The 2016 NFL season got underway Thursday night, as the Broncos beat the Panthers 21-20. Here is a look at the Friday injury report for Week 1.
The Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos kicked off the 2016 NFL regular season on Thursday night, as the two teams put on a show for a national television audience. Despite playing with an inexperienced quarterback, and being down ten points at one time, the Broncos came back to defeat the Panthers 21-20. It was a great start to what should be a terrific NFL season.
With only two more days until the first football Sunday of the season, here are some big name players who may not be able to suit up.
Quarterbacks
Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts: Luck has been limited in practice all week, but those within the organization think he will be ready for Sunday. Luck missed most of last season due to injury, and the team faltered without him. The Colts have a shoddy offensive line, so it will be interesting to see if Luck can hold up even if he does play.
Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys will be without their starting quarterback when they face their rival, the New York Giants on Sunday. Romo broke his back during the preseason, and is expected to miss 6-10 weeks. America’s Team will turn to rookie Dak Prescott to get the job done until Romo returns.
Teddy Bridgewater, Minnesota Vikings: In a bizarre injury, Bridgewater completely blew out his knee in a non-contact injury during the preseason. The Vikings were expected to compete for a potential spot in the Super Bowl, but now must turn to Sam Bradford to lead the way. Bridgewater will miss the entire 2016 season.
Running Backs
Chris Ivory, Jacksonville Jaguars: Former Jets running back Chris Ivory may have to wait to make his debut for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Ivory is still nursing a calf injury, and is currently listed as questionable for Sunday. He was slated to split carries with T.J. Yeldon this season.
Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs: It is starting to look very bleak for Jamaal Charles, who is likely to sit out the team’s match-up with the San Diego Chargers. Charles is still battling back from a torn ACL in 2015, and may need some more time before returning. The Chiefs are expected to start Spencer Ware in his place.
Carlos Hyde, San Francisco 49ers: Hyde has been battling concussion symptoms this past week, but he has been cleared to play on Monday night. The 49ers will do battle with the Los Angeles Rams, and Hyde is clearly their best offensive weapon. Expect him to get a full load against the Rams on Monday Night Football.
Wide Receivers
Markus Wheaton, Pittsburgh Steelers: Wheaton did not practice again on Friday, and his status for Sunday is looking a bit murky. He is officially listed as questionable, but him being out all week does not bode well for the Steelers heading into their week 1 match-up. The Steelers are already without Le’Veon Bell, so the loss of Wheaton would loom large if he cannot play.
Kevin White, Chicago Bears: The Chicago Bears may be without White once again on Sunday, as the second-year receiver tries to come back from a hamstring injury. White missed his entire rookie season in 2015, so the team is hoping to have him back sooner than later. He should be an explosive play-maker for Jay Cutler once he returns.
Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons: Jones has been battling an ankle injury during the week, but he was a participant in practice on Thursday. The Falcons need him if they are to have any chance this week, as they will be facing a tough Tampa Bay defense. Expect Jones to be ready for kickoff on Sunday.
DeVante Parker, Miami Dolphins: Ryan Tannehill may be without his starting center, so being without his top wide receiver would be devastating. Parker did not practice on Thursday, and it is looking like he may not make the trip to Seattle. If he cannot go, it could be a long day for the Dolphins.
Tight Ends
Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots: The Patriots are already without starting quarterback Tom Brady for Sunday, and now they may be without their best playmaker. Gronkowski has said that his injury is so significant that he may miss time, which is the last thing the organization wants to hear. It is a hamstring injury, so the big fella needs to tread lightly before returning.
Tyler Eifert, Cincinnati Bengals: Eifert is one of the best targets for Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton, but he is not going to be in the lineup on Sunday. Eifert is still battling back from an ankle injury, meaning Dalton will be without his top tight end when the team plays the Jets.
Defensive Stars
David Harris, New York Jets: The Jets may be without starting linebacker David Harris on Sunday, as the organization said he will be a game-time decision. Harris is the anchor of the Jets defense, and will be needed going up against a strong Cincinnati Bengals offense. The injury is with his shoulder, so even if he does play, he may be limited.
J.J. Watt, Houston Texans: The two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year is doing everything he can to make sure he is back for week 1. Watt appears to be ready to go, and should be out there when the Texans face the Bears on Sunday. Expect a heavy rush coming from his defensive end position.
Joey Bosa, San Diego Chargers: Bosa missed nearly all of the preseason, so it should come as no shock that he is going to miss the season opener. Bosa has had to put his training into overdrive to get ready in a short amount of time, and has tweaking his hamstring in the process. It is looking like Bosa will not be ready in time for the Chargers match-up with the Chiefs on Sunday.
Offensive Linemen
Mike Pouncey, Miami Dolphins: The starting center may be on the shelf when the Dolphins open up their 2016 regular season schedule. Pouncey has been dealing with a hip injury all preseason long, and is listed as questionable for Sunday. If he cannot go, it will be a long day for quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
Kyle Long, Chicago Bears: Despite being listed as questionable, expect Long to be in the lineup for the Bears on Sunday. It appears J.J. Watt will be back for the Texans, so the Bears are going to need Long protecting Jay Cutler on Sunday.
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