The New York Jets commenced Week 3 of the 2024 NFL season with a decisive 24-3 victory over the New England Patriots on Thursday night.
As we approach Week 3, there are still nine teams seeking their first win, including the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals, while nine teams remain undefeated. Will this change after the weekend? Some significant injuries across the league could influence the outcomes.
Will Jordan Love return in Week 3?
The quarterback for the Green Bay Packers, Jordan Love, returned to practice on Wednesday, almost two weeks following an MCL sprain sustained during Green Bay’s season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Reports indicated that Love was anticipated to miss 3-6 weeks. He participated in non-contact drills, and head coach Matt LaFleur noted that they would monitor Love’s progress in the coming days.
“We’ll give him up until kickoff, 90 minutes,” LaFleur stated.
On Friday, LaFleur confirmed that Love will be listed as questionable for Sunday’s matchup.
Sean Clifford has been promoted from the practice squad and will serve as Malik Willis’s backup if Love is unable to play.
49ers facing significant injuries
The San Francisco 49ers, already missing running back Christian McCaffrey and wide receiver Deebo Samuel, also did not have tight end George Kittle at practice on Thursday due to hamstring tightness. Kittle was later declared doubtful for Sunday, adding to the team’s challenges ahead of their game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Cornerback Charvarius Ward missed practice as well, dealing with hamstring and knee issues, and is listed on San Francisco’s injury report. Ward has not missed a game since joining the 49ers in 2023.
Texans RB Joe Mixon out against Vikings
Houston running back Joe Mixon will sit out Sunday’s game against the undefeated Minnesota team after suffering an ankle injury during Week 2 against Chicago, in a play he described as a hip-drop tackle that warranted a penalty. Mixon did not practice this week, according to ESPN’s DJ Bien-Aime.
Seahawks’ Kenneth Walker III remains uncertain
An oblique injury has sidelined Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III. He missed Week 2’s win against the Patriots, and his availability for Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins is now questionable.
If Walker is unable to play, Zach Charbonnet, who rushed for 38 yards on 14 carries and scored a touchdown, is prepared to start again.
A.J. Brown officially ruled out for Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown has been officially ruled out for Sunday’s contest against the New Orleans Saints, according to the Eagles’ injury report issued on Friday. Brown informed ESPN’s Lisa Salters on Monday that he expects to be sidelined for “a couple of weeks” due to a hamstring injury.
Initially, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni was not ready to confirm Brown’s unavailability for the game on Friday,
despite the absence of the receiver from practice this week.
“We’ve got some time. We’ll evaluate how today goes,” Sirianni mentioned on Friday. “We have today, a little bit of tomorrow, and of course, Sunday before we need to make a decision.”
Nonetheless, later that day, Philadelphia decided to rest the 27-year-old receiver.
Brown showed up on the Eagles’ injury report for the first time last Friday due to a hamstring issue that arose during practice. He missed Saturday’s session, and the team officially declared him out for Monday night’s game in Philadelphia on Sunday.
Russell Wilson Questionable for Steelers
Quarterback Russell Wilson is expected to miss his third consecutive game, being listed as questionable on the Steelers’ injury report due to a calf injury. Justin Fields will once again start in his place.
Fields has connected on 70% of his passes (30-of-43) for 273 yards and one touchdown, contributing to Pittsburgh’s 2–0 start. He has also rushed for 84 yards on 22 attempts.
Here’s the remainder of the Week 3 injury report.
NEW YORK GIANTS
-
CB Nick McCloud (knee): out
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OLB Brian Burns (groin): questionable
-
ILB Darius Muasau (knee): questionable
CLEVELAND BROWNS
-
RB Pierre Strong (hamstring): out
-
TE David Njoku (ankle): out
-
OT Jack Conklin (knee): questionable
-
OT Jedrick Wills (knee): questionable
CHICAGO BEARS
-
WR Keenan Allen (heel/personal): out
-
FB Khari Blasingame (hand/knee): out
-
DL Zacch Pickens (groin): out
-
RB Travis Homer (finger): out
-
OL Nate Davis (groin): questionable
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
HOUSTON TEXANS
-
RB Dameon Pierce (hamstring): out
-
RB Joe Mixon (ankle): out
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C Jarrett Patterson (calf): out
-
C Juice Scruggs (groin): questionable
-
S M.J. Stewart (knee): questionable
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
-
WR Jordan Addison (ankle): out
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OLB Dallas Turner (knee): out
-
LB Ivan Pace Jr. (quad/ankle): out
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
-
DT Khalen Saunders (calf): out
TE Taysom Hill (chest): questionable
LB D’Marco Jackson (calf): questionable
T Landon Young (foot): questionable
S Will Harris (shin): questionable
WR A.T. Perry (illness): questionable
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
-
LB Junior Colson (hamstring): out
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QB Justin Herbert (ankle): questionable
-
WR Joshua Palmer (elbow/calf): questionable
-
OLB Bud Dupree (illness): questionable
-
S Alohi Gilman (knee): questionable
-
CB Ja’Sir Taylor (fibula): questionable
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
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TE MyCole Pruitt (knee): out
-
G Isaac Seumalo (pectoral): out
-
T Troy Fautanu (knee): out
-
QB Russell Wilson (calf): questionable
DENVER BRONCOS
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
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RT Luke Goedeke (concussion): out
-
DT Calijah Kancey (calf): out
-
S Antoine Winfield Jr. (foot): out
-
WR Kameron Johnson (ankle): doubtful
-
DT Vita Vea (knee): doubtful
-
DE William Gholston (knee): questionable
-
CB Josh Haynes (ankle): questionable
GREEN BAY PACKERS
-
OT Jordan Morgan (shoulder): out
-
CB Carrington Valentine (ankle): doubtful
-
QB Jordan Love (knee): questionable
TENNESSEE TITANS
CAROLINA PANTHERS
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NT Shy Tuttle (foot): out
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DE A’Shawn Robinson (knee): questionable
-
S Lonnie Johnson (thigh): questionable
-
S Nick Scott (neck): questionable
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
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LB Divine Deablo (oblique/concussion): out
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CB Decamerion Richardson (hamstring): doubtful
-
DE Maxx Crosby (ankle): questionable
-
DE Tyree Wilson (knee): questionable
-
DT Christian Wilkins (knee): questionable
MIAMI
DOLPHINS
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WR Grant DuBose (shoulder): out
-
RB Raheem Mostert (chest): doubtful
-
WR Malik Washington (quad): doubtful
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
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LB Uchenna Nwosu (knee): out
-
T George Fant (knee): out
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RB Kenneth Walker III (oblique): doubtful
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LB Jerome Baker (hamstring): doubtful
-
S K’Von Wallace (shoulder): questionable
-
TE Pharaoh Brown (foot): questionable
-
LB Boye Mafe (knee): questionable
-
WR Lavisk Shenault Jr. (foot): questionable
-
LB Derick Hall (hip): questionable
BALTIMORE RAVENS
-
G Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu (personal): out
-
WR Deonte Harty (calf): questionable
-
LB David Ojabo (quad): questionable
-
CB Nate Wiggins (neck/concussion): questionable
DALLAS COWBOYS
-
WR Jalen Brooks (ankle): questionable
-
DT Mazi Smith (back): questionable
-
TE John Stephens Jr. (hamstring): questionable
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
-
WR Deebo Samuel (calf): out
-
TE George Kittle (hamstring): doubtful
-
CB Chavarius Ward (hamstring/knee): questionable
-
DE Nick Bosa (rib): questionable
LOS ANGELES RAMS
-
TE Davis Allen (back): out
-
WR Cooper Kupp (ankle): out
-
K Joshua Karty (groin): questionable
-
CB Cobie Duran (toe): questionable
-
NT Bobby Brown III (ankle): questionable
DETROIT LIONS
-
SAF Ifeatu Melifonwu (ankle): out
-
CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (hamstring): out
-
MLB Alex Anzalone (concussion): questionable
-
CB Terrion Arnold (illness): questionable
-
G Graham Glasgow (knee): questionable
-
WR Isaiah Williams (abdomen): questionable
ARIZONA CARDINALS
-
OL Kelvin Beachum (hamstring): questionable
-
WR Greg Dortch (hamstring): questionable
-
DL Dante Stills (shoulder): questionable
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
ATLANTA FALCONS
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
BUFFALO BILLS
WASHINGTON COMMANDERS
CINCINNATI BENGALS
-
TE Tanner Hudson (knee): out
-
DT Sheldon Rankins (hamstring): out
-
DT B.J. Hill (hamstring): doubtful
-
DT Kris Jenkins (thumb): questionable
-
S Vonn Bell (back): questionable
WR Grant DuBose (shoulder): out
RB Raheem Mostert (chest): doubtful
WR Malik Washington (quad): doubtful
LB Uchenna Nwosu (knee): out
T George Fant (knee): out
RB Kenneth Walker III (oblique): doubtful
LB Jerome Baker (hamstring): doubtful
S K’Von Wallace (shoulder): questionable
TE Pharaoh Brown (foot): questionable
LB Boye Mafe (knee): questionable
WR Lavisk Shenault Jr. (foot): questionable
LB Derick Hall (hip): questionable
G Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu (personal): out
WR Deonte Harty (calf): questionable
LB David Ojabo (quad): questionable
CB Nate Wiggins (neck/concussion): questionable
WR Jalen Brooks (ankle): questionable
DT Mazi Smith (back): questionable
TE John Stephens Jr. (hamstring): questionable
WR Deebo Samuel (calf): out
TE George Kittle (hamstring): doubtful
CB Chavarius Ward (hamstring/knee): questionable
DE Nick Bosa (rib): questionable
TE Davis Allen (back): out
WR Cooper Kupp (ankle): out
K Joshua Karty (groin): questionable
CB Cobie Duran (toe): questionable
NT Bobby Brown III (ankle): questionable
SAF Ifeatu Melifonwu (ankle): out
CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (hamstring): out
MLB Alex Anzalone (concussion): questionable
CB Terrion Arnold (illness): questionable
G Graham Glasgow (knee): questionable
WR Isaiah Williams (abdomen): questionable
OL Kelvin Beachum (hamstring): questionable
-
WR Greg Dortch (hamstring): questionable
-
DL Dante Stills (shoulder): questionable
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
ATLANTA FALCONS
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
BUFFALO BILLS
WASHINGTON COMMANDERS
CINCINNATI BENGALS
-
TE Tanner Hudson (knee): out
-
DT Sheldon Rankins (hamstring): out
-
DT B.J. Hill (hamstring): doubtful
-
DT Kris Jenkins (thumb): questionable
-
S Vonn Bell (back): questionable
Injuries Shake Up NFL Week 3 as Jets Triumph Over Patriots
Overview of NFL Week 3: A Turbulent Weekend
The NFL Week 3 matchup between the New York Jets and the New England Patriots was marked not just by the fierce rivalry but also by a series of injuries that significantly impacted both teams. As fans tuned in, they witnessed a blend of excitement and concern as key players were sidelined. This article delves into the implications of these injuries, highlights the Jets’ unexpected victory, and provides insights into the broader effects on the NFL landscape.
Key Injuries Impacting the Game
Injuries are an unfortunate reality in professional football, and Week 3 was no exception. The following key players were injured during the game:
- Aaron Rodgers (Quarterback, Jets) – Initially injured in Week 1, he remained out, leaving a gap in leadership and experience.
- Mac Jones (Quarterback, Patriots) – Suffered an ankle injury in the first half, limiting his mobility and effectiveness.
- Garrett Wilson (Wide Receiver, Jets) - Dealt with a minor injury but managed to play through it, showcasing determination.
- Devin McCourty (Safety, Patriots) – Left the game with a concussion, affecting the Patriots’ defensive strategy.
Impact of Injuries on Team Strategies
The injuries led to significant tactical adjustments for both teams:
- Jets’ Strategy: With Aaron Rodgers out, the Jets relied on their running game and defense. Rookie quarterback Zach Wilson stepped up, showcasing his potential.
- Patriots’ Strategy: The Patriots attempted to lean more on their ground game but struggled without a fully functional quarterback, leading to a predictable offensive approach.
Game Highlights: Jets Over Patriots
Despite the injury woes, the Jets managed to secure a 24-17 victory over the Patriots. Key highlights from the game include:
- Defensive Standouts: The Jets’ defense played a crucial role, intercepting Mac Jones twice and forcing several turnovers.
- Zach Wilson’s Performance: Wilson threw for two touchdown passes and demonstrated poise under pressure.
- Special Teams Impact: A pivotal field goal late in the game by Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein sealed the victory.
Player Performance Breakdown
Player | Position | Performance Highlights |
---|---|---|
Zach Wilson | QB (Jets) | 300+ passing yards, 2 TDs |
Mac Jones | QB (Patriots) | 220 passing yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs |
Garrett Wilson | WR (Jets) | 80 receiving yards, 1 TD |
Devin McCourty | S (Patriots) | Left injured, 5 tackles |
Reactions and Comments from Coaches
The post-game reactions reflected the intensity of the matchups:
- Robert Saleh (Jets Head Coach): Emphasized the team’s resilience and ability to overcome adversity.
- Bill Belichick (Patriots Head Coach): Acknowledged the team’s struggles but remained optimistic about future games.
Analyzing the Jets’ Season Prospects
The victory over the Patriots has significant implications for the Jets’ season moving forward:
- Boost in Morale: Winning against a division rival can galvanize a team and improve locker room dynamics.
- Quarterback Development: Zach Wilson’s performance is a sign of potential growth, which if sustained, could lead to a more competitive season.
- Defensive Strength: The Jets’ defense proved to be a formidable unit, which is crucial for winning close games.
Benefits of a Strong Defense
Having a robust defense is crucial for any NFL team. Here are some benefits:
- Reduces scoring opportunities for the opponent
- Increases the chances of turnovers
- Provides confidence and stability to the offense
Case Study: Previous Jets vs. Patriots Matchups
Historically, the Jets and Patriots rivalry has been intense, with fluctuations in team performance effecting game results. A look back at some notable matchups reveals:
Year | Winning Team | Score |
---|---|---|
2022 | Patriots | 27-24 |
2021 | Jets | 54-13 |
2020 | Patriots | 30-27 |
First-Hand Experiences from Fans
Fans’ reactions to the game were a blend of excitement and anxiety. Here’s what some fans had to say:
“I was on the edge of my seat! Watching Wilson step up gave me hope for the rest of the season.” - Jets Fan
“It’s always tough to lose against the Jets, especially with our quarterback injured. We need to regroup!” – Patriots Fan
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the NFL?
The injuries sustained in Week 3 raise questions about the future matchups in the NFL. Here are some points to consider:
- Injury Management: Teams may need to adapt their training regimens to prevent future injuries.
- Backup Players: The performance of second-string players will be critical as injuries continue to mount.
- Fan Engagement: As the season progresses, fan engagement through social media and at games will remain important.
Final Thoughts
NFL Week 3 proved to be a significant turning point not only for the Jets but also in the context of the entire league. The injuries sustained will impact many teams as they navigate the rest of the season. The Jets’ triumph over the Patriots has set a tone for recovery and resilience in light of adversity. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly observing how teams adjust and who will rise to the occasion in the weeks to come.