NFL Faces Rising Player Injury Concerns

The NFL is facing a wave of injuries as the season progresses, notably impacting teams' rosters ahead of Week 3. The Houston Texans will be without both starting running back Joe Mixon and backup Dameon Pierce due to injuries, forcing them to rely on Cam Akers and Dare Ogunbowale. Meanwhile, Cincinnati Bengals' Tee Higgins is expected to return against the Commanders, which could provide a much-needed boost for quarterback Joe Burrow after a slow start. Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is dealing with a high ankle sprain, with a decision on his availability still pending, while Green Bay's Jordan Love is questionable after spraining his MCL. Additionally, Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been placed on injured reserve due to a concussion, and San Francisco's Christian McCaffrey is sidelined with Achilles tendinitis. The injury crisis highlights the physical toll the NFL season takes on players early on.