NFL Week 7 is bringing a mixture of encouraging developments and significant injury concerns, with several high-profile players facing late fitness tests before their teams take the field.
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is among the biggest names to monitor after a calf injury disrupted his preparation for Sunday's matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.
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Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley has returned to practice after missing two games, while Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is working toward a possible comeback from an ankle injury.
There is also disappointing news for the San Francisco 49ers, who will be without wide receiver Mike Evans and defensive end Nick Bosa against the Atlanta Falcons.
Meanwhile, New York Jets running back Breece Hall and Houston Texans receiver Tank Dell are among those hoping to return to action.
Here is the latest on the key injuries to watch heading into Week 7, based on team announcements and the NFL's official injury report.
Puka Nacua's availability is a major concern for the Rams
Nacua's status is one of the most important storylines ahead of Sunday's game against the Raiders. The Rams receiver left Thursday's practice after experiencing a calf issue and did not participate in Friday's session.
Head coach Sean McVay subsequently listed Nacua as questionable. McVay described the problem as minor, offering some encouragement, but the team must still determine whether the receiver can perform at his usual level.
Nacua has already missed two games this season because of a psoas injury, making another interruption particularly frustrating. He has recorded 37 receptions for 417 yards and one receiving touchdown in four appearances, while also scoring a rushing touchdown.
The Rams are already dealing with the loss of Davante Adams, who was placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. If Nacua cannot play, Los Angeles would face an even greater challenge replacing its leading receiving options.
For now, his questionable designation means his availability remains uncertain rather than confirming he will miss the game.
Saquon Barkley and Lamar Jackson offer reasons for optimism
The Eagles received a welcome boost when Barkley returned to practice after missing two games because of a hamstring injury.
Barkley has been sidelined since Week 4, but his participation during the week has raised hopes that he could feature when Philadelphia hosts the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football on October 26.
His return would be important for an Eagles offense that relies on his ability to produce explosive runs and contribute as a receiver.
Barkley's workload would still need to be monitored if he is cleared, particularly after an extended spell away from competition. The NFL's official report listed him as participating on a limited basis ahead of the game.
Jackson is facing a similar race against time in Baltimore. The Ravens quarterback returned to practice after missing two games with an ankle injury and is listed as questionable for Sunday's matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Jackson offered an encouraging update on his recovery, telling reporters that he was "headed in the right direction" and adding "we'll see" when asked about his availability.
Head coach Jesse Minter has indicated that Jackson could be a game-time decision. If the quarterback is unable to play, Baltimore would have to consider its alternative at the most important position on the field.
Major absences for the 49ers as Breece Hall awaits a decision
San Francisco has confirmed that Evans and Bosa will not play against Atlanta on Sunday.
Evans has been dealing with rib and Achilles problems, while Bosa continues to recover from knee and calf issues. Bosa has already missed four games and has not returned to full practice, leaving the 49ers without one of their most important defensive players.
Evans' absence is also significant. He has recorded 420 receiving yards this season, making him a major part of San Francisco's passing attack. The team will need other receivers to take on additional responsibilities against the Falcons.
The Jets, meanwhile, are monitoring Hall's quad injury. He returned to practice on Thursday as a limited participant and remains questionable for Sunday's meeting with the Miami Dolphins.
Hall has missed three games because of the problem, so his return would provide a welcome boost to New York's running game. However, the final decision will depend on how he responds to practice and whether the medical staff believes he can play without aggravating the injury.
Baker Mayfield, Tank Dell and Jeremiyah Love updates
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield has made progress in his recovery from a thumb injury.
He participated fully in Friday's practice but remains questionable, meaning his availability should be monitored before Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers.
The Buccaneers will be without wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, who remains in concussion protocol and has been ruled out. His absence would reduce the options available to Tampa Bay if Mayfield returns.
Houston has a different situation. Running back David Montgomery has been ruled out against the New York Giants because of a groin injury, but the Texans could welcome back Tank Dell.
Dell has not played since suffering a serious knee injury in December 2024. He participated fully in practice and is listed as questionable, with reports indicating that he is expected to play. His return would be an important milestone after a lengthy rehabilitation.
"I'm anxious to get back out there and play some football," Dell said.
The Cardinals, meanwhile, will be without running back Jeremiyah Love for a second consecutive game because of an ankle injury. Head coach Mike LaFleur confirmed that Love would not play against the Denver Broncos, leaving Arizona to rely on its other running backs once again.
With several teams facing important decisions, the final injury reports and pregame inactive lists will be essential for determining which players are available. Barkley and Jackson have made progress, but Nacua's calf issue and the confirmed absences in San Francisco remain major Week 7 talking points.