Week 4 is already underway, kicking off the second month of the NFL regular season, and the injury bug is still absolutely brutal. We’re talking major, game-altering hits to teams across the league, with Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson, Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald, and Patriots All-Pro corner Christian Gonzalez all ruled out due to injury for this weekend’s slate of games. This isn’t just a few tweaks, folks, these are absolute superstars sitting.
The Big Names Are Down, And It Hurts
It feels like every single week we’re talking about more high-profile injuries, and Week 4 is no different. Losing Jefferson, Donald, and Gonzalez is a massive blow, and it’s just the tip of the iceberg of what teams are facing. These guys are cornerstone players, the kind who change game plans just by stepping onto the field. Their absences are going to create huge holes that other teams are absolutely looking to exploit. Think about the impact: defenses don’t have to double-team Jefferson, offensive lines get a breather from Donald. It changes everything.
Commanders Face a QB Nightmare, McLaurin a Late Scare
Across the pond in London, the Commanders are facing some serious headaches. Quarterback Jayden Daniels is officially out for their game, sidelined by a left elbow injury. The dude even made the trip and practiced limitedly, but he’s a no-go. That means Marcus Mariota is stepping in to start for the second straight week. Oof. And if that wasn’t enough, star wideout Terry McLaurin is questionable with a hamstring injury he picked up in Friday’s practice, limiting his participation. That’s a huge last-minute scare. On top of that, the Commanders will be without guard Sam Cosmi (concussion, throat), safety Nick Cross (illness), and running back Rachaad White (shoulder). This team is limping into London!
Meanwhile, the Colts are dealing with their own receiver issues. Keenan Allen is out with a groin injury, having not practiced Friday after two limited sessions. If he’s a no-go, that means a much heavier target share for tight end Tyler Warren and wideout Josh Downs. Ashton Dulin, also questionable with an ankle injury, practiced fully for a second straight day, so maybe there’s some hope there. Over in New England, beyond Gonzalez, the Patriots are without defensive tackle Christian Barmore (shoulder) and safety Brenden Schooler (back), adding more defensive woes.
This Week 4 slate is already shaping up to be wild, with a Thursday night upset by the Browns over the Steelers, and coming off a Week 3 that tied an NFL record for one-score games. Despite all these big names on the sidelines, we know the league rolls on. It just means some unexpected guys are gonna have to step up huge. Let’s see who’s got the grit to do it.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
Leave a Reply