Baker Mayfield and Lamar Jackson could both return to action this Sunday as NFL Week 7 injury reports reveal several players working their way back from time on the sidelines. Mayfield, sidelined since September 27 with a right thumb injury, is listed as questionable for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, raising the prospect of his first game back in more than three weeks. Meanwhile, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, who has missed the last two games due to an ankle injury, is also questionable but optimistic about making a return against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Mayfield’s potential comeback would come after rookie Jalon Daniels took over at quarterback in his absence. However, the Buccaneers will still be without wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, who leads the team in receiving yards with 240 but is ruled out for this week. On defense, safety Antoine Winfield will miss his second straight game for Tampa Bay.
Jackson has been limited in practice all week, but said he is “trending in the right direction” ahead of the divisional matchup with Cincinnati. The Ravens also list defensive tackle Broderick Washington as questionable after an ankle injury, while cornerback T.J. Tampa is doubtful with a knee issue. The Bengals have a relatively light injury report, with defensive tackles Jonathan Allen, B.J. Hill, and Dexter Lawrence all resting for non-injury reasons.
The Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints head to France for their Sunday clash at Stade de France near Paris, with several players nearing returns. Steelers safety DeShon Elliott is in the 21-day window to return from a knee injury and practiced fully this week, making his availability likely. Running back Rico Dowdle was limited in practice due to a knee issue, while linebacker T.J. Watt showed progress on a calf injury, moving from no practice midweek to full participation by Friday. Coach Mike McCarthy said he isn’t concerned about Watt’s status.
The Saints face their own injury concerns. Guard Cesar Ruiz is questionable after limited practice sessions, and rookie Jeremiah Wright may start if Ruiz can’t play. Defensive tackle Nathan Shepherd, who has missed the last two games, did not practice Friday after limited work earlier in the week. Running back Alvin Kamara was limited all week with a back injury but has no official game designation.
The San Francisco 49ers enter Week 7 with a depleted offense, ruled out of the game are wide receivers Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel, the latter missing his second straight game with a hamstring issue. Defensive end Nick Bosa remains sidelined with knee and calf injuries. Defensive lineman Mykel Williams made progress by practicing fully on Friday after missing time to start the year but has no game designation yet.
The Atlanta Falcons face multiple absences this week, sidelining running back Brian Robinson and linebacker Divine Deablo, among others. Deablo’s absence opens a potential role for rookie linebacker Kendal Daniels, who is questionable. Cornerbacks A.J. Terrell and C.J. Henderson might return after groin injuries, with Terrell coming off four weeks on injured reserve.
The Carolina Panthers report quarterback Bryce Young as a full participant all week despite a knee injury but list offensive tackle Monroe Freeling and linebacker Bam Martin-Scott as questionable. The Indianapolis Colts face a bigger injury list, with cornerback Sauce Gardner out after a calf injury suffered last week, tight end Tyler Warren also out, and several other players limited or non-participants through the week.
Minnesota Vikings have mostly good news with running back Jordan Mason fully practicing despite a thumb injury. Wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison are cleared to play after managing ankle and hamstring issues. Tight end T.J. Hockenson passed concussion protocol and will be available.
Cleveland Browns have three players officially out, including defensive tackle Khalil Davis and guard Teven Jenkins. Cornerback Denzel Ward is questionable after limited practice due to a hand injury, while safety Grant Delpit is limited after missing Wednesday’s session with concussion and shoulder issues.
The Tennessee Titans have no players ruled out but list five as questionable, including wide receiver Calvin Ridley, who went from limited practice to none midweek after a hip injury. Running back Tyjae Spears and safeties Tony Adams and Kevin Winston practiced fully by week’s end.
Detroit Lions have a short injury report with two players questionable but practicing fully all week, center Cade Mays and safety Brian Branch. Cornerback Rock Ya-Sin practiced fully and does not carry a game designation.
The Kansas City Chiefs will be without running back Brashard Smith due to a hamstring injury.
This week’s injury developments suggest some key quarterbacks could return to the field, potentially shifting momentum in several matchups. Mayfield’s and Jackson’s statuses remain uncertain but their presence would add experience to their teams’ offenses as the season progresses into its second month.
According to CBS.
