• The NFL Week 3 injury report provides the latest updates on player injuries for all games, including practice and game status designations.
• Understand how injuries might impact your favorite team’s lineup and game strategy.
• Key players like Ed Oliver (Bills), Justin Fields (Jets), and Christian McCaffrey (49ers) are listed with injuries that could affect their availability.
• Check back for final injury reports, as statuses like questionable, doubtful, or out can shift before kickoff.
• Stay informed to make smarter fantasy football or betting decisions.

Why the NFL Week 3 Injury Report Matters

As a lifelong football fan, I know the sinking feeling when a star player limps off the field. Injuries can flip a game plan upside down, whether you’re rooting for your team or managing a fantasy roster. 

Heading into Week 3 of the 2025 NFL season, the NFL Week 3 injury report is your go-to source for who’s ready to play and who might be watching from the sidelines. Below, I’ve broken down the latest updates for each game, based on practice designations like DNP (did not participate), LP (limited participant), and FP (full participant).

 These reports, updated as of September 18, 2025, are your guide to navigating the bumps and bruises of the NFL.

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

How Teams Report Injuries

Before the final game statuses (questionable, doubtful, or out) drop, teams use practice reports to signal player health. A DNP often raises red flags, while an FP is a good sign they’ll suit up.

 Limited participation (LP) can go either way, so keep an eye on those final reports. It’s like checking the weather before a tailgate—you want to know what you’re walking into. Let’s dive into the NFL Week 3 injury report for key matchups.

Thursday Night Showdown: Bills vs. Dolphins

8:15 p.m. ET, September 18, 2025

Buffalo Bills

• Jordan Hancock, DB: FP (Shoulder) – Likely to play, showing full recovery in practice.
• Taron Johnson, CB: Questionable (Quad) – A game-time decision that could impact the secondary.
• Cameron Lewis, DB: Questionable (Shoulder) – Another DB whose status is up in the air.
• Matt Milano, LB: Out (Pectoral) – A big loss for Buffalo’s defense.
• Ed Oliver, DT: Out (Ankle) – The defensive line takes a hit without this key player.
• Shaq Thompson, OLB: Questionable (Hamstring) – His availability could sway pass-rush plans.

Miami Dolphins

• Ethan Bonner, CB: FP (Hamstring) – Ready to roll after full practice.
• Aaron Brewer, OL: FP (Hip) – The offensive line stays strong.
• Storm Duck, CB: Out (Ankle) – Miami’s secondary will miss his coverage.
• Benito Jones, DT: Questionable (Oblique) – Could affect run defense if he’s sidelined.
• Ifeatu Melifonwu, S: Out (Calf) – Another blow to the secondary.
• Chop Robinson, LB: Questionable (Knee) – His pass-rushing skills hang in the balance.
• Jaylen Waddle, WR: Questionable (Shoulder) – A major concern for Miami’s passing game.
• Darren Waller, TE: Out (Hip) – No tight end support for Tua this week.
• Malik Washington, WR: FP (Thumb) – Good to go for receiving duties.
• Jaylen Wright, RB: FP (Knee) – Ready to contribute in the backfield.

Sunday Early Games: 1 p.m. ET, September 21, 2025

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New York Jets

• Buccaneers Key Injuries:
  • Baker Mayfield, QB: FP (Foot) – Cleared to lead the offense, a relief for Tampa fans.
  • Chris Godwin, WR: LP (Ankle) – Limited practice raises questions about his targets.
  • Calijah Kancey, DL: DNP (Pectoral) – A big gap in the defensive line.
  • Tristan Wirfs, OT: LP (Knee) – The O-line could be shaky if he’s not 100%.
• Jets Key Injuries:
  • Justin Fields, QB: DNP (Concussion) – A major worry for Jets fans; his status is critical.
  • Sauce Gardner, CB: FP (Groin) – A bright spot for the secondary.
  • Jermaine Johnson II, LB: DNP (Ankle) – Pass rush could suffer without him.
  • Josh Reynolds, WR: DNP (Hamstring) – Limits offensive options.

New England Patriots vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

• Patriots Key Injuries:
  • Christian Gonzalez, CB: LP (Hamstring) – Secondary depth is a concern.
  • Keion White, DE: DNP (Illness) – Could weaken the pass rush.
  • Morgan Moses, OT: LP (Foot) – Offensive line stability in question.
• Steelers Key Injuries:
  • T.J. Watt, LB: DNP (NIR – Rest) – Likely just resting, but always a name to watch.
  • Joey Porter Jr., CB: DNP (Hamstring) – Secondary could be vulnerable.
  • Alex Highsmith, LB: DNP (Ankle) – Another hit to the pass rush.

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Houston Texans

• Jaguars Key Injuries:
  • Ezra Cleveland, OL: DNP (Ankle) – Could weaken protection for Trevor Lawrence.
  • Brian Thomas, WR: FP (Wrist) – Ready to stretch the field.
• Texans Key Injuries:
  • Christian Kirk, WR: LP (Hamstring) – Passing game might take a hit.
  • Jalen Pitre, S: LP (Ribs) – Secondary could be tested if he’s limited.

Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta Falcons

• Panthers Key Injuries:
  • Xavier Legette, WR: LP (Hamstring) – Could limit offensive explosiveness.
  • Patrick Jones II, OLB: DNP (Hamstring) – Pass rush takes a hit.
• Falcons Key Injuries:
  • A.J. Terrell, CB: DNP (Hamstring) – A big concern for the secondary.
  • Darnell Mooney, WR: LP (Shoulder) – Passing game may rely on others.

Washington Commanders vs. Las Vegas Raiders

• Commanders Key Injuries:
  • Jayden Daniels, QB: DNP (Knee) – A huge question mark for the offense.
  • Zach Ertz, TE: DNP (NIR – Rest) – Likely just resting, but monitor closely.
• Raiders Key Injuries:
  • Brock Bowers, TE: LP (Knee) – Could affect red-zone targets.
  • Jackson Powers-Johnson, C: LP (Concussion) – O-line stability in doubt.

Tennessee Titans vs. Indianapolis Colts

• Titans Key Injuries:
  • JC Latham, OT: DNP (Hip) – Could impact quarterback protection.
  • L’Jarius Sneed, CB: DNP (Back) – Secondary may struggle.
• Colts Key Injuries:
  • Josh Downs, WR: DNP (Ankle) – Limits passing options.
  • Laiatu Latu, DE: LP (Hamstring) – Pass rush could be affected.

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Los Angeles Rams

• Eagles Key Injuries:
  • Dallas Goedert, TE: LP (Knee) – Tight end production might dip.
  • Will Shipley, RB: DNP (Oblique) – Backfield depth takes a hit.
• Rams Key Injuries:
  • Davante Adams, WR: DNP (Rest) – Likely resting, but a name to watch.
  • Christian McCaffrey, RB: DNP (Calf) – A major concern for the 49ers’ run game.

Cleveland Browns vs. Green Bay Packers

• Browns Key Injuries:
  • Joel Bitonio, OG: DNP (Back) – O-line could be compromised.
  • Denzel Ward, CB: FP (Shoulder) – A boost for the secondary.
• Packers Key Injuries:
  • Jordan Love, QB: FP (Thumb) – Good news for Green Bay’s offense.
  • Jayden Reed, WR: DNP (Foot) – Could limit passing targets.

Minnesota Vikings vs. Cincinnati Bengals

• Vikings Key Injuries:
  • J.J. McCarthy, QB: DNP (Ankle) – Backup QB concerns.
  • Ryan Kelly, C: DNP (Concussion) – O-line stability at risk.
• Bengals Key Injuries:
  • Logan Wilson, LB: LP (Ankle) – Could affect run defense.
  • Cam Taylor-Britt, CB: LP (Hamstring) – Secondary concerns.

Sunday Late Games

Seattle Seahawks vs. New Orleans Saints (4:05 p.m. ET)

• Seahawks Key Injuries:
  • Devon Witherspoon, CB: DNP (Knee) – Secondary could be exposed.
  • Julian Love, FS: DNP (Hamstring) – Another hit to the backfield.
• Saints Key Injuries:
  • Taliese Fuaga, OT: DNP (Knee) – O-line protection in question.
  • Chase Young, DE: DNP (Calf) – Pass rush may lack bite.

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Denver Broncos (4:05 p.m. ET)

• Chargers Key Injuries:
  • Ladd McConkey, WR: DNP (Biceps) – Passing game could suffer.
  • Daiyan Henley, LB: DNP (Illness) – Defensive depth concerns.
• Broncos Key Injuries:
  • Evan Engram, TE: DNP (Back) – Red-zone targets may be limited.
  • Dre Greenlaw, LB: DNP (Quad) – Run defense could weaken.

Chicago Bears vs. Dallas Cowboys (4:25 p.m. ET)

• Bears Key Injuries:
  • Jaylon Johnson, DB: DNP (Groin) – Secondary takes a hit.
  • Kyler Gordon, DB: DNP (Hamstring) – Further weakens the backfield.
• Cowboys Key Injuries:
  • Trevon Diggs, CB: DNP (Illness) – Monitor for game-day status.
  • Tyler Guyton, OT: LP (Shoulder) – O-line stability in question.

San Francisco 49ers vs. Arizona Cardinals (4:25 p.m. ET)

• 49ers Key Injuries:
  • Christian McCaffrey, RB: DNP (Calf) – A massive blow to the offense.
  • Brock Purdy, QB: LP (Shoulder) – Keep an eye on his status.
• Cardinals Key Injuries:
  • Will Johnson, CB: DNP (Groin) – Secondary could struggle.
  • Paris Johnson Jr., OL: LP (Knee) – O-line depth at risk.

Sunday Night Football: New York Giants vs. Kansas City Chiefs (8:20 p.m. ET)

• Giants Key Injuries:
  • Andrew Thomas, OT: LP (Foot) – Could affect quarterback protection.
  • Wan’Dale Robinson, WR: LP (Foot) – Passing game may be limited.
• Chiefs Key Injuries:
  • Patrick Mahomes, QB: FP (Wrist) – Ready to lead the offense.
  • Kristian Fulton, CB: DNP (Ankle) – Secondary concerns.

Why Staying Updated Is Key

Injuries are the wildcard of the NFL. A star like Christian McCaffrey or Justin Fields being sidelined can shift a game’s outcome or tank your fantasy team. I’ve learned this the hard way—drafting a player only to see them marked DNP the day before a big game. The NFL Week 3 injury report is your roadmap to navigating the chaos. 

Check back for final updates, as statuses can change right up to kickoff. Whether you’re a fan, a bettor, or a fantasy manager, knowing who’s in and who’s out gives you an edge. Here’s to a thrilling Week 3, hopefully with your favorite players on the field.

Read also: Tom Brady Flag Football Comeback Set for 2026

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.