Welcome back to the official Injury Report for Week 2! Week 1 was a wild week on the injury front, with injuries to Sam Darnold, Ladd McConkey, and Kyler Murray. Let’s dive in and see the prognosis for those players and others, so we can set our Week 2 lineups.
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The Notables
Kyler Murray | QB, Minnesota Vikings (OUT)
Kyler Murray suffered a concussion on a violent hit against the Green Bay Packers, had to be helped to the sideline, and entered the protocol immediately. Similar cases typically mean a one- to two-game absence. His limited practice this week gives him a better shot at returning in Week 3, but he’s out Sunday. Carson Wentz starts and is a risky QB2 option.
Nico Collins | WR, Houston Texans (OUT)
Collins hurt his hamstring in practice, making him unavailable for this Sunday. Scans confirmed a Grade 1 strain, the best-case outcome. Given his history of hamstring issues, he could miss more than one game, so monitor this. Expect Dalton Schultz, Xavier Hutchinson, and Jaylin Noel to be the primary pass catchers this Sunday. Kayshon Boutte would see more snaps but is a risky fantasy start.
Joe Burrow | QB, Cincinnati Bengals (QUES)
Burrow landed on the report with a back injury from the Week 1 game against the Buccaneers. He was limited early in the week but progressed to full participation by the end. His status is worth monitoring, but he’ll play and should stay in your lineup.
Ladd McConkey | WR, Los Angeles Chargers (QUES)
McConkey took a big hit against the Cardinals and didn’t return. X-rays were negative, and he’s listed with a chest injury, specifically to the ribcage. With no fracture, the feeling is that he will play on Sunday. His limited practice on Friday was a step in the right direction. I would confidently start him if he is active, since the X-rays showed no confirmed fractures. There is, however, a risk of exacerbating the injury with another bad hit.
Zay Flowers | WR, Baltimore Ravens (DOUBT)
Flowers left Week 1 under his own power with a hamstring strain. He logged only a light, limited practice on Friday, but the injury appears minor, and any absence should be short. I’m expecting Flowers to miss the game despite the limited practice. I would be wary of him playing as a decoy or re-injuring himself early in the game. Look for Rashod Bateman, Mark Andrews, and Devontez Walker to pick up the slack this Sunday against New Orleans with Ja’Kobi Lane (wrist) placed on the IR.
Quick Notes
Chris Olave, WR, New Orleans Saints (QUES): Olave popped up on the injury report mid-week with a hamstring injury, but was able to practice in a limited fashion on Friday. I expect him to play, but keep an eye on his status before kickoff.
A.J. Brown, WR, New England Patriots (OUT): Brown was placed on IR after Week 1 against Seattle with a high ankle sprain. He’ll miss at least four games. Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams, and Demario Douglas will get more opportunities while Brown recovers.
Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Atlanta Falcons (OUT): Tagovailoa remains out with an oblique injury suffered in practice last week. Michael Penix Jr. isn’t at 100% but should return soon. Cooper Rush starts, so it’s looking bleak for Drake London and Kyle Pitts.
Sam Darnold, QB, Seattle Seahawks (OUT): Darnold left the Week 1 game against the Patriots early and was downgraded to out with a hip injury. There’s no clear timeline for his return, but he hasn’t been placed on IR, which is encouraging. Drew Lock remains the starter for now.
Chig Okonkwo, TE, Washington Commanders (OUT): Okonkwo is out for Sunday’s game against the Cowboys with a hamstring injury. Jack Bates steps in at tight end, with the potential for more targets to rookie Antonio Williams out of the slot.
Brock Bowers, TE, Las Vegas Raiders (DOUBT): Bowers logged a light practice Friday, and head coach Klint Kubiak called Bowers doubtful. It is very rare for a player listed as doubtful to be active, so I wouldn’t count on Bowers. Michael Mayer continues as the starter.
Jordan Mason, RB, Minnesota Vikings (OUT): Mason injured his thumb against the Packers and was placed on IR. He’s expected back in four weeks. Aaron Jones starts, with DeeJay Dallas and rookie Demond Claiborne mixing in.
De’Zhaun Stribling, WR, San Francisco 49ers (OUT): The rookie injured his deltoid in the season opener and was placed on IR. He underwent surgery and is expected back in about 10 weeks. DeMarcus Robinson and George Kittle should get more opportunities while Stribling is out.
Dylan Sampson, RB, Cleveland Browns (OUT): Sampson was seen on crutches after Sunday’s game against Jacksonville and landed on IR later in the week. Jaleel McLaughlin and Raheim Sanders will back up Quinshon Judkins.
Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, Baltimore Ravens (OUT): Lane injured his wrist against the Colts and is on IR, meaning he’ll miss at least four games. I mentioned it above when writing on Zay Flowers, but the Ravens’ starting receivers will be Rashod Bateman and Devontez Walker this Sunday.
