Week 7 is set to be a huge week for a number of teams across the NFL, but some of the league’s best players will be missing key matchups due to injury while others will be returning to action. The New York Giants were without their three offensive stars last week while the New England Patriots receiving corps continues to be decimated, not to mention one of the league’s most dangerous weapons is on the verge of missing his first game of the season in Week 7. There’s a long list of big names on the injury report this week who’s statuses are worthy of monitoring before games kick off Sunday.
Alvin Kamara, RB, New Orleans Saints
After going into New Orleans’ Week 6 matchup against the Jaguars with a gimpy ankle, dynamic halfback Alvin Kamara added to his injury list this week. According to head coach Sean Payton, Kamara ‘tweaked’ his knee early in their game against Jacksonville and hadn’t practiced in any capacity all week. That being said, it’s no surprise Kamara was ruled out by the team on Friday, as he’s set to miss only the second game of his third-year career. Kamara will join Drew Brees and also Jared Cook as the Saints’ key inactives.
Davante Adams, WR, Green Bay Packers
Star wideout Davante Adams banged up his toe towards the end of Green Bay’s Thursday Night loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 4 and yas yet to log a full practice since. Though Adams said the turf toe is improving, it doesn’t seem like he’s necessarily close to a return, as he was ruled out again for this Sunday’s matchup against Oakland. If there’s something encouraging to take away, Adams has carried a questionable designation throughout each week so he’s at least been trying to give it a go. The Packers’ WR core will be razor-thin this Sunday without Adams, Marquez Valdes-Scantling or Geronimo Allison.
Saquon Barkley, RB, New York Giants
The Giants are set to get back a major boost this Sunday when superstar Saquon Barkley returns from an ankle injury. While the injury was first estimated to keep the second-year back out for over a month, Barkley will clear his timeline by almost two weeks and return for a winnable game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Evan Engram, TE, New York Giants
Another top weapon for the Giants will be returning with tight end Evan Engram being activated for Week 7. Engram has served as a reliable target early this season and will be a security blanket for rookie QB Daniel Jones who’s quietly struggled over the past couple weeks. Engram’s reeled in 16 catches for 209 yards in three games with Jones this season.
Sterling Shepard, WR, New York Giants
Unlike his teammates, top wide receiver Sterling Shepard will not be returning in Week 7 as he continues to battle concussion symptoms. Shepard suffered the injury in their Week 5 game against Minnesota and is yet to clear the concussion protocol.
Malik Hooker, FS, Indianapolis Colts
Though talented second-year safety Malik Hooker returned to practice for the Colts this week, his status for Week 7 is still not encouraging. Hooker is officially listed as doubtful for Indy’s pivotal divisional tilt against the Houston Texans on Sunday with a knee injury.
Amari Cooper, WR, Dallas Cowboys
Amari Cooper is currently fighting through a quad issue that also flared up in their Week 6 loss to the Jets. Cooper would only make one reception for three yards before pulling himself out of the game and watching from the sidelines. However, Cooper is expected to play this week according to ESPN for a big NFC East clash against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Mitchell Trubiksy, QB, Chicago Bears
Mitch Trubisky banged up his shoulder after being slammed to the turf awkwardly in their Week 4 matchup against the Vikings and was in a sling as recent as last week. Though Trubiksy is labeled questionable heading into Sunday, he practiced all week and looks ready to make his return in a big game this Sunday against New Orleans.
Josh Gordon WR, New England Patriots
The arsenal of weapons for Tom Brady continues to take a hit, as the Patriots will be down wide receiver Josh Gordon for their Monday night game against the Jets. Gordon will miss his first game of the season with a knee and ankle injury.
Desmond Trufant, CB, Atlanta Falcons
A disappointing start to the season and going into their Week 7 matchup against the Rams short-handed is a recipe for disaster. It’s even worse when you’re missing your top cornerback against a Sean McVay-led offense, a dilemma the Falcons are currently facing with Desmond Trufant sidelined. Trufant has been ruled out for the second straight week with his toe injury.
Todd Gurley, RB, Los Angeles Rams
After missing their Week 6 loss to the undefeated 48ers, star running back Todd Gurley will return for their game against Atlanta. Gurley’s shaky health has been a topic of discussion all season and it hasn’t improved much in recent weeks. Gurley was absent from the injury report completely this week and will look to get the Rams offense back on track against a vulnerable Falcons unit.
