Week 3 of the NFL season has arrived and with it, a new wave of injuries. Cam Newton's status for Sunday is in doubt, the Chiefs are dealing with a crisis at left tackle as Eric Fisher tries to get healthy, and well, the Saints and Steelers have both lost their Hall of Fame quarterbacks to serious injuries (one more serious than the other).
For the Eagles, their injury issues are so bad that they canceled practice on Wednesday, opting for a walkthrough instead. Per the team's website, all of Alshon Jeffery (calf), DeSean Jackson (groin), Dallas Goedert (calf) and Corey Clement (shoulder) are considered day to day.
With that in mind, it's probably a good time to check in with the various injury reports around the league -- especially with the Titans-Jaguars game on Thursday night only a day away. Below, we'll be updating you on the initial injury reports around the league as they become available, as well as discussing the final injury report for Thursday night football.
Let's get to it.
Titans (-1.5) at Jaguars
- Titans: RB David Fluellen (hamstring), CB Chris Milton (collarbone), ILB Wesley Woodyard (quad) OUT
- Jaguars: LB D.J. Alexander (hamstring), TE Josh Oliver (hamstring) OUT; CB A.J. Bouye (hip), CB Josh Robinson (foot) QUESTIONABLE
The most important news is Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota managing to get through another full practice on Wednesday. The Titans didn't practice on Monday, but if they had held a practice on Monday, their starting quarterback would not have participated as he deals with a quad injury. His full participation on Tuesday and Wednesday means he's playing on Thursday night after avoiding a final injury designation. It's also noteworthy that both Malcolm Butler and A.J. Brown logged full practices. The Titans aren't at full strength, but it looks like most of their key starters will be playing against the Jaguars on a short week.
For the Jaguars, being without starting cornerback A.J. Bouye would be a huge blow as they look to keep their season alive in a must-win game, so make sure to keep an eye on his status as kickoff approaches on Thursday. The good news for the Jaguars is that both cornerback Jalen Ramsey (who demanded a trade this week) and left tackle Cam Robinson (knee) will play against the Titans, according to coach Doug Marrone.
Wednesday practice report notes
The Packers, who held a walkthrough on Wednesday, estimated that tight end Jimmy Graham would not have practiced as he deals with an injury to his groin. Additionally, starting defensive end Montravius Adams (shoulder) would've sat out practice as well. Finally, a trio of starters would've been limited with injuries: inside linebackers Oren Burks (chest) and Blake Martinez (shoulder), and safety Darnell Savage (shin).
Tackle Ja'Wuan James (knee) did not practice at Denver's Wednesday session. Neither did guard Ron Leary, although he was excused for a personal reason. Ditto for receiver Emmanuel Sanders, who was limited but has looked exceedingly healthy in his return from 2018's Achilles injury.
The Eagles are banged up. On Wednesday, they held a walkthrough. According to the team, if they had held a practice, running back Corey Clement (shoulder), tight end Dallas Goedert (calf), receivers DeSean Jackson (abdomen) and Alshon Jeffery (calf), defensive tackle Tim Jernigan (foot), and backup right tackle Jordan Mailata (back) would not have participated. If they had practiced, defensive end Derek Barnett (shoulder), defensive tackle Fletcher Cox (toe), safeties Johnathan Cyprien (knee) and Rudy Ford (hamstring), and linebackers Nathan Gerry (knee, calf) and Kamu Grugier-Hill (knee) all would've been limited. I repeat: The Eagles are banged up.
The Lions are not nearly as banged up. They listed only four players as limited, among them starting linebacker Jarrad Davis (ankle), starting left tackle Taylor Decker (back), and defensive lineman Da'Shawn Hand (elbow).
Ravens at Chiefs (-6.5)
As expected, the Chiefs were without receiver Tyreek Hill (shoulder) at Wednesday's practice. Hill was far from the only name sidelined, however. Both running backs Damien Williams (knee) and LeSean McCoy (ankle) did not practice and figure to be questionable at best for Sunday. Tackle Eric Fisher (groin), meanwhile, also sat out and is expected to miss several games after undergoing surgery.
The Ravens had a few of their own big names out of practice on Wednesday, too. Tight end Mark Andrews (foot) and cornerback Jimmy Smith (knee) were sidelined, while safety Earl Thomas (personal) was excused from Wednesday's session.
Bills rookie Devin Singletary (hamstring) wasn't on the field on Wednesday, and if the running back can't go in Week 3, that means another heavy dose of veteran Frank Gore. At corner, the Bills were missing Taron Johnson (hamstring) but also had top CB Tre'Davious White as limited due to a neck injury.
The Bengals have quite a few players listed on their injury report, but let's start with the good news: Running back Joe Mixon and receiver John Ross were not listed. Onto the bad news: Starting left tackle Cordy Glenn (concussion), starting left guard Michael Jordan (knee), defensive end Carl Lawson (hamstring), backup offensive tackle Andre Smith (groin), and receiver A.J. Green (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday.
At practice on Wednesday, the Colts were without star linebacker Darius Leonard (concussion) and starting running back Marlon Mack (calf). Being without either of those two players -- Leonard especially -- would dramatically alter the Colts' chances of beating the Falcons. It's also noteworthy that wide receiver T.Y. Hilton (quad) was limited on Wednesday while starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett (knee) fully participated. At this point in the week, Leonard is the key player to keep an eye on as attempts to get cleared in time for Sunday. Finally, defensive end Jabaal Sheard (knee) managed to practice in a limited capacity. It's the first time he's been able to practice with the first team since July 25. Sheard might not be a star, but he's contributed 5.5 sacks in each of the past two seasons.
As for the Falcons, right tackle Kaleb McGary (knee) was held out of Wednesday's practice despite returning to Atlanta's Week 2 victory over the Eagles after initially leaving the contest. Other notable names on the team's injury report are safety Keanu Neal (groin), who was limited; and punter Matt Bosher (groin), who was also limited and fought through pain while kicking in Week 2.
Vikings cornerback Mike Hughes (knee) was a full participant for the second consecutive practice. He has been rehabbing a torn ACL suffered in 2018. Defensive tackle Shamar Stephen (knee), safety Jayron Kearse (hip), guard Pat Elflein (knee), linebacker Kentrell Brothers (wrist/hamstring) and linebacker Anthony Barr (groin) were all limited participants in Wednesday's practice.
As for the Raiders, tackle Trent Brown (knee), receiver/return specialist Dwayne Harris (ankle) and guard Gabe Jackson (knee) did not participate in practice on Wednesday. Linebacker Vontaze Burfict (shoulder), running back Josh Jacobs (hip), cornerback Gareon Conley (neck), wide receiver J.J. Nelson (ankle), defensive tackle Corey Liuget (knee), safety Curtis Riley (hip) and wide receiver Tyrell Williams (hip) were all limited participants.
Sound the alarm because Tom Brady is on the Patriots' injury report. He showed up with a calf injury that led to his limited participation at practice on Wednesday. Nobody should panic, of course. He'll probably play. But anytime Brady shows up on the injury report, it's noteworthy. Also noteworthy: Right tackle Marcus Cannon (shoulder) and tight end Matt LaCosse (ankle) were limited while fullback James Develin (neck) did not participate.
In New York, the Jets are hurting. Linebacker C.J. Mosley (groin), defensive lineman Quinnen Williams (ankle), and receiver Demaryius Thomas (hamstring/knee) all didn't practice Wednesday. Quarterback Sam Darnold also didn't practice, but his absence from practice was expected as he recovers from mono.
The Dolphins had two key players sit out Wednesday's practice, with safety Reshad Jones recovering from an ankle injury and receiver Albert Wilson dealing with hip and calf issues. Quarterback Josh Rosen also appeared on the first injury report of the week with a knee injury, but he's listed as practicing in full.
Cowboys defensive end Tyrone Crawford (hip) missed practice, as did receiver Tavon Austin (concussion), defensive tackle Antwaun Woods (knee), and safety Xavier Woods (ankle), who is out 4-6 weeks, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. It's also worth a reminder that receiver Michael Gallup is expected to miss a few weeks after having a minor procedure on his knee. The good news is that receivers Amari Cooper (foot) and Randall Cobb (rib) both practiced in full, and the Cowboys are adding Robert Quinn to their defensive front.
Giants at Buccaneers (-6.5)
The Daniel Jones era could begin without a pretty big part of the offensive line, as guard Kevin Zeitler didn't practice Wednesday due to a shoulder issue. At receiver, Cody Latimer (concussion) didn't practice at all, but Sterling Shepard (concussion) was able to be a limited participant after missing Week 2.
There's no reason to panic in Tampa Bay, because Jameis Winston made it through a full practice on Wednesday. That said, Winston did pop up on the injury report with a foot injury, which is something to monitor moving forward. It's especially noteworthy because Winston's backup, Blaine Gabbert, did not practice as he deals with a shoulder injury. As expected, rookie linebacker Devin White didn't practice after he hurt his knee in Week 2. He's considered day to day, per Bruce Arians. Finally, a pair of Buccaneers edge rushers, Carl Nassib (calf) and Shaquil Barrett (groin), were limited on Wednesday. Barrett is coming off a three-sack performance.
Panthers quarterback Cam Newton was unable to practice on Wednesday due to a foot injury, and his status is obviously key for the Panthers in this game, which doesn't currently have a line posted. NFL Network's Ian Raoport said late Wednesday that Newton is "trending toward" sitting out Sunday's game, which would leave Kyle Allen as the team's starting QB. Also joining Newton on the sidelines on Wednesday were pass rusher Bruce Irvin (hamstring) and defensive lineman Kawaan Short (shoulder). Tight end Greg Olsen (back) was a limited participant after being questionable for last Thursday's game and ultimately playing.
Running back David Johnson (wrist) was a full go at Wednesday's practice for the Cardinals -- a signal that he'll be just fine for Week 3. The biggest names to miss out on practice: Linebacker Jordan Hicks (groin), who ranks among the league leaders in tackles; and receiver Larry Fitzgerald, who was excused for a reason not injury-related and should be good to go on Sunday.
Saints at Seahawks (-4)
Seattle's receivers bear watching throughout the week, as David Moore (shoulder) and Jaron Brown (toe) were both limited participants on Wednesday. Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf were also limited at Wednesday's practice, though their reduction in time was listed as not injury-related.
Quarterback Drew Brees (thumb) was obviously the biggest absentee from Saints practice on Wednesday, and he figures to show up on the report for at least another month, if not a month and a half or more following surgery. In Brees' absence, both Teddy Bridgewater and Taysom Hill could be in line for snaps under center. Receiver Tre'Quan Smith (ankle) also missed practice, while fellow wideout Ted Ginn Jr. was limited with a thigh issue.
The Texans saw left tackle Laremy Tunsil (ankle) and wideout DeAndre Hopkins (ankle) practice on a limited basis Wednesday, along with fellow receiver Will Fuller (personal). Quarterback Deshaun Watson, who appeared on the Week 2 report with a back injury sustained in the Texans' opener, was not listed for Week 3.
Keenan Allen was a limited participant for the Chargers on Wednesday with a knee injury, while his fellow pass catcher, Mike Williams (knee), was a full participant after looking healthy during L.A.'s close loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday.
Steelers at 49ers (-6.5)
The biggest ailment in Pittsburgh, of course, belongs to Ben Roethlisberger, who landed on injured reserve earlier this week with his season-ending elbow injury. Starting safety Sean Davis also hit IR, but the arrival of Minkah Fitzpatrick should help offset his loss. As for players on the active roster, a number of notable starters did not take part in Wednesday's practice, including running back James Conner (knee), linebacker Vince Williams (hamstring) and cornerback Joe Haden (shoulder). Tight end Vance McDonald was also limited on Wednesday (back).
The 49ers were without running back Tevin Coleman (ankle) and star pass rusher Dee Ford (quad) at Wednesday's practice. If Coleman is sidelined, Matt Breida would again be in line to lead San Fran's backfield against Pittsburgh. Defenders Nick Bosa (ankle) and Jimmie Ward (hand) were also limited.
After their Monday night win over the Jets, a number of Browns players were listed as "Did Not Practice" on the injury report, most notably: linebacker Christian Kirksey (chest), tight end David Njoku (concussion/wrist), safeties Damarious Randall (concussion) and Morgan Burnett (quad), right tackle Chris Hubbard (foot), and defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (ankle). Two key players were listed as limited: left guard Joel Bitonio (abdomen) and receiver Rashard Higgins (knee).
Star defensive tackle Aaron Donald (back) was limited for the Rams on Wednesday, as was running back Malcolm Brown (ankle), who has split carries with Todd Gurley early in the season. Tight end Tyler Higbee (chest), meanwhile, remained out of practice, as did lineman Austin Blythe (ankle), who went down in Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints.
