NFL Week 2: injury report (update)
By Carly Regehr
With “probable” no longer a status on injury reports, NFL organizations released a list of players not likely to participate in Week 2.
It’s a trend that snowballed during the NFL preseason, from start to finish.
Most of the rookies were untouched in terms of injuries heading into their season openers, yet as the regular season kicked off, many well-known veterans will find themselves on the bench in Week 2.
Other than a no-show at defensive tackle in Joey Bosa, the San Diego Chargers will be without WR Keenan Allen for the remainder of the season after suffering a non-contact knee injury. In addition, Tony Romo will be over-shadowed by rookies Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott as Romo deals with the drama in his back.
WR Sammy Watkins, Buffalo Bills
The standout wideout from Clemson, Watkins is a toss-up for his TNF match-up against Buffalo with a sore foot. Some reports suggest he’ll start, while the remainder of reports reject that idea. If Watkins doesn’t strap up, TE Greg Salas and WR Marquise Goodwin will see the lion’s share of touches.
Next: vs. NYJ (8:25 ET, CBS, NFLN)
TE Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots
Both Gronkowski and teammate Nate Solder were limited in their midweek practices due to hamstring injuries, pinning themselves as unlikely to start for their home opener vs. Miami. In the meantime, Martellus Bennett, Gronk’s replacement in Week 1, will resume the role of Jimmy G’s go-to tight end.
Next: vs. Miami (1:00 ET, CBS)
LB Elvis Dumervil, Baltimore Ravens
A transfer from the Seattle Seahawks, Dumervil’s cross-country journey has been put on hold because of a foot injury. A hard hitter, Dumervill won’t see any playing time this Sunday vs. the Browns.
Next: @ Cleveland (1:00 ET, CBS)
TE Tyler Eifert, Cincinnati Bengals
Dealing with a foot injury, Eifert won’t receive any fantasy football points this Sunday when the Bengals square off against DeAngelo Williams and the Steelers.
Next: @ Pittsburgh (1:00 ET, CBS)
QB Robert Griffin III, Cleveland Browns
The collegiate superstar turned NFL bust is claiming more time on the injury list than a top spot on a depth chart. In Week 1, RG III’s season was cut short by a broken shoulder. With his already messed-up knees, RG III is a walking health hazard at this point.
Instead, the Dog Pound will have to rely on Josh McGown and RB Isaiah Crowell, the latter of whom could see an increase in fantasy points since the pass game figures to be ineffective.
Next: vs. Baltimore (1:00 ET, CBS)
LB Brian Cushing, Houston Texans
A likely candidate for the league’s best oral hygiene, Brian Cushing won’t join his team this week due to an MCL sprain in his right knee.
Next: Kansas City @ Houston (1:00 ET, CBS)
WR Demaryius Thomas, Denver Broncos
Another toss-up for Week 2, Thomas is undergoing treatment for a left hip injury he incurred vs. Carolina. Though he sat out most of practice on Monday, Thomas received some limited playing time on Wednesday.
Next: Indianapolis @ Denver (4:25 ET, CBS)
DE Joey Bosa, San Diego Chargers
Though Chargers head coach Mike McCoy listed Bosa (hamstring) as day-to-day, the money hungry rookie will be at the hands of mercy heading into Week 2.
Next: Jacksonville @ San Diego (4:25 ET, CBS)
Next: Fantasy Football Preview: Jets vs. Bills
WR Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons
A string of injuries has blown over the Falcons offense this past week: Jones (ankle), WR Mohammad Sanu (ankle) and RB Devonta Freeman (quadricep). All three are questionable to play this Sunday.
Next: @ Oakland (4:25 ET, CBS)
QB Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks
Something of lighter news comes from the Pacific Northwest, where Russell Wilson is likely to play at the Los Angeles Coliseum despite a sprained ankle. A problem introduced in the season opener vs. Miami, Wilson has never had a “sick day” in his four-year NFL career.
Next: @ Los Angeles (4:05 ET, FOX)