NFL Week 4 Injury Report: Jefferson Out, Collins Active

As the National Football League prepares to turn the page on the opening month of the regular season, Week 4 brings a fresh wave of anticipation following a tightly contested Week 3 that matched an NFL record for one-score games. However, teams across the league continue to grapple with physical setbacks as coaching staffs finalize their practice routines and release official game-day designations.

According to CBS Sports, several prominent players will miss this weekend's matchups. Minnesota Vikings standout wide receiver Justin Jefferson has been ruled out due to an ankle injury that kept him off the practice field entirely throughout the week. In his absence, Jordan Addison is expected to absorb a heavier share of targets. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams will miss star defensive lineman Aaron Donald, who was sidelined by a back injury, though wide receiver Puka Nacua is set to return from a hip issue without any game designation.

Other high-profile absences include New England Patriots defensive stalwarts Christian Gonzalez and Christian Barmore, both ruled out with shoulder problems. In Washington, quarterback Jayden Daniels has been ruled out despite traveling to London and logging limited practice sessions, meaning Marcus Mariota will start for a second consecutive week. The Commanders also saw late-week concern with Terry McLaurin emerging on the report following a limited Friday session due to a hamstring injury.

Elsewhere around the league, the New York Jets will miss running back Breece Hall because of a quad injury, handing the starting role to Braelon Allen, while Adonai Mitchell is also out. In Chicago, Caleb Williams remains sidelined with a hamstring issue, though head coach Ben Johnson has yet to name whether Tyson Bagent or Case Keenum will take the snaps. In Miami, the Dolphins adjusted to the devastating loss of running back De'Von Achane, who suffered a season-ending ACL tear in Week 3 and has been placed on injured reserve. Conversely, Houston Texans receiver Nico Collins cleared all hurdles with a full practice on Friday and carries no designation, confirming he will play.

Why It Matters

The accumulation of high-profile injuries early in the season places immense pressure on team depth charts and coaching adaptability. When premier talents like Justin Jefferson, Aaron Donald, or Breece Hall are forced to sit out, entire offensive and defensive schemes must pivot rapidly within a compressed preparation window. For franchises relying heavily on rookie contributors or backup signal-callers—such as the transitions seen in Washington and Chicago—these roster adjustments can drastically alter the competitive balance of divisional races before October even concludes. Managing player workloads and mitigating long-term health risks will likely remain a defining challenge for coaching staffs as the rigorous 17-game schedule progresses.