Week 3 NFL Injuries: Julio Jones Questionable, Kenny Golladay Probable, More Updates

Week 3 NFL Injuries: Julio Jones Questionable, Kenny Golladay Probable, More Updates article feature image
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Michael Reaves/Getty Images. Pictured: Julio Jones.

Make yourself comfortable because there is a lot to sort through following an unprecedented week of in-game injuries to some of the NFL's elite players.

Week 3 will be loaded with injury news, but we'll compile all the latest reports below to make it easier for you, so be sure to check back for daily updates. Now let's roll up our sleeves and dig through the wreckage of the Week 2 ACL-pocalypse.

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Week 3 NFL Injury Report

NFL Injuries Tracker

Sunday Updates

Falcons WR Julio Jones (hip): Jones remains a game-time decision, and the Falcons will wait to see what he looks like during pregame warmups before making a final decision on his Week 3 status. Julio was unable to practice this week after aggravating his hamstring injury in Week 2. UPDATE: Jones is officially inactive and will miss today's game.

Broncos WR Jerry Jeudy (ribs): Officially listed as questionable to play, Jeudy is expected to take the field in Week 3, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. This was always the expectation after the rookie was able to get in a full practice session on Friday. With Courtland Sutton (knee) lost for the year, Jeudy should see plenty of targets from Jeff Driskel.

Lions WR Kenny Golladay (hamstring): Golladay, who was able to return to practice this week for the first time since injuring his hamstring on Sept. 9, is expected to make his season debut today against the Cardinals.

Las Vegas Raiders RB Josh Jacobs (hip) and TE Darren Waller (knee): Waller and Jacobs — officially questionable for Week 3 — are both expected to play this afternoon. Both players were able to get in their first limited practices of the week on Friday.

Texans WR Kenny Stills (illness): Stills was a late-week addition to the injury report after being limited in Friday’s practice with an illness. Stills is expected to play Sunday against the Steelers. Teammate Will Fuller — who appeared to be limited in Week 2 and was seen having his leg stretched out during points of the game — was not listed on the Week 3 injury report and will also play.

Chiefs WR Sammy Watkins (concussion): Watkins suffered a concussion after taking a big hit from Denzel Perryman in the fourth quarter of the Chiefs’ Week 2 victory over the Chargers. Watkins was upgraded to full participation in Saturday’s practice after being limited on Friday, and he’ll be available to play Monday night if he clears the concussion protocol between now and then.

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Friday Updates

San Francisco 49ers: On Friday, head coach Kyle Shanahan ruled the following players out for Week 3: Jimmy Garoppolo (ankle), George Kittle (knee), Tevin Coleman (knee) and Raheem Mostert (knee). Of those players, Kittle is the only one who has been able to practice in any capacity this week. Nick Mullens will start at quarterback, Jordan Reed will be the primary target at tight end for the second straight week, and Jerick McKinnon and Jeff Wilson will lead the backfield.

Saints WR Michael Thomas (ankle):Thomas will be sidelined with a high-ankle sprain for at least one more week after the Saints ruled him out for Week 3 on Friday. In Thomas’ absence, Manny Sanders was invisible in Week 2, catching one pass for 18 yards while Tre’Quan Smith turned in a respectable 5-86-0 line on seven targets.

Falcons WR Julio Jones (hamstring): Jones closes out the week with three missed practices due to a hamstring injury he aggravated in Week 2. He's officially questionable to play and was called a game-time decision by head coach Dan Quinn.

Packers WR Davante Adams (hamstring): Much like Julio Jones, Adams also missed the entire week of practice with a hamstring injury. Adams was labeled "probably doubtful" by head coach Matt LaFleur, all but closing the door on Adams' Week 3 availability. The Packers do not have much depth at the position, with Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Allen Lazard and Malik Taylor being the only other receivers on the active roster. The Packers could promote a receiver from the practice squad, a group of players that includes ex-Bill Robert Foster.

Bills RB Zack Moss (toe): Buffalo’s offense will be short-handed against the Rams after head coach Sean McDermott ruled out both Moss and Dawson Knox (concussion) on Friday morning. Through two games, Moss has been limited to 48 rushing yards on 17 attempts while splitting work with Devin Singletary. Singletary should garner a few more touches this weekend, although T.J. Yeldon will likely soak up some of Moss’ workload. Josh Allen also remains a threat to call his own number near the goal line.

Eagles WR Alshon Jeffery (foot): Jeffery returned to practice on Thursday, creating some optimism that he may be able to return to action soon, but he was ruled out for Week 3 by head coach Doug Pederson on Friday. Pederson told media that Jeffery needs to build up some practice reps before returning to game action. Also without Jalen Reagor (thumb), the Eagles will be short-handed at wide receiver this weekend against Cincinnati.

Jets WRs Jamison Crowder (hamstring and Breshad Perriman (ankle): Crowder and Perriman will miss the Jets' matchup against the Colts. This is the second missed game in a row for Crowder while Perriman will miss his first game of the year after suffering an in-game injury against the 49ers last week. Chris Hogan, Josh Malone and Braxton Berrios will serve as the primary receivers and Chris Herndon may be in line for a larger receiving role after seeing four targets in Week 2.

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Titans WR A.J. Brown (knee): Brown was unable to practice at all this week and he’ll miss his second game of the season with a knee injury. He should be considered week-to-week for now.

Cardinals WR Christian Kirk (groin): Kirk is officially out following a week of missed practices. His target share has taken a nosedive in 2020 with DeAndre Hopkins in town as Kirk has mustered only 57 receiving yards across two games of action. Head coach Kliff Kingsbury identified Andy Isabella and KeeSean Johnson as players he’ll count on to step up in Kirk’s absence.

Raiders WR Henry Ruggs (knee): Ruggs hit for the practice participation cycle this week: He was estimated as a full practice participant on Wednesday, he was limited on Thursday then he did not practice on Friday. A mid-week downgrade is always concerning, and Ruggs is officially out for Sunday. He's caught only four passes this season, but he’s still an important weapon for the Raiders as defenses are forced to account for his speed.

Lions WR Kenny Golladay (hamstring): Following a week of limited practice sessions, Golladay is officially questionable to make his season debut in Week 3. On Friday, Golladay told media he would do everything in his power to be on the field, adding: “Hopefully, I'll show enough that I'll be out there.”

Rams RB Cam Akers (ribs): It’s a mixed bag for the Rams, who will be without Akers in Week 3, though Malcolm Brown (finger) is expected to be available after getting in consecutive full practices on Thursday and Friday. Expect Brown and Darrell Henderson to split running back duties this weekend.

Broncos WR Jerry Jeudy (ribs): Jeudy is officially to play in Week 3 despite getting in a full practice on Friday. Based on his practice participation, Jeudy feels closer to the "probable" side of his questionable tag. With Courtland Sutton (knee) lost for the season, Denver could certainly use the rookie’s help.

Thursday Updates

Jaguars WR DJ Chark (chest): Chark has been officially ruled out for tonight’s Floridian showdown between the Jaguars and Dolphins. Chark was able to get in a limited practice session on Tuesday, providing hope that he will be ready to go in Week 4 after nine days of rest between games. Dede Westbrook has been a healthy scratch for Jacksonville, and it’s possible that Chark’s injury gives Westbrook a chance to get back on the field tonight. Keelan Cole has revitalized his career with 105 receiving yards through the first two weeks, and he’ll look to build on that momentum during Chark’s absence.

Jets WR Jamison Crowder (hamstring): Crowder once again did not participate in Jets practice on Thursday and he was called “doubtful” to play in Week 3 by head coach Adam Gase. Breshad Perriman (ankle) is also looking very iffy to play, and Gase noted that “whoever has a pulse” will need to be ready to step up for the team on Sunday. The Jets gave 105 snaps to Braxton Berrios and Chris Hogan last week, so that statement checks out.

49ers TE George Kittle (knee): For the second day in a row, Kittle was able to get in a limited practice session. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport noted that Kittle “has a shot” to play in Week 3 but also disclosed that the tight end is actually dealing with two different injuries in the same knee: a bone bruise and an MCL sprain. In 2019, Kittle missed two games with similar injuries.

Colts TE Jack Doyle (knee): After missing Week 2, Doyle was back at practice on Thursday as a limited participant, giving him a chance to return to action in Week 3. Even if Doyle is active on Sunday, it seems likely that the Colts will want to keep Mo Alie-Cox involved in the offense after his 111-yard breakout in Week 2.

Eagles WR Alshon Jeffery (foot): For the first time this season, Jeffery was able to participate in practice, albeit in a limited capacity. Philadelphia has opted not to place Jeffery on the IR, which requires a minimum three-game absence, suggesting the team does not expect Jeffery to be sidelined for a long period of time. Jeffery’s Week 3 status remains murky, but the Eagles could certainly use his help with Jalen Reagor (thumb) expected to miss multiple games.

Raiders RB Josh Jacobs (hip): Jacobs is listed as a DNP (did not participate) in Raiders practice on Thursday for the second day in a row. However, the team did not hold a formal practice on Wednesday, as it was coming off a Monday night game. That makes today Jacobs’ first true missed practice with Wednesday’s DNP being an estimation. Jacobs has seen a massive workload through two weeks, exceeding 30 combined touches in each of the Raiders' first two games. While his Week 3 availability doesn’t seem to be in jeopardy at the moment, it would be nice to see him return to practice on Friday.

Wednesday Updates

Jaguars WR DJ Chark (groin/Achilles): Chark is officially questionable to play tomorrow night against the Dolphins after missing Wednesday’s practice with groin and Achilles injuries. Chark was listed as a limited practice participant on both Monday and Tuesday, although Monday’s status was an estimation since the Jaguars did not formally practice that day. The Wednesday downgrade to DNP (did not participate) following the limited session on Tuesday is concerning, and Chark seems to be trending toward a game-time decision.
Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin (concussion): Godwin missed Week 2 with a concussion, but he has now cleared the concussion protocol and is on track to return to the lineup in Week 3. Godwin was officially a full participant in Wednesday’s practice.
Giants WR Sterling Shepard (toe): The Giants placed Shepard on IR this morning as the wide receiver recovers from a turf toe injury suffered in Week 2. That puts Shepard out of the lineup through at least Week 5, and his status beyond that point is not yet clear. Expect Golden Tate’s snap share to rise from the 65% he played in Week 2 while Shepard is sidelined.
Chargers QB Tyrod Taylor (chest): Head coach Anthony Lynn said after the Chargers’ Week 2 loss to the Chiefs that Taylor would remain the team’s starting quarterback “if he’s 100 percent ready to go”. However, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported this afternoon that Taylor has been advised not to play for an indefinite amount of time after his lung was inadvertently punctured while receiving an injection last Sunday. For at least one more week, Justin Herbert will start under center for Los Angeles.
Falcons WR Julio Jones (hamstring): Jones was listed as a limited practice participant throughout last week with a hamstring injury, and he starts off Week 3 with a DNP in Wednesday’s practice. Head coach Dan Quinn said today that Jones strained his hamstring in Sunday’s loss to the Cowboys, noting the team would “take it through the week” with regards to Jones' Week 3 status. He added, “We’ll have a better understanding as we get further along in the week.”
Eagles WR Jalen Reagor (thumb): It was revealed Wednesday that Reagor suffered a UCL tear in his thumb during the Eagles’ Week 2 loss to the Rams, a surprising revelation considering the rookie receiver played 87% of team snaps in that game. The expectation is that Reagor will head to IR and undergo surgery in the hopes of returning to action in mid-November.  Greg Ward played 13-of-69 snaps on Sunday and should see his playing time rise while Reagor is sidelined.
49ers TE George Kittle (knee): Kittle was able to return to practice on Wednesday as a limited participant after missing practice throughout last week and ultimately sitting out for the 49ers’ Week 2 win over the Jets. While Kittle’s return to practice is certainly a good sign, his Week 3 status remains unclear. The 49ers will play their second consecutive game at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, this time taking on the Giants. After last week’s game, head coach Kyle Shanahan cited the field turf as a contributing factor to a rash of injuries suffered by the team, including to Jimmy Garoppolo (ankle), Raheem Mostert (knee), Nick Bosa (knee), and Tevin Coleman (knee). Shanahan said, “I know that’s as many knee injuries and ankle stuff and people getting caught on turf as I’ve ever been a part of. From what I saw, the other team did, too. I know our players talked about it the entire game, just how sticky the turf was.” It’s possible Shanahan opts to play it safe with Kittle this week given the circumstances, though that's simply speculation at the moment.

Tuesday Updates

Rams RBs Cam Akers (rib) and Malcolm Brown (finger): Both Brown and Akers sustained injuries in Week 2 with Brown suffering a fractured pinky finger while Akers was found to have separated rib cartilage. A report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter notes that the Rams expect Brown to be available to play in Week 3 while Akers’ status remains uncertain. In Week 2, Darrell Henderson led the backfield in both carries (12) and rushing yards (81) while adding two receptions for 40 yards.

Giants RB Saquon Barkley (knee): The Giants formally placed Barkley on Injured Reserve this afternoon, and in a corresponding move, agreed to terms with free agent Devonta Freeman. Freeman’s signing is pending a physical and COVID-19 testing, but assuming the signing does become official, Freeman will presumably become the Giants’ new lead back moving forward.

Monday Updates

Giants RB Saquon Barkley (knee): One play after Barkley had returned to the game following a shoulder scare, the star running back left the game with a knee injury and did not return. An MRI on Monday confirmed Barkley tore his ACL and that he will miss the remainder of the 2020 season as a result. After visiting the Eagles last weekend, free agent running back Devonta Freeman will spend Monday visiting with the Giants as New York searches for running back help. For now, the Giants’ depth at the position consists of Dion Lewis and Wayne Gallman, with Rod Smith on the practice squad.

Panthers RB Christian McCaffrey (ankle): McCaffrey suffered the injury during his second touchdown rush of the day on Sunday, and a Monday MRI revealed a high-ankle sprain. CMC is expected to be sidelined four to six weeks, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. In 2019, a high-ankle sprain caused Barkley to miss three games and it appeared to limit his effectiveness even after he had returned to action, as Barkley was held to fewer than 85 rushing yards in each of his next seven games. Speaking to the media on Monday, McCaffrey said, "They say four to six weeks. Well, that’s a challenge to me, and I’m going to attack it like I attack anything else." CMC had not missed a start through the first 50 games of his career prior to Sunday’s injury.

Lions WR Kenny Golladay (hamstring): Golladay missed the Lions' first two games of the season, but he is expected to return to action in Week 3, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Per Schefter’s report, Golladay was
"close to playing" in Week 2 despite missing practice throughout the week.

Colts WR Parris Campbell (knee): Campbell’s 2020 breakout is on hold indefinitely after he suffered a PCL injury in Week 2. Campbell was unable to put weight on his knee after sustaining the injury and he had to be carted off the field, sparking an initial fear that he may have torn his ACL. While it’s good news that Campbell's ACL is intact, it is unclear when he may be able to return to the field for the Colts.

49ers DE Nick Bosa (knee): Multiple players were forced out of Sunday’s 49ers/Jets tilt, and 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan posited after the game that the artificial turf at MetLife Stadium was a contributing factor to the rash of injuries. Bosa was one of MetLife’s victims, suffering a knee injury that led to him to be carted off the field. The initial fear is that Bosa tore his ACL, an injury that would end the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year’s season if confirmed.

Packers WR Davante Adams (hamstring): Adams played only 38 of a possible 73 offensive snaps Sunday due to a hamstring injury, finishing with a 3-36-0 receiving line. Head coach Matt LaFleur said that Adams wanted to return to the game in the second half, but LaFleur held Adams out because the Packers had already built a sizable lead. Adams seems to have dodged a bullet, but his practice participation will be worth monitoring throughout the week.

49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo (ankle): Garoppolo reportedly suffered an ankle injury on the fourth play of the game in yesterday’s 49ers/Jets tilt and gutted his way through the remainder of the first half after having the ankle taped. However, Garoppolo did not return to the field after halftime, giving way to backup Nick Mullens in the second half. The initial diagnosis is a high-ankle sprain, and head coach Kyle Shanahan said on Monday, "We'll see how it goes this week. Still has a chance. Severity, not that bad."

Broncos QB Drew Lock (shoulder): Lock left the Broncos’ Week 2 loss to the Steelers in the first quarter after completing only one pass for 20 yards. He was spotted after the game with his throwing shoulder in a sling and he’s since been diagnosed with a severe rotator cuff strain that will require him to miss at least two games. Jeff Driskel took over the controls after Lock departed, completing 18-of-34 passes for 256 yards with two touchdowns and an interception.

Chargers QB Tyrod Taylor (chest): Taylor was scratched minutes before kickoff in Week 2 with a chest injury, paving the way for Justin Herbert to impress in his rookie debut against the Chiefs. Tyrod was a late addition to the Chargers’ Week 2 injury report, popping up on Friday with a rib injury, but he was not given a game status designation and there was no indication at that time that his Week 2 availability was in jeopardy. It was revealed Monday that Taylor had experienced "experienced complications" from an injection meant to help mitigate his rib injury pregame. Taylor spent several hours in the hospital Sunday evening and his Week 3 status is currently unknown. Head coach Anthony Lynn confirmed that Taylor would remain the starter “if he’s 100 percent ready to go."

49ers RB Raheem Mostert (knee): Mostert sustained what is being called a "mild" MCL sprain during the 49ers’ Week 2 demolition of the Jets, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. He will undergo an MRI to determine the severity of the sprain and establish a recovery timeline. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said Mostert's backfield mate Tevin Coleman also sustained a knee injury Sunday, and is expected to miss "multiple weeks."

Giants WR Sterling Shepard (toe): Shepard is believed to have sustained a turf toe injury on Sunday, although a Monday MRI will provide further clarity on the extent of the injury. If the initial diagnosis is confirmed, expect Shepard to follow a similar recovery trajectory to Phillip Lindsay, who is expected to miss two-to-four-weeks of action.

Broncos WR Courtland Sutton (knee): Sutton missed Week 1 due to a shoulder injury and he was forced out of Sunday’s game with a knee injury. Additional testing confirmed an ACL tear and Sutton’s 2020 campaign will end with three receptions for 66 yards. Elsewhere among Denver’s receiving corps, Jerry Jeudy also briefly departed Sunday’s game with a rib injury, but he was able to return, and K.J. Hamler made his rookie debut after missing Week 1 with a hamstring injury.

About the Author
Bill is an eSports and WNBA contributor for The Action Network. His ideal summer day consists of studying WNBA rotation patterns and adjusting usage rates.

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