NFL Injury Rundown - Expert Injury Analysis from Pro Football Doc

Heading into Week 4, the injury list is jam-packed, and SICscore.com is your one-stop shop for all the latest injury news and analysis. Our team of pro sports doctors, including Dr. David Chao, MD (@ProFootballDoc), provides expert insights into this week’s major injury stories.

Why is 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey Going to Germany?

49ers star Christian McCaffrey is headed to Germany to potentially receive treatment for his Achilles tendinitis, aiming to heal the injury and reduce the risk of rupture. This trip suggests that McCaffrey may also need a walking boot and a period of immobilization, likely extending beyond the four-week IR for the star running back. In Germany, there are platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections that are not legal in the United States, which Kobe Bryant famously sought during his career. McCaffrey is likely seeking this type of regenerative medicine, which involves manipulating the blood in ways not permitted in the U.S. This trip suggests that McCaffrey may also need a walking boot and a period of immobilization, likely extending beyond the four-week IR for the star running back. Let’s hope this treatment proves effective.

Will Packers QB Jordan Love Play Week 4 versus the Vikings?

Packers quarterback Jordan Love managed to participate in a full week of limited practice leading up to the Titans game before ultimately sitting out. The solid play of Malik Willis, which has led the team to a 2-0 record in Love's absence, allowed Love additional time to recover. We believe he will be ready to play in Week 4 after working his way back from his left ankle injury.

Chargers Likely Down 4+ Former First Round Picks, Taylor Heinicke likely QB1

Justin Herbert Insight

The good news for the Chargers is that quarterback Justin Herbert's high ankle sprain hasn't worsened, but the team may still opt to start Taylor Heinicke in Week 4 against the Chiefs. Despite Herbert playing through the injury last week, he didn’t finish the game. With the Chargers at 2-1 and facing a critical divisional matchup, the team may prioritize a fully healthy quarterback over risking further injury to Herbert. Heinicke, who has had time to recover and will benefit from a full week of practice, seems to be the likely starter. Additionally, the Chargers have a bye in Week 5, giving Herbert extra time to heal and return fully healthy for the rest of the season. Other key Chargers injuries include first-round pick Joe Alt's ankle injury and Joey Bosa's lingering hip issue, which add to the team's concerns as they prepare for the Chiefs.

Rashawn Slater Insight 

The Chargers' starting left tackle sustained a strained left pectoral during Week 3's game. He exited the game, attempted to return, but was ineffective. He is likely to miss Week 4, but will avoid being placed on IR for now. Slater was integral to the Chargers' pass protection, and his absence had a noticeable impact on the team.

Joe Alt Insight

Rookie first-round pick Joe Alt sprained his MCL against the Steelers on Sunday and is likely to miss Week 4, with the possibility of being sidelined for multiple weeks depending on the severity of the sprain. He will continue to be monitored, but there is a chance he avoids being placed on injured reserve.

Joey Bosa Insight

The Chargers' top edge rusher, Joey Bosa, sustained a hip injury in last Sunday’s game against the Steelers and exited without returning. He will continue to be monitored throughout practice this week, but we lean towards Bosa missing the Chargers' next matchup.

Dolphins Turning to QB Snoop Huntley, Will Tua Tagovailoa be Forced to Retire?

Snoop Huntley Insight

Miami Dolphins quarterback Skylar Thompson filled in for his first game of the season, replacing Tua Tagovailoa, who is on IR due to concussion issues. Thompson suffered a chest injury last week, which sidelined him for the rest of the game. Heading into Week 4, the Dolphins will not put Thompson back on the field without a full week of practice. This leads us to believe that Tyler Huntley will start, as he will benefit from a full week of first-team snaps after joining the team on 9/16. Expect Huntley to be the starter this week.

Tua Tagovailoa Insight 

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa faces a critical decision in his career due to repeated concussions, with many suggesting retirement to protect his long-term health. While the majority of fans and pundits may favor retirement, the final decision will depend on medical evaluations and Tua's personal priorities. Having suffered multiple concussions, including in college, each incident increases his risk of long-term neurological damage. To return to the field, Tua must pass medical clearance from team physicians and independent neurologists, but if symptoms persist, retirement may be the best option. Ultimately, the decision will require balancing medical facts, risks, and personal choice for both Tua and his family. We at sicscore.com lean towards him returning to the field of play and not forcing an early retirement. 

Eagles Likely Down Both Starting Wideouts Heading Into Week 4

A.J. Brown Insight

At sicscore.com, we continue to expect Eagles' top wideout A.J. Brown to miss multiple weeks. He is likely out for Week 4's matchup against the Buccaneers due to his hamstring strain. Brown will probably sit out Week 4 and take advantage of the additional rest during the team's Week 5 bye. We anticipate he will return fully healthy by Week 6.

DeVonta Smith Insight

Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith exited last week's game with a concussion. Recovery from a concussion can be unpredictable, and it's about a 50-50 chance that he could be cleared to play next week. However, we are leaning toward the likelihood of him sitting out.

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