Injuries seem to be running rampant this season in the NFL. Several of the biggest names in the sport have had their seasons ended prematurely due to injury. This includes faces of the NFL such as Aaron Rodgers, Odell Beckham Jr, and J.J. Watt. Even promising rookies such as Dalvin Cook and Deshaun Watson saw their rookie seasons cut short. In this article, I'll be giving you up to date news on current injuries across the league and how they will affect this week's games.
New York Jets (4-5) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-6)
Starting running back Matt Forte was ruled out this week as a result of a knee injury. Forte experienced swelling on his surgically-repaired knee, and there is concern about his status going forward. Bilal Powell should get to start in his place with Elijah McGuire spelling him when needed. Defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson did not practice all week, but is listed as questionable to play on Sunday. He played through a broken toe recently. Cornerback Morris Claiborne is also listed as questionable, but expected to play.
Quarterback Jameis Winston will not play this week as he recovers from a shoulder injury that he suffered in Week Six. Winston will be out "a few weeks" and Ryan Fitzpatrick will start at quarterback in his place.
This is a situation to monitor because if the Bucs continue to lose games while Winston sits, it is possible the team could shut him down to secure his health for the 2018 season. Wide receiver Mike Evans is not injured, but will miss this game as he serves a one week suspension for a small scuffle with Marshon Lattimore last week.
New Orleans Saints (6-2) @ Buffalo Bills (5-3)
Michael Thomas nursed an ankle injury this week but the team took off of the injury report Friday and he will play on Sunday. Left tackle Terron Armstead got some limited work in on Friday and is listed as questionable with a chest injury..
Bills’ rookie wide receiver Zay Jones will not play either, as he nurses an ankle injury of his own. QuarterbackTyrod Taylor will get one of his favorite weapons back with tight end Charles Clay is expected to return this week after he missed the past three games with a knee injury.
Cleveland Browns (0-8) @ Detroit Lions (4-4)
Defensive end Ezekiel Ansah is dealing with a back injury and did not practice at all this week, he is expected to miss Week 10 as a result. Detroit ruled out guard T.J. Lang with a concussion. The Lions are expected to get left tackle Taylor Decker back for the first time this season.. receiver Kenny Golladay is listed as questionable with a hamstring injury,
Cincinnati Bengals (3-5) @ Tennessee Titans (5-3)
With Jeremy Hill on injured reserve,look for rookie running back Joe Mixon to take the majority of snaps, with Giovani Bernard also expected to see an expanded workload. On the defensive side of the ball, linebacker Kevin Minter and defensive tackle Pat Sims are ruled out with an elbow and calf injury respectively. Additionally,, safety Shawn Williams is doubtful to play due to his hamstring. Kicker Randy Bullock is questionable with a back injury.
For the Titans, wide receiver Eric Decker did not practice Wednesday or Thursday; however, he participated fully on Friday and will play this week. Tight end Delanie Walker is questionable with an ankle injury, but most signs point to him being able to play. Quarterback Marcus Mariota is still nursing a hamstring injury, but practiced in full all week and will start on Sunday.
Los Angeles Chargers (3-5) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (5-3)
The Chargers are coming off a bye week and are as healthy as they have been all season. The team activated run-stuffing linebacker Denzel Perryman off injured reserve and he will start this week. The Jaguars are relatively healthy as well, with just four players currently listed as questionable: Wide receiver Marqise Lee and offensive linemen Patrick Omameh and Jeremy Parnell are questionable with knee injuries. In addition, offensive lineman AJ Cann is dealing with a triceps injury. Rookie Leonard Fournette, who the team suspended last week, will return to the field in Week 10.Minnesota Vikings (6-2) @ Washington Redskins (4-4)
The Vikings are also coming off of their bye week, but their injury report is a little lengthy. Starting right tackle Mike Remmers will miss this game with a concussion. Wide receiver Stefon Diggs popped up on the injury report after having a root canal this week, but he is cleared to play. Vikings fans have awaited the return of Teddy Bridgewater ever since he suffered a devastating knee injury in practice before the start of the 2016 season. The Vikings activated Bridgewater this past Wednesday and suit up for the game as Case Keenum’s backup..
The Redskins injury report is another long one. Offensive tackle Trent Williams is nursing a knee injury and is not expected to play this week. His backup, Ty Nsekhe, is listed as questionable with a core muscle injury. The Redskins are optimistic he will be able to play. However, if he cannot play, third-string tackle TJ Clemmings will make the start. Jamison Crowder, Morgan Moses, Spencer Long, Zach Brown, and Brandon Scherff are all listed as questionable. Jordan Reeddid not participate in practice on Friday and will be a gametime decision.
Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2) @ Indianapolis Colts (3-6)
The Steelers are healthy going into this battle against the Colts. The only player listed on their injury report is linebacker James Harrison) and he will miss the game with a back injury. All other players will be active.
The Colts will be without Kamar Aiken and John Simon this week. Rookie cornerback Quincy Wilson is listed as questionable with a knee injury. Head coach Chuck Pagano said he will likely be a game-time decision. Star wide receiver T.Y. Hiltonis questionable with a groin injury, but should be able to play.
Houston Texans (3-5) @ Los Angeles Rams (6-2)
Robert Quinn is doubtful to play in this game due to an illness. Third tight end Derek Carrier is doubtful to play due to a hamstring injury and did not practice all week. Running back Malcolm Brown is out with a knee injury.
New York Giants (1-7) @ San Francisco 49ers (0-9)
San Francisco’s rookie tight end George Kittle will be inactive for the first time in his career due to an ankle injury. Wide receiver Trent Taylor is also listed as out as he deals with a rib injury. On the defense, defensive lineman) and linebacker Elijah Lee) were both ruled out.
Dallas Cowboys (5-3) @ Atlanta Falcons (4-4)
Wide receiver Dez Bryant said he will play this week despite suffering a knee injury against the chiefs. The Cowboys will need him, as running back Ezekiel Elliott will serve his six game suspension. After several appeals and injunctions, this will be the first of six games Elliott will miss. Left tackle Tyron Smith will miss Sunday’s game after not logging a single practice all week. Kicker Dan Bailey is also out with a groin injury.
The stars of the Atlanta offense, wide receiver Julio Jones and running back Devonta Freemanwill both play on Sunday after being limited in practice earlier in the week. This is a sigh of relief for the Falcons, who have struggled on offense the past few games. Offensive lineman Andy Levitreis questionable, while linebacker Duke Riley will not play. Kicker Matt Bryant is expected to play.
New England Patriots (6-2) @ Denver Broncos (3-5)
Wide receiver Chris Hogan) will not play this week due to his injured shoulder. He was seen this week with the shoulder still in a sling and there is no timetable for his return right now. Offensive lineman Marcus Cannon and defensive lineman Malcolm Brown) will miss Week 10 with with ankle injuries. The newly acquired tight end Martellus Bennett is questionable with a shoulder injury.
Wide receivers Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders appeared on the injury report this week, but expected to play after participating in full on Friday.