Lamar Jackson avoids major setback as concern rises for Ja'Marr Chase

The first month of the 2026 NFL season is ending the way it began: with key players going down across the league. After an opening stretch already marred by injuries to Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Jaxson Dart, Myles Garrett, Baker Mayfield, Justin Jefferson, Breece Hall and De'Von Achane, Week 4 added several more stars to the growing list of concerns.

Jackson’s outlook encouraging, Chase in concussion protocol

In Baltimore, early signs suggest the Ravens have dodged a worst‑case scenario with Lamar Jackson. The quarterback exited Sunday’s win over the Tennessee Titans with an ankle injury just before halftime and later left the stadium in a walking boot. According to NFL Network, Jackson is scheduled for further testing but is currently viewed as day-to-day, indicating the issue is not believed to be serious despite the decision to keep him out for the remainder of the game.

The tone is more worrisome in Cincinnati, where Ja'Marr Chase suffered a concussion in the loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The wide receiver was dragged down by his facemask by corner Jarrian Jones, drawing a penalty, and took another hit on the way to the turf. After being examined on the field and then in the locker room, he was ruled out for the rest of the afternoon. Now in the league’s concussion protocol, Chase faces a tight turnaround to be cleared in time for next week, making at least a one‑game absence a real possibility.

Fellow Bengals wideout Tee Higgins added to the injury concerns when he hurt his adductor on Cincinnati’s final drive after a leaping grab. He played one more snap before exiting. With soft‑tissue injuries often tricky to manage, there is a real chance Higgins misses time, though the exact severity has not yet been determined.

Eagles take multiple hits, Commanders thin at quarterback

The Philadelphia Eagles were hit on both sides of the ball in their loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Running back Saquon Barkley, already dealing with a stinger earlier this season, left in the first quarter with a hamstring injury after pulling up while running out of bounds on the team’s second possession. NFL Network reports that Barkley will undergo testing Monday and that the team does not initially view the injury as overly serious, but soft‑tissue issues are notoriously difficult to gauge before imaging. The Eagles face the Jacksonville Jaguars in London in Week 5.

All‑Pro cornerback Quinyon Mitchell also exited for Philadelphia in the third quarter with a knee injury after getting tangled up along the sideline while tackling Rams running back Blake Corum. NFL Network indicated the hope is that Mitchell merely hyperextended his knee and sustained a bone bruise, but Monday testing will determine the full extent.

In Washington, Marcus Mariota’s stint as the Commanders’ interim starter appears on hold. The veteran aggravated an MCL injury in the loss to the Indianapolis Colts in London and is expected to miss time while undergoing further evaluation. The team is hopeful Jayden Daniels can return next week; if he cannot, rookie Athan Kaliakmanis, who was pressed into duty on Sunday, could be thrust into the starting role.

Potential long-term losses for Packers, Chiefs and Broncos

Buffalo Bills receiver D.J. Moore aggravated a shoulder injury in Sunday’s loss to the New England Patriots, though ESPN reports it is not currently viewed as a long‑term concern. Moore initially hurt the shoulder in Week 2 against the Detroit Lions but had continued to play, albeit with limited practice work. Buffalo plays on Monday night in Week 5, giving him a bit of extra time to heal.

For the Green Bay Packers, the outlook is far more grim with linebacker Edgerrin Cooper. The team fears Cooper suffered a torn Achilles in the win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Head coach Matt LaFleur admitted the injury is "not good" and said he suspects it will be season‑ending, a significant blow to a defense that has leaned heavily on the standout linebacker.

In Kansas City, Tyquan Thornton was in the midst of a breakout performance against the Las Vegas Raiders, posting five catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns, before suffering a gruesome ankle injury on a 55‑yard reception. He was diagnosed with a dislocated ankle that was put back in place, and he flew home with the team, but he is now out indefinitely pending an MRI to check for additional damage. Fellow Chiefs wideout Rashee Rice tweaked his hamstring in the first quarter and did not return, though NFL Network characterized the injury as very minor. With a Week 5 bye, Rice may avoid missing any games or have only a brief absence.

The Denver Broncos received mixed news on star corner Patrick Surtain II, who left their game with an ankle injury on a non‑contact play in the second quarter. Initial fears of a season‑ending setback have eased; NFL Network reports that while Surtain is expected to miss time — potentially a couple of weeks or even a short injured‑reserve stint — the injury is not believed to be year‑ending. Even so, his absence, along with the rest of Week 4’s injury fallout, could reshape depth charts and game plans across the league in the weeks ahead.