The NFL’s Injury Bug Bites Hard in Week 6: Kyler Murray Sidelined as Cardinals Face Must-Win Battle
Week 6 of the NFL 2025 season is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for several teams, but none more so than the Arizona Cardinals. And this is the part most people miss: the Cardinals are staring down the barrel of a fourth consecutive loss, and now they’ll have to do it without their star quarterback, Kyler Murray. Murray, who missed two critical days of practice due to a foot injury, was officially ruled out just 90 minutes before kickoff against the Colts in Indianapolis. Despite returning for a limited session on Friday, his absence leaves a gaping hole in Arizona’s offense. Jacoby Brissett will step in as the starter, with Kedon Slovis—freshly signed from the practice squad—serving as his backup. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can Brissett rally the team, or will Murray’s absence seal their fate? Let’s not forget, the Colts have their own challenges, with key players like RB Tyler Goodson and CB Kenny Moore also sidelined.
Across the League: A Wave of Inactives Raises Eyebrows
It’s not just the Cardinals feeling the heat. Across the league, injuries are reshaping matchups in unexpected ways. Take the Rams vs. Ravens game, for instance. The Rams are without WR Tutu Atwell and LB Omar Speights, while the Ravens will miss QB Lamar Jackson and LB Roquan Smith. But here’s where it gets controversial: Without Jackson, can the Ravens’ offense maintain its explosive potential? Meanwhile, in the Cowboys-Panthers clash, Dallas is missing WR CeeDee Lamb, a significant blow to their passing game. The Panthers, however, are dealing with their own woes, including the absence of TE Ja’Tavion Sanders and RB Chuba Hubbard. And this is the part most people miss: These injuries could turn this game into a defensive slugfest.
Seahawks, Jaguars, and Beyond: The Injury Toll Mounts
The Seahawks-Jaguars matchup is another casualty of the injury bug. Seattle’s secondary is decimated, with CBs Devon Witherspoon and Riq Woolen both out, while the Jaguars are missing S Kahlef Hailassie and RB Cody Schrader. But here’s where it gets controversial: Will the Seahawks’ depleted defense be able to contain Jacksonville’s offense? Elsewhere, the Chargers-Dolphins game sees both teams missing key contributors, including WR Quentin Johnston for the Chargers and QB Quinn Ewers for the Dolphins. And this is the part most people miss: These absences could level the playing field in what was expected to be a lopsided contest.
Patriots, Saints, Browns, and Steelers: No Team Is Spared
Even the Patriots-Saints and Browns-Steelers games are feeling the impact. New England is without QB Tommy DeVito and S Jaylinn Hawkins, while the Saints will miss S Ugo Amadi and CB Rejzohn Wright. In Pittsburgh, the Steelers are down WR Calvin Austin and S Chuck Clark, while the Browns are without CB Jarrick Bernard-Converse and RB Raheim Sanders. But here’s where it gets controversial: With so many key players out, will these games come down to coaching strategy or sheer athleticism?
Final Thoughts: A Season Defined by Resilience?
As Week 6 unfolds, one thing is clear: this NFL season is testing the depth and resilience of every roster. But here’s where it gets controversial: Are teams doing enough to protect their stars, or is the league’s physicality simply too demanding? And as we watch these games play out, one question lingers: Which team will rise above the adversity, and which will crumble under the pressure? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—who do you think will emerge victorious despite these setbacks?
