As Week 2 gets underway, several high-profile injury updates dominated Thursday’s NFL headlines.
Rams coach Sean McVay said Aaron Donald is eager to return and the team is hopeful he’ll be available for Monday night’s game against the New York Giants after planned work the next couple days. If he plays, it would be Donald’s first appearance since the 2024 NFC wild-card game against Detroit — a significant boost for a defense already missing edge rusher Myles Garrett. The Rams, coming off a tough loss in Australia, could use the veteran’s presence as they try to bounce back at home.
Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray, who suffered a concussion in Week 1 at Green Bay, practiced on a limited basis for a second straight day but still must clear additional steps in the NFL’s protocol before Sunday’s matchup with the Chicago Bears. If Murray isn’t cleared, Carson Wentz is expected to start again; wide receiver Jauan Jennings also missed practice and could be unavailable. Murray has a reasonable chance to be back by Week 3, but getting cleared in time for Week 2 remains uncertain.
New England will get running back TreVeyon Henderson back this weekend after an August ankle injury, as he’s been cleared to play without restrictions for Sunday’s game against Pittsburgh. Henderson, who rushed for 911 yards and nine TDs last season, said he’s healed and excited to rejoin the offense, pairing with Rhamondre Stevenson to ease pressure on quarterback Drake Maye while A.J. Brown remains on IR.
The Chargers are monitoring wideout Ladd McConkey after he left Week 1 with a rib injury. He did not practice Thursday and worked on the side with trainers, leaving his Week 2 availability doubtful after head coach Jim Harbaugh labeled him day-to-day. If McConkey misses the game against the Raiders, targets will shift to Quentin Johnston, Tre Harris and Brenen Thompson; the Chargers don’t appear poised to place him on injured reserve, so any absence may be short-lived.
Texans receiver Nico Collins tweaked a hamstring in Wednesday’s practice and was a limited participant Thursday as the team evaluates him for Sunday’s trip to Cincinnati. Collins was a focal point in Week 1 (seven catches on 10 targets for 75 yards and a TD), so his potential absence — with Jayden Higgins and Tank Dell already out — would open major opportunities for Jaylin Noel, Kayshon Boutte and Xavier Hutchinson.
Other notes from around the league:
– Bengals QB Joe Burrow returned to practice Thursday as a limited participant while managing a back issue.
– Bills DT Ed Oliver suffered a hip injury during pregame warmups and did not play against Detroit.
– Ravens WR Zay Flowers missed practice again with a hamstring issue.
– Raiders tight end Brock Bowers remains out of practice while recovering from a recent meniscus trim.
Fan take: These injury developments can quickly reshape team expectations and fantasy lineups, turning previously deep units into questions of depth and durability. For the league, early-season health swings highlight the importance of roster depth and create chances for lesser-known players to emerge.
Source: www.foxsports.com
