Injury Concerns Loom Ahead of NFL Season Opener
As the 2023 NFL season kicks off in Week 1, the league has already been hit with a wave of injuries that have fans concerned. One position that has been particularly affected is tight end, with notable players like Travis Kelce and George Kittle facing uncertain injury statuses.
Kelce, a key player for the Kansas City Chiefs, was unable to participate in Thursday night’s season opener. Meanwhile, Kittle, who plays for the San Francisco 49ers, is currently dealing with a nagging groin injury that may sideline him for the opening weekend. Additionally, the New York Giants’ tight end Darren Waller is questionable due to a hamstring injury.
The final injury reports from teams are still forthcoming, and the status of these players will be closely monitored as game day approaches.
George Kittle’s groin injury has been a cause for concern since August 10. General Manager John Lynch expressed worry, but Kittle himself has stated feeling “wonderful” and is eager to play on Sunday. Nevertheless, his availability remains questionable.
Other teams with injury concerns heading into Week 1 include the Minnesota Vikings, who have Marcus Davenport listed as questionable due to an ankle injury. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defensive lineman Calijah Kancey and guard Cody Mauch are also questionable with calf and back injuries, respectively.
The Arizona Cardinals will be missing starting offensive lineman Kelvin Beachum due to a hand injury. Wide receiver Marquise Brown and tight end Zach Ertz are both listed as questionable with hamstring and knee injuries, respectively. On the Commanders’ side, defensive ends Chase Young and James Smith-Williams are questionable with neck and oblique injuries.
The Tennessee Titans’ linebacker Harold Landry and tackle Dillon Radunz are both questionable, while cornerback Tre Avery has been ruled out with a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, the New Orleans Saints have running back Kendre Miller listed as questionable with a hamstring injury. Wide receiver Tre’Quan Smith and safety J.T. Gray will be out with groin and shoulder injuries, respectively.
The Carolina Panthers will be without wide receiver DJ Chark and have wide receiver Adam Thielen listed as questionable due to hamstring and ankle injuries, respectively. The Atlanta Falcons’ cornerback Jeff Okudah is ruled out with a foot injury, while Cordarrelle Patterson and Khadarel Hodge are questionable with thigh and ankle injuries.
The Jacksonville Jaguars will be missing defensive lineman Tyler Lacy and safety Antonio Johnson, while the Indianapolis Colts’ running back Zach Moss is listed as questionable.
The Baltimore Ravens’ tight end Mark Andrews is questionable with a quad injury, while cornerback Marlon Humphrey will be out with a foot injury. Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., the team’s new addition, is expected to make his debut despite being limited in practice.
The Cincinnati Bengals will be without linebacker Joseph Ossai, while safety Juan Thornhill is questionable for the Cleveland Browns. The Green Bay Packers’ wide receiver Christian Watson is ruled out with a hamstring injury, while Romeo Doubs is questionable. The Chicago Bears’ linebacker Dylan Cole is also questionable with a hamstring injury.
In the Miami Dolphins’ camp, cornerback Justin Bethel is listed as questionable, while offensive tackle Terron Armstead and defensive back Elijah Campbell will be out with back/ankle/knee and knee injuries, respectively. The Los Angeles Chargers have linebacker Daiyan Henley and outside linebacker Chris Rumph III listed as doubtful due to hamstring injuries, while the New England Patriots’ cornerback Jack Jones will be out with a hamstring injury.
No injuries have been reported for the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Los Angeles Rams will be without quarterback Stetson Bennett, wide receiver Cooper Kupp, and tight end Hunter Long. The Seattle Seahawks have Damien Lewis listed as questionable due to an injury, while cornerback Devon Witherspoon is questionable with a hamstring injury. Running back Kenny McIntosh and safety Jamal Adams will be out with knee and knee injuries, respectively.
For the Las Vegas Raiders, wide receiver DeAndre Carter is questionable with a knee injury, while cornerback Brandon Facyson and defensive end Chandler Jones will be out due to a shin injury and personal reasons, respectively. The Denver Broncos’ wide receiver Jerry Jeudy is questionable with a hamstring injury, while cornerback Riley Moss is also listed as questionable with an abdomen injury.
The New York Giants may be without wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson, safety Gervarrius Owens, and cornerback Cor’Dale Flott due to knee and hamstring injuries. Darren Waller is listed as questionable with a hamstring injury, and D.J. Davidson is questionable with a knee injury. Linebacker Cam Brown is also questionable with an ankle injury. The Dallas Cowboys’ offensive lineman Tyler Smith and safety Donovan Smith are doubtful due to hamstring and calf injuries. Offensive tackle Tyron Smith and defensive end Sam Williams are questionable with ankle and foot injuries.
These injury updates are crucial for teams as they prepare for their Week 1 matchups. Fans will anxiously await further news and hope for the swift recovery of their favorite players.