NFL Week 6 injury roundup: Latest on Christian McCaffrey, Justin Fields, Trevor Lawrence and more

The NFL’s Week 6 has provided plenty of entertainment in the early slate, with the Browns hanging in with the 49ers, the Bengals and Seahawks going blow for blow and the Dolphins cruising thanks to more Tyreek Hill and Raheem Mostert dominance. Sunday’s matchups also saw more big names encounter injury woes, with stars like Christian McCaffrey, Justin Fields and Deebo Samuel forced to the locker room.

Here’s a roundup of some of the most notable players to go down, with the latest on each:

Looking to continue a hot stretch including eight passing TDs in his last two starts, Fields was back to erratic early against the Vikings before leaving in the third quarter with a dislocated thumb, according to Jay Glazer. He tried to reenter, but couldn’t play with the injury. Undrafted rookie Tyson Bagent took over and promptly fumbled the ball for a Minnesota defensive score.

Lawrence threw two scores to help guide the Jaguars’ 37-20 win over the Colts, but he left late with a knee injury and was ruled questionable to return. He is set to undergo an MRI but the belief is that there is no major injury, per NFL Media. Lawrence is described as day-to-day and the hope is that he’ll be OK for the team’s matchup against the Saints on Thursday.  

It’s been a rough year for the former Pro Bowler, and it got rougher on Sunday morning in London, where Tannehill was carted off with a late ankle injury after failing to lead the Titans to more than 16 points for the fourth time this year. Second-year backup Malik Willis went 4 of 5 in relief of Tannehill against the Ravens, and he could be called upon again in the coming weeks.

The oft-injured Raiders signal-caller threw 22 passes against his former team, the Patriots, before leaving ahead of halftime to be evaluated for a back injury. He was then ruled doubtful to return and replaced by Brian Hoyer, another ex-Patriot. Garoppolo missed time earlier this year with a concussion and was transported to a hospital for additional treatment and oversight.

Tampa Bay had almost no answer for the Lions in a big Week 6 defeat, and Mayfield struggled (19 of 37, 206 yards, 1 INT) before suffering a thumb contusion late in the contest. He didn’t miss time and X-rays were negative, per coach Bruce Arians, but the injury will be something to monitor moving forward.

San Francisco’s multipurpose star made history by scoring yet again to open Sunday’s game against the Browns, but he left the field late in the third quarter with an oblique injury. The All-Pro returned soon after, but then left for the locker room. It’s worth noting he was severely hampered by physical ailments late in his Panthers career, missing 23 combined games from 2020-2021.

Detroit’s bell-cow back took six carries against the Buccaneers before leaving with a rib injury. Locker-room X-rays were negative, but Montgomery did not return to the field before being ruled out. With fellow RB Jahmyr Gibbs already sidelined, veteran reserve Craig Reynolds took over in the backfield against Tampa Bay.

In between more dynamite downfield action against the Panthers, “Cheetah” briefly left Sunday’s game with leg cramps, earning a “questionable” designation, only to return to the field to help Miami maintain its lead against Carolina. He remains uncoverable.

The Jets’ star pass catcher left with an apparent lower leg injury during New York’s upset of the reigning NFC champion Eagles, then returned to lead the club with eight catches for 90 yards. Wilson exited a second time with a limp, however, suggesting he’ll require additional evaluation in the lead-up to Week 7.

The Seahawks‘ top pass target secured two catches for 30 yards against the Bengals before exiting with a hip injury. The Pro Bowler also briefly left a game earlier this season only to later return, as he did again on Sunday vs. Cincinnati.

After battling ankle and knee issues earlier this year, Samuel left the 49ers‘ game against the Browns early with a shoulder injury, never returning. He was involved in a pregame scuffle but did not catch a pass before leaving. Fellow starter Trent Williams also briefly left San Francisco’s lineup due to a lower-leg injury, only to return soon after. X-rays were negative and he will undergo further testing on Monday.

The former Jaguars prospect hasn’t been a major weapon in Carolina, but the Panthers aren’t loaded at wide receiver, so any loss is notable. Shenault was carted off and later ruled out with a fibula injury, putting more pressure on veteran No. 1 Adam Thielen.

The Saints moved Hurst from the interior to left tackle against the Texans, hoping to jumpstart Derek Carr’s protection. But Hurst was helped to the locker room with an ankle injury and forced Trevor Penning off the bench and back to the LT spot.

The former Pro Bowl lineman left Sunday’s divisional matchup with the Colts due to an ankle issue, first receiving medical attention on the sidelines, then relocating to the locker room. Jacksonville thrived regardless, going up multiple scores at home.

The former Titans guard, signed to help protect Justin Fields this offseason, was carted off with an ankle injury and later ruled out. He also missed time earlier this year, leaving Chicago to lean on emergency help at the right guard spot.

Washington built a multi-score lead over the Falcons in the second half of Sunday’s matchup despite Sweat leaving with a thumb injury and drawing a questionable designation. The pass rusher entered Week 6 with 4.5 sacks on the season.

The Dolphins‘ No. 1 cover man with Jalen Ramsey still rehabbing from offseason surgery, Howard was ruled questionable to return late in Miami’s rout of Carolina with a groin injury. He logged five tackles before exiting.

The starting cornerback pulled up with a hamstring injury after a special teams play in the second quarter of Sunday’s matchup with the Colts. Jacksonville turned to second-year reserve Montaric Brown in the secondary to help defend its lead vs. Indy.