Week 3 of the NFL saw a spate of injuries that could affect teams’ playoff hopes. Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield dislocated his right thumb late in the 23-16 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Coach Todd Bowles confirmed the injury and said Mayfield will undergo an MRI on Monday, noting that X‑rays showed no fracture.
Backup quarterback steps in for the Buccaneers
Undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels is now the Buccaneers’ only other quarterback on the active roster. Daniels threw three passes with an interception in the final minutes of the game and is expected to start next Sunday against the Green Bay Packers.
Vikings lose more than just Mayfield
Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson suffered a left ankle injury early in the first quarter and did not return. Coach Kevin O’Connell said Jefferson was close to returning but ultimately ruled him out for the remainder of the game. Tight end Josh Oliver (bicep) and cornerback Charles Demings (hamstring) also left the field and will be evaluated further.
Jets running back Breece Hall out with thigh strain
New York Jets running back Breece Hall felt a “something” in his thigh during the fourth quarter of the 31-24 loss at Detroit and will likely have an MRI on Monday. Hall, who rushed for a career‑high 1,065 yards last season, joins wide receiver Garrett Wilson in the injury report; Wilson was evaluated for a concussion but was cleared.
Dolphins’ De’Von Achane sidelined by knee injury
Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane missed the final three‑plus quarters of the 24-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs after a non‑contact knee injury in the first quarter. Coach Jeff Hafley said the outlook was “not very optimistic” until further details emerge.
49ers wide receiver Mike Evans with rib strain
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans left the 36-30 win over the Arizona Cardinals with a rib strain. Coach Kyle Shanahan said doctors were still determining whether the injury was a broken rib or an oblique strain and would have more information after further evaluation.
Additional injuries across the league
Washington Commanders linebacker Leo Chenal was carted off with a neck injury after the 33-31 win over Seattle. Buffalo Bills cornerback Christian Benford limped off with a non‑contact toe injury, and New York Giants edge rusher Brian Burns required assistance after a knee injury in the 12-7 win over Tennessee.
The Cincinnati Bengals lost rookie receiver Colbie Young to a right knee injury on the opening offensive play, while safety Bryan Cook injured his right ankle later in the game. Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech broke his forearm in the 35-27 win over New Orleans and is headed for injured reserve.
In other news, the Baltimore Ravens lost two centers—Jovaughn Gwyn (ankle) and Ethan Pocic (knee)—during their 34-31 victory in Brazil, and Dallas safety Jalen Thompson left with a hamstring issue.
These injuries will be closely monitored as teams prepare for the upcoming weeks, with many players slated for MRI scans and further medical evaluation.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
