Key NFL Players Ruled Out Ahead of Week 4 Kickoffs

Multiple NFL teams will be without key offensive starters for Week 4 games as injury reports and inactive lists were finalized on Sunday. High-profile wide receivers including Philadelphia’s DeVonta Smith and Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson have been ruled out, while several starting lineup adjustments were forced across the league.

Star Receivers Ruled Out

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith will miss Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams due to a lingering hamstring injury. Minnesota Vikings wideout Justin Jefferson is also sidelined for his team’s matchup against the Miami Dolphins, with team personnel hoping he can return in Week 5.

In Carolina, the Panthers placed wide receiver Xavier Legette on injured reserve, ruling him out for at least four games. Seattle Seahawks rookie running back Price was ruled out with a chest injury. Additionally, the Indianapolis Colts will be without veteran Allen due to a groin injury sustained ahead of their international fixture in London.

Quarterback Updates Across the League

Under center, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson cleared injury concerns regarding a back issue that limited his practice participation earlier in the week. Jackson returned to full practice and is scheduled to play.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears are expected to start quarterback Tyson Bagent against the New York Jets, according to reports citing an unnamed source, as he progresses after taking first-team reps in practice. Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is among the players sitting out for Week 4.

Key Returns and Questionable Statuses

Several prominent players are returning to action. The Houston Texans welcome back top receiver Nico Collins following a two-game absence. Buffalo Bills receiver DJ Moore will play despite dealing with a shoulder injury, carrying no official injury designation into Sunday. Chicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift was also cleared after dealing with a knee issue.

Other players remain questionable ahead of kickoff. San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Evans, dealing with a rib injury, stated, “It’s my job” when discussing his intent to play. Baltimore Ravens receiver Zay Flowers is questionable with a hamstring injury after returning to limited practice. Washington Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin was added to the injury report late in the week with a hamstring issue, while tight end Chig Okonkwo is expected to play after missing two games. Chargers receiver Ladd McConkey and Panthers receiver Jalen Coker are also listed as questionable.

Background

Official Sunday inactive lists are released by NFL teams approximately 90 minutes prior to scheduled kickoff times, beginning around 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time for early window games and 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time for late-afternoon contests. Week 4 represents a key juncture in the early NFL season as teams manage roster depth against accumulated injuries.