NFL Week 9 Injury Report: Seahawks' Quenton Nelson Faces Knee Procedure
Key roster updates and injury statuses ahead of the 2026 NFL Week 9 matchups.
1Seahawks Lose Nelson Temporarily
Seattle Seahawks offensive guard Quenton Nelson will undergo a minor knee procedure to clean out cartilage fragments. Head coach Mike Macdonald confirmed the eight-time Pro Bowl player is currently listed as week-to-week. The team opted against placing him on injured reserve, hoping for a return to the lineup in the near future.
2Offensive Line Adjustments
With Nelson sidelined, the Seahawks are expected to revert to their previous offensive line configuration. Grey Zabel will likely step in at left guard, while Anthony Bradford continues his duties at right guard. This shift comes just one week after Seattle acquired Nelson from the Indianapolis Colts in a high-profile trade deal.
3Quarterback Changes Across League
The 2026 season reaches its midpoint with significant quarterback rotation across multiple franchises. Shedeur Sanders makes his first start for the Cleveland Browns, replacing Deshaun Watson. Meanwhile, Drew Lock takes over for Sam Darnold in Seattle, and Carson Wentz prepares to lead the offense against the Buffalo Bills due to Kyler Murray's hamstring injury.
4International Game Health Updates
The Cincinnati Bengals and Atlanta Falcons prepare for their matchup in Madrid with varying injury concerns. Bengals cornerback DJ Turner is cleared to play after recovering from a heel injury. Conversely, Atlanta running back Robinson has been ruled out for the game, while James Pearce Jr. remains questionable due to a back issue.
5Critical Absences for Sunday
Several teams face major personnel gaps heading into Sunday. The New York Jets will be without top wideout Wilson due to a concussion, while the Kansas City Chiefs ruled out rookie Peter Woods with a neck injury. Additionally, the Dallas Cowboys have officially ruled out Lawrence and Turpin for their upcoming contest.
6Roster Depth Under Pressure
The Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins are managing multiple questionable designations. Detroit's St. Brown and Vaki are both uncertain due to rib and ankle issues respectively. Miami's Wright and Herring remain questionable despite limited practice participation. These roster uncertainties force coaching staffs to rely on depth players during this critical mid-season stretch.
7Secondary and Running Back Woes
The Los Angeles Rams face a depleted secondary after losing Watson for the remainder of the season. The New York Giants are likely to be without their primary running back Skattebo, who is listed as doubtful. These injuries significantly impact team defensive and offensive strategies as the league enters the second half.
8Mid-Season Competitive Landscape
As the 2026 NFL season progresses, mounting injuries are testing team resilience and depth charts. With key players like Nelson and various starting quarterbacks sidelined, coaching decisions regarding replacements become vital. Teams must navigate these physical challenges effectively to maintain their standing in the playoff race as the schedule intensifies toward December.