Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is listed as doubtful for Sunday night's game against the Denver Broncos. Head coach Sean McVay confirmed that Nacua will not participate in practice on Friday and said it is more unlikely than likely that he will play on Sunday. Nacua has been out of practice since September 17th, and his injury is unrelated to a psoas issue that sidelined him earlier in the season. McVay stated there are no plans to place Nacua on injured reserve, which would require missing at least four more games.
Nacua did not practice Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday this week. McVay said that barring a setback, the Rams expect Nacua to have a better chance of returning for the Week 4 game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Rams safety Kamren Kinchens is also doubtful because of a hamstring injury.
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins is once again ruled out for their Week 3 matchup, though his current hamstring injury is not believed to be as serious as the hamstring problem that caused him to miss five games in 2024, according to ESPN. The Texans struggled offensively without Collins last week, scoring only six points and failing to reach the end zone. Tight end Dalton Schultz led the team in receiving with 140 yards on 12 catches during that game. Houston will rely on Xavier Hutchinson, Jaylin Noel, Jared Wayne, and Kayshon Boutte to step up in Collins' absence. The team also needs its running game to improve, as last week's backfield produced just 18 yards on 14 carries.
Houston will also be without defensive back M.J. Stewart, linebacker Jake Hummel, guard Ed Ingram, and edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney. Offensive tackle Trent Brown is questionable with knee and wrist injuries.
Several other players across the league are dealing with injuries ahead of this weekend’s games, according to a report from CBS Sports. San Francisco 49ers pass rusher Nick Bosa is expected to miss a few weeks after pulling his calf during practice on Thursday. New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart underwent surgery on Friday after suffering a knee injury in Monday night's game against the Rams that will keep him out for the rest of the regular season. His recovery timeline has been estimated at four to six months, though the Giants have not ruled out a possible postseason return if the team qualifies.
The Carolina Panthers will be without linebacker Devin Lloyd, who did not practice all week and was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week. Wide receiver Jalen Coker is expected to play despite an ankle injury, while Xavier Legette will be a game-time decision. The Cleveland Browns are missing center Teven Jenkins for the third straight week, but they hope defensive back Tyson Campbell and safety Grant Delpit can return.
New York Jets wide receiver Adonai Mitchell is listed as questionable with a finger injury, and edge rusher Joseph Ossai is trending upward after participating in Friday practice. Jets running back Kene Nwangwu is listed as doubtful with a back injury, while the Detroit Lions will be without safety Thomas Harper. The Indianapolis Colts are dealing with multiple injuries, including wide receivers Ashton Dulin and Alec Pierce, who both are out for the game.
The New England Patriots will be without linebacker Quintayvious Hutchins and Dre'Mont Jones, while safety Craig Woodson is listed as questionable. Miami Dolphins edge rusher Rob Beal Jr. is out with a hamstring injury, and wide receiver Caleb Douglas is also ruled out. Tennessee Titans cornerback Cor'Dale Flott and running back Tyjae Spears are both listed as questionable. New York Giants linebacker Brian Burns, cornerback Deonte Banks, and safety Tyler Nubin are also listed as questionable.
Washington will be without quarterback Jayden Daniels because of a left elbow injury. Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold is expected to return after missing time with an injury.
Several teams have long injury reports heading into Week 3, with many players still working their way back from various ailments.