Title: Week 4 NFL Recap: A Wave of Big-Name Injuries Plagues Sunday’s Slate
Introduction
Week 4 of the NFL season saw thrilling matches and historic performances, but it was also marred by a series of significant injuries to some notable players. From star quarterbacks to top wideouts and defensive stalwarts, Sunday’s slate witnessed several key players go down. Here’s a closer look at the notable names affected by injuries during Week 4.
Justin Herbert – Chargers’ QB
The Chargers’ quarterback Justin Herbert suffered a fractured left middle finger during Sunday’s win over the Raiders. Fortunately, the injury is to his non-throwing hand. NFL Media reports that Herbert is not expected to miss any playing time, and he himself downplayed the severity of the injury with a Monty Python reference, quipping, “‘Tis but a scratch, just a flesh wound.”
Kenny Pickett – Steelers’ QB
The struggling Steelers’ quarterback Kenny Pickett suffered a knee injury during a failed fourth-down attempt in the third quarter. He was replaced by backup Mitchell Trubisky after guiding just 93 net passing yards and throwing his fourth interception of the season. Pickett is dealing with a bone bruise in his knee, and while the team has not ruled him out for this week, they could opt to hold him out until after their Week 6 bye.
Javonte Williams – Broncos’ RB
Broncos’ running back Javonte Williams left the game against the Bears with a hip injury after being held to zero yards on two carries. According to ESPN, Williams injured his hip flexor, but the injury is not expected to keep him out for an extended period.
Davante Adams – Raiders’ WR
The Raiders’ star wide receiver Davante Adams suffered a shoulder injury during the team’s game against the Chargers. Adams was ruled questionable to return but later came back to aid his team’s comeback effort. He expressed postgame that his shoulder was not feeling good and would require further evaluation. The Raiders have an extended break before their next game, giving Adams additional time to recover.
Mike Evans – Buccaneers’ WR
The Buccaneers’ wide receiver Mike Evans suffered a hamstring injury during the game against the Saints. He was ruled out soon after the injury. Coach Todd Bowles mentioned that they would await further test results to determine the severity of the injury.
Tee Higgins – Bengals’ WR
Bengals’ wide receiver Tee Higgins left the game against the Titans with a rib injury. NFL Media reports that Higgins might have suffered a rib fracture, which could potentially keep him sidelined for some time.
Terron Armstead – Dolphins’ OT
Dolphins’ offensive tackle Terron Armstead suffered a knee injury during the game against the Bills. He was ruled out for the remainder of the game, and his availability moving forward is uncertain.
Matt Judon – Patriots’ OLB
The Patriots’ top pass rusher, Matt Judon, left the game against the Cowboys with an arm injury. Reports suggest that he suffered a torn biceps tendon, which will keep him out indefinitely.
Tre’Davious White – Bills’ CB
The Bills’ Pro Bowl cornerback Tre’Davious White suffered a torn Achilles tendon during the game against the Dolphins. He had to be carted off the field and will miss the remainder of the season.
Christian Gonzalez – Saints’ CB
The Saints’ rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez dislocated his shoulder during the game against the Cowboys. Further testing is underway to determine the extent of the injury. Gonzalez had to leave the game after being evaluated in the medical tent.
Conclusion
Week 4 of the NFL season proved to be a mixed bag of thrilling moments and unfortunate injuries. Several key players across different teams and positions sustained injuries, ranging from minor setbacks to potentially season-ending ones. The impact of these injuries on the affected teams’ performance moving forward will undoubtedly be significant, causing them to regroup and adapt to the absence of key contributors.