3 weeks into the season, NFL injuries are piling up faster than a locker room laundry basket. Some teams are dealing with key players having to sit out significant time and gashing their hope to make the playoffs. Read on to find out more about players sidelined by injuries and how it may shake up their team’s expectations for the season.
Joe Burrow, Quarterback – Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow has had a roller coaster of a career since entering the league 6 years ago. From missing time his rookie season due to injury to leading his team to the Super Bowl two years later, Burrow was poised to have another breakout season in 2025. Instead, due to a toe injury, he is expected to miss at least three months while backup quarterback Jake Browning keeps the ship steady until Burrow returns.
Jayden Daniels, Quarterback – Washington Commanders
Daniels injured his knee during the Commanders week 2 loss to Green Bay. Diagnosed as a knee sprain, he is listed as out this Sunday. Commander’s backup quarterback and fellow Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota gets the start against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Justin Fields, Quarterback – New York Jets
After an inspired and explosive performance in Week 1 against his former team, Justin Fields had a tough time in week 2. Justin Fields was only 3 for 11 on pass attempts for 27 yards with another 49 yards on the ground before being knocked out of the game with a head injury. Fields has been ruled out as the Jets travel to Tampa to face the Buccaneers. Tyrod Taylor gets the start for New York. There is no timetable for Fields’ return.
J.J. McCarthy, Quarterback – Minnesota Vikings
Yes, folks. This is the 4th quarterback on this injury list. Having one of the best 4th quarter performances ever in a win over the Bears, J.J. McCarthy has struggled the other seven quarters of football. Adding injury to insult, McCarthy is expected to miss 2-4 weeks after suffering a high ankle sprain during the Vikings week 2 loss to the Falcons.
Brock Purdy, Quarterback – San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers are 2-0 and off to a hot start in 2025. After a big win over division rival Seattle in week 1, 49ers’ starting quarterback Brock Purdy was ruled out for week 2 due to a toe injury (yes, another toe injury folks). No worries! Enter newly backup quarterback Mac Jones to save the day with a great performance in a win over the lowly Saints. Limited in practice this week, Purdy is not expected to play Sunday. Hold it down out there in San Fran, Mac!
George Kittle, Tight End – San Francisco 49ers
Kittle had 4 catches for 25 yards and a touchdown before exiting the 49ers’ win over Seattle in week 1. The Tight End University professor and alum is not expected to return to play before San Francisco’s Week 5 clash against the Rams.
Xavier Worthy, Wide Receiver – Kansas City Chiefs
Xavier Worthy was injured in Week 1 after teammate Travis Kelce delivered a John Cena-ish flying shoulder by mistake. Out for the week 2 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, I was surprised he didn’t get a neck injury from that pendant he wore on the sideline. Worthy has been listed as questionable this week on the Chiefs depleted receiver depth chart.
Khalil Mack, Linebacker – Los Angeles Chargers
Jim Harbaugh and the Los Angeles Chargers look amazing over the first two weeks of the season. Pulling off huge wins against division opponents, the team will have to go forward without star edge rusher Khalil Mack. Mack suffered a gruesome elbow injury in the Chargers win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday night. There is no timetable for Mack’s return.
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