Week 3 Injury Updates
NFL Teams Track Multiple Key Player Injuries Ahead of Week 3 Games
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Key Points
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Although Cairo Santos’s absence put his availability in doubt, the Bears had not signed or worked out another kicker on Thursday—an indication the team viewed Santos as potentially able to play.
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Bears players Noah Sewell and Terell Smith were in their 21-day return windows from the PUP list, but neither was eligible to return before after Week 4; their limited participation was described as a positive sign for when they become eligible.
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Pittsburgh listed Joey Porter as limited under a “non-injury/conditioning” designation. He had also expressed dissatisfaction with the team over the lack of a contract extension, while the Steelers were planning for his Week 3 return.
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The Bears’ report said Ozzy Trapilo was not listed and appeared set to return to action, potentially creating a decision about whether to put him in the starting lineup over Braxton Jones.
NFL teams face a critical week of injury tracking ahead of Week 3 as multiple starting quarterbacks and key skill players battle various ailments. ESPN reports that Chicago's Caleb Williams, backup Tyson Bagent, and running back Kyle Monangai are all dealing with injuries, while kicker Cairo Santos missed practice with a right hip injury. Linebacker Tyrique Stevenson is week-to-week with a hamstring injury that will sideline him against Philadelphia.
Across the league, injuries are piling up fast. Pro Football Talk noted that Washington's Jayden Daniels suffered a dislocated left elbow, the New York Giants' Jaxson Dart faces potential season-ending knee surgery, and Seattle's Sam Darnold missed time with a glute injury. Pittsburgh's running back situation remains fluid as Rico Dowdle dealt with a toe injury while Jaylen Warren was limited with a shoulder problem.
Chicago Bears Quarterback Crisis Looms
The Bears face a potential disaster at quarterback with both Caleb Williams and backup Tyson Bagent sidelined. Williams is dealing with a hamstring strain while Bagent entered the concussion protocol on Tuesday. Chicago Tribune reported that if both are ruled out for Monday night against Philadelphia, veteran Case Keenum will start the game. Coach Ben Johnson said the team feels confident about its backup options at the position.
The Bears' offense would look drastically different with Keenum starting. Mobile quarterback play-calling would be severely limited, forcing the offense to operate in a more traditional pocket-passing scheme. Pro Football Talk notes that this short week between games makes recovery even more challenging for Chicago's injury-riddled roster heading into a primetime matchup.
Kicker's Hip Injury Puts Santos Status in Question
Cairo Santos' availability for Monday remains uncertain after the Bears' kicker missed practice Thursday with a right hip injury. Notably, Chicago did not sign or work out any replacement kickers on Thursday. ESPN says this is a strong signal that the team still views Santos as likely to play despite his injury designation.
The Bears' decision not to bring in backup kicker options suggests internal confidence that Santos will be ready. Missing a kicker in a primetime game could force Chicago to attempt all two-point conversions instead of field goals, which would fundamentally alter the team's scoring strategy against the Eagles.
Steelers Navigate Porter's Contract Standoff
Pittsburgh cornerback Joey Porter Jr. was limited in practice Thursday under a "non-injury/conditioning" designation. Pro Football Talk reports that Porter has expressed dissatisfaction with the Steelers over the lack of a contract extension. The team is planning for his Week 3 return while managing both his injury recovery and contract frustration.
Running back Rico Dowdle missed practice with a toe injury, which could open the door for Jaylen Warren to see increased work Sunday. Warren was limited in practice with a shoulder issue but remains the backup option if Dowdle cannot play. The Steelers must balance multiple injuries across the offensive backfield in their Week 3 preparation.
Early-Season Quarterback Injuries Across the League
Beyond Chicago, multiple teams face serious quarterback injuries heading into Week 3. Washington's Jayden Daniels dislocated his left elbow and is consulting specialists about potential surgery. The New York Giants' Jaxson Dart suffered a severe knee injury believed to be a multi-ligament tear requiring surgery. ESPN reports both players face extended recovery timelines.
Seattle's Sam Darnold returned to limited practice from a glute injury, and head coach Mike Macdonald said he will increase practice reps this week to evaluate whether Darnold can play Sunday. Jacksonville receiver Jakobi Meyers continued limited participation because of a thumb injury that has not forced him to miss games. Pro Football Talk notes these injuries represent a wave of concerns across the NFL's quarterback room early in the season.
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