NFL Injury Report for Week 3: Key Defensive Player Injuries

Week 2 was littered with top players suffering injuries. The Giants lost QB Jaxson Dart (knee) for the rest of the regular season, while Bears QB Caleb Williams (hamstring) and Commanders QB Jayden Daniels (elbow) were also sidelined.

Offensive players usually dominate the headlines when it comes to injuries, but ailments to defensive players can have an equally significant impact on games. Let’s examine the NFL Week 3 injury report for defensive players and the impact it can have for NFL picks on PrizePicks.

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Week 3 Injury Report: Defensive Linemen

Here are the defensive linemen to keep an eye on in the NFL Week 3 injury report for NFL picks on PrizePicks.

49ers EDGE Nick Bosa Injury Update

Bosa injured his calf during Thursday’s practice and is expected to miss a few weeks. The 49ers are beat up on their defensive line with Romello Height (hand) and Sam Okuayinonu (foot) also out. That leaves less resistance for Cardinals RB Jeremiyah Love, who has a PrizePicks projection of 38.5 rush yards on Sunday.

Giants EDGE Brian Burns Injury Update

Dart wasn’t the only notable player who suffered an injury last week. Burns, who is the leader of the defense, went down with a low-ankle sprain and is listed as questionable to face the Titans.

His potential absence would be significant, given that he had 16.5 sacks last season. It could also lead to more time in the pocket for Titans QB Cam Ward, who has a PrizePicks projection of 187.5 pass yards. It’s also worth noting that Giants S Tyler Nubin (calf) and CB Deonte Banks (calf) are listed as questionable.

Bills DT Ed Oliver Injury Update

Oliver was a late scratch for the Bills’ Week 2 game against the Lions on Thursday Night Football. With him out, Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs had 113 total yards and 1 TD. He is now listed as questionable to face the Chargers, while fellow Bills DL T.J. Sanders (appendix) has been ruled out.

Looking to exploit a compromised Bills’ defensive line will be Chargers RB Omarion Hampton, who has a PrizePicks projection of 58.5 rush yards.

Chargers DT Dalvin Tomlinson Injury Update

Tomlinson will miss time with the hamstring injury that he suffered Sunday against the Raiders. The Chargers will also be without S Elijah Molden (hamstring), who also did not play in Week 2. The injury timing isn’t great with a matchup against the Bills on tap. Bills QB Josh Allen has a 23 fantasy score projection on PrizePicks.

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Week 3 Injury Report: Linebackers

Here are the linebackers to keep an eye on in the NFL Week 3 injury report for NFL picks on PrizePicks.

Panthers MLB Devin Lloyd Injury Update

Lloyd has 22 tackles through his first two games with the Panthers. He also has 1 sack, 2 INTs and 1 TD. He is currently dealing with a calf injury and has been ruled out for Sunday. His absence will potentially create less resistance for Browns RB Quinshon Judkins, who has a PrizePicks projection of 59.5 rush yards.

Commanders MLB Frankie Luvu Injury Update

Luvu injured his groin in Week 1 and did not play last week against the Cowboys. He remains out for a Week 3 matchup against the reigning Super Bowl champion Seahawks.

Luvu had 99 and 86 tackles during his first two seasons with the Commanders, combining for 11.0 sacks. Not having him on the field would benefit Seahawks QB Sam Darnold, who will return from a one-game absence and has a PrizePicks projection of 222.5 pass yards.

Patriots OLB Dre’Mont Jones Injury Update

Jones suffered a shoulder injury against the Steelers last week and was unable to return to the game. He was coming off 42 defensive snaps vs. the Seahawks in Week 1, a game in which he produced his first sack of the season.

He has been ruled out for Sunday, which could make things easier for Jaguars RB Bhayshul Tuten, who has a PrizePicks projection of 52.5 rush yards.

Week 3 Injury Report: Defensive Backs

Here are the defensive backs to keep an eye on in the NFL Week 3 injury report for NFL picks on PrizePicks.

Cardinals CB Will Johnson Injury Update

The Cardinals placed Johnson on IR this week after he suffered a neck injury during Week 2’s 31-7 loss to the Seahawks. Further complicating matters for the Cardinals’ secondary is S Kitan Crawford (ankle) alos on IR. A depleted Arizona secondary could lead to a windfall for 49ers WR Mike Evans, who has a PrizePicks projection of 53.5 receiving yards.

Cowboys S Malik Hooker Injury Update

Hooker, LB DeMarvion Overshown (hamstring), and CB Cobie Durant (hamstring) are all out for Sunday’s battle with the Ravens. A compromised Cowboys’ defense will have their hands full with Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, who has a PrizePicks projection of 281.5 pass and rush yards for Week 3.

Lions S Avonte Maddox Injury Update

Maddox was placed on IR on Tuesday, leaving the Lions in a tough spot. Already on injured reserve are fellow S Brian Branch (Achilles) and S Kerby Joseph (knee). Even S Thomas Harper (ankle) will miss Week 3.

Looking to exploit the Lions’ backups will be Jets QB Geno Smith, who has a PrizePicks projection of 223.5 pass yards.

Colts CB Charvarius Ward Injury Update

Ward left Sunday’s 33-30 loss to the Chiefs with a groin injury that also held him out of practice Wednesday and Thursday. The Colts listed him as questionable, but they will catch a break with Texans WR Nico Collins (hamstring) out.

Jets S Minkah Fitzpatrick Injury Update

Fitzpatrick did not play against the Packers last week and will be out again vs. the Lions. After allowing the most passing TDs in the NFL last year, the prospect of playing without Fitzpatrick is a daunting task vs. Lions QB Jared Goff, who has a PrizePicks projection of 258.5 pass yards.

Steelers CB Joey Porter Jr. Injury Update

Porter has yet to make his season debut while attempting to land a contract extension with the Steelers. Pittsburgh is planning for Porter to return in Week 3, but he is officially listed as questionable. The defense could certainly use him against Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase, who has a PrizePicks projection of 77.5 receiving yards.

Seahawks S Julian Love Injury Update

The safety position will be an area of concern for the Seahawks with Love and Ty Okada (hamstring) out. Love already has 2 INTs and has recorded at least 100 tackles in a season three times during his career.

Even with them sidelined, it’s difficult to get excited about the Commanders with QB Marcus Mariota, who has a PrizePicks projection of 170.5 pass yards, filling in for Jayden Daniels (elbow).

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Make NFL Week 3 Picks on PrizePicks

Injuries to offensive players are rampant throughout the NFL, but don’t forget about the impact of missing key defenders. Burns and Porter are among the most notable injured defensive players on Week 3's NFL injury report.

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