ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter released an extensive list of players officially ruled out for Sunday’s Week 2 games on September 20, 2026. The update arrives as teams lock in Friday injury designations ahead of a busy slate that includes Vikings at Bears, Steelers at Patriots, Bengals at Texans, and Cowboys hosting the Commanders.
These absences will affect starting lineups, fantasy football decisions, and several key matchups across the league.
Quarterbacks Ruled Out
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray will miss the game against the Chicago Bears due to a concussion. Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is out with a knee injury as his team faces the Carolina Panthers. Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is also sidelined for the matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.
Backup quarterbacks will step in, creating ripple effects for passing attacks and opposing defenses.
Wide Receivers, Tight Ends, and Skill Players Out
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins is ruled out with a hamstring injury heading into the home game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Other skill-position players on the list include Jauan Jennings, Marvin Mims, Chigoziem Okonkwo, and De’Zhaun Stribling.
These absences reduce depth at receiver and tight end for multiple offenses.
Defensive Standouts Missing Sunday
Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown, pictured in the original report, is out with a hamstring strain. The Cowboys will also be without safety Malik Hooker. Additional defensive players ruled out include Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr., New York Jets safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike, Houston Texans edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney, and Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Chamarri Conner.
Other names on the official out list include Jonathan Greenard, Ed Ingram, Teven Jenkins, Omar Cooper, Elijah Molden, Trey Pipkins, Ronnie Harrison, Chop Robinson, Garrett Williams, Frankie Luvu, Ashton Dulin, and Josh Simmons.
Impact on Week 2 Matchups and Fantasy Lineups
The Cowboys defense loses two starters against Washington, adding pressure after a difficult Week 1. Houston’s offense loses a primary receiving threat against Cincinnati. Minnesota must operate without its starting quarterback in Chicago, while Atlanta turns to its backup against Carolina.
Fantasy managers should monitor snap counts and target shares for replacements. Official team reports remain the final word before Sunday kickoff, as last-minute changes can still occur.
These injuries introduce extra volatility into Week 2 and highlight the importance of checking updated designations before setting lineups or placing bets.