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As the 2026 NFL season reaches its Week 9 halfway point, several major players dealing with long-term injuries are preparing to return to the field. At the same time, teams continue to manage new injuries across the league as game preparations get underway.
Packers and Saints Getting Reinforcements
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur announced that Micah Parsons’ 21-day practice window to return from a torn ACL and torn meniscus is now active, as reported by CBS Sports Headlines. Parsons will practice with the team for the first time this season, targeting a comeback for the Thanksgiving week matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. LaFleur stated that Parsons put in tremendous effort and his presence will provide a major boost, noting the player will start as a limited participant in individual drills before ramping up fully in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Saints could soon welcome back rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, the eighth overall pick out of Arizona State. Tyson’s NFL debut was delayed by college hamstring issues, but New Orleans Football Network indicated he is set to return to practice.
Rams Lose Jaylen Watson
While some teams received encouraging news, the Los Angeles Rams suffered a significant setback on Wednesday when cornerback Jaylen Watson was diagnosed with a season-ending shoulder injury requiring surgery. Watson previously missed a game after dislocating his shoulder and reaggravated the issue against the Chargers. Head coach Sean McVay described the loss as a major blow, stating that the player wanted to play through it, but surgery was ultimately recommended and he will be placed on injured reserve.
Week 9 Team-by-Team Injury Reports
Jacksonville Jaguars at Baltimore Ravens (+10): Jaguars running back Bhayshul Tuten is questionable after playing through an ankle and foot injury last week without practicing. Chris Rodriguez would handle more touches if Tuten is limited. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson suffered a thumb injury on the first play last week and is out alongside backup Tyler Huntley, who sustained a season-ending turf toe injury. Both quarterbacks head to injured reserve, leaving emergency third quarterback Joe Fagnano to make his first NFL start.
Cincinnati Bengals at Atlanta Falcons (+3): The Bengals did not practice on Wednesday, listing defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, safety Kyle Dugger, defensive end Cedric Johnson, and cornerback DJ Turner II as non-participants. The Falcons listed wide receiver Zachariah Branch as their only non-participant, while running back Brian Robinson Jr. and linebacker Devine Diablo were limited after missing last week’s game.
New York Jets at Kansas City Chiefs (-10): Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson is in concussion protocol, while running back Breece Hall could return after missing multiple games with a quad injury. Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and wide receiver Rashee Rice were limited, and defensive lineman Peter Woods did not practice.
Detroit Lions at Miami Dolphins (+7): Lions safety Kerby Joseph will be out, and linebacker Jack Campbell remains hospitalized following an injury last week. Dolphins wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown was limited with a rib injury alongside a long list of eight limited players.
Los Angeles Rams at Washington Commanders (+5.5): The Commanders placed Jeremy McNichols, Daron Payne, and Javon Kinlaw on injured reserve, while Jayden Daniels was a full participant. The Rams opened Myles Garrett’s 21-day practice window as he works back from a season-opener knee injury.
Denver Broncos at Carolina Panthers (+2.5): Broncos wide receiver Pat Bryant was designated to return from injured reserve and participated fully, while four players did not practice. Panthers quarterback Bryce Young was a full participant in their estimated report.
Dallas Cowboys at Indianapolis Colts (+5.5): The Cowboys had several non-participants, including defensive back Caleb Downs and tight end Jake Ferguson. Coach Brian Schottenheimer announced that edge rusher Malachi Lawrence will miss multiple weeks with an ankle injury. Five Colts players did not practice, including Keenan Allen.
New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles (+3.5): Giants outside linebacker Abdul Carter and running back Cam Skattebo were sidelined from Wednesday’s practice. The Eagles’ lengthy injury report featured non-participants Saquon Barkley and DeVonta Smith.
Cleveland Browns at New Orleans Saints (-3): Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson entered concussion protocol and did not practice. Saints running back Alvin Kamara was sidelined for rest, while rookie Jordyn Tyson was limited.
Las Vegas Raiders at San Francisco 49ers (-10): Raiders cornerback Darien Porter was the sole non-participant. The 49ers kept Nick Bosa and Christian Kirk limited, while Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, and Mike Evans did not practice.
Houston Texans at Los Angeles Chargers (+4.5): Texans running back David Montgomery has no significant update on his groin injury, keeping him out alongside Reed Blankenship. The Chargers held four players out, including Khalil Mack, as they seek their first win.
Arizona Seahawks Matchups and Final Notes: Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is out with a quad injury, leaving Drew Lock to start. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett did not practice while finalizing a trade to the Ravens. In the Green Bay at New England matchup, Micah Parsons returned to practice as a limited participant for the Packers, while A.J. Brown remained sidelined for the Patriots. Baker Mayfield practiced fully for the Buccaneers, and the Bills and Vikings will issue initial reports ahead of Monday Night Football.
