Week 3 of the 2026 NFL season saw a few star players suffer serious injuries. Some of these injuries are even unfortunately season-ending. Let's take a look at the notable players who suffered an injury this week.
De'Von Achane, Miami Dolphins
De'Von Achane was one of the few weapons the Miami Dolphins had on offense this year. Achane was expected to pick up most of the slack of the offense this year. Unfortunately for Miami, the star running back suffered a knee injury during their game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 3.
It was later confirmed that Achane's injury was a torn ACL, ending his season prematurely.
Jaycee Horn, Carolina Panthers
In a league with many elite cornerbacks, Jaycee Horn has gone under the radar. The Panthers' first-round pick in 2021 has been one of the better lockdown defenders in the league after a brutal season-ending foot injury in his rookie year. However, during Carolina's brutal loss to the Cleveland Browns, Horn suffered an injury late in the game.
Horn has been diagnosed with a significant quad injury and is expected to land on the injury list. While he hasn't been ruled out for the season, he has an “indefinite” timeline.
Leo Chenal, Washington Commanders
One of the Commanders' key acquisitions this offseason, Chenal was expected to help bring Washington's offense up from the gutters. One of the standouts from the Kansas City Chiefs' linebacker core, Chenal suffered a scary injury in Week 3 after trying to tackle Seattle Seahawks running back Emmanuel Wilson. Chenal was placed on a spine board and was carted off the field.
Chenal underwent surgery to fix the neck fracture he suffered. The surgery was successful, but Chenal has now been ruled out for the rest of the season.
Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers are in a tailspin to start this season. After Baker Mayfield signed a contract extension with Tampa Bay, they have started the 2026 season with a 0-3 record. While the games have been close, at least, their performances during the game were uninspiring at best.
To make matters worse for the Buccaneers, Mayfield is expected to miss three weeks after dislocating his thumb during their loss to the Vikings in Week 3. Mayfield was not playing particularly well to start the year, but he's definitely a better option right now for a win-now Tampa Bay team than rookie Jalen Daniels.
Mike Evans, Dre Greenlaw and Trent Williams, San Francisco 49ers
At this point, the 49ers need to have their own corner for their injuries every week. The already short-handed San Francisco squad saw three more players exit their win against the Cardinals due to injuries. Wide receiver Mike Evans was carted off the field after sustaining a rib injury, which will require further evaluation to determine the severity and how much time he'll miss. Meanwhile, offensive tackle Trent Williams got a stinger, which is a mild injury in the grand scheme of things.
On the defensive side of the ball, returning linebacker Dre Greenlaw suffered a quad injury which will require further evaluation.
Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings
Justin Jefferson has been the best wide receiver in the league for quite some time now. What's impressive about Jefferson, other than his skills, is his durability over the last few years. The Vikings star has suffered injuries, but he's rarely needed to miss some time in his career.
When Jefferson sprained his ankle in Week 4 against the Buccaneers, fans held their breath. However, much to their relief, Jefferson did not suffer a serious injury, and could even play in Week 4.
Brian Burns, New York Giants
Burns did not play in Week 3 after suffering a non-contact knee injury back in Week 2. However, it's worth noting that his injury was officially assessed as a torn ACL today, and that he will miss the rest of the season.
Other notable injuries in the NFL include Raiders WR Jack Bech (forearm), Jets RB Breece Hall (quad), Bills CB Christian Benford (toe), Saints RB Travis Etienne (hamstring), Bengals S Bryan Cook (ankle), and Panthers CB Mike Jackson (groin)