NFL Week 4 injury report: Star players sidelined as the season heats up

The Injury Wave Hits Week 4

The NFL season is barely a month old and the injury bug is absolutely wrecking rosters across the league. Real talk, the vibes are off for some major contenders as we head into Week 4.

The Big Hits

It’s a massive L for the Miami Dolphins, who are officially down star running back De'Von Achane for the rest of the season after a torn ACL. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are also struggling with a battered squad; quarterback Baker Mayfield is out for several weeks with a dislocated thumb. Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers are playing musical chairs in the secondary, forced to place their top two cornerbacks on injured reserve.

Trending Storylines

• Joey Porter Jr.: The drama continues. Despite being a full participant early in the week, he’s been ruled out for Thursday Night Football. He still hasn't suited up this year, and the plot thickens on his status.
• The Texans' Hopes: Houston is 0-3 and desperately needs a W. The good news? Nico Collins is back at practice after a hamstring issue kept him out for two games.
• San Francisco: 49ers fans can breathe a sigh of relief. Wideout Mike Evans isn't expected to miss much time despite dealing with a rib strain.

Notable Names to Watch

• Rams: Defensive lineman Aaron Donald missed practice Wednesday with a back injury.
• Ravens: Lamar Jackson was limited with a back issue, but he’s already signaled he’s playing Sunday.
• Bears: Rookie QB Caleb Williams sat out Wednesday with a hamstring concern.
• Eagles: DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert both missed practice Wednesday with hamstring and knee injuries, respectively.
• Jaguars: A massive list of limited participants suggests they are fighting through the grind, with seven players including Jakobi Meyers seeing restricted reps.

Why it matters

With nearly every team carrying a long injury list, depth is officially the name of the game. A few missing starters can change the trajectory of an entire division race, and for teams already struggling like the 0-3 Texans, getting key playmakers back is the only way to avoid an early-season collapse.