Table of Content
Following a busy trade deadline across the league, several prominent NFL players are sidelined or dealing with health issues as teams prepare for Week 10. Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is facing a multi-week absence after suffering a knee injury in Week 9, though the team has not officially placed him on injured reserve.
Quarterback Statuses and Major Injury Concerns
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes logged a full practice on Wednesday despite an elbow issue sustained against the New York Jets. Los Angeles Chargers signal-caller Justin Herbert avoided serious damage to his finger and hand, giving him extra recovery time prior to a Monday night matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. In Seattle, Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold remains out with rib and quad injuries, setting up Drew Lock to start against the Las Vegas Raiders.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans did not practice on Wednesday due to an Achilles injury. Additional key players missing Wednesday sessions across the league included Rhamondre Stevenson, Malik Willis, Josh Jacobs, Jaylen Waddle, Luther Burden III, Riley Moss, and Antoine Winfield Jr.
Thursday Night and Munich Game Reports
The Washington Commanders ruled out center Lucas Patrick with a concussion and tight end Colson Yankoff with a knee injury for their Thursday Night Football game against the New York Giants. Nick Allegretti is slated to replace Patrick at center, while wide receiver Treylon Burks is poised to return following a foot injury. For the Giants, linebacker Malik Harrison is listed as questionable with a groin injury, while running back Cam Skattebo returns from a hamstring ailment, with head coach John Harbaugh stating he will be “full go” for the NFC East clash.
Preparing for their game in Munich, the New England Patriots ruled out offensive lineman Ben Brown, cornerback Carlton Davis III, and running back TreVeyon Henderson. Running back Rhamondre Stevenson did not practice with a knee injury and is expected to miss the contest, while wide receiver A.J. Brown was limited. For the Detroit Lions, center Cade Mays, cornerback D.J. Reed, and running back Sione Vaki missed practice, while quarterback Jared Goff and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown were limited.
AFC Matchups and Practice Participation
Ahead of their game against the Cleveland Browns, the Houston Texans held out running back David Montgomery, linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, tight end Brevin Jordan, and offensive lineman Keylan Rutledge from practice. Wide receivers Tank Dell and Marvin Harrison Jr. were among those limited. For Cleveland, wide receiver Denzel Boston, fullback Michael Burton, safety Ronnie Hickman, and center Elgton Jenkins missed practice, though quarterback Deshaun Watson cleared concussion protocol and is set to start.
The Buffalo Bills conducted a walk-through on Wednesday, listing tight end Dalton Kincaid, tackle Dion Dawkins, and four others as limited. Their opponents, the New York Jets, estimated defensive lineman Harrison Phillips and linebacker Trevin Wallace as non-participants, with wide receiver Garrett Wilson limited by a concussion.
The Jacksonville Jaguars rested recent trade additions Jessie Bates III and Jordan Davis, while wide receiver Jakobi Meyers and running back Bhayshul Tuten sat out practice with ankle injuries. The Tennessee Titans had five non-participants on Wednesday, including running back Tyjae Spears and wide receiver Carnell Tate.
The Miami Dolphins placed quarterback Malik Willis and defensive tackle Zach Sieler on injured reserve, with Sieler ruled out for the remainder of the season. Center Aaron Brewer missed practice with a concussion, while Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor was limited.
In the AFC North, Pittsburgh Steelers stars T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward took rest days, while Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Jonathan Allen and safety Kyle Dugger missed Wednesday’s practice session.
NFC Injury Updates Ahead of Sunday
The Atlanta Falcons were without wide receiver Zachariah Branch and edge rusher James Pearce Jr. due to injuries, while the Carolina Panthers welcomed back edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, guard Damien Lewis, and cornerback Will Lee III as full practice participants.
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara missed practice due to rest and a back issue, while Travis Etienne Jr. returned to limited work while remaining on injured reserve. Head coach Kellen Moore confirmed that Cesar Ruiz will start at center this week with Erik McCoy out due to a biceps injury.
Following their Monday night game, the Minnesota Vikings released an estimated injury report listing quarterback Kyler Murray and tight end T.J. Hockenson as non-participants. Head coach Kevin O’Connell expressed hope that Carson Wentz can back up newly acquired Kirk Cousins against the Green Bay Packers. Green Bay estimated that safety Javon Bullard, linebacker Zaire Franklin, and EDGE Lukas Van Ness did not participate, while EDGE Micah Parsons remains on the PUP list.
The Los Angeles Rams practiced without Nacua, cornerback Trent McDuffie, and tight end Terrance Ferguson, though head coach Sean McVay expressed optimism regarding McDuffie’s potential return. Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker rested, while center Hjalte Froholdt missed practice due to a concussion.
For the Dallas Cowboys, tight end Jake Ferguson and running back Tyler Goodson missed practice with injuries that will cause them to miss extended time, while wide receiver George Pickens was limited due to a hamstring injury.
