This weekend’s NFL matchups begin with Week 4, and the injury report points to a familiar issue: key players are sidelined, including several of the game’s biggest stars. Among those ruled out is Justin Jefferson, while Nico Collins takes his place. Terry McLaurin remains questionable after suffering a late-week hamstring injury.
Jefferson Out, Collins In
The Vikings have a serious problem on their hands after Justin Jefferson was ruled out for Week 4, and it is a big blow to the team’s offense. The star receiver, who ranks among the team’s top targets in the passing game, will not play because of an injury.
Collins is expected to take over for him, and he has shown flashes of skill throughout his time in the game.
The loss of Jefferson is significant for the Vikings’ offense. He is one of the league’s premier receivers.
Aaron Donald and Christian Gonzalez Sideline
Aaron Donald, the Rams’ star defensive lineman, is also out for Week 4. The news comes as a blow to Los Angeles, which has leaned heavily on Donald’s pass-rushing abilities.
The Patriots have two players ruled out for this weekend, with both suffering shoulder injuries in recent days. Christian Gonzalez, the team’s All-Pro cornerback, is among them.
The defensive units of both teams feel the loss of their key players. The Rams are missing an edge disruptor, while the Patriots are without a shutdown corner.
Jayden Daniels Ruled Out
The Commanders are set to take on the Colts in London, and their starting quarterback situation remains unchanged: Jayden Daniels is out, ruled out for the game. Marcus Mariota will step in for a second straight week.
Friday brought news that Daniels had been restricted due to an injury to his left elbow that occurred during the week. The team has since confirmed his status, leaving the Commanders needing to revise their offensive approach as a result.
This season, Mariota has started in several games. That experience will prove useful as the team attempts to secure a victory in a difficult setting.
Terry McLaurin Questionable
Terry McLaurin’s status with the Commanders is in doubt following a hamstring injury suffered on Friday. The damage came during practice, and the club is keeping a close watch on his health.
McLaurin’s presence would give the offense a significant lift if he plays. Both his pace and his route-running skill are familiar assets. Should he sit out, the team will need to depend on its other offensive threats, among them Percy Butler, who is himself doubtful due to a head injury.
A victory at home would mean a great deal to the Commanders, who have much at stake in this contest. McLaurin’s ability to play carries weight in deciding whether they come through, though it is far from the only consideration.
New England’s Defensive Woes
Two key starters on defense will not play for the Patriots against the Bills. Christian Gonzalez, the star corner, and Christian Barmore, the defensive tackle, are both ruled out because of shoulder injuries.
Both players missed practice this week, a situation that reduces their chances of taking part. Their absence has created gaps in the secondary and the defensive line, forcing the Patriots to change how they play to cover for the missing players.
There is some good news on the injury front: starting right tackle Morgan Moses may be able to take the field Sunday. He came back for a limited stint at Friday’s practice and remains questionable with a foot injury.
Buffalo’s Injury Concerns
Defensive lineman T.J. Sanders is in doubt for Buffalo’s game because of an illness, even though he was limited at practice Thursday and Friday after missing Wednesday’s session entirely.
Christian Benford’s status is in doubt, even though he didn’t practice at all this week due to a toe injury. The Bills will keep a close eye on him over the next few days.
With several key players sidelined, the Bills will need their healthy roster members to take on added responsibility and cover for those who are unavailable.
Jets and Bears Matchup
Breece Hall is sidelined with a quad injury, which rules him out for Sunday’s game. As a result, Braelon Allen will take over at running back.
Adonai Mitchell is out for the offense, and the team may also be without Kenyon Sadiq, who has a back injury and has practiced on a limited basis throughout the week.
Caleb Williams is still recovering from his hamstring injury and won’t suit up this week. Ben Johnson hasn’t confirmed who will take over for him just yet. The two top choices for the job are Tyson Bagent and Case Keenum, with D’Andre Swift expected to be the running back behind either of them now that he’s back at full participation in practice following Friday’s session.
Jaguars and Bengals Health
The Jaguars come into this matchup in good health across the roster, with no players ruled out. Regis, Brown and Braswell all took part in practice on a limited basis throughout the week.
B.J. Hill showed up for practice on a limited basis for Cincinnati on Friday, putting him in contention to play in Week 4. Bozeman, however, is heading in the wrong direction even though both players carry questionable tags. After being limited on Thursday, he did not take part in Friday’s practice.
Cardinals and Giants Status
The Cardinals are in good shape with injuries, with only one player ruled out for Week 4. Dadrion Taylor-Demerson is listed as out after missing practice all week because of a back injury. The bigger concern comes from Josh Sweat, who was downgraded to a limited participant on Friday because of a groin injury.
The final injury report shows that New York has no injuries or game designations listed, which means the team is fully healthy heading into Week 4.
What It Means for the Week
A tale of loss emerges from the injury report, revealing a league worn down by attrition. Critical positions are being stripped of their best players, and the depth chart faces its toughest test yet.
Some squads can handle their setbacks without too much trouble. Others cannot. The Commanders, for instance, have seen their quarterback depart and now wonder about their leading wideout. That combination leaves them with a hard situation.
A number of serious injuries have hit the NFL so far this season, and Week 4 brings more of the same, with several prominent players now out for the year. The bug keeps striking teams across the league, taking another round of notable names with it.
A full slate of games awaits, packed with storylines, and the injury report looms as a key factor. It settles who suits up and who stays on the bench, shaping how every team alters its approach to the match.
Key Facts Box
- Justin Jefferson (Vikings): Out with injury
- Nico Collins (Vikings): Expected to replace Jefferson
- Aaron Donald (Rams): Out with injury
- Christian Gonzalez (Patriots): Out with injury
- Jayden Daniels (Commanders): Out with left elbow injury; Marcus Mariota starts
- Terry McLaurin (Commanders): Questionable with hamstring injury
- Breece Hall (Jets): Out with quad injury; Braelon Allen starts
- Caleb Williams (Bears): Out with hamstring injury
A busy week lies ahead, with players stepping up and others falling short, while injuries continue to define the outcomes.
Source material: “NFL Week 4 injury report: Justin Jefferson out, Nico Collins in; Terry McLaurin suffers late-week injury,” CBS Sports.
Get the Notebook.
The day's best stories and every fresh verdict, in plain English, in your inbox by seven. One email a day, no more.