The NFL is back, but that unfortunately means we’ll see the unavoidable rash of weekly injuries.
Here’s a look several notable players who went down in Week 1, as well as the latest updates for each.
Los Angeles Rams WR Puka Nacua
Nacua authored the greatest season for a rookie wideout in NFL history, setting records for receptions (105) and receiving yards (1,485). He was off to another fast start against the Lions, but suffered a knee injury in the first half and had to be carted off the field. The Rams breathed a sigh of relief on Monday when it was revealed the injury isn’t expected to be season-ending. However, head coach Sean McVay announced Nacua is heading to the Injured Reserve list, meaning he'll miss at least four weeks.
Dallas Cowboys TE Jake Ferguson
The Cowboys also got good news as an MRI revealed their starting tight end suffered a bone bruise and minor MCL sprain instead of a season-ending knee injury. Ferguson is week-to-week going forward with ESPN reporting there’s a chance he could play Sunday against the Saints.
Carolina Panthers DT Derrick Brown
Carolina wasn’t as fortunate as the Rams and Cowboys as their Pro Bowl defensive tackle suffered a potential season-ending knee injury. Head coach Dave Canales told the media that Brown will get a second opinion before deciding whether to go under the knife. Carolina signed Brown to a huge contract extension earlier this season as he was coming off a monster 2023 season, in which he led all NFL defensive linemen with 103 tackles.
Chicago Bears WR Rome Odunze
Chicago’s offense looked out of sync in it’s Week 1 win, and now the Bears might be without this year’s ninth-overall pick as Odunze is undergoing an MRI on his injured knee. Head coach Matt Eberflus told the media he believes the wide reliever hurt it while blocking. Odunze had only one catch in his NFL debut for 11 yards.
Cleveland Browns TE David Njoku
The Browns not only suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of the Cowboys on Sunday, but they also potentially lost their Pro Bowl tight end for several weeks. Reports are swirling that Njoku suffered a high-ankle sprain, but head coach Kevin Stefanski didn’t comment on the speculation, merely telling the media Njoku was week-to-week.
