Breaking News: The NFL Stars You Won't See on the Field This Weekend - Inactive Report Released

New York (AP) - As the National Football League gears up for another exciting weekend of games, fans and fantasy owners alike are anxiously checking the inactive reports to see which of their favorite players will be taking the field. And this week's report does not disappoint, with several big-name stars being ruled out of action.

At the top of the list is the New York Giants' star running back, Saquon Barkley, who will miss his second straight game with a lingering ankle injury. Barkley, who has been one of the most electric players in the league when healthy, has been a major disappointment this season, playing in just three games due to various injuries.

Another big-name player who will be sitting out this week is the Dallas Cowboys' star quarterback, Dak Prescott. Prescott, who suffered a hand injury in last week's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, has been ruled out for at least two weeks, leaving backup quarterback Cooper Rush to take the reins. The Cowboys' playoff hopes took a major hit with the loss of their franchise quarterback, and they will need to bounce back in a big way if they hope to make the postseason.

The NFC East, which has been one of the most competitive divisions in football this season, is home to several other big-name players who will be inactive this week. The Washington Redskins' star wide receiver, Terry McLaurin, will miss his second straight game with a nagging knee injury, while the Philadelphia Eagles' star defensive tackle, Fletcher Cox, will be out for at least a month with a chronic foot injury.

Rounding out the list of big-name players who will be inactive this week is the Green Bay Packers' star wide receiver, Davante Adams. Adams, who has been one of the most consistent receivers in the league this season, will miss his second straight game with a hamstring injury. The Packers, who are still trying to find their footing after a slow start to the season, will need to find a way to replace Adams' production if they hope to stay in the playoff hunt.

In other news, several other players who have been battling injuries this season will return to the field this week. The Seattle Seahawks' star safety, Earl Thomas, will make his long-awaited return from a patellar tendon injury that has kept him out for the entire season. Thomas, who has been one of the most dominant safeties in football over the past decade, will be a major boost to a Seahawks defense that has struggled to find consistency this season.

The Cleveland Browns' star running back, Nick Chubb, will also return to the field this week after missing the last two games with a shoulder injury. Chubb, who has been one of the most exciting players to watch this season, has been a major factor in the Browns' resurgence, leading the team in rushing yards and touchdowns.

As the NFL season enters its stretch run, the stakes are getting higher and higher for teams across the league. Injuries are piling up, and teams that can find a way to overcome them will be the ones that ultimately emerge victorious. With the inactive report released, it's time to start thinking about who will be the difference-maker in your fantasy league this week.