NFL Week 1 Injury Fallout: Stars Sidelined Mid-Game & Week 2 Outlook

NFL Week 1 action delivered plenty of excitement, but several key starters and franchise stars saw their opening games cut short due to in-game injuries.

Here is a breakdown of the most significant players injured during Week 1 contests, the impact of their exits, and their prognosis heading into Week 2 and beyond.

🚨 Quarterback Casualties

Kyler Murray, QB (Minnesota Vikings)

• In-Game Injury: Murray started against the Green Bay Packers but exited early in the contest after attempting just five passes (3-of-5 for 18 yards) and logging two scrambles. Veteran backup Carson Wentz took over under center for the remainder of the divisional clash, which included orchestrating a huge fourth-quarter comeback against their NFC North rivals (39-22).
• Week 2 Prognosis & Beyond: The Vikings will evaluate Murray’s mobility and practice participation early in the week. If Murray is forced to miss time or is limited in practice, Wentz will be in line for the starting nod in Week 2, fundamentally shifting Minnesota’s offensive scheme.

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Sam Darnold, QB (Seattle Seahawks)

• In-Game Injury: In Seattle’s Thursday kickoff matchup against the New England Patriots, Darnold was forced out after just two pass attempts (1-of-2 for 13 yards). Drew Lock stepped in to lead the offense the rest of the way, completing 16 of 22 passes for 187 yards in a gritty 13-10 victory.
• Week 2 Prognosis & Beyond: Having the benefit of mini-bye extra rest following Thursday Night Football works in Darnold’s favor. However, Seattle will monitor his throwing readiness throughout the week. If he experiences any setback, Lock is prepared to take the reins in Week 2 against an Arizona team that pulled off Week 1’s biggest upset (26-14 as 9.5-point road underdogs). See the full NFL ATS records after Week 1.

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💥 Skill Position & Offensive Exits

Calvin Ridley, WR (Tennessee Titans)

• In-Game Injury: Ridley started on the outside against the New York Jets but was forced out of action early without logging a single target or reception, leaving rookie Carnell Tate and tight end Gunnar Helm to absorb primary passing targets.
• Week 2 Prognosis & Beyond: The Titans’ passing game becomes significantly narrower without Ridley’s perimeter speed. Tennessee will closely monitor his practice activity mid-week to determine if he can suit up for Week 2. The Titans mustered just 10 points and 127 passing yards in their Week 1 home loss to the Jets (23-10).

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Ladd McConkey, WR (Los Angeles Chargers)

• In-Game Injury: McConkey was Justin Herbert’s favorite target against the Arizona Cardinals, racking up 5 receptions on 7 targets for 82 yards, before being nicked up late in the second half.
• Week 2 Prognosis & Beyond: As the focal point of the Chargers’ intermediate passing attack, McConkey’s recovery will be vital for Los Angeles. Expect the medical staff to manage his practice reps carefully this week. If McConkey is limited in Week 2, Quentin Johnston and tight end David Njoku will see expanded target shares.

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🛡️ Defensive Stars Battered

Myles Garrett, DE/OLB (Los Angeles Rams)

• In-Game Injury: Garrett suited up and started against the San Francisco 49ers after managing a knee concern during practice, but he was unable to finish the game and recorded no tackles or sacks across limited early snaps.
• Week 2 Prognosis & Beyond: Garrett landed on IR and will miss at least four weeks.

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Jacob Parrish, CB (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

• In-Game Injury: Starting at cornerback against Cincinnati, Parrish recorded 2 tackles and broke up a pass before exiting the contest with an in-game knock during the second half.
• Week 2 Prognosis & Beyond: Tampa Bay’s secondary was tested late after Parrish’s exit, leaning on Benjamin Morrison and Zyon McCollum on the perimeter. Parrish’s status will depend on how quickly he can clear functional movement drills during Wednesday and Thursday practices ahead of Week 2.

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