The NFL Injury Report Week 6 edition is headlined by Lamar Jackson’s ankle, with NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport saying there is “some hope” the Baltimore quarterback plays at Cleveland, while Atlanta’s Michael Penix Jr. says his rib injury is not long-term and Chicago’s Caleb Williams is closing in on a return.
Week 6 of the 2026 NFL season brings the first big bye slate: the Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings and Miami Dolphins are off, according to Yahoo Sports. Most clubs will post their first official practice reports on Wednesday (US time). Here is where the biggest names stand after Monday’s coach updates. For last week’s statuses, see TSB’s NFL Injury Report Week 5.
Quarterbacks
Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens
Injury: Ankle (missed Week 5 against Atlanta)
Status: NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports there is “some hope” Jackson plays in Week 6 against the Browns, and that he was “closer than people realized” to suiting up on Sunday night. Tyler Huntley would start again if Jackson cannot go
Next game: at the Cleveland Browns
Source: NBC Sports (Rapoport)
Michael Penix Jr., QB, Atlanta Falcons
Injury: Ribs, hurt late in the overtime loss to Baltimore
Status: Penix said after the game the injury is “not something that is going to be a long-term thing” and “I’ll be alright.” Sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter the injury is not considered serious and Penix might return against Chicago, with the club wanting to see him practise first. Coach Kevin Stefanski said he would know more by Wednesday
Next game: Chicago Bears
Source: NFL.com, ESPN
“What I am going through right now I know, it’s not something that is going to be a long-term thing,” Penix said, via the Falcons’ Tori McElhaney. “But today, it took me out for the last couple of minutes of the game, but I’ll be alright.”
Caleb Williams, QB, Chicago Bears
Injury: Hamstring (missed three straight games)
Status: Coach Ben Johnson said Williams is “close” to returning and “itching to get back,” but has not confirmed a Week 6 start against Atlanta. If Williams is not ready, Johnson said Monday the club is still deciding between Tyson Bagent and Case Keenum after both struggled in the 31-7 loss to Green Bay
Next game: at the Atlanta Falcons
Source: ESPN
“We’re still working through that,” Johnson said of the backup call. “[Williams is] doing a great job progressing, and we’ll see when we can make him available to help us win ball games.”
Read more: Ravens Beat Falcons 30-23 in OT as Huntley Rallies
Running backs
Saquon Barkley, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
Injury: Hamstring
Status: Missed Week 5 in London. Yahoo Sports lists the Eagles as hopeful for Week 6 against Carolina; backup Will Shipley is expected to miss multiple weeks with a partial plantar fascia tear, leaving Dameon Pierce next in line if Barkley sits again
Next game: Carolina Panthers
Source: Yahoo Sports
Receivers and pass rush
Deebo Samuel Sr., WR, San Francisco 49ers
Injury: Right hamstring, suffered against Seattle
Status: After Monday testing, coach Kyle Shanahan said the injury “got him pretty good” and Samuel is “going to miss some time,” with the club expecting him out for at least the next couple of games and likely longer. The 49ers are already without Ricky Pearsall, De’Zhaun Stribling and Demarcus Robinson on injured reserve
Next game: Washington Commanders
Source: ESPN
Read more: 49ers Beat Seahawks 32-29; Broncos and Lions Win
CeeDee Lamb, WR, Dallas Cowboys
Injury: Quad / thigh, limited late in Thursday night’s game against Tampa Bay
Status: Yahoo Sports says the injury is not believed to be serious and Lamb has extra rest before Week 6 at Green Bay; managers should still watch Wednesday and Thursday practice reports
Next game: at the Green Bay Packers (Sunday night)
Source: Yahoo Sports
Micah Parsons, EDGE, Green Bay Packers
Injury: Recovering from ACL (and meniscus) reconstruction; on the PUP list
Status: Coach Matt LaFleur said Monday Parsons has not been medically cleared to practise yet but “I think we’re getting closer.” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the Packers are not anticipating Parsons returning to practice this week ahead of Sunday night against Dallas, with hope he still returns later in October
Next game: Dallas Cowboys at home
Source: Packers.com, ESPN (Schefter)
“As soon as they give us the green light, he’ll be out there,” LaFleur said. “That hasn’t happened yet, but I think we’re getting closer.”
What’s next
Official Week 6 practice reports begin Wednesday (US time), which is Thursday morning in Australia, with game statuses on Friday’s final reports. TSB will refresh this NFL Injury Report for Week 6 after the first full practice cycle.
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