Four and Out: Surprises from the NFL in Week 1

Four and Out: NFL Week 1 surprises

Sep 11, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) calls the play in the huddle in the second half of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. the Detroit Lions beat the Indianapolis Colts by the score of 39-35. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 11: Robert Griffin III /

1. Most players escaped Week 1 without major injuries

Last year, a major story line of Week 1 was the number of injuries key players suffered. So far this season, knock on wood, most players have made it through the preseason and Week 1 unscathed.

Sure, the oft-injured Robert Griffin III is on injured reserve; Teddy Bridgewater was sidelined with a gruesome knee injury in the preseason; and, a handful of other players ended up injured before the season started. Overall, however, Week 1 brought a lot of entertaining football without a lot of season-ending injuries.

The San Diego Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen tore his ACL. Seattle Seahawks QB Russell Wilson suffered a minor ankle injury. Also suffering minor ankle injuries were Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu of the Atlanta Falcons. Perhaps the most disturbing injury scenario in Week 1, which should have been surprising, but sadly is business as usual in the NFL, were the head-to-head hits against Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton in his team’s season opener against the Denver Broncos. Both the NFL and the NFLPA are going to investigate the failed concussion protocol during that game.

Next: 5 NFL teams that must win in Week 2

Last year in Week 1, Baltimore Ravens OLB Terrell Suggs tore his Achilles. Going into Week 2, a slew of other big name players were sidelined: Texans RB Arian Foster, Panthers LB Luke Kuechly, Giants WR Victor Cruz, Redskins WR DeSean Jackson, and Cowboys WR Dez Bryant.

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