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Sports injury news dominated NFL Week 3 lineup decisions, with Puka Nacua ruled out for Sunday Night Football and several important players either returning from injury or missing another game. ESPNās latest inactive report offered critical updates for fantasy football managers before kickoff on Sept. 27, 2026.
Breaking Sports Injury News: Puka Nacua Out
The Los Angeles Rams confirmed that wide receiver Puka Nacua would miss Week 3 because of a groin injury. His absence creates a major change for fantasy managers and gives additional receiving opportunities to Davante Adams and tight end Terrance Ferguson.
Adams could see increased defensive attention, including more coverage from Pat Surtain II. Ferguson, meanwhile, is expected to operate as the Ramsā second target and is considered a strong starting option at tight end or in the flex position.
The Broncosā backfield also received important news ahead of the prime-time matchup. J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey were active, while Jonah Coleman was ruled out and placed on injured reserve. Dobbins is expected to lead the rushing workload, with Harvey handling much of the passing-down work. Both remain low-floor flex options because of the uncertain split and a challenging Rams defensive front.
Key NFL Players Active for Week 3
Several prominent players cleared their final injury hurdles and were active Sunday. Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers returned after missing Week 2 with a hamstring issue. He immediately moved back into starting consideration, although fantasy managers should remain aware of the risk of aggravation.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers was also active despite limited practices during the week. Even if his snaps were reduced, his role in the Raidersā passing game made him a must-start player in most fantasy formats.
- Aaron Jones Sr. returned for Minnesota and remained a strong RB2 or flex option.
- Travis Etienne Jr. was active for New Orleans but carried some risk after being out-touched by Alvin Kamara.
- Mike Evans was available for San Francisco after dealing with a hip issue.
- DJ Moore and Keon Coleman were active for Buffalo, though both entered the game with injury concerns.
- Sam Darnold returned for Seattle but remained a low-end QB2 for fantasy purposes.
New York Giants receiver Malik Nabers also played through a shoulder injury. However, his fantasy outlook was downgraded because of poor weather and the presence of Jameis Winston at quarterback. Nabers remained usable, but analysts viewed him closer to a WR3 than his usual WR2 range.
Major Inactives Create New Fantasy Opportunities
Several absences reshaped depth charts across the league. Caleb Williams was ruled out for Chicagoās Monday night matchup after suffering a hamstring injury. Case Keenum was expected to start, with Tyson Bagent serving as the backup after clearing the concussion protocol. The quarterback change lowered the outlook for Chicagoās pass catchers.
Houston wide receiver Nico Collins missed another game with a hamstring injury. Dalton Schultz became one of the most attractive replacements after seeing 14 targets in Collinsā previous absence. Xavier Hutchinson also remained in the conversation as a deeper-league option.
Carolina placed Jonathon Brooks on injured reserve with a groin injury, sidelining him for at least six weeks. That move elevated Chuba Hubbard into a much larger role. Hubbard became a firm RB2 with the potential to deliver RB1 production if he receives consistent goal-line and passing-game work.
Other notable absences included Indianapolis wide receiver Alec Pierce, Los Angeles Chargers tight end David Njoku, Philadelphia tight end Dallas Goedert, Pittsburgh running back Rico Dowdle and Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels. Marcus Mariota was expected to replace Daniels, but the change reduced the fantasy value of Terry McLaurin and Stefon Diggs in a difficult matchup.
What Fantasy Managers Should Do Now
Fantasy managers should check official inactive reports before every kickoff, especially when relying on players listed as questionable. Prime-time games create additional risk because replacement options may be limited once early contests have finished.
The biggest Week 3 priorities are replacing Nacua, monitoring Monday night players and securing alternatives for injured quarterbacks and tight ends. Managers should also review bench flexibility, since late injury decisions involving Saquon Barkley and DeVonta Smith could affect lineups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Puka Nacua out in Week 3?
Puka Nacua was ruled out because of a groin injury. His absence is expected to increase the workload for Davante Adams and Terrance Ferguson.
Who benefits from Puka Nacuaās absence?
Davante Adams should receive more targets, while Terrance Ferguson is expected to become a key secondary option in the Ramsā passing attack.
Is Brock Bowers safe to start?
Yes. Brock Bowers was active despite a limited practice week and remained a strong fantasy starter because of his importance to the Raidersā offense.
Who replaces Caleb Williams?
Case Keenum was expected to start for Chicago, with Tyson Bagent listed as the backup after returning from the concussion protocol.
