Week 6 brought another tough wave of injuries across the NFL, impacting several key players and playoff hopefuls. Here’s the latest breakdown and timeline updates from Pro Football Doc and Sports Injury Central.
Puka Nacua - Likely Out Week 7
Rams WR Puka Nacua is likely to miss next week’s game in London after suffering what Pro Football Doc believes is a muscle-tendon injury, specifically to the peroneal tendon.
“Based on what limited video you see, I have to think he has a muscle tendon injury, likely perineal tendon, the way that he went up and then landed awkwardly on the left ankle slash foot,” said Dr. David Chao.
Despite the limp and limited snaps, Dr. Chao does not believe the injury is serious:
“Is it long term? No. Is it surgical? No. Is it IR worthy? No. Does he miss next week? Likely, yes.”
With the Rams staying on the East Coast before flying to London to face the Jaguars in Week 7 — and a bye following in Week 8 — Nacua could realistically return in Week 9.
Emeka Egbuka — Hamstring Likely to Cost Him Multiple Weeks
The Buccaneers will likely be without rookie WR Emeka Egbuka next week, who was ruled out with a hamstring injury. According to Pro Football Doc, this type of injury is rarely short-term — especially for wide receivers.
“There’s no such thing as a one-week hamstring, especially for wide receivers,” said Dr. Chao.
Egbuka didn’t finish the game and with Mike Evans still sidelined and Chris Godwin not yet fully recovered from his ankle injury, Tampa Bay’s receiving corps continues to thin — but as Dr. Chao noted, the Bucs “seem to keep getting it done no matter what.”
Marvin Harrison Jr. — Ruled Out with Concussion
Cardinals rookie WR Marvin Harrison Jr. was ruled out after undergoing a concussion evaluation during Sunday’s game. According to Pro Football Doc, the impact and subsequent medical evaluation were clear indicators of concern.
“Marvin Harrison has a concussion check, slammed the back of his head on the turf,” said Dr. Chao. “You can’t judge concussions by video, but A, he bounced very hard, and B, it’s never a good sign when he goes for the formal check, full evaluation in the locker room with the red hat.”
Due to Harrison's concussion history in college and the NFL, his status for Week 7 is very much in doubt.
Garrett Wilson MRI Taken, But Major Damage Unlikely
Jets WR Garrett Wilson underwent an MRI after injuring his left leg late in Sunday’s game. According to Pro Football Doc, the injury doesn’t appear serious based on video review.
“Saw the play where he twisted around, landed on his left hip and buttock, but it was the plant jab step as he spun around that he may have twisted his knee up a little bit,” said Dr. Chao.
Wilson was able to move well on the remaining plays, showing no signs of major instability.
“As best we could tell, barring a surprise or some weird meniscus tear, we hope it’s not much,” Dr. Chao added. “Certainly he didn’t tear his ACL — certainly not major. The only hurdle is making sure there’s no small meniscus tear.”
The MRI is precautionary, and Dr. Chao expects Wilson to avoid a long-term issue unless imaging reveals unexpected findings.
Fred Warner — 49ers Star Out for the Season After Ankle Fracture
49ers linebacker Fred Warner has suffered a fracture-dislocation of his right ankle after getting rolled up on by a teammate — a case of “friendly fire,” according to Pro Football Doc.
“It’s basically been confirmed,” said Dr. Chao. “He’s gonna need surgery to fix the fracture and the ligament. He’s done for the season.”
Dr. Chao compared Warner’s injury to several notable past cases:
“This is the Chris Godwin injury, the Dak Prescott injury from years ago, and even the Drew Aller injury from this weekend,” he explained.
The 49ers, who were one of the NFL’s most injured teams last year, are facing similar challenges again this season — with key players like Nick Bosa and Talanoa Hufanga also managing health issues. The good news: Dr. Chao expects Warner to make a full recovery and continue his career once he’s healed from surgery.
