The New York Jets opened Week 3 of the 2024 NFL season with a decisive 24-3 victory over the New England Patriots on Thursday night.
Heading into Week 3, nine teams are still searching for their first win, including the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals, while there are nine teams that remain undefeated. Will that change this weekend? Some significant injuries across the league may have an impact.
Is Jordan Love set to return in Week 3?
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love returned to practice on Wednesday, almost two weeks after sustaining an MCL sprain during the season-opening loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Reports indicated that Love was anticipated to be sidelined for 3-6 weeks. He participated in non-contact drills, and head coach Matt LaFleur stated that they would monitor Love’s progress over the coming days.
“We’ll give him up until kickoff, 90 minutes,” LaFleur remarked.
On Friday, LaFleur indicated that Love would be marked as questionable for Sunday’s matchup.
49ers facing significant injuries
With running back Christian McCaffrey and receiver Deebo Samuel already unavailable, the San Francisco 49ers did not have tight end George Kittle at practice on Thursday due to hamstring tightness. Kittle has now been ruled doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams, adding to the team’s injury woes.
Cornerback Charvarius Ward also missed practice due to hamstring and knee issues, making his presence known on San Francisco’s injury report. Since joining the 49ers in 2023, Ward has not missed a single game.
Texans RB Joe Mixon doubtful against Vikings
Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon is doubtful for Sunday’s game against the undefeated Minnesota Vikings after suffering an ankle injury in Week 2 following a hip-drop tackle he believed should have been penalized. Mixon has not participated in practice this week, as reported by ESPN’s DJ Bien-Aime.
Seahawks’ Kenneth Walker III status uncertain
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III has been sidelined due to an oblique injury. He missed their Week 2 victory over the Patriots, and his availability for Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins remains uncertain.
If Walker is unable to play, Zach Charbonnet, who rushed for 38 yards on 14 carries with a touchdown, is poised to start again.
A.J. Brown officially 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 released 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, on Friday, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni refrained from ruling Brown out for the game, despite the receiver having missed practice throughout the week.
“We’ve got some time. We’ll see how today goes,” Sirianni said.
ni stated on Friday, “We have today, a bit of tomorrow, and of course, Sunday before we need to make that decision.”
Nonetheless, Philadelphia has decided to rest the 27-year-old wide receiver later that day.
Brown was first noted on the Eagles’ injury report last Friday after experiencing hamstring issues during practice. He subsequently missed the practice on Saturday, 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 sit out his third straight game. He is listed as questionable on the Steelers’ injury report due to a calf injury. Once again, Justin Fields will start in his place.
Fields has completed 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 carries.
Here’s the remainder of the Week 3 injury report.
NEW YORK GIANTS
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CB Nick McCloud (knee): out
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OLB Brian Burns (groin): questionable
-
ILB Darius Muasau (knee): questionable
CLEVELAND BROWNS
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RB Pierre Strong (hamstring): out
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TE David Njoku (ankle): out
-
OT Jack Conklin (knee): questionable
-
OT Jedrick Wills (knee): questionable
CHICAGO BEARS
-
WR Keenan Allen (heel/personal): out
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FB Khari Blasingame (hand/knee): out
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DL Zacch Pickens (groin): out
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RB Travis Homer (finger): out
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OL Nate Davis (groin): questionable
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
HOUSTON TEXANS
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
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WR Jordan Addison (ankle): out
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OLB Dallas Turner (knee): out
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LB Ivan Pace Jr. (quad/ankle): out
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
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DT Khalen Saunders (calf): out
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TE Taysom Hill (chest): questionable
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LB D’Marco Jackson (calf): questionable
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T Landon Young (foot): questionable
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S Will Harris (shin): questionable
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WR A.T. Perry (illness): questionable
-
LB Junior Colson (hamstring): out
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QB Justin Herbert (ankle): questionable
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WR Joshua Palmer (elbow/calf): questionable
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OLB Bud Dupree (illness): questionable
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S Alohi Gilman (knee): questionable
-
CB Ja’Sir Taylor (fibula): questionable
-
RT Luke Goedeke (concussion): out
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DT Calijah Kancey (calf): out
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S Antoine Winfield Jr. (foot): out
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OT Jordan Morgan (shoulder): out
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CB Carrington Valentine (ankle): doubtful
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QB Jordan Love (knee): questionable
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NT Shy Tuttle (foot): doubtful
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DE A’Shawn Robinson (knee): questionable
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S Lonnie Johnson (thigh): questionable
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S Nick Scott (neck): questionable
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LB Divine Deablo (oblique/concussion): out
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CB Decamerion Richardson (hamstring): doubtful
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DE Maxx Crosby (ankle): questionable
-
DE Tyree Wilson (knee): questionable
-
DT Christian Wilkins (knee): questionable
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WR Grant DuBose (shoulder): out
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RB Raheem Mostert (chest): doubtful
-
WR Malik Washington (quad): doubtful
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LB Uchenna Nwosu (knee): out
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T George Fant (knee): out
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RB Kenneth Walker III (oblique): doubtful
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LB Jerome Baker (hamstring): doubtful
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DB S K’Von Wallace (shoulder): questionable
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TE Pharaoh Brown (foot): questionable
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LB Boye Mafe (knee): questionable
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WR Lavisk Shenault Jr. (foot): questionable
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LB Derick Hall (hip): questionable
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G Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu (personal): out
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WR Deonte Harty (calf): questionable
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LB David Ojabo (quad): questionable
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CB Nate Wiggins (neck/concussion): questionable
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WR Jalen Brooks (ankle): questionable
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DT Mazi Smith (back): questionable
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TE John Stephens Jr. (hamstring): questionable
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TE George Kittle (hamstring): doubtful
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CB Chavarius Ward (hamstring/knee): questionable
-
DE Nick Bosa (rib): questionable
-
WR Deebo Samuel (calf): out
-
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
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
DENVER BRONCOS
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
GREEN BAY PACKERS
TENNESSEE TITANS
CAROLINA PANTHERS
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
MIAMI DOLPHINS
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
BALTIMORE RAVENS
DALLAS COWBOYS
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
LOS ANGELES RAMS
DETROIT LIONS
ARIZONA CARDINALS
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
ATLANTA FALCONS
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
BUFFALO BILLS
WASHINGTON COMMANDERS
CINCINNATI BENGALS
Injury Updates and Game Preview: Week 3 of the 2024 NFL Season
Injury Updates for Week 3
As we dive into Week 3 of the 2024 NFL season, staying updated on injuries is crucial for fans, fantasy players, and analysts alike. Let’s take a look at the latest injury reports that could impact game outcomes this week.
Key Player Injuries
| Player | Position | Team | Injury Status | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patrick Mahomes | QB | Kansas City Chiefs | Questionable | Week 4 |
| Saquon Barkley | RB | Out | Week 5 | |
| DeAndre Hopkins | WR | Tennessee Titans | Probable | Playing |
| T.J. Watt | LB | Pittsburgh Steelers | Out | Week 4 |
| Davante Adams | WR | Las Vegas Raiders | Questionable | Game-Day Decision |
Injury Impact Analysis
– **Patrick Mahomes**: The Chiefs’ star quarterback is dealing with a minor ankle sprain. If he is unable to play, backup quarterback Chad Henne will take the reins, impacting the Chiefs’ offensive dynamics.
– **Saquon Barkley**: The Giants will miss their star running back, which means more carries for Matt Breida and Gary Brightwell. Fantasy owners should be cautious with their lineups.
– **DeAndre Hopkins**: Expected to play, Hopkins can be a game-changer for the Titans against a vulnerable defense, making him a must-start for fantasy managers.
- **T.J. Watt**: The absence of Watt significantly weakens the Steelers’ defense. This could lead to a more productive outing for opposing offenses.
– **Davante Adams**: His status remains uncertain. If Adams is ruled out, expect Hunter Renfrow to see a spike in targets.
Game Previews for Week 3
With the injury updates in mind, let’s preview some of the key matchups for Week 3 of the NFL season.
Featured Matchup: Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Chargers
– **Date**: Sunday, September 24, 2024
– **Time**: 4:25 PM ET
– **Location**: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA
Team Form
– **Kansas City Chiefs**: 2-0, looking to maintain their unbeaten start. Mahomes has been impressive, and their offense ranks in the top five in points scored.
– **Los Angeles Chargers**: 1-1, coming off a narrow victory. Justin Herbert is finding his rhythm, but the defense needs to tighten up against potent offenses.
Key Players to Watch
– **Chiefs**: If Mahomes plays, expect fireworks. Tyreek Hill is also a player to keep an eye on as he continues to build chemistry with his quarterback.
– **Chargers**: Justin Herbert and Keenan Allen will need to exploit any weaknesses in the Chiefs’ secondary.
Matchup Analysis
– **Offensive Comparison**:
– Chiefs’ offense is averaging 30 points per game.
– Chargers’ offense has been inconsistent but shows flashes of brilliance.
– **Defensive Comparison**:
– Chiefs are allowing 23 points per game.
- Chargers’ defense has struggled, allowing 28 points per game.
Predicted Outcome
Given Mahomes’ potential return, the Chiefs are the favorites. However, if he doesn’t play, the game could tilt in the Chargers’ favor.
Other Notable Matchups
New York Giants vs. New Orleans Saints
– **Date**: Sunday, September 24, 2024
– **Time**: 1:00 PM ET
– **Location**: Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, LA
– **Giants**: Struggling offensively without Barkley.
– **Saints**: Looking to bounce back after a tough loss, with Derek Carr leading the charge.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals
– **Date**: Sunday, September 24, 2024
– **Time**: 1:00 PM ET
– **Location**: Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, OH
– **Steelers**: Will need a strong performance from their defense despite Watt’s absence.
– **Bengals**: Joe Burrow is finding his form; look for Ja’Marr Chase to have a big game.
Fantasy Football Insights
Navigating injuries and matchups is crucial for fantasy football success. Here are some practical tips for Week 3:
- Monitor Injury Reports: Stay updated on player statuses leading up to game day.
- Consider Matchup Strength: Analyze how your players perform against the week’s opponents.
- Utilize Waiver Wire: Look for under-the-radar players who could step up in the absence of starters.
- Start Your Studs: If a star player is active, they’re likely to deliver, even if they’re dealing with an injury.
Case Studies: Impact of Injuries on Team Performance
Injuries can drastically alter the trajectory of a season. Let’s take a look at a couple of case studies from previous seasons.
Case Study 1: 2021 Tennessee Titans
– **Situation**: Derrick Henry suffered a season-ending injury in Week 8.
– **Impact**: The Titans struggled to maintain their offensive efficiency, leading to a disappointing playoff run. Their rushing attack plummeted, forcing Ryan Tannehill to take on more responsibility.
Case Study 2: 2020 San Francisco 49ers
– **Situation**: The 49ers faced a plethora of injuries, including to QB Jimmy Garoppolo and TE George Kittle.
– **Impact**: Their season went off the rails as they dropped from Super Bowl contenders to a middle-of-the-pack team. The lack of consistency at key positions proved detrimental.
First-Hand Experience: Following the Injury Updates
As a fantasy football enthusiast, staying on top of injury updates can be a game-changer. Here’s a quick story:
Last season, I had an opportunity to pivot my lineup last minute when news broke about a key player’s injury. I replaced him with a lesser-known player who ended up scoring two touchdowns, leading to a much-needed win. This experience highlighted the importance of real-time injury updates and how they can influence fantasy outcomes significantly.
Conclusion
As we gear up for Week 3 of the 2024 NFL season, understanding injury updates and matchups can provide a competitive edge. Remember to keep an eye on the player statuses, analyze the matchups, and adjust your fantasy lineups accordingly. Enjoy the games, and may your team come out on top!
