NFL Stars Go Down as Brutal Injury Wave Sweeps the League

Week 4 of the NFL season came with plenty of big plays and close games, but it also brought a major wave of injuries across the league. Several star players were forced out of games Sunday, leaving teams waiting to find out how long some of their biggest names could be sidelined.

The Baltimore Ravens lost quarterback Lamar Jackson to an ankle injury during their 24-18 win over Tennessee. Cincinnati also took a major hit, with star receiver Ja’Marr Chase suffering a concussion and Tee Higgins leaving with an adductor injury. Philadelphia running back Saquon Barkley dealt with a hamstring injury, while Kansas City also saw injuries hit its receiving group.

The Denver Broncos were hit especially hard during their 24-14 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. All-Pro cornerback Pat Surtain II suffered a non-contact right ankle injury late in the first half and did not return. Denver then lost its other starting cornerback, Riley Moss, to a rib injury. Wide receiver Pat Bryant was also carted off after suffering an ankle injury following a 30-yard catch in the third quarter. Losing both starting corners left Denver without two major pieces of its secondary for the rest of the game.

Denver was already missing outside linebacker Dondrea Tillman, who was ruled out before the game because of a hamstring injury. With Surtain, Moss and Bryant now dealing with injuries as well, the Broncos are one of several NFL teams that will be watching injury updates closely heading into Week 5.

With the season still in its early stages, this wave of injuries could have a major impact on teams trying to compete for playoff spots. The next few days will be important as Baltimore, Cincinnati, Denver and other teams find out when their injured players might be able to return.