As the NFL season ramps up, injury reports and practice participation updates are crucial to teams and fans alike. This week saw a flurry of activity and several key players nursing various injuries, potentially affecting their availability for upcoming games.
Bengals' Updates
For the Cincinnati Bengals, wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase was limited in practice this week, raising some concerns. However, quarterback Joe Burrow was a full participant, which is good news for Bengals supporters. The dynamic duo’s status remains a focal point as the Bengals prepare for their next contest.
Cardinals' and Packers' Concerns
Over in Arizona, Marquise Brown is out due to a shoulder injury, a significant setback for the Cardinals’ receiving corps. Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers are dealing with injuries to multiple players, including Romeo Doubs and Tucker Kraft. Doubs has been limited for two consecutive days, while Kraft's limitation on Wednesday was a new development. Interestingly, the Packers did not actually practice, and these designations were mere estimates.
Defensive and Offensive Line Troubles
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are missing key players as well. Logan Hall and Chase McLaughlin did not practice, and the Buccaneers currently do not have a kicker on their practice squad, an unusual predicament for any NFL team.
On the defensive side of things, the New Orleans Saints reported limitations for Willie Gay Jr., Pete Werner, and Marshon Lattimore during practice. Additionally, Daron Payne and Marcus Mariota were limited for the Washington Commanders. The Cleveland Browns, with eight players limited in practice, are closely monitoring their injury statuses, particularly Jedrick Wills, who has been sidelined since undergoing surgery last December.
Significant Absences
Isaac Seumalo's absence from practice indicates he is not expected to play. This contributes to a series of setbacks for multiple teams, including the Steelers, who had Troy Fautanu, Roman Wilson, and Jaylen Warren limited in practice. For the Falcons, Kyle Pitts and Nate Landman were also restricted in their participation, while Xavier Weaver missed practice with an oblique injury.
Impact on Upcoming Games
The Giants provided updates on Drew Lock, Micah McFadden, Dane Belton, and Gunner Olszewski, all of whom were limited in practice. The Patriots' list includes Jonathan Jones and Vederian Lowe, both limited, and Sidy Sow, who did not practice. For the Panthers, Ian Thomas and Tommy Tremble were absent from practice, alongside Miles Sanders, who was limited due to a finger injury.
In brighter news, Bears GM Ryan Poles confirmed that Keenan Allen’s injury would not impact his Week 1 status, offering some relief for Bears fans. "Allen’s injury would not impact his Week 1 status," Poles stated. Additionally, Jordan Addison’s agility on the field was praised by Saints coach Kevin O'Connell, who noted, "Jordan Addison moved around well, and we anticipate increasing his workload as the week progresses." O'Connell also mentioned that Jalen Nailor, though slightly behind Addison in terms of progress, is also doing well.
Special Mentions
Bo Nix stands out for a different reason, as he was named the Broncos' first rookie captain since 1967. This accolade speaks volumes about his leadership and potential impact on the team.
Teams are actively managing their rosters to address these injury concerns. The Panthers, for instance, signed rookie Messiah Swinson off the Packers' practice squad, while the Colts re-signed kicker Spencer Shrader to their practice squad. Texans safety M.J. Stewart didn’t practice due to a knee injury, and Colts' wide receiver Josh Downs and kicker Matt Gay were also absent from practice sessions.
Other notable injuries include Adisa Isaac and Rasheen Ali, both sidelined with hamstring and neck injuries, respectively. Devin White’s ankle injury has ruled him out, with Nakobe Dean set to make his fifth career start in his place.
All eyes will be on the final injury reports as game day approaches, with coaches, players, and fans hoping their key performers will be fit to take the field. Until then, the constant shuffle of names on and off the practice field remains an integral part of preparation in the NFL.