1 Key Injury Impacting Each NFL Team

Injuries have been a huge factor this NFL season.

And while some teams have been impacted more than others, nobody is immune.

Which ones are factoring in the most?

Let's go team by team and identify the key injury that is weighing most heavily on each here in mid-October.

Arizona Cardinals: QB Kyler Murray

AP Photo/Zach Bolinger

Kyler Murray

Injury: Foot, suffered in a Week 5 loss to the Titans

Status: Missed a Week 6 loss to the Colts, leaving his status up in the air for a Week 7 matchup with the Packers.

Why it really hurts: As solid as backup Jacoby Brissett was in Week 6 (320 yards, two touchdown passes and a pick), the slumping Cardinals aren't going anywhere unless their expensive franchise quarterback returns soon and establishes some major chemistry with top targets Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride.

Atlanta Falcons: OT Jake Matthews

AP Photo/Danny Karnik

Jake Matthews

Injury: Ankle, suffered in a Week 6 victory over the Bills

Status: Day to day, per Falcons head coach Raheem Morris. Atlanta plays in San Francisco Sunday night.

Why it really hurts: The iron man has been the anchor of this line since 2014, and he's tasked with protecting the blind side of a young starting quarterback this season. The margin for error is low for this Falcons team, so they really can't afford to spend a lot of time without their stalwart left tackle. Keep in mind that they've already lost veteran tackle Kaleb McGary to a season-ending leg injury.

Baltimore Ravens: QB Lamar Jackson

AP Photo/Nick Wass

Lamar Jackson

Injury: Hamstring, suffered in a Week 4 loss to the Chiefs

Status: Expected to return following the team's Week 7 bye. Baltimore hosts the Bears in Week 8.

Why it really hurts: The Ravens would already be in rough shape considering multiple impactful injuries on defense, but they've got no shot of bouncing back from a 1-5 start to contend unless their two-time MVP quarterback can get back and close to 100 percent ASAP. Thank goodness for the Week 7 bye.

Buffalo Bills: TE Dalton Kincaid

AP Photo/ Jeffrey T. Barnes

Dalton Kincaid

Injury: Oblique, suffered in a Week 5 loss to the Patriots

Status: Day to day after missing a Week 6 loss to the Falcons. The Bills are in Carolina following their Week 7 bye.

Why it really hurts: Kincaid continues to lead the team in receiving yards and touchdowns, so his absence was far from ideal in Atlanta. Same goes for defenders Matt Milano and rookies Maxwell Hairston and T.J. Sanders, but it's not as though any of them were factors in 2024 or have been much if at all in 2025.

Carolina Panthers: OT Taylor Moton (and Co.)

AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman

Taylor Moton

Injury: Elbow, suffered in a Week 5 victory over the Dolphins

Status: Has returned to practice after missing a Week 6 victory over the Cowboys. Carolina has a road matchup with the Jets in Week 7.

Why it really hurts: This injury isn't serious, and it wouldn't be a huge concern in isolation. But it's really about the Panthers offensive line as a whole, which is already down interior veterans Austin Corbett (knee) and Robert Hunt (biceps). It's a lot to overcome for a team battling to make an impression.

Chicago Bears: CB Jaylon Johnson

AP Photo/Rick Osentoski

Jaylon Johnson

Injury: Groin, which was aggravated in a Week 2 loss to the Bears

Status: Has undergone core muscle surgery and is likely to miss the rest of the regular season

Why it really hurts: The veteran was a Pro Bowler in 2023 and 2024, intercepting six passes in those two campaigns combined. They've fortunately got Kyler Gordon back from a hamstring injury but the coverage unit remains a liability with very little depth.

Cincinnati Bengals: QB Joe Burrow

AP Photo/Kareem Elgazzar, File

Joe Burrow

Injury: Turf toe, suffered in a Week 2 victory over the Jaguars

Status: Underwent surgery in September, could return as early as mid-December.

Why it really hurts: Duh. Without one of the league's most productive and talented quarterbacks, the Bengals had lost four consecutive games while averaging just 13.8 points per game heading into Week 7. They've resorted to trading for Joe Flacco, but they're digging a hole that might make Burrow's potential December return moot.

Cleveland Browns: TE David Njoku

AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar

David Njoku

Injury: Knee, suffered in a Week 6 loss to the Steelers

Status: Was not practicing to start the week and appears to be a long shot for the team's Week 7 matchup with the Dolphins.

Why it really hurts: They do miss Pro Bowl linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, but there's plenty of depth and talent in that front seven. Instead, the focus has to be on a critical missing piece for the league's lowest-scoring offense, as Njoku is a former Pro Bowler on pace for a 600-plus-yard campaign.

Dallas Cowboys: WR CeeDee Lamb

AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter

Ceedee Lamb

Injury: High-ankle sprain, suffered in a Week 3 loss to the Bears

Status: Has returned to practice ahead of a Week 7 matchup with the Commanders

Why it really hurts: Lamb was by far and away the team's top receiver with 101 catches for 1,194 yards in 2024, and he went over 100 yards in each of the first two games this season. Dallas has just one win without him, and

Denver Broncos: G Matt Peart

AP Photo/Zach Bolinger

Matt Peart

Injury: Knee, suffered in a Week 6 victory over the Jets

Status: Has been placed on injured reserve

Why it really hurts: Peart's departure from the lineup is painful because the veteran had just taken over for Ben Powers, who went on injured reserve last week due to a bicep injury. Now it's bare bones in that spot, leaving a vaunted interior offensive line in trouble entering the heart of the schedule.

Detroit Lions: OT Taylor Decker

AP Photo/Rick Osentoski

Taylor Decker

Injury: Shoulder, suffered in a Week 4 victory over the Browns

Status: Up in the air for a critical Week 7 matchup with the Buccaneers, which at least comes on Monday night to give him some extra time.

Why it really hurts: The Lions are quite banged up in the secondary and elsewhere on defense, but no single injury is as problematic as Decker's. Giovanni Manu and Dan Skipper are major downgrades. Decker was a Pro Bowler on Jared Goff's blind side in 2024, and they need him back as soon as possible because the schedule doesn't lighten up anytime soon.

Green Bay Packers: WR Jayden Reed

AP Photo/Morry Gash

Jayden Reed

Injury: Foot (suffered in the offseason) and clavicle (suffered in Week 2).

Status: Underwent surgery on both injuries in September, with the hope that he'll return late this season.

Why it really hurts: While the Packers have plenty of options at wide receiver, Reed led the team with 55 catches and 857 yards while scoring six touchdowns in 2024. That isn't easy to replace, and it doesn't help that Dontayvion Wicks (ankle) is hurting while Christian Watson (knee) continues to be out as they embark on a road trip to Arizona and Pittsburgh.

Houston Texans: RB Joe Mixon

AP Photo/Maria Lysaker, File

Joe Mixon

Injury: Foot, suffered in the offseason

Status: There's still no timetable on his potential return

Why it really hurts: He's sort of here by default because he's veteran coming off a Pro Bowl season in which he scored 11 touchdowns. Nick Chubb has done a nice job and rookie Woody Marks is there too, but Mixon is still quite valuable and the Texans have actually had good injury luck this year.

Indianapolis Colts: CB Charvarius Ward

AP Photo/John Amis

Charvarius Ward

Injury: Concussion, suffered prior to the team's Week 6 victory over the Cardinals

Status: Still in concussion protocol (this is his second concussion in a four-week span)

Why it really hurts: Even if the former 49ers Pro Bowler gets back soon, it's a major concern that he's had two of them this season. And his absence is magnified by the fact the Colts have also been without Kenny Moore II (Achilles) and Jaylon Jones (hamstring) at the cornerback position.

Jacksonville Jaguars: LB Devin Lloyd

AP Photo/Gary McCullough

Devin Lloyd

Injury: Calf, suffered earlier this month

Status: Has already been ruled out for the team's Week 7 matchup with the Rams in London

Why it really hurts: Well, dude was the league's Defensive Player of the Month in September. He's got four interceptions and a fumble recovery under his belt. That level of play is obviously irreplaceable, and it's a big hit regardless of whether Lloyd was likely to cool down in the heart of the season.

Kansas City Chiefs: OT Josh Simmons

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Josh Simmons

Injury: Personal, causing him to miss the team's Week 6 victory over the Lions

Status: There's still no indication what Simmons might be dealing with, but it's obviously a private matter that leaves his status totally up in the air for Kansas City's Week 7 meeting with the Raiders.

Why it really hurts: Thank goodness they have Jaylon Moore as an emergency swing option, but Simmons has been one of the best pass-blocking tackles in the league thus far in his rookie season. Any shakeup is less than ideal, especially on Patrick Mahomes' blind side as the Chiefs try to recover from a rough start.

Las Vegas Raiders: OT Kolton Miller

AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.

Kolton Miller

Injury: High-ankle sprain and hairline fracture, suffered in a Week 4 loss to the Bears

Status: Miller is on injured reserve, and there's a good chance we don't see him again this season.

Why it really hurts: The stalwart really was the bright spot on a bad offensive line. He's still ranked second among qualified offensive tackles in terms of Pro Football Focus grades. This is crippling.

Los Angeles Chargers: OT Joe Alt

AP Photo/Kyusung Gong

Joe Alt

Injury: High-ankle sprain, suffered in a Week 4 loss to the Giants

Status: It's not considered to be a super-long-term injury, but Alt remains out of practice ahead of a Week 7 matchup with the Colts.

Why it really hurts: Alt was already filling in for Rashawn Slater, who is out of the year with a a torn patellar tendon. That made the Bolts weaker on the right side, and Alt was doing a solid job on the blind side. Altogether, it's hugely problematic for what's become one of the worst pass protection units in the league.

Los Angeles Rams: WR Puka Nacua

AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough

Puka Nacua

Injury: Sprained ankle, suffered in a Week 6 victory over the Ravens

Status: Per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the superstar receiver is a "long shot" for the team's Week 7 matchup with the Jaguars in London.

Why it really hurts: Nacua has caught a ridiculous 83.1 percent of the passes thrown his way to lead the league with 54 receptions. Nobody else has more than 46, so it'll be really hard for the Rams to replace that level of production against a stellar Jags defense on Sunday.

Miami Dolphins: WR Tyreek Hill

AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell

Tyreek Hill

Injury: Knee, suffered in a Week 4 victory over the Jets

Status: Out for the season

Why it really hurts: Obviously, the Dolphins were having trouble competing even with a healthy Hill installed as the No. 1 receiver. Now, even with Jaylen Waddle performing quite well thus far in Hill's stead, there's a gross lack of talent in the receiving corps. Malik Washington and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine have way too much on their shoulders for this to work for the remainder of the year.

Minnesota Vikings: C Ryan Kelly

AP Photo/Abbie Parr

Ryan Kelly

Injury: Concussion, suffered in a Week 4 loss to the Steelers

Status: On injured reserve through at least Week 9

Why it really hurts: While it would be easy to toss J.J. McCarthy out there, Carson Wentz is simply been better on paper. And McCarthy might be set to return from his ankle injury anyway. Instead, let's target the offensive line that has been hit hard in front of those quarterbacks. This could have gone to fellow linemen Brian O'Neill (knee) or Donovan Jackson (wrist) but both are at least back at practice in limited fashion. Kelly also has a history with concussions.

New England Patriots: Edge Harold Landry III

AP Photo/Maria Lysaker

Harold Landry III

Injury: Ankle, suffered in a Week 6 victory over the Saints

Status: Returned to that game but was missing from practice to kick off Week 7

Why it really hurts: It's possible adrenaline got him through that game in New Orleans, so we'll see how much Landry can factor in (if at all) Sunday in Tennessee. It matters because the former Titan has arguably been New England's best defensive player this year, with 4.5 sacks and six tackles for loss in six outings.

New Orleans Saints: RB Alvin Kamara

AP Photo/Maria Lysaker

Alvin Kamara

Injury: Ankle, suffered earlier this month

Status: Played through the injury in a Week 6 loss to the Patriots but was out of practice to kick off the week ahead of a Week 7 game in Chicago.

Why it really hurts: Kamara is likely to keep playing through this, but it's clearly nagging the 30-year-old. He's rushed for just 58 yards on 18 carries the last two weeks combined, although he is coming off his best game of the year as a receiver (five catches, 45 yards). The Saints haven't been crushed by injuries this season.

New York Giants: WR Malik Nabers

AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura

Malik Nabers

Injury: Torn ACL, suffered in a Week 4 victory over the Chargers

Status: Out for the season

Why it really hurts: The second-year first-round pick was on pace for another 1,100-yard campaign and was just about to have a chance to get acclimated to Jaxson Dart for a nice long stretch. Now, that's all on hold until at least the spring.

New York Jets: WR Garrett Wilson

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Garrett Wilson

Injury: Knee, suffered in a Week 6 loss to the Broncos

Status: Out of practice and expected to miss several weeks, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Why it really hurts: Wilson has 36 catches, 395 yards and four touchdowns. The Jets' next-most-productive receiver, Josh Reynolds, has just eight catches for 72 yards. And yet, Reynolds is out of practice with a hip injury. Good luck, Justin Fields.

Philadelphia Eagles: LB Nolan Smith

AP Photo/Terrance Williams

Nolan Smith

Injury: Triceps, suffered in a Week 3 victory over the Rams

Status: Will be eligible to come off injured reserve next week, but a more realistic target might be after the team's Week 9 bye.

Why it really hurts: The 2023 first-round pick took a leap with 10.5 sacks (four of which came in the playoffs) as a sophomore. His progress in Year 3 has been thwarted by what appears to be an aggravation of an injury initially suffered in the Super Bowl. This D could really use him considering its struggles thus far in 2025.

Pittsburgh Steelers: WR Calvin Austin III

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Calvin Austin III

Injury: Shoulder, suffered in a Week 4 victory over the Vikings

Status: Missed his second consecutive game Thursday night in Cincinnati.

Why it really hurts: It continues to put a lot of pressure on DK Metcalf, as no other wide receivers on the roster have factored in whatsoever this season entering Week 7.

San Francisco 49ers: Edge Nick Bosa?

AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh

Mac Jones

Injury: Torn ACL, suffered in a Week 3 victory over the Cardinals

Status: Out for the season

Why it really hurts: The question mark is there because it's almost impossible to pick just one for the absolutely wrecked 49ers. Wouldn't fault you for going with Brock Purdy, Fred Warner, George Kittle, Brandon Aiyuk, even Jauan Jennings or Ricky Pearsall. It's just brutal. That said, Bosa's a former Defensive Player of the Year, and future Hall of Famer and the biggest playmaker on this team.

Seattle Seahawks: CB Devon Witherspoon

AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson

Devon Witherspoon

Injury: Knee, suffered in a Week 1 loss to the 49ers

Status: Up in the air for a Week 7 matchup with the Falcons

Why it really hurts: He's a steady starter and a Pro Bowler from 2024 who was also often lights-out as a rookie No. 5 overall pick in 2023. Riq Woolen (concussion) has also been out, leaving Seattle extremely thin in coverage.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: WR Chris Godwin

AP Photo/Peter Joneleit

Chris Godwin

Injury: Fibula, keeping him out of the lineup for a Week 6 victory over the 49ers

Status: Ruled out of the team's Week 7 game in Detroit

Why it really hurts: Really, this is about the receiver position in general for the Bucs, as Godwin has been joined on injury report by rookie sensation Emeka Egbuka (hamstring) while veteran Mike Evans fights his way back from a hamstring as well. But at least Evans has returned to practice. Regardless, all three being hurt is a potential major problem for Baker Mayfield and Co.

Tennessee Titans: WR Calvin Ridley

AP Photo/Rick Scuteri

Calvin Ridley

Injury: Hamstring, suffered in a Week 6 loss to the Raiders

Status: Out of practice to kick off the week ahead of a matchup with the Patriots on Sunday.

Why it really hurts: The veteran is rookie quarterback Cam Ward's top option, and his most productive receiver thus far. There is very little depth there, as nobody is fired up about Van Jefferson or Tyler Lockett at this point.

Washington Commanders: WR Terry McLaurin

AP Photo/Nick Wass

Terry McLaurin

Injury: Quad, suffered in a Week 2 loss to the Packers

Status: Has returned to practice in limited fashion ahead of a Week 7 matchup with the Cowboys in Dallas.

Why it really hurts: McLaurin's injury combined with the fact Deebo Samuel (heel) is less than 100 percent while Noah Brown (groin) has hit injured reserve has left this offense in a real difficult spot.