A host of star players went down with injuries this week. Here are the most significant names who got banged up.
Le'Veon Bell, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers: Earlier this week, Mike Sando of ESPN Insider ranked Bell as the No. 1 running back in the NFL, so losing Bell would be significant for the Steelers, who just got QB Ben Roethlisberger back from a knee injury. Bell was carted to the locker room after suffering a knee injury in the second quarter. He had gained at least 88 yards from scrimmage in his five full games played so far this season.
Steve Smith Sr., WR, Baltimore Ravens: Smith had five catches and 82 yards against the Chargers when he went to the ground awkwardly, clutching his Achilles. After the game, coach John Harbaugh confirmed fears that Smith had torn his Achilles. The 36-year-old has been adamant that this would be his final season in the NFL, so he might have played his last game on the same day he surpassed Cris Carter for 10th overall on the all-time receiving yards list.
Cameron Wake, OLB, Miami Dolphins: Wake went down with a season-ending Achilles injury on Thursday night, just when he was starting to dominate. He had seven sacks from Weeks 6-8. The Dolphins will have a tough time replacing his presence, as he accounted for one-third of the team's sack total this season.
Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, New York Jets: Fitzpatrick left the game on the Jets' first drive after hurting his hand on a scramble. He entered the week ranked fourth overall in Total QBR. Fitzpatrick's ability to limit negative plays (7 INTs and four sacks through Week 7) is a huge reason for the Jets' 4-2 start to the season.
Matt Forte, RB, Chicago Bears: Forte walked to the locker room under his own power midway through the third quarter, but the Bears still ruled him out for the game with a knee injury. The dual-threat RB was averaging more than 24 touches per game through Week 7, so the Bears will have to significantly alter their game plan if he misses significant time.
Reggie Bush, RB, San Francisco 49ers: Bush served as the 49ers' starting running back on Sunday, with Carlos Hyde missing time with a foot injury. But Bush didn't last long, as he suffered a knee injury after slipping on some exposed concrete behind the 49ers' bench on a kick return. The veteran has already missed the better part of four games so far this season with a nagging calf ailment.
Joe Haden and Donte Whitner, DBs, Cleveland Browns: Haden and Whitner both left the Browns' game with concussions suffered on back-to-back plays. Neither returned to the game, as Cleveland surrendered 34 points in a loss to the Cardinals. With the Browns playing on a short week, it's unlikely either will suit up against the Bengals on Thursday night, according to ESPN NFL Nation reporter Pat McManamon.