First Look NFL Week 1 Injury Report: Saquon Barkley Trending Up, A.J. Brown Misses Practice
By Peter Dewey
The first look at Wednesday’s injury report in the NFL features some major names that could impact how Week 1 plays out.
Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown, Za’Darius Smith, and Mekhi Becton all had their statuses updated after Wednesday’s practice.
Washington Football Team receiver Curtis Samuel is trending in the wrong direction after missing today’s practice with an issue with his groin. Samuel has been attempting to play in Week 1 after suffering a groin injury this offseason.
Here’s a look at a few of the big names on the injury report:
Injury status updates:
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 8, 2021
— #Giants RB Saquon Barkley (knee) was limited.
— #Texans QB Deshaun Watson (not injury related) DNP.
— #Jets LT Mekhi Becton (concussion) fully participated.
— #Titans WR AJ Brown (knee) was DNP.
— #Packers LB Za’Darius Smith (back) was limited.
Saquon Barkley Injury Update is Positive Sign for Giants
The New York Giants are three-point home underdogs against the Denver Broncos in Week 1 at WynnBET, but they could have star running back Saquon Barkley in the lineup.
Barkley was a limited participant on Wednesday as he continues to work his way back from a torn ACL that he suffered in Week 2 last season.
If Barkley suits up and can at least play on a snap count in Week 1, he would help a Giants’ offense that scored the second-fewest points in the NFL last season.
Devontae Booker would likely see the majority of the snaps if Barkley doesn’t play.
A.J. Brown Misses Practice for Titans, But Could Still Play Week 1
Wide receiver A.J. Brown is expected to form an elite duo with Julio Jones for the Tennessee Titans, but he missed Wednesday’s practice.
However, it appears that it may have been just a rest day for the star receiver.
Titans WR A.J. Brown (knee) didn’t practice today, but his absence was described as “just rest” by a source.
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) September 8, 2021
That would be a great sign for the Titans, and Brown could have some intriguing player props at WynnBET this week against an Arizona Cardinals’ secondary that lost Malcolm Butler to retirement and is slated to start at least one rookie at corner.
Mekhi Becton Should Be Good Protect Zach Wilson in Week 1
Becton, the New York Jets first-round pick last season, appears to have recovered from his concussion and will protect rookie quarterback Zach Wilson against the Panthers in the season opener.
New York is a 5.5-point underdog against Sam Darnold and company on the road, but having Becton in the lineup would go a long way to making Wilson’s NFL regular season debut go as smooth as possible.
Austin Ekeler Working with Trainers During Practice
Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler missed six games last season due to injury, and now he could be in danger of missing Week 1.
RB Austin Ekeler was not practicing during the open period. He was working off to the side with trainers. #Chargers
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) September 8, 2021
The Chargers running back appears to have not practiced today, but instead was working on the sidelines with trainers. The 26-year old was expected to play a big role in the offense this season, but that could be in jeopardy if he can't stay healthy. His status for their Week 1 game against the Washington Football Team is yet to be determined.
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