Ten NFL Week 2 Injuries to Know
What are the key midweek injuries that you should know while handicapping Week 2 in the NFL? Here are 10 that you should be aware of before placing any wager.
Michael Thomas, WR, Saints
This one should lead off our list. Thomas suffered a high-ankle sprain in the Saints’ win over the Bucs last Sunday and according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the wideout is expected to miss several weeks. The injury is reportedly worse than originally believed and while Thomas might attempt to gut it out, high-ankle sprains have a tendency to last several weeks, especially for skill position players like receivers. For the time being, Emmanuel Sanders and Tre’Quan Smith could see more opportunities from Drew Brees in the passing game.
Le’Veon Bell, RB, Jets
Bell (hamstring) landed on injured reserve on Tuesday and won’t be eligible to return for three weeks. That would put him back Week 5 against the Cardinals. In his place will step the ageless Frank Gore, although it might not matter who runs for the Jets behind that disastrous offensive line.
James Conner, RB, Steelers
Conner suffered an ankle injury in the Steelers’ victory over the Giants on Monday night and coach Mike Tomlin said the team will “leave the light on” for the running back in Week 2. Tomlin added that he doesn’t have any long-term concerns about Conner’s durability, but his status for Week 2 is uncertain at this point. Conner left Monday’s game in the first half and did not return, giving way to Benny Snell Jr. to rush 19 times for 113 yards. Snell would be in line for significant carries against the Broncos this Sunday if Conner can’t go.
Marlon Mack, RB, Colts
Bad news for Mack, as the running back has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to an Achilles rupture. Rookie Jonathan Taylor will now be Indy’s lead back, with Nyheim Hines working in like he did in the Colts’ Week 1 loss to the Jaguars last Sunday. Mack has been an underrated player over the last two years, but he was expected to lose playing time and touches to Taylor this season anyway.
George Kittle, TE, 49ers
Kittle suffered a sprained knee in the 49ers’ loss to the Cardinals on Sunday and is considered day-to-day for now. Following the game, the tight end expressed that he didn’t have any concern about his knee moving forward, although the situation is worth monitoring throughout the week. The Niners have a date with the lowly Jets in East Rutherford on Sunday.
DeVante Parker, WR, Dolphins
Parker suffered a strained hamstring in the Dolphins’ loss to the Patriots last Sunday and is considered day-to-day. Parker was dealing with hamstring soreness heading into Week 1 and apparently felt the same tightness in the second half against New England. The 2019 breakout player could play this weekend but he’ll face a Bills secondary that is one of the best in the league. Miami is currently a 5.5-point home dog.
David Njoku, TE, Browns
Njoku also suffered a sprained knee in the Browns’ loss to the Ravens and is week-to-week. He didn’t return to the game after suffering the injury so he might not be available for Thursday night’s matchup with the Bengals. If he can’t go, free agent addition Austin Hooper should see more targets in the passing game from Baker Mayfield. The Browns are 6-point home favorites tomorrow night versus their AFC North counterparts.
Allen Robinson, WR, Bears
We’re cheating by listing Robinson in this article but he’s not injured, rather he’s reportedly unhappy about playing in Chicago (or more specifically, his contract). Robinson has not requested a trade but is unhappy about his contract and removed the Bears’ logo from his social media accounts. He’s also been critical of the Bears’ front office for not paying him his worth as a top-10 NFL receiver. That said, while noteworthy, this situation shouldn’t affect his status for Week 2.
Phillip Lindsay, RB, Broncos
Lindsay suffered a turf toe injury on Monday night in the Broncos’ loss to the Titans and according to Pelissero, his status for Week 2 against the Steelers is in doubt. Lindsay is getting a second opinion on the injury and there is some optimism that he won’t be out long, but for now, he’s unlikely to play this weekend versus Pittsburgh.
Courtland Sutton, WR, Broncos
Lindsay’s teammate did not play in Week 1 and Sutton could be headed for a game-time decision in Week 2 as well. The team hopes the receiver can do more by the end of the week and the expectation is that he’ll be questionable to face the Steelers with his shoulder injury. KJ Hamler (hamstring), meanwhile, is now practicing in full.