Updated September 22, 2026
The NFL’s Week 2 schedule delivered plenty of drama, but injuries became one of the biggest stories across the NFC.
Several high-profile players left games or were evaluated after significant injury scares, creating immediate questions about their availability for Week 3.
Among the most closely watched situations are Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels, Chicago quarterback Caleb Williams, Green Bay receiver Jayden Reed and New Orleans offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr.
Jayden Daniels Injury: Washington QB Suffers Dislocated Elbow
The biggest NFC quarterback injury of Week 2 came in Dallas.
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels suffered a dislocated left elbow during the team’s 37-20 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.
Daniels injured his arm while attempting to avoid a sack just before halftime. He tried to brace himself as he went down, with his left arm absorbing his body weight.
The injury immediately became one of the league’s biggest Week 2 storylines because Daniels is the centerpiece of Washington’s offense.
Further evaluation is expected to determine the full extent of the injury and whether additional treatment will be required.
Why Daniels’ status matters
Washington is now 0-2, and the team faces the possibility of playing without its starting quarterback.
The Commanders will therefore be closely watched throughout the week for:
- Updated medical evaluations
- Practice participation
- Any announcement regarding surgery
- Whether Daniels can return this season
- Who could start if Daniels misses Week 3
The injury is particularly significant because reports indicate Daniels suffered a similar elbow injury last season.
Caleb Williams Injury Update: Bears QB Avoids Major Injury
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams also generated major concern during Week 2.
Williams went down late in the Bears’ 9-3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings and was unable to put normal weight on his right leg. He was eventually carted from the field.
Initial fears were significant because Williams is one of the most important young quarterbacks in the NFC.
However, subsequent testing reportedly showed that Williams suffered a minor hamstring injury, providing substantial relief for Chicago. The Bears have not ruled him out for their next game.
What to watch with Caleb Williams
The key question now is whether Williams can practice normally during the week.
Chicago will likely monitor:
Practice participation: Whether he can return to full football activity.
Mobility: Whether the hamstring limits his ability to scramble.
Game status: Whether the Bears officially list him as questionable or available.
Backup quarterback: Tyson Bagent stepped in after Williams exited and could become important again if Williams cannot play.
Williams’ status is one of the most important NFC injury developments to monitor before Week 3.
Jayden Reed Injury Update: Packers Monitoring Wide Receiver
Green Bay also had an injury storyline emerge around Jayden Reed during its overtime victory over the New York Jets.
Reed’s situation is among the developments Packers fans will be watching as the team begins preparations for Week 3.
Green Bay ultimately won 20-17 in overtime, but the health of its receiving group will remain an important factor as the Packers prepare for their next game.
The Packers are scheduled to play the Atlanta Falcons on September 24, making the team’s midweek practice reports especially relevant.
Kelvin Banks Jr. Injury: Saints Offensive Line Takes a Major Blow
Although offensive linemen generally receive less national attention than quarterbacks and receivers, Kelvin Banks Jr.’s injury could have a major effect on New Orleans.
The Saints left tackle suffered a suspected high-ankle sprain during New Orleans’ 24-17 victory over Baltimore.
Banks was carted off late in the third quarter and is scheduled for an MRI to determine the severity of the injury. A move to injured reserve is reportedly possible.
Banks started all 17 games during his rookie season and opened the first two games of 2026.
If he misses time, Asim Richards is expected to take over at left tackle.
Why the Saints injury matters
The offensive line is especially important because New Orleans will need to protect quarterback Tyler Shough and create running lanes as the season continues.
A multi-week absence for Banks could therefore affect both the Saints’ passing protection and running game.
Other NFC Injury Storylines to Watch
Week 2 also produced several other injury situations that could develop during the coming days.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers’ injury report will be important after their overtime win over the Jets.
The team will provide additional clarity as players return to practice.
Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia escaped Tennessee with a 24-20 win, but the Eagles’ injury report will be closely watched as they move into Week 3.
Jalen Hurts led the comeback effort, while Philadelphia finished the game with several players receiving attention during the contest.
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers remained one of the NFC’s most prominent teams after defeating Miami 35-13.
San Francisco’s health report is particularly important because the team is relying heavily on players including Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle and Trent Williams.
Chicago Bears
The Bears’ biggest concern remains Williams’ hamstring.
His ability to practice throughout the week should provide the clearest indication of whether he can face Philadelphia.
NFC Week 2 Injuries: Why the Next 72 Hours Matter
The first injury report after Week 2 is often more informative than the initial sideline diagnosis.
Players can experience swelling or soreness the day after a game, while imaging results can also change a team’s expectations.
For that reason, fans should watch three stages:
1. Monday/Tuesday medical updates
Teams and reporters provide additional information after players undergo testing.
2. Wednesday practice reports
The first official practice designation can reveal whether an injured player is trending toward participation.
3. Final game designation
A player’s official status later in the week will provide the clearest indication of whether he is expected to play.
Fantasy Football Impact
The NFC injury developments could also have significant fantasy implications.
Jayden Daniels
If Daniels misses time, Washington’s offensive production could change substantially, affecting the fantasy value of Washington’s skill-position players.
Caleb Williams
Williams’ hamstring status should be monitored closely before fantasy managers make lineup decisions.
Kelvin Banks Jr.
An offensive-line injury can affect fantasy production indirectly by changing quarterback protection and rushing efficiency.
Jayden Reed
Reed’s status could influence Green Bay’s weekly target distribution if he misses time.
Week 3 NFC Injury Watchlist
The following players and situations deserve particularly close attention as Week 3 approaches:
| Player | Team | Injury/Concern | What to Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jayden Daniels | Commanders | Left elbow dislocation | Medical evaluation & availability |
| Caleb Williams | Bears | Hamstring | Practice participation |
| Jayden Reed | Packers | Injury evaluation | Practice/status updates |
| Kelvin Banks Jr. | Saints | High-ankle sprain | MRI/IR decision |
| Other NFC starters | Various | Week 2 injuries | Official practice reports |
The Biggest NFC Injury Question Right Now
The most consequential quarterback question is Jayden Daniels’ availability.
Unlike Williams, whose initial injury scare was followed by reports of a minor hamstring issue, Daniels suffered a confirmed dislocation that requires further evaluation.
The next official medical update could therefore have a major impact on Washington’s Week 3 plans.
What NFL Fans Should Watch Next
As the league moves toward Week 3, keep an eye on:
- Jayden Daniels’ next medical update
- Caleb Williams’ first practice participation
- Whether Williams is cleared for the Bears’ next game
- Jayden Reed’s status with Green Bay
- Kelvin Banks Jr.’s MRI results
- Potential injured-reserve decisions
- Official Wednesday injury reports
- Final game designations later in the week
Final Update
Week 2 produced a substantial number of NFC injury storylines, but the situations surrounding Jayden Daniels and Caleb Williams are attracting particularly close attention.
Daniels suffered a dislocated left elbow in Washington’s loss to Dallas, while Williams’ frightening leg injury was subsequently reported as a minor hamstring issue.
Meanwhile, New Orleans is evaluating Kelvin Banks Jr. after a suspected high-ankle sprain that could potentially result in an injured-reserve stint.
The coming practice reports should provide the next major wave of information.
Keep checking America Newsline for updated NFL Week 3 injury reports, player status changes, fantasy implications and breaking NFC injury news.