We saw a few big injuries on Monday night, including a hamstring injury that limited Chargers’ kicker Dustin Hopkins and a hamstring injury to Russell Wilson that could explain his second half struggles.
For all the other major injury news coming out of Week 6, check out our team-by-team breakdown:
Arizona Cardinals Injuries
The Cardinals got some good news on Monday when it was revealed Marquise Brown’s broken foot will only cost him about six weeks instead of the entire season. Since Week 2, Brown has averaged over 11 targets and seven catches per game.
Arizona did trade for Robbie Anderson on Monday following his altercation with the Panthers’ coaching staff. Anderson had over 1,000 yards in 2020, but has struggled since signing a big contract, catching just 48% of his targets and averaging 31 yards per game.
The Cardinals play on Thursday this week and could be shorthanded in the backfield again after James Conner and Darrel Williams were both inactive on Sunday and non-participants in Monday’s practice.
Eno Benjamin had 15 carries against the Seahawks, but managed just 37 yards against the defense that ranks 28th in yards per carry allowed.
Atlanta Falcons Injuries
The Falcons lost both of their starting cornerbacks on Sunday, but the prognosis on A.J. Terrell seems to be positive as he told reporters following the game that his hamstring feels fine and he was held out of the final moments of the game as a precaution.
As for Casey Hayward, the news isn’t quite as good. Arthur Smith described Hayward’s shoulder injury as “long-term” on Monday. That means Darren Hall could see his first extended action as an outside corner after spending most of his rookie season in the slot.
Hall was targeted three times on Sunday, but broke up two passes and allowed just one completion on a screen pass for three yards.
Baltimore Ravens Injuries
Right tackle Morgan Moses was carted off the field on Sunday, but returned to the sideline prior to the end of the game. John Harbaugh told reporters on Monday that Moses could return to practice this week and his heel injury isn’t considered serious.
If Moses does miss time, Patrick Mekari is free to fill in like he did on Sunday now that Ronnie Stanley is back at left tackle.
Also close to returning is Rashod Bateman, who was inactive the last two weeks due to a sprained foot. Bateman has just 11 catches this season, but is averaging over 22 yards per reception. Mark Andrews and Devin Duvernay are the only other Ravens averaging 40 yards per game this season.
Buffalo Bills Injuries
Jordan Poyer had quite the journey this weekend. The All-Pro safety was not cleared to fly with the team due to his rib injury and instead hired a car service to drive him 15 hours from Buffalo to Kansas City so he could suit up against the Chiefs.
Poyer played every defensive snap against the Chiefs and will now have the entire bye week to find his way back to Buffalo, but luckily the team doesn’t have another road game until Week 9.
Carolina Panthers Injuries
Sam Darnold is expected to come off the IR this week and join the Panthers at practice, according to Steve Wilks. Darnold’s activation couldn’t come at a better time with the Panthers’ other three quarterbacks all injured. Carolina was forced to play practice squadder Jacob Eason at the end of Sunday’s game.
Darnold struggled last season, throwing 9 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 11 starts. However, anything would be an upgrade for the Panthers’ anemic passing offense that ranks 31st in net yards per pass attempt and dead last in first downs.
Chicago Bears Injuries
Justin Fields aggravated a left shoulder injury during the Bears’ 12-7 loss to the Washington Commanders on Thursday. The second-year quarterback completed just 14 of his 27 attempts and was sacked five times.
He told reporters that he injured his non-throwing shoulder “a while back” and the long week should help him heal up before the team travels to New England next week. Trevor Siemian is the next man up on the depth chart should Fields not heal as expected.
Cincinnati Bengals Injuries
Defensive tackle Josh Tupou played a season-low 19 snaps against the Saints and was seen wearing a walking boot following the game due to his calf injury.
Former Jaguar Jay Tufele got his first snaps of the season, playing 16 snaps against the run and earning four stops according to Pro Football Focus. With DJ Reader on the IR, Tufele will cycle in with B.J. Hill and Zach Carter if Tupou misses time.
Elsewhere on the defense, rookie edge rusher Jeff Gunter suffered a dislocated knee during pregame warmups.
Cleveland Browns Injuries
Myles Garrett has been dealing with the injuries he suffered in a car accident a few weeks ago and left Sunday’s game early due to a shoulder issue. Both Garrett and Kevin Stefanski seemed to think the edge rusher will play against the Ravens on Sunday.
With Denzel Ward out, Greedy Williams made his 2022 debut after starting the season on the IR. Williams played on the outside in nickel defense when Greg Newsome II slid inside. Martin Emerson handled the coverage duties on the other side of the field.
Williams allowed catches on both of his targets, including a touchdown.
Dallas Cowboys Injuries
Franchise quarterback Dak Prescott is expected to be medically cleared this week and should start against the Lions if everything goes smoothly in practice. Cooper Rush turned back into a pumpkin on Sunday night, tossing three interceptions in a loss to the Eagles.
It’s hard to imagine an easier start for Prescott. Detroit’s defense ranks 31st in net yards allowed per attempt and ranks dead last in points allowed.
It remains to be seen if Dalton Schultz will play after tweaking his knee in Saturday’s practice and sitting out against the Eagles. It’s been a tough season for the tight end, who missed time with a knee injury earlier in the season and has been held without a catch since Week 2.
Denver Broncos Injuries
Russell Wilson suffered a hamstring injury in the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ loss on Monday night. The veteran quarterback is already dealing with a shoulder injury he suffered a few weeks back.
It’s been a rough start for Wilson who went just 15-28 for 188 yards despite completing his first 10 passes. He was 3-11 for 15 yards in the second half alone.
Safety Justin Simmons was activated from the IR and played on Monday night for the first time since getting injured back in Week 1.
Detroit Lions Injuries
D’Andre Swift has been held out since Week 3 due to a shoulder injury and the plan at the time was to let him sit out until after the team returned from their bye. Well, with the bye now come and gone, keep an eye out this week to see if he’s active during practice.
Swift averaged 8.6 yards per carry before his injury. Jamaal Williams had 34 carries, 164 yards, and two touchdowns in the two games Swift sat out.
Green Bay Packers Injuries
Randall Cobb is expected to miss multiple weeks with an ankle injury, but will be back this season. A trip to the IR is not out of the question for the veteran wide receiver.
Cobb led the Packers in yards per target this season and with rookie Christian Watson dealing with a hamstring injury that could also land him on IR as well. Amari Rodgers played 14 snaps in the slot against the Jets and the 2021 third-round pick contributed one catch for 14 yards.
Houston Texans Injuries
The Texans returned from their bye week on Monday and tight end Brevin Jordan is expected to join the team at practice this week, although his status for Week 7 is still in question.
The second-year tight end has sat out since Week 2 due to an ankle injury. The Texans have had four other tight ends catch passes this season, with O.J. Howard leading the way, catching five passes for 72 yards and two touchdowns.
Indianapolis Colts Injuries
The Colts set season-high marks in points despite Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines both sitting out. Taylor has now missed two games due to an ankle injury and Hines is still in concussion protocol.
With both guys out, Matt Ryan set a career-high in completions with 42 on 58 attempts. He also threw three touchdowns.
Deon Jackson got the bulk of the work out of the backfield, rushing 12 times for 42 yards and adding 10 catches for 79 yards in the passing game. Phillip Lindsay added seven rushing yards on three carries.
Jacksonville Jaguars Injuries
Tyler Shatley got his first start of the season at left guard against the Colts with Ben Bartch out for the season due to a knee injury.
In 69 pass-blocking snaps since replacing Bartch last week, Shatley has allowed one quarterback hit and one additional pressure.
Meanwhile, Jamal Agnew is considered day-to-day with a knee injury he suffered on Sunday and Marvin Jones missed another game with a hamstring injury.
Kansas City Chiefs Injuries
With Rashad Fenton inactive and Trent McDuffie still on the IR, Joshua Williams got the start at cornerback for the Chiefs on Sunday.
The rookie fourth-round pick was torched by the Bills offense, allowing five completions for 93 yards and two touchdowns on just seven targets.
There has been no update on Fenton’s hamstring, but McDuffie has a chance of returning this week. He was active in practice last week, but Andy Reid decided to let the rookie sit one more game.
Las Vegas Raiders Injuries
The Raiders exit their bye week with questions about tight end Darren Waller’s health. He played just eight snaps in Week 5 before going down with a hamstring injury.
Waller is currently averaging the lowest yards per reception and yards per game of his career since he became a full-time starter back in 2019.
Los Angeles Chargers Injuries
Kicker Dustin Hopkins gutted out a gritty performance on Monday night, making four field goals despite injuring his hamstring in the first quarter.
Punter J.K. Scott handled the kickoff duties and Hopkins was wearing a big wrap on his leg for most of the game on the sidelines.
The Chargers host Seattle next week before going on their bye so look for them to maybe add a kicker to the practice squad sometime this week if Hopkins’ injury does turn out to be serious.
Los Angeles Rams Injuries
Cam Akers has most likely played his last snap as a Ram as Sean McVay told reporters on Monday that the team expects to trade the running back at some point.
However, Van Jefferson is expected to rejoin the team after their upcoming bye week. Jefferson has been out all year while recovering from a torn ACL he suffered last season.
Miami Dolphins Injuries
Tua Tagovailoa is expected to return this week after missing two games following his scary concussion on Thursday Night Football a few weeks ago.
The Dolphins’ offense has failed to score more than 17 points in each of their last three games, although the passing offense did look better with Teddy Bridgewater under center against the Vikings.
Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle combined for over 300 receiving yards on 18 catches in the loss to Minnesota.
Minnesota Vikings Injuries
Edge rusher D.J. Wonnum sat out Sunday’s win over the Dolphins due to an illness. Despite missing the game, he’s still fourth on the team in pressures and second in sacks this season.
Considering he was questionable late in the week, Wonnum should be expected to return when the Vikings return from their bye week.
New England Patriots Injuries
Quarterback Mac Jones could return from his high ankle sprain this week, but Bill Belichick refused to give any hints about his availability during his Monday press conference. Expect this saga to drag into gameday and Jones to be considered questionable heading into the weekend.
Defensive tackle Christian Barmore suffered a knee injury on Sunday ad was replaced by rookie Sam Roberts, who played 22 snaps in his absence.
It was only Roberts’ second time being active on gameday and he has 39 total snaps of NFL experience.
New Orleans Saints Injuries
The Saints will play on Thursday this week and their receiving corps remains banged up with Michael Thomas, Jarvis Landry, and Keith Kirkwood all considered non-participants in Monday’s practice.
There is some good news as rookie Chris Olave was not listed on the injury report and should be active after missing last week due to a concussion.
In his first four NFL contests, Olave averaged over five catches and 80 yards per game.
New York Giants Injuries
Edge rusher Azeez Ojulari was inactive on Sunday due to a calf injury, but could return as soon as next week after being a limited participant in practice all of last week.
The Giants are currently 10th in the NFL in quarterback pressures, but have had to blitz at the League’s highest rate in order to get there. Getting Ojulari back could aid the pass rush and allow the defense to not be as aggressive up front.
New York Jets Injuries
The Jets did not suffer any new injuries in their win over the Packers on Sunday.
Philadelphia Eagles Injuries
The Eagles improved to 6-0 on Sunday night, but played without right tackle Lane Johnson in the second half after the All-Pro suffered a head injury.
His replacement, Jack Driscoll, struggled all night and finished as the team’s worst-graded pass blocker on PFF.
Philadelphia was also missing safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson for a while after he suffered a hand injury, but he returned to make his second interception of the game.
The Eagles will enjoy their bye this weekend.
Pittsburgh Steelers Injuries
Kenny Pickett suffered a head injury on Sunday, leading to Mitchell Trubisky finishing the game and throwing the game-sealing touchdown pass.
Trubisky was benched earlier in the season, but played well in relief of the rookie Pickett, completing nine of his 12 passes for 144 yards and that touchdown.
Defensively, the Steelers played without their top three cornerbacks and Minkah Fitzpatrick on Sunday.
The replacement secondary played well with James Pierre and Josh Jackson on the outside and filling in at free safety.
The only touchdown allowed by the Steelers all day was a pass to Leonard Fournette and linebacker Robert Spillane was in coverage.
San Francisco 49ers Injuries
The 49ers finished Sunday’s game without either of their starting cornerbacks or tackles. Trent Williams and Emmanuel Moseley (IR) were inactive while Mike McGlinchey (calf) and Charvarius Ward (groin) were both lost in the game.
Dane Brunskill filled in for McGlinchey and struggled, allowing four pressures in the loss.
Deommodore Lenoir and Samuel Womack finished as the outside corners and were targeted a combined three times, although Marcus Mariota only threw 14 passes.
However, only one incompletion was forced by the 49ers, which is worrisome when you consider Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs are next up on their schedule.
Seattle Seahawks Injuries
With Rashaad Penny out for the season, rookie Kenneth Walker III got his first NFL start on Sunday and did not disappoint.
Walker finished the day with 97 rushing yards and a touchdown on 21 carries, nearly doubling his touches for the season. Up next on the schedule for the Seahawks are the Chargers, who are currently allowing a League-worst 5.8 yards per carry.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Injuries
Cameron Brate returned from a concussion this week, but is now dealing with a sprained neck according to Todd Bowles. This could mean more snaps and targets from rookie Cade Otton.
Otton has 12 catches for 99 yards so far this season and is still searching for a touchdown. Veteran Kyle Rudolph is also on the roster and has one catch in 18 snaps played.
Tennessee Titans Injuries
The Titans will host the Colts this week after enjoying their bye in Week 6.
Keep an eye on the statuses of Zach Cunningham, Bud Dupree, and Amani Hooker, all of whom missed multiple games prior to the Tennessee bye.
Washington Commanders Injuries
The Commanders will be without Carson Wentz for a while after he broke his finger against the Bears on Thursday Night Football.
The quarterback had surgery on Monday and could land on the IR prior to next week.
That means Taylor Heinicke will start for the Commanders against the Packers on Sunday.
Heinicke made 15 starts for Washington last year, completing 65 percent of his passes, but also tossing 15 interceptions and averaging 6.9 yards per attempt.
The Packers have just one interception all season, but have allowed the least amount of passing yards in the NFL.
