The NFL’s latest injury report offers a glimpse into the current state of several teams as they head into the season. Notable absences and limited participation in practice could impact team performances, starting with Ja'Marr Chase, who despite his ongoing contract situation, showed up limited at practice this week. His situation will be closely monitored, especially considering the Bengals' need for a healthy receiver core to support Joe Burrow, who was a full participant in practice.
Key Injuries Around the League
The Kansas City Chiefs are starting their pursuit of a third consecutive title on a worrying note. Wide receiver Marquise Brown is out due to a shoulder injury, putting additional pressure on Patrick Mahomes to adapt without one of his key targets. Similarly, the Ravens are facing their own set of challenges. Outside linebacker Adisa Isaac and running back Rasheen Ali are sidelined with hamstring and neck injuries, respectively, raising concerns about the depth of their roster.
The Green Bay Packers also report limitations with six players, including Romeo Doubs and Tucker Kraft. While Doubs has been limited for two consecutive days, Kraft’s limitation on Wednesday was a new development. This is particularly concerning given that Green Bay didn’t practice and the designations were mere estimates.
Meanwhile, the Eagles are grappling with the loss of linebacker Devin White, who has been ruled out due to an ankle injury. White's absence opens the door for Nakobe Dean to make his fifth career start, a significant opportunity for the young linebacker to make an impact.
Pittsburgh and Atlanta's Injury Woes
The Steelers will be missing key players on Sunday, with offensive lineman Isaac Seumalo not practicing and not expected to play. Additionally, rookies Troy Fautanu, Roman Wilson, and running back Jaylen Warren were limited in practice. Over in Atlanta, Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts and linebacker Nate Landman were also limited. Pitts' status for Sunday remains uncertain, which could significantly affect the Falcons' offensive strategy.
The Cardinals are reporting troubling signs with wide receiver Xavier Weaver absent due to an oblique injury and tight end Tip Reiman limited due to an ankle issue. The Bills are not faring much better, having defensive end Javon Solomon out because of an oblique injury and backup quarterback Mitchell Trubisky limited due to a knee problem.
Concerns in Tennessee and Chicago
In Tennessee, the Titans could be down key defensive and offensive players. Safety Jamal Adams did not practice because of a hip injury while wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins remains hampered by a knee issue, missing most of training camp due to this injury. In Chicago, wide receiver Keenan Allen and defensive lineman Montez Sweat were limited in practice. Bears GM Ryan Poles reassured fans that Allen’s injury would not impact his Week 1 status, while the team remains optimistic about Sweat’s participation on Sunday.
Additional Notable Mentions
Other names to watch include Texans safety M.J. Stewart, who didn’t practice due to a knee injury, and Colts wide receiver Josh Downs and kicker Matt Gay both being absent from practice. The Colts have re-signed Spencer Shrader to the practice squad as a precautionary measure against Gay’s hernia issue.
The Jaguars appear in better shape, with every player practicing. However, Daniel Thomas was limited due to an Achilles injury. The Dolphins, on the other hand, reported a dozen players either limited or held out, with major names like linebacker Jaelan Phillips and cornerback Jalen Ramsey not practicing. Yet, there’s a silver lining with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle having no injury designations, despite earlier concerns.
In New England, multiple players, including cornerback Jonathan Jones and offensive tackle Vederian Lowe, were limited in practice. Additionally, Patriots guard Sidy Sow did not practice, a situation closely watched by fans since his departure from the team's preseason finale due to injury.
Updates from Various Camps
The Bengals saw wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase limited yet again, but it was encouraging to see quarterback Joe Burrow fully participating. Conversely, the Panthers were without tight ends Ian Thomas and Tommy Tremble at practice. Running back Miles Sanders was limited due to a finger injury, prompting the team to sign rookie Messiah Swinson off the Packers' practice squad.
The Saints reported a slew of injuries, with linebacker Willie Gay Jr., Pete Werner, and defensive back Marshon Lattimore limited in practice. Saints coach Kevin O'Connell mentioned that Jordan Addison moved around well and that they anticipate increasing his workload as the week progresses. O'Connell also stated that Jalen Nailor is a bit behind Addison but is progressing well.
For the Giants, backup quarterback Drew Lock, linebacker Micah McFadden, safety Dane Belton, and wide receiver Gunner Olszewski were all limited, painting a somewhat bleak picture. The Broncos, however, had a positive note to share, with rookie Bo Nix announced as the team's first rookie captain since 1967.
In Dallas, Cowboys tight end John Stephens Jr. did not practice due to a hamstring injury, while eight Cleveland Browns players were limited. A particularly notable mention goes to Jedrick Wills, who has been sidelined since undergoing surgery last December.
The Commanders have their own set of worries, with defensive tackle Daron Payne and quarterback Marcus Mariota among those limited. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers reported defensive lineman Logan Hall and kicker Chase McLaughlin did not practice, leaving the team without a kicker on their practice squad currently.
Finally, the Lions had defensive tackle DJ Reader limited in practice on Wednesday. Lions head coach Dan Campbell remains optimistic about Reader playing on Sunday.