Week 4 of the NFL season is here. And while the schedule is packed with marquee matchups, including the Ravens at Chiefs, the international showdown between the Vikings and Steelers in Dublin, and Sunday Night Football featuring the Cowboys and Packers, injuries are shaping plenty of storylines. Here’s a look at the most notable player statuses heading into Sunday’s slate.
NFL Week 4: Vikings vs. Steelers
The NFL’s first regular-season game in Ireland will be without some big names. Minnesota ruled out rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle), meaning veteran Carson Wentz gets the start. Tight end Ben Yurosek (knee) and pass rusher Andrew Van Ginkel (neck) will also miss the game.
Pittsburgh won’t have linebacker Alex Highsmith (ankle), and could be short-handed in the secondary with Joey Porter Jr. (hamstring) questionable. Running back Jaylen Warren (knee) and tight end Jonnu Smith (hip) are also game-time decisions.
Commanders vs. Falcons
Washington’s offence takes another blow. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels (knee) and top wideout Terry McLaurin (quad) have both been ruled out, along with Noah Brown (groin/knee) and tight end John Bates (calf/groin). Veteran Marcus Mariota will once again start under centre.
Atlanta will be without A.J. Terrell (hamstring), Nate Carter (hamstring), and KhaDarel Hodge (groin), leaving some depth concerns on both sides of the ball.
Saints vs. Bills
The Saints travel to Buffalo without offensive lineman Dillon Radunz (toe) and pass rusher Chase Young (calf). Receiver Devaughn Vele (hip) is questionable.
Buffalo will be missing two defensive cornerstones: linebacker Matt Milano (pectoral) and defensive tackle Ed Oliver (ankle). Both were ruled out after missing the week of practice. A.J. Epenesa (pectoral) and Spencer Brown (calf) remain questionable.
Browns vs. Lions
Cleveland has one of the cleaner reports, with only right tackle Jack Conklin (elbow) questionable. Detroit, meanwhile, won’t have linebacker Zach Cunningham (hamstring), running back Sione Vaki (groin), or safety Daniel Thomas (forearm). Taylor Decker (shoulder) and Al-Quadin Muhammad (knee) are questionable.
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Titans vs. Texans
The Titans will be without rookie tackle JC Latham (hip) and receiver Bryce Oliver (knee). Safety Kevin Winston Jr. (hamstring) is doubtful, while linebacker Dorian Mausi (back) is questionable. On the other hand, Houston’s big concern is No. 1 corner Derek Stingley Jr. (oblique), who is questionable after only limited practice on Friday.
Panthers vs. Patriots
Carolina will be down multiple playmakers, with Xavier Legette (hamstring), Ja’Tavion Sanders (ankle), Patrick Jones II (hamstring), and D.J. Wonnum (hip) all out. Rookie wideout Tetairoa McMillan (calf) and running back Chuba Hubbard (calf) are questionable.
For New England, guard Jared Wilson (ankle/knee) is out. The Patriots also list Christian Gonzalez (hamstring), Mike Onwenu (shoulder), and K’Lavon Chaisson (knee) as questionable.
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Eagles vs. Buccaneers
Philadelphia’s Adoree’ Jackson (groin) is doubtful. On the other hand, Tampa Bay won’t have Mike Evans (hamstring) or Christian Izien (quad). The Bucs do get good news with Chris Godwin (ankle) trending toward playing, but quarterback Baker Mayfield (biceps) and left tackle Tristan Wirfs (knee) are questionable.
Chargers vs. Giants
Los Angeles will be without guard Mekhi Becton (concussion), receiver Derius Davis (knee), and tight end Will Dissly (knee). The Giants’ injury list is equally concerning. Kicker Graham Gano (groin), running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (shoulder), and defensive lineman Chauncey Golston (ankle) are all out. Rakeem Nuñez-Roches (foot) is doubtful.
Cowboys vs. Packers
Dallas’ passing game takes a hit with CeeDee Lamb (ankle) sidelined. Rookie guard Tyler Booker (ankle) is also out. Corner DaRon Bland (foot) will return after missing two games. Green Bay won’t have Zach Tom (oblique) or Anthony Belton (ankle) on the offensive line, and left guard Aaron Banks (groin) is doubtful. Safety Javon Bullard (concussion) is questionable.
Other Notable Injuries Ahead of NFL Week 4
Brock Purdy (49ers) is set to return against the Jaguars after missing two games with turf toe. The Bears will also be without linebacker T.J. Edwards (hamstring) and defensive tackle Grady Jarrett (knee). Running back D’Andre Swift (hip) is questionable.
The Colts, on the other hand, ruled out Alec Pierce (concussion) and Kenny Moore (Achilles), but defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (back) is questionable. And for the Ravens-Chiefs primetime showdown, Baltimore won’t have Nnamdi Madubuike (neck), while Kansas City defensive end Mike Danna (quad) is doubtful.
Conclusion
NFL Week 4 closes with a Monday night doubleheader: Jets vs. Dolphins and Bengals vs. Broncos. New York will be without Jermaine Johnson III (ankle), while Miami’s secondary depth is stretched thin with multiple corners sidelined. Cincinnati ruled out tight end Noah Fant (concussion), while Denver lists Marvin Mims Jr. (hip) as questionable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which star players are officially ruled out for NFL Week 4?
Some of the biggest names sidelined include CeeDee Lamb (ankle) for the Cowboys, Terry McLaurin (quad) for the Commanders, and Mike Evans (hamstring) for the Buccaneers. Add in rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) for the Vikings, and Week 4 is shaping up to miss several major playmakers.
Who’s the starting quarterback for the Vikings in Dublin with J.J. McCarthy injured?
With McCarthy ruled out, the Vikings will turn to veteran Carson Wentz for the NFL’s first-ever regular-season game in Ireland. Wentz brings plenty of experience, but the team will need to lean on its run game and defence to stay competitive against the Steelers.
How will the Cowboys’ offence adjust without CeeDee Lamb against the Packers in their NFL Week 4 game?
Lamb’s absence puts extra pressure on Dak Prescott to spread the ball around to Brandin Cooks, Jalen Tolbert, and the tight ends. Expect Dallas to rely more on the run game with Tony Pollard and use short, quick passes to keep Green Bay’s defence honest.
Is Brock Purdy playing in Week 4 after his turf toe injury?
Yes, the 49ers quarterback is set to return after missing two games. His presence should stabilise San Francisco’s offence as they face the Jaguars, especially with his chemistry with Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk.
Which team has the toughest injury situation heading into Week 4 of the 2025 NFL season?
The Commanders stand out, as they’re missing both Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin, leaving their offence extremely shorthanded. The Bills are also in rough shape on defence, with Milano and Oliver both sidelined against a physical Saints team.