• Quarterback chaos fuels the 2025 NFL Week 3 Buzz, with Jayden Daniels, Brock Purdy, and Joe Burrow sidelined, handing the reins to backups like Marcus Mariota and Jake Browning.
• Rookies like Tucker Kraft and Emeka Egbuka fight through injuries to play, while Aaron Jones and Xavier Worthy face longer absences.
• Big off-field stories, like the Commanders’ D.C. homecoming, add spice to the 2025 NFL Week 3 Buzz for fans and fantasy players.
• Defensive shakeups, with stars like Khalil Mack and Calijah Kancey out, open doors for new heroes to shine.

Week 3 of the 2025 NFL season is hitting like a fourth-quarter comeback, with injuries and roster moves shaking up the league faster than a goal-line stand. 

As a fan who’s spent too many Sundays screaming at the TV, I know these updates can make or break your fantasy lineup or your team’s playoff dreams. Here’s the latest scoop on who’s in, who’s out, and what’s got the NFL buzzing as of September 21, 2025, straight from the wire.

Colts Gear Up with Warren and Ward

The Indianapolis Colts are rolling into Tennessee with good news: rookie tight end Tyler Warren (toe) and cornerback Charvarius Ward (concussion) are cleared to play. 

Warren’s 11 catches for 155 yards lead the team, while Ward’s six tackles bolster the secondary after missing Week 2. Their return is a cornerstone of the 2025 NFL Week 3 Buzz, giving Indy a shot to own the Titans’ turf.

Read more: NFL Week 3 Predictions: Top Bets and Matchups for 2025

Cowboys’ Diggs Keeps Fans Guessing

Dallas cornerback Trevon Diggs is questionable for the Bears with a knee tweak. He skipped Wednesday’s practice but went full speed later. 

If Diggs sits, Chicago’s passing game could feast like it’s Thanksgiving. His status is a hot topic in the 2025 NFL Week 3 Buzz, so watch those inactives.

Packers’ Kraft Ready to Roll

Green Bay tight end Tucker Kraft scared fans with a knee issue Thursday but is expected to suit up against Cleveland. Fresh off a 124-yard, one-touchdown Week 2, Kraft’s a game-changer—like a utility knife slicing through defenses.

Bucs’ Egbuka Set to Shine

Tampa Bay’s rookie wideout Emeka Egbuka, the 19th overall pick, should play against the Jets despite hip and groin woes. Questionable after missing early-week practices, he returned on Friday. With 96 yards and three scores, Egbuka’s a lifeline with Chris Godwin (ankle) and Tristan Wirfs (knee) out. His rise is pure 2025 NFL Week 3 Buzz, like a young star stealing the show.

Patriots’ Gonzalez Still Sidelined

New England cornerback Christian Gonzalez remains out for Week 3, nursing a training camp hamstring injury. Downgraded to out, his absence leaves the Patriots’ secondary thin, like a defense playing with one hand tied.

Chiefs Miss Worthy’s Speed

Kansas City’s rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy is out for the Giants game with a Week 1 shoulder dislocation. Without his speed, the Chiefs’ offense might feel like a car stuck in second gear.

Broncos’ Greenlaw Hits IR

Denver linebacker Dre Greenlaw lands on injured reserve with a quad injury, out for at least four games. The Broncos’ defense needs others to step up, like a small-town squad missing its star.

49ers’ Purdy and Jennings in Doubt

San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy (shoulder/toe) and wide receiver Jauan Jennings (ankle/shoulder) are questionable for Arizona. Purdy’s unlikely to start, possibly serving as emergency QB3, while Jennings didn’t practice. The 49ers’ offense may lean on backups, shaking up their playbook.

Seahawks’ Charbonnet Doubtful

Seattle running back Zach Charbonnet is doubtful for the Saints with a foot injury, missing all practices. Kenneth Walker becomes the go-to back, a fantasy goldmine.

Eagles’ Carter and Goedert Cleared

Philadelphia’s Jalen Carter (shoulder) and Dallas Goedert (knee) are good to go against the Rams. Carter’s two tackles in Week 2 and Goedert’s seven-catch Week 1 add firepower to Philly’s lineup.

Commanders Lose Daniels, Gain D.C. Hopes

Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels, 2024’s Offensive Rookie of the Year, is out for the Raiders with a Week 2 knee injury. Marcus Mariota starts. Off the field, the Commanders’ approved D.C. stadium return on the Anacostia River is huge—like coming home after years away.

Vikings’ McCarthy Out, Wentz Steps In

Minnesota’s J.J. McCarthy is out two weeks with an ankle injury. Carson Wentz starts, with Desmond Ridder signed for depth. The Vikings’ passing game could still pop with Justin Jefferson.

Chargers’ McConkey Back, Mack Out

Los Angeles rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey returns from a bicep issue, bringing 124 yards to Week 3. Linebacker Khalil Mack hits IR with an elbow injury, out for four games, denting the pass rush.

Jets’ Fields Sits with Concussion

New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields is out against Tampa, still in concussion protocol. Tyrod Taylor starts, offering stability but missing Fields’ spark.

Eagles’ Mailata Claps Back

Eagles tackle Jordan Mailata fired back at “tush push” critics after their Week 2 win: “It’s rubbish—disrespectful to our defense and special teams.” His fire resonates with fans tired of oversimplified narratives.

Commanders Welcome Smith

Washington re-signs defensive end Preston Smith, a 2015 pick with eight rookie sacks. His return after Green Bay and Pittsburgh stints strengthened the pass rush.

Vikings’ Jones to IR

Minnesota running back Aaron Jones hits IR with a hamstring injury, out four weeks. Jordan Mason takes over, with Cam Akers signed for depth.

Steelers Bench Johnson

Pittsburgh rookie running back Kaleb Johnson is benched from kick returns after a Week 2 miscue, per Mike Tomlin. He’s got ground to make up.

Bucs’ Kancey Out for Season

Tampa defensive lineman Calijah Kancey needs season-ending surgery for a pec tear. His 7.5 sacks from last year leave a massive gap.

Bengals Bolster QB Depth

Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow is out three months with turf toe. Mike White and Sean Clifford join the practice squad, while Jake Browning, fresh off a Week 2 win, starts.

Bills’ Allen Keeps Grinding

Buffalo’s Josh Allen, bloodied nose and all, quipped, “We can breathe, so it’s good.” His 251-yard fourth-quarter rally in Week 1 shows why he’s a force.

Rams’ Witherspoon Sidelined

Los Angeles cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon hits IR with a broken collarbone. Darious Williams steps up, adding intrigue to the Rams’ secondary.

Wrapping It Up

The 2025 NFL Week 3 Buzz is all about grit—players battling injuries, backups seizing moments, and teams like the Commanders dreaming big with their D.C. return. As a fan who’s seen seasons turn on a single play, I’m hyped to watch who rises. 

Whether you’re setting your fantasy lineup or cheering your squad, Week 3’s got stories that’ll keep us glued. Who’s your breakout pick? Drop it below and let’s talk ball!

Aliha

Hi, I’m Aliha! I’ve been a huge NFL fan for as long as I can remember, and I love sharing my thoughts, updates, and insights about the game. Whether it’s big plays, team news, or behind-the-scenes stories, writing about the NFL gives me a chance to connect with fellow fans who share the same passion for football.