Wednesday’s injury reports for Week 5 brought a mix of setbacks and hopeful signs around the league. Philadelphia added to a long list of absences, Washington got encouraging news about its quarterback, Baltimore’s status remains uncertain, and the injury bug hit the struggling Chargers again.
Eagles
Saquon Barkley and DeVonta Smith both missed Wednesday’s practice with hamstring issues as Philadelphia prepares for Sunday’s game in London against Jacksonville. Smith, who already missed last week’s practices and was out versus the Rams, appears likely to miss more time; Barkley is considered week-to-week after playing only four snaps last Sunday but is believed to have avoided a worse injury. Their absences deepen an already crowded Eagles injury report that includes Dallas Goedert (knee), Zack Baun (concussion), Quinyon Mitchell (knee), plus Landon Dickerson and Eli Stowers on IR. Right tackle Lane Johnson’s recent retirement further strains the team’s depth.
Commanders
Jayden Daniels was a full participant in Wednesday practice and appears on track to return Sunday at home against the Giants, three weeks after dislocating his left elbow. He practiced wearing an elbow brace he plans to keep, and coaches have been working with him on technique to reduce the risk of reinjury. Washington’s opponents are preparing for Daniels to play and expect him to be allowed to run and absorb contact rather than being sheltered.
Ravens
Lamar Jackson did not practice Wednesday after rolling his ankle late in Baltimore’s win over Tennessee and did not speak to reporters. Head coach Jesse Minter said there’s still time to determine Jackson’s status for Sunday and praised his ability to play without a full week of prep if necessary; if Jackson can’t go, Tyler Huntley would be the likely starter. Several other Ravens missed practice, including Trey Hendrickson (finger), Marlon Humphrey (hamstring/calf), Ronnie Stanley (toe/ankle) and Andrew Vorhees (foot), and tight end Durham Smythe was placed on IR. Baltimore faces Atlanta Sunday night.
Chargers
The winless Chargers got more bad news when right tackle Joe Alt, who suffered a neck injury against Seattle, did not practice Wednesday and is expected to miss Sunday’s game vs. Denver. Alt was replaced late in the Seahawks game by Travis Burke; the team is reportedly not planning to put him on injured reserve despite the absence. Alt was one of eight Chargers who sat out practice, suggesting the team is taking a cautious approach.
Fan take: These injury developments could meaningfully alter the Week 5 landscape — especially if Eagles stars remain sidelined or if Lamar Jackson is limited — shifting playoff-picture implications and betting lines. For fans, the situation underscores how quickly depth and health can swing a team’s fortunes and highlights the growing importance of roster resilience across the league.
Source: www.foxsports.com
