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As the 2026 NFL regular season enters its second half, health concerns are reshaping roster availability across the league ahead of Week 10. High-profile playmakers, including Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III and New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown, are dealing with late-week physical issues that leave their status uncertain for Sunday.
Walker and Porter Jr. Face Late-Week Uncertainties
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III, who ranks second in the NFL this season with 872 rushing yards, was added to the injury report on Friday after tweaking his groin in practice. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid indicated that the team will take a cautious approach with the starting tailback. Reid explained that the team will not place Walker at risk, noting that his participation will depend entirely on his physical condition closer to kickoff.
In Dallas, cornerback Joey Porter Jr. dismissed speculation that his absence from the field is related to ongoing contract talks in the final year of his rookie deal. Porter clarified that his foot, heel, and ankle are all significantly injured. After missing practice earlier in the week, Porter returned as a limited participant on Friday, prompting the Cowboys to list him as questionable for their upcoming game against the San Francisco 49ers.
“That has no, I don’t even know where that narrative comes from. I get it, it’s the internet. I don’t really pay attention to that. I don’t really care for that,” Porter Jr. stated after practice on Thursday. “My goal is to win games and play football. That’s what I want to do. If there’s any chance I can get on the field, I’m going to get on the field and do what I do best.”
Munich Game: Patriots vs. Lions Statuses
The New England Patriots feature a long injury report ahead of their international game in Munich against the Detroit Lions. Center Ben Brown, cornerback Carlton Davis III, and running back TreVeyon Henderson have been ruled out after failing to practice during the week. Wide receiver A.J. Brown is questionable with ankle and knee injuries, while safety Kevin Byard is also questionable despite completing a full practice on Friday.
The Detroit Lions will play without All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph, who was ruled out on Friday despite practicing fully on Thursday. Center Cade Mays and cornerback D.J. Reed have also been ruled out after missing practice all week. Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown is listed as questionable due to a rib injury that limited his practice reps throughout the week.
Major AFC and NFC Injury Summaries
The Kansas City Chiefs ruled out offensive lineman Jaylon Moore, defensive lineman Peter Woods, and defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott for their game against the Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta ruled out wide receiver Zachariah Branch and listed linebacker Divine Deablo as doubtful.
The Houston Texans ruled out five players for their matchup with the Cleveland Browns, including linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., and defensive end Danielle Hunter. The Cleveland Browns ruled out safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. and fullback Michael Burton, while listing wide receiver Denzel Boston as questionable.
The Minnesota Vikings will be missing five key contributors against the Green Bay Packers, having ruled out quarterback Kyler Murray, tight end T.J. Hockenson, wide receiver Jauan Jennings, defensive tackle Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, and linebacker Blake Cashman. Green Bay ruled out running back Josh Jacobs, defensive end Micah Parsons, center Sean Rhyan, and tight end Josh Whyle.
The Seattle Seahawks ruled out quarterback Sam Darnold, guard Quenton Nelson, defensive tackle Leonard Williams, and offensive tackle Charles Cross for their game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Las Vegas listed defensive tackle Thomas Booker and wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr. as questionable.
Roster Adjustments and Game-Day Statuses
The Jacksonville Jaguars ruled out safety Jessie Bates and defensive tackle Jordan Davis for rest purposes, ensuring both recent trade acquisitions do not exceed 17 regular-season games. Defensive end BJ Green II was also ruled out for Jacksonville. The Tennessee Titans ruled out six players, including linebacker Cody Barton and punter Tommy Townsend, while running back Tyjae Spears is questionable.
The Los Angeles Rams ruled out offensive lineman Steve Avila and tight end Terrance Ferguson against the Arizona Cardinals, who ruled out center Hjalte Froholdt, guard Jon Gaines II, and defensive tackle Zachary Carter. The San Francisco 49ers ruled out wide receiver Mike Evans against Dallas, while the Cowboys ruled out five players, including tight end Jake Ferguson and wide receiver Jonathan Mingo.
In the AFC North, the Pittsburgh Steelers listed defensive tackle Derrick Harmon as questionable against the Cincinnati Bengals, who ruled out safety Kyle Dugger. Ahead of Monday Night Football, the Los Angeles Chargers had wide receiver Ladd McConkey, offensive lineman Trey Pipkins, guard Branson Taylor, and wide receiver Brenen Thompson sit out Friday’s practice, while the Baltimore Ravens logged full team participation.
