The NFL kicks off Week 7 with an AFC West showdown that could end up being much closer than people are anticipating.
The Chiefs and Broncos have been mirror images of each other so far this season. After winning its first four games of the season, Kansas City has dropped its last two. Denver lost its first four games of the season, but is currently on a two-game win streak. The Chiefs will be missing several starters as they travel to Denver, which could mean Kansas City is on upset alert.
In other news, the Giants get a couple of important offensive playmakers back as they host the Cardinals, who are riding a two-game win streak. The Los Angeles Rams also have Jalen Ramsey in the fold and is seemingly healthy after the blockbuster trade to the Rams. Todd Gurley also took a big step in his potential return to the field.
To find out more on those injuries and others like them, here's a complete rundown of the most newsworthy names on this week's injury report, which we'll update leading into Week 7:
Chiefs (-3) at Broncos
- Chiefs: CB Kendall Fuller (thumb), OT Eric Fisher (groin), DT Chris Jones (groin), G Andrew Wylie (ankle), WR Sammy Watkins (hamstring) OUT; CB Bashaud Breeland (NIR) questionable
Broncos: CB Bryce Callahan (foot) OUT; OT Ja'Wuan James (knee) QUESTIONABLE
The Chiefs will be missing several starters on the offensive line for the second consecutive week. Fisher hasn't played since Week 2 due to a groin injury, and Wylie missed last week's matchup against the Texans with an ankle injury. Both have already been ruled out for Week 7. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been playing through an ankle injury, and keeping him protected is paramount, so this is something to keep an eye on. The two offensive linemen won't be the only starters the Chiefs are missing when they face off against the Broncos. Rashad Fenton should replace Fuller in the secondary while Khalen Saunders could get the start at defensive tackle. Mecole Hardman and Demarcus Robinson have started several games this season in place of Tyreek Hill, so Watkins' absence shouldn't be a huge deal for this offense.
The Broncos enter this matchup relatively healthy. Callahan has yet to suit up for his new team in 2019, and will miss another game on Sunday. James injured his knee in the season opener, but avoided injured reserve and could be set to return in Week 7. Wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders and defensive end Derek Wolfe were limited participants earlier this week, but were back to full participation on Wednesday and should be good to go this weekend.
Wednesday practice report notes
Star running back David Johnson has been dealing with an ankle injury over the past couple of weeks, and he missed practice on Wednesday to heal up. He struggled on Sunday against the Falcons and had just 40 all-purpose yards, but did score a touchdown. The Cardinals had several players on the defensive front who missed practice on Wednesday. Defensive end Zach Allen (neck), defensive tackle Zach Kerr (ankle) and starting nose tackle Corey Peters (not injury related) sat out. Wide receiver Christian Kirk, who has missed the last two games with an ankle injury, was a limited participant on Wednesday.
It looks like running back Saquon Barkley could be ready to return to the field in Week 7, as he was a full participant in practice on Wednesday after missing the last three games with an ankle injury. Tight end Evan Engram should also play on Sunday, as he was a full participant in practice after missing last week's game against he Patriots with a knee injury. Running back Wayne Gallman, defensive lineman Olsen Pierre and wide receiver Sterling Shepard were all limited participants due to concussions, while cornerback Corey Ballentine missed practice due to his concussion.
Texans at Colts (-1)
Houston is relatively healthy, as only right tackle Tytus Howard (knee) and reserve lineman Greg Mancz (concussion) missed practice on Wednesday. There were several starters who were limited, however. Linebacker Zach Cunningham (knee), wide receiver Will Fuller (calf, oblique), star wideout DeAndre Hopkins (ribs), and cornerbacks Johnathan Joseph and Bradley Roby (hamstring issues) were limited participants.
The Colts had several players sit out of practice on Wednesday, especially in the secondary. Wide receiver Parris Campbell (abdominal), cornerback Pierre Desir (hamstring), safety Malik Hooker (knee) and cornerback Kenny Moore (knee) all missed practice. That's correct, three out of four starting members of the Indianapolis secondary are dealing with injuries. Backups George Odum and Khari Willis started at safety last week against the Chiefs and recorded a combined 10 tackles.
Safety Reshad Jones (chest) and center Daniel Kilgore (knee) did not participate in practice on Wednesday. Wide receiver Jakeem Grant (hamstring) and cornerback Xavien Howard (knee) were listed as limited, as both missed last week's matchup against the Redskins. Wide receiver Albert Wilson was mentioned on the injury report as well with calf and hip injuries. After missing the last four games due to injury, he returned last Sunday and caught five passes for 15 yards. Safety Bobby McCain has been dealing with hamstring and shoulder issues all season, and while he played last Sunday, he was again listed as a limited participant on Wednesday. It's never a good thing when both of your safeties are banged up. Currently, Walt Aikens and Steven Parker are the only other safeties listed on the depth chart.
Linebacker Matt Milano was limited in practice on Wednesday with a hamstring injury he suffered two weeks ago during the Bills' 14-7 win over the Titans, and John Brown was limited as well with a groin issue. Buffalo did get some good news this week, as rookie running back Devin Singletary was a full participant in practice after missing the last three games with a hamstring injury.
Starting left tackle Riley Reiff (ankle) and linebacker Ben Gedeon (concussion) were the only two Vikings who did not practice on Wednesday. Linebacker Kentrell Brothers (hamstring) and offensive guard Josh Kline (foot) both returned to practice in limited capacities. Kline has been in and out of the lineup for the past few weeks, and getting him back should help in protecting quarterback Kirk Cousins, who put up season-high numbers in the 38-20 win over the Eagles last Sunday. Linebacker Eric Kendricks (hip), cornerback Xavier Rhodes (hip) and Shamar Stephen (knee) were all full participants, which is a good sign moving forward.
The Lions had a couple of notable players limited in practice on Wednesday. Safety Quandre Diggs (hamstring), defensive lineman Da'Shawn Hand (elbow), defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson (knee) cornerback Darius Slay (hamstring) and right tackle Rick Wagner (knee) were those who were limited. Quarterback Matthew Stafford was listed on the injury report with a hip injury, but was a full participant.
Offensive tackle Trent Brown (calf), defensive end Arden Key (knee) and wide receiver Tyrell Williams (foot) missed practice on Wednesday for the Raiders. The bye week didn't do too much good for Williams, who is dealing with plantar fasciitis. Paul Gutierrez reports that head coach Jon Gruden said the issue is not getting much better. Wide receiver Dwayne Harris (ankle), offensive guard Gabe Jackson (knee) and safety Lamarcus Joyner (groin) were all limited participants.
Aaron Rodgers was limited on Wednesday with a knee injury, and he could be missing several weapons when his team takes the field on Sunday. Wide receiver Davante Adams (toe), Geronimo Allison (concussion, chest), tight end Jimmy Graham (ankle) and wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (ankle, knee) all missed practice on Wednesday. Adams said last week that he's unsure when he will play again, but he's taking it slow with his turf toe injury. On the defensive side of the ball, safety Darnell Savage missed practice with an ankle injury while cornerback Tony Brown was limited with a hamstring injury.
The Jaguars appear to have a problem at tight end. Geoff Swaim (concussion, ankle) missed practice on Wednesday as he continues to recover from the big hit he took last Sunday against the Saints. His backup, Josh Oliver, was limited with a hamstring injury. The Jaguars do not have any other tight ends currently on roster. Wide receiver Marqise Lee also missed practice due to an ankle injury.
The Bengals are dealing with myriad injuries. Defensive end Carlos Dunlap could be in danger of missing his second straight game, as he sat out of practice on Wednesday with a knee injury. Wide receiver A.J. Green also missed practice with his ankle injury. He's been making progress, however, and his return to the field is on the horizon. Both of the Bengals' top cornerbacks, Dre Kirkpatrick (knee) and William Jackson (shoulder), missed practice on Wednesday. To make matters worse in the secondary, Shawn Williams was limited with a thigh injury. Cincinnati is experiencing problems on the offensive line as well, as starting right guard John Miller was out with a groin injury and reserve lineman Andre Smith sat out with an ankle injury. The Bengals may get left tackle Cordy Glenn back this week, as he has been cleared to return to the field after suffering a concussion in the preseason.
With the Rams, it appears like all Jalen Ramsey needed was a change of scenery to fix the back issues that were plaguing him as a member of the Jaguars. The corner was not at practice for his new Los Angeles squad on Wednesday, but the team says it was not injury related, which is a good sign for him playing sooner rather than later. As for the other injuries, the backfield is the main storyline. Todd Gurley (quad) practiced on a limited basis, while his backup Malcolm Brown (ankle) was sidelined.
The Falcons had just one player not participate in practice on Wednesday, as cornerback Desmond Trufant sat out with a toe injury. He also missed Sunday's 34-33 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Star wide receiver Julio Jones was limited with a hip injury, an issue he has been dealing with for a couple weeks now. Still, he recorded eight receptions for 108 yards on Sunday. Offensive guard James Carpenter, fullback Keith Smith and safety Ricardo Allen were limited with knee injuries.
The 49ers are dealing with several notable injuries on the offensive side of the ball. Fullback Kyle Juszczyk (knee), tight end George Kittle (groin), offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey (knee), running back Raheem Mostert (knee), offensive tackle Joe Staley (fibula) and wide receiver Deebo Samuel all sat out of practice on Wednesday. On the defensive side of the ball, defensive lineman D.J. Jones (hamstring) and cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (foot) missed practice while defensive lineman Dee Ford (quadricep) and cornerback K'Waun Williams (hand) were limited.
The Redskins missed several starters at practice on Wednesday. Quarterback Case Keenum (shoulder, foot), cornerback Josh Norman (thigh, hand), running back Adrian Peterson (quad) and running back Chris Thompson (toe) all sat out. Keenum was still at practice observing, and the way the coaching staff spoke about his situation made it seem like he was just given a day off. Rookie Dwayne Haskins received all of the first-team reps with Keenum out. Tight end Vernon Davis was also limited with a concussion.
No other team in the NFL has been hampered by injuries like the Chargers have, and there were several notable players on the injury report released Wednesday. Safety Nasir Adderley (hamstring), wide receiver Travis Benjamin (quad), defensive end Melvin Ingram (hamstring), running back Justin Jackson (calf), defensive tackle Justin Jones (shoulder) and defensive tackle Brandon Mebane (knee) all sat out of practice on Wednesday. Left tackle Trent Scott (ankle) and kicker Michael Badgley (groin) were limited.
The Titans may again be thin at linebacker this week, as Jayon Brown (groin), Sharif Finch (shoulder) and Cameron Wake (hamstring) did not practice on Wednesday. Right tackle Jack Conklin also did not practice due to an ankle injury. Defensive tackle Jurrell Casey (shoulder) and tight end Delanie Walker (ankle) were limited participants on Wednesday. After scoring two touchdowns in the season opener, Walker has been unable to find the end zone over the past five games.
Baltimore was missing receiver Marquise Brown due to an ankle injury that also kept him out of Week 6. He'll need to turn a corner soon and get on the practice field if he wants to suit up this weekend. Tight end Mark Andrews was notably not on the injury report signifying that he's at (or near) full health for what feels like the first time this season. Mark Ingram, Brandon Carr and Earl Thomas all did not practice, but for non-injury reasons.
Seahawks tight end Will Dissly is set to undergo season-ending surgery on a torn Achilles he suffered in Week 6, so it's no surprise that he's on this report as a DNP as he'll likely be placed on IR soon. Head coach Pete Carroll did suggest that left tackle Duane Brown, who did not practice Wednesday, could miss Sunday's contest with the Ravens as he continues to recover from a biceps injury. Defensive end Ziggy Ansah (ankle) and linebacker K.J. Wright (knee) were among the other notable Seahawks who didn't practice.
The Saints had four notable players sit out of practice. Quarterback Drew Brees (hand), tight end Jared Cook (ankle), running back Alvin Kamara (ankle, knee) and wide receiver Tre'Quan Smith (ankle) were unavailable on Wednesday. Cook caught the lone touchdown during the Saints' 13-6 win over the Jaguars last Sunday. Kamara had been dealing with ankle and knee issues all of last week, but was still able to record 66 total yards on 18 touches in Jacksonville.
The Bears did not have any players sit out of practice on Wednesday, although linebacker Joel Iyiegbuniwe (hamstring) and offensive lineman Ted larsen (knee) were limited. Wide receiver Taylor Gabriel (concussion) and defensive lineman Bilal Nichols (hand) have both missed several games, but were listed as full participants. In much bigger news, quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (shoulder) was listed as a full participant, and it seems likely that he will start against the Saints on Sunday. Star defensive lineman Akiem Hicks went on injured reserve this week.
Wide receiver DeSean Jackson has missed the past four games with an abdominal injury and he may miss this week too, as he sat out practice on Wednesday. Joining him on the sideline were linebacker Nigel Bradham (ankle), defensive tackle Fletcher Cox (illness), defensive lineman Tim Jernigan (foot), Avonte Maddox (concussion, neck), left tackle Jason Peters (knee) and running back Darren Sproles (quadricep). Maddox's timeline for return is still unknown, but fellow starting cornerback Ronald Darby was also limited due to a hamstring injury. Cornerback Jalen Mills was not listed on the injury report, but since he's in the 21-day PUP list practice window, he didn't need to be, according to John McMullen. He took part in a practice session on Wednesday, but it's unknown when he will be ready to return to the field.
The Cowboys had several important players sit out of practice on Wednesday. Cornerback Anthony Brown (hamstring), wide receiver Randall Cobb (back), offensive tackle La'el Collins (knee), wide receiver Amari Cooper (ankle, quad), center Travis Frederick (not injury related), cornerback Byron Jones (hamstring) and offensive tackle Tyron Smith were the seven who missed practice. Dallas also had a couple of stars who were limited, as wide receiver Michael Gallup was a limited participant with a knee injury and Zack Martin was limited with back and ankle issues. The Cowboys need a win after their embarrassing 24-22 loss to the New York Jets last Sunday, and it's a bit worrisome that so many notable names were listed on the first injury report.
