed (knee) QUESTIONABLE
- Packers: DT Jonathan Ford (calf), DT Javon Hargrave (Achilles), WR Skyy Moore (ankle), CB Benjamin St. Juste (hamstring) OUT; DT Jordon Riley (Achilles) DOUBTFUL; OG Aaron Banks (knee, toe), DT Antony Campbell (ankle), CB Brandon Cisse (hip), IOL Jacob Monk (quad), WR Savion Williams (ankle) QUESTIONABLE
Dallas defensive tackle L.T. Overton was added late to the injury report after missing Friday’s session with a foot problem, rendering him questionable. Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. saw his activity downgraded from full on Thursday to limited on Friday because of an ankle issue, also placing him in questionable status.
All players ruled out by Green Bay on Friday failed to log any practice time this week, making their statuses expected. Lineman Aaron Banks logged limited participation throughout the week and enters questionable, matching corner Brandon Cisse, who was limited Friday with a hip issue.
Commanders at 49ers (Monday)
Breakdown to follow.
