| Quick Answer Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart is considering possible season-ending knee surgery for his Week 2 MCL sprain that proved to be more severe than previously thought with Jameis Winston set to step in. Ravens receiver Zay Flowers (hamstring) has a “good shot” to play in Week 3, Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (knee) has the opportunity to debut his 2026 season, and Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (groin) is likely to miss two to three weeks. Bills wideout DJ Moore is day-to-day with a shoulder issue and running back Josh Jacobs could be suspended for a long time after his legal case is resolved. |
NFL Injury Updates are crucial for fantasy football managers and sports fans looking to track player health, recovery timelines, and game-day availability ahead of Week 3 of the 2026 season.
Keeping track of who’s hurt and who’s healthy is half the battle for any NFL fan, whether it’s for your fantasy team or just knowing if your favorite team has a chance to win this weekend. Injuries tend to crop up at the worst possible time once the season starts, and it’s impossible to keep up with the constant stream of headlines. This list contains the most important injury updates coming into week 3 of the 2026 season, written using easy to understand language and real-world recovery time frames.
Quarterbacks: The Position Everyone Watches First
Nothing can disrupt a season more quickly than a quarterback injury, and Week 2 was a gut-punching experience for the New York Giants. Jaxson Dart was initially diagnosed with a sprained MCL, a knee injury typically sidelining players for just a few weeks, but the follow-up scan revealed that the damage was far more extensive than first thought. With his season potentially on the line, the Giants are preparing for the worst-case scenario, and there is a real concern that he may require season-ending surgery. Meanwhile, Jameis Winston steps in as the new quarterback in the Giants’ starting offense, and it’s a tough blow for an offense that has pinned many of its hopes on the rookie.
Chicago’s Caleb Williams was a limited participant in practice this week, but he’s still in the running for Week 3, so expect the final injury report on Friday to dictate what happens on the field. Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders is being watched closely too, but for the moment, there’s no indication that he will be sidelined for any considerable time.
Running Backs and the Josh Jacobs Situation
On the ground game side, the largest story is not an injury. Green Bay running back Josh Jacobs has been away from the team after being placed on, then activated from, commissioner’s exempt list, and is expected to see a four-to-six game suspension while his court case is concluded. Until his status is settled, MarShawn Lloyd leads Green Bay’s backfield.
Minnesota’s Aaron Jones Sr. is working through a knee issue causing the Vikings’ backfield to be unsettled, especially with backup Jordan Mason still on injured reserve. If you’re relying on Minnesota’s run game this week, it’s worth checking the final practice report before kickoff.
Wide Receivers and Tight Ends: A Mixed Bag of Good and Bad News
Buffalo’s new acquisition receiver DJ Moore has suffered an AC joint sprain and is out of the team’s Week 2 victory. He was labeled day-to-day and practiced in a red non-contact jersey that has a positive implication that he is trending towards playing. If Moore sits out, expect the number of targets to go to tight end Dalton Kincaid, who has already recorded 225 yards and a touchdown in two games.
Baltimore’s Zay Flowers sat out practice on Wednesday with a hamstring ailment, but his head coach is optimistic, saying Flowers has a ‘good shot’ of playing this weekend. The news is not encouraging for the fans as they wait until game day to know what will happen.
Las Vegas boasts good news as tight end Brock Bowers is set to make his 2026 debut after a meniscus issue plagued him throughout the offseason. He is not expected to be at full strength but his presence on the field will be a great boost to the Raiders’ passing game.
Cleveland’s tight end room has suffered a significant setback as David Njoku was placed on injured reserve with a fibula injury and is unlikely to return before Week 7. Charlie Kolar is also ruled out with a forearm ailment that is likely to sideline him until Week 8.
Defensive Injuries Worth Knowing About
Pittsburgh’s Minkah Fitzpatrick, one of the league’s best safeties, is sidelined with a groin injury and is expected to miss two to three weeks with the Steelers’ defense, which is heavily reliant on him in coverage. Miami’s Derwin James Jr. suffered a hand fracture in week 2 and was questionable for the game. He has been able to manage the injury on a day-to-day basis so far. Finally, a defensive lineman for the Bills, T.J. Sanders, has been ruled out for an indefinite amount of time due to an appendectomy, not a sports-related injury, as per head coach Joe Brady.
Why Injury Reports Matter More Than You’d Think
Though it’s easy to overlook, injury reports have a major impact on how a game will unfold. A team’s left tackle is key to protecting the quarterback, and a rested cornerback could be the difference between a close win and a landslide loss. It’s also vital information for people who play in online football leagues or like to place a bet or two on the games. After all, knowing who the team expects to play (and not play) has a major impact on the outcome of the game, so it’s crucial that you research not only the injury but also the status of the player.
The practice participation of a player on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday can tell you a lot about their condition, too. If a player is limited during practice, but shows improvement each day, odds are they’ll be in the starting lineup for the big game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jaxson Dart out for the season?
It hasn’t been confirmed yet, but doctors are treating it as a real possibility after his MCL sprain turned out to be more serious than first thought. Jameis Winston is starting in his place for now.
Will Zay Flowers play in Week 3?
His head coach said he has “a good shot,” but he was held out of practice earlier in the week with a hamstring issue, so his status likely won’t be final until the injury report closes on game day.
When is Brock Bowers making his season debut?
He’s on track to play in Week 3 after recovering from a knee (meniscus) issue that kept him out of the first two games.
How long will Minkah Fitzpatrick be out?
Reports suggest two to three weeks for his groin injury, meaning a possible return around Week 5 or 6.
What’s happening with Josh Jacobs?
He’s not injured in the traditional sense. He’s on the commissioner’s exempt list connected to an ongoing legal matter, and reports suggest a suspension of four to six games is possible depending on the outcome.
