The arrival of NFL Sunday ushers in electrifying plays and touchdown celebrations but, regrettably, also the shadow of player injuries. As Week 4 unfolds, we continue tracking the notable injuries that may shape the remainder of the season.
Perhaps the most significant setback of the day hit Kansas City’s star wide receiver Rashee Rice. Although the Chiefs maintained their undefeated streak, securing a fourth consecutive victory, Rice’s injury casts a dark cloud over their campaign. The talented second-year receiver was escorted off the field in the first half due to a knee issue, and reports suggest that the team fears a torn ACL. Head coach Andy Reid succinctly stated the prognosis: “It’s not good.” This potential season-ending blow leaves a substantial void for the reigning Super Bowl champions.
In addition to Rice’s devastating injury, several other pivotal players across the league found themselves sidelined. Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, Buccaneers wideout Trey Palmer, Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson, running back Jonathan Taylor, Steelers rusher Cordarrelle Patterson, and Saints utility player Taysom Hill were among those affected.
Here’s a comprehensive rundown of notable injuries from Sunday’s games, organized by team.
Bears
- LG Teven Jenkins (ribs): Chicago’s key offensive lineman exited the contest against the Rams after sustaining a rib injury and was declared out for the remainder of the game.
Bengals
- DE Trey Hendrickson (neck): The Bengals’ elite pass rusher departed in the fourth quarter against the Panthers with a neck issue. Although head coach Zac Taylor described the injury as a stinger, Hendrickson was seen with his right arm in a sling as he left the stadium, raising concerns about a more serious condition.
Broncos
- RB Tyler Badie (back): Badie was listed as questionable to return following a back injury after a hit from Jets linebacker Quincy Williams. Although Badie initially rose and jogged off, a worrisome scene unfolded as he was later carted away from the sidelines. In a perplexing turn, head coach Sean Payton offered no post-game update on his condition.
Browns
- LB Jordan Hicks (elbow): The veteran linebacker exited for the locker room in the first half against the Raiders and was marked as questionable to return.
- G Ethan Pocic (ankle): The Browns offensive lineman also left Week 4 action with an ankle injury, with his return similarly deemed questionable.
Buccaneers
- WR Trey Palmer (concussion): Tampa Bay’s Palmer was ruled out for the remainder of the game against the Eagles following a concussion diagnosis.
Chiefs
- WR Rashee Rice (knee): A grim scene for Kansas City as their explosive wideout suffered a knee injury early against the Chargers. Rice, swiftly carted off, was ruled out, and head coach Andy Reid later confirmed the outlook was dire. ESPN reported that Rice is feared to have torn his ACL, potentially sidelining him for the season.
Colts
- QB Anthony Richardson (hip): The Colts’ dynamic rookie quarterback was forced out of action early after sustaining a hip injury in the first quarter against the Steelers. Despite the setback, backup Joe Flacco stepped in admirably, throwing a touchdown as Indianapolis raced to a 17-0 lead and ultimately secured a 27-24 victory. Richardson reassured fans afterward, stating, “Just a bit sore, but I’ll be fine.”
- RB Jonathan Taylor (ankle): The Colts’ Pro Bowl running back was labeled questionable to return after injuring his ankle late in the game. Post-game, Taylor expressed optimism: “Feeling good, ready for another tough week ahead.”
Commanders
- S Tyler Owens (shoulder): The rookie safety left the field against the Cardinals and was listed as questionable due to a shoulder injury.
Jets
- S Tony Adams: Adams was spotted undergoing medical evaluation in the tent during the first half against the Broncos, though his status remained uncertain.
Packers
- WR Christian Watson (ankle): Watson exited Green Bay’s matchup against the Vikings with an ankle injury. Head coach Matt LaFleur later confirmed that Watson thought it to be a sprain, and further reports indicated it was likely a high-ankle sprain.
Patriots
- OT Caedan Wallace (ankle): The rookie offensive tackle was carted off in the first half against the 49ers with an ankle injury and did not return.
- S Kyle Dugger (ankle): Like Wallace, Dugger sustained an ankle injury and was ruled out.
- C David Andrews (shoulder): The Patriots also lost their starting center against San Francisco after Andrews suffered a shoulder injury.
Saints
- RB/TE Taysom Hill (abdomen): Hill left the field clutching his chest before being ruled out with an abdominal injury.
- LB Willie Gay Jr. (hand): Gay exited with a hand injury and did not return.
Steelers
- RB Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle): With Jaylen Warren already sidelined, Patterson took on more responsibilities but was carted off after suffering an ankle injury in the first half.
As NFL Week 4 progresses, teams now face the uncertainty of adjusting their game plans to accommodate these sudden absences. Each injury listed here could have far-reaching implications for playoff aspirations and individual careers alike.