From CBS Sports · · 3m
NFL Week 3 injury crisis spreads across league
Six teams could start backup quarterbacks by Week 3 as injuries pile up across the NFL.
In brief
Six teams could start backup quarterbacks by Week 3 as injuries pile up across the NFL. Week 3 injuries are forcing multiple teams to turn to backup quarterbacks and start players at unfamiliar positions, with the Packers' offensive line particularly hard hit. Originally reported by CBS Sports.
Six teams facing QB upheaval
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Jaxson Dart are all expected to miss Week 3 with injuries, meaning up to six teams could be starting backup quarterbacks by the third game of the season.
Star receivers battling hamstrings
Zay Flowers and Nico Collins are both dealing with hamstring injuries, while Alec Pierce was placed on injured reserve after aggravating an ankle injury from the offseason.
Jayden Reed's recovery unclear
The Packers wide receiver suffered a back injury in Week 2, but his return timeline has not yet been established.
Running backs and linemen down
The Carolina Panthers placed running back Jonathon Brooks on injured reserve, while the New Orleans Saints put standout left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. on IR.
Penix Jr. gets first start
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is set to make his first start of the season after being a full participant in practice all week.
Packers offensive line in trouble
Green Bay will be without two starting offensive linemen in Zach Bako-Bewele and Aaron Banks this week due to knee injuries.
Hargrave questionable with concussion
Packers defensive tackle Javon Hargrave is listed as questionable with a knee injury and concussion after limited practice participation.
Chargers banged up heading to Buffalo
Los Angeles had eight players not practicing Wednesday, including guard Kayode Awosika, safety Derwin James, and edge rusher Khalil Mack.
Commanders dealing with Daniels injury
Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels did not practice Wednesday with a left elbow injury, joining six other Commanders who missed practice.
Darnold limited with glute injury
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold was limited in practice Wednesday due to a glute injury.
Giants lose Dart for season
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart is out for the rest of the season after damaging his MCL, PCL, and meniscus.
Burns dealing with ankle sprain
Giants edge rusher Brian Burns has a low ankle sprain and did not practice Wednesday.
Titans lose both top running backs
Tennessee was without its top two running backs Wednesday, with both Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears sidelined by ankle injuries.
Texans missing multiple stars
Houston had six players not practice Wednesday, including edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney and wide receiver Nico Collins with hamstring injury.
Pierce headed to injured reserve
Indianapolis wide receiver Alec Pierce will be placed on injured reserve and miss at least four games.
The takeaway
Week 3 injuries are forcing multiple teams to turn to backup quarterbacks and start players at unfamiliar positions, with the Packers' offensive line particularly hard hit.
