2022 NFL Week 1 Injury Report & Recap

The 2022 NFL season came roaring out of the gate with an opening week full of drama, overtime and big-time injuries.

The reigning Defensive Player of the Year could be lost for the season and at least one quarterback will be on the shelf for the foreseeable future.

Also, be sure to bookmark our NFL Injured Reserve Tracker which will be updated weekly throughout the season.

Here's a team-by-team breakdown of where everyone stands heading into the second week of the regular season:

Arizona Cardinals Week 1 Injuries:

JJ Watt (calf), Justin Pugh (neck), and Rondale Moore (hamstring) were classified as day-to-day by Kliff Kingsbury on Monday. All three were inactive for the Cardinals' loss to the Chiefs on Sunday.

Cornerback Marco Wilson suffered a leg injury against Kansas City, but it is considered minor. The former fourth-round pick had two pass breakups in Week 1 and played 67 snaps.

Atlanta Falcons Week 1 Injuries:

Reserve running back Damien Williams is dealing with rib soreness. With Williams limited to just 10 snaps against the Saints, Cordarralle Patterson ended up with a career-high 27 touches.

Williams doesn't expect to miss any time and his return will cut into the usage of the 31-year-old Patterson.

Baltimore Ravens Week 1 Injuries:

It was a tough day for the Ravens, who lost both Ja'Wuan James (Achilles) and Kyle Fuller (ACL) for the rest of the season.

James was already filling in for Ronnie Stanley at left tackle after missing multiple seasons due to injury. Patrick Mekari is the new backup plan until Stanley can get back from the ankle injury that has cost him 29 games since 2020.

Mekari started 12 games at right tackle for Baltimore last year, allowing four sacks and 23 total pressures in 447 pass-blocking snaps.

As for Fuller, Marcus Peters could return soon, but until he's healthy, Brandon Stephens will slide into the starting lineup opposite Marlon Humphrey.

The 2021 third-round pick allowed three completions on eight targets against the Jets.

Buffalo Bills Week 1 Injuries:

Defensive tackle Ed Oliver was wearing a walking boot following the Bills' blowout win over the Rams. He later told reporters he just rolled his ankle and “will be fine.”

With Oliver limited to just 17 snaps against the Rams, Jordan Phillips saw his playing time increase and he responded with six quarterback pressures and 1.5 sacks.

Carolina Panthers Week 1 Injuries:

No new injuries were suffered in Week 1, although there is an update on Sam Darnold, who was seen without his walking boot late last week.

While this is a good sign for the Panthers' backup quarterback, he will remain on IR for at least three more weeks.

Chicago Bears Week 1 Injuries:

The Bears didn't suffer any new injuries on the rain-soaked field Sunday. However, rookie Velus Jones Jr. was inactive due to a hamstring injury.

The Bears managed just 105 passing yards due to the field conditions, with 51 of those yards coming on one completion.

Cincinnati Bengals Week 1 Injuries:

Tee Higgins is currently in concussion protocol after suffering a head injury in the first half of the Bengals loss to the Steelers. He won't be able to rejoin the Bengals on the practice field until Thursday at the earliest.

Tyler Boyd finished Sunday's game with seven targets, but only 33 receiving yards. He could see a huge increase in target share against the Cowboys in Week 2 if Higgins remains out.

Cleveland Browns Week 1 Injuries:

Right tackle Jack Conklin was inactive for Week 1, but Kevin Stefanski thinks he is “really close” to getting back on the field. Conklin hasn't played since tearing his patellar tendon in November.

Second-year pro James Hudson started in Conklin's spot against the Panthers and allowed just one pressure on 43 pass-blocking snaps.

Dallas Cowboys Week 1 Injuries:

Dak Prescott will undergo surgery to fix the hand injury he suffered on Sunday night. He's currently expected to miss at least six weeks.

The Cowboys will turn to Cooper Rush, who did win his only NFL start, a primetime victory over the Vikings last season. The Cowboys play three division games and both of last year's Super Bowl participants over their next five games.

Even with Prescott, the Dallas offense struggled in Week 1, converting just three of 15 first downs and gaining 244 yards of total offense.

Denver Broncos Week 1 Injuries:

Starting right tackle Billy Turner was inactive on Monday night due to a knee injury. He was listed as questionable prior to the game.

With the former Packer sidelined, Cam Fleming started at right tackle and allowed just one pressure.

Detroit Lions Week 1 Injuries:

The Lions did get Frank Ragnow back for Week 1, but had to play without right guard Tommy Kraemer. As a result, Logan Stenberg got his first-career NFL start and struggled against the Eagles.

Stenberg earned a pass-blocking grade of 0.0 from Pro Football Focus, allowing a sack and committing a pair of penalties.

Green Bay Packers Week 1 Injuries:

Linebacker Krys Barnes was carted off the field on Sunday, but his injury is currently considered a high ankle sprain. Barnes was on the field because Quay Walker suffered a shoulder injury earlier in the quarter.

Left guard Jon Runyan also left the game early, his absence was due to a concussion. He was replaced by rookie fourth-round pick Zach Tom.

Allen Lazard was inactive for the loss after missing a couple weeks of practice with an ankle injury. Rookie Christian Watson had a brutal drop and no Green Bay wide receiver had more than 40 yards against the Vikings.

Houston Texans Week 1 Injuries:

The Texans moved edge rusher Mario Addison to the injured reserve prior to their Week 1 tie. He won't be eligible to return until Week 5.

With Addison sidelined against the Colts in Week 1, Jerry Hughes stepped up and led the team with four quarterback pressures and two sacks.

Indianapolis Colts Week 1 Injuries:

Shaquille Leonard was inactive on Sunday as he continues to recover from back surgery. Frank Reich didn't sound too optimistic about the All-Pro's availability for Week 2.

Zaire Franklin filled in at middle linebacker for Week 1, playing all 70 snaps and recording six total tackles.

Jacksonville Jaguars Week 1 Injuries:

The Jaguars might be the NFL's healthiest team after Week 1, with no new injuries to report following the loss to the Washington Commanders.

Kansas City Chiefs Week 1 Injuries:

Kicker Harrison Butker suffered an ankle injury and missed some time on Sunday, but returned later, albeit with a modified kicking motion.

Justin Reid was the emergency kicker, but the Chiefs added Matt Ammendola to their practice squad on Monday. He was 13-19 on field goals with the Jets last season.

With the Chiefs' next game coming on Thursday night, Ammendola might be elevated from the practice squad against the Chargers.

It's also worth noting Patrick Mahomes had his left thumb taped up for most of the game, but it didn't seem to affect his performance as he threw for five touchdowns against Arizona.

Las Vegas Raiders Week 1 Injuries:

Cornerback Anthony Averett was placed on IR after suffering a thumb injury in Week 1. He will be eligible to return in Week 6 after sitting out four games.

The Raiders turned to Amik Robertson to replace Averett on Sunday, although Robertson wasn't targeted in his 14 snaps. For his career, Robertson has allowed 18 completions on 23 targets.

Los Angeles Chargers Week 1 Injuries:

Keenan Allen left Sunday's game after just 22 snaps due to a hamstring injury. However, he was still the Chargers' leading receiver, earning 66 yards on four targets.

With the Chargers scheduled to play on Thursday night, Allen has an “outside chance” of suiting up against the Chiefs.

DeAndre Carter made the most of his extended snaps with Allen out, catching three passes for 64 yards and a touchdown on just 14 passing snaps.

Los Angeles Rams Week 1 Injuries:

Rams center Brian Allen is expected to miss two to four weeks after undergoing surgery on his knee. Allen did play every snap against the Bills last Thursday night.

Right guard Coleman Shelton will slide over to fill in for Allen after making two starts at center for the Rams last season.

Tremayne Anchrum is in line to get his first NFL start filling in for Shelton at right guard. The third-year pro has just three offensive snaps in his NFL career, all coming at right tackle in 2020.

Miami Dolphins Week 1 Injuries:

Austin Jackson sat out the end of Sunday's win over the Patriots, but Mike McDaniel told reporters it was mostly precautionary. However, it is worth noting the team expects to monitor his injury throughout the week.

If Jackson can't play in Week 2, it'll be former second-round pick Greg Little starting at right tackle. Little allowed a sack on Sunday, but has never started a game at right tackle in the NFL.

Minnesota Vikings Week 1 Injuries:

Rookie cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. was ruled out in the first half of Sunday's game due to a quad injury. Kevin O'Connell didn't have an update on Monday, but was optimistic that the extended time off this week can help Booth get healthy for Week 2.

Despite the second-round price tag, Booth Jr. was limited to special teams duty in Week 1.

New England Patriots Week 1 Injuries:

Mac Jones was held out of his postgame press conference because of a back injury. However, tests indicate the quarterback's back is fine, he will still be monitored throughout the week prior to the Steelers game.

If something goes wrong, Brian Hoyer is the next man up. The long-time veteran backup has just two starts in the past five seasons and is 1-10 in his last 11 starts dating back to 2016.

New Orleans Saints Week 1 Injuries:

Alvin Kamara is dealing with a rib injury after the Saints' win over the Falcons, however Dennis Allen expects the running back to be fine for Week 2.

Kamara had just 12 touches in Week 1, including two in the fourth quarter. In total, he ran just 17 routes in the Saints passing game with Mark Ingram getting 10 routes run.

New York Giants Week 1 Injuries:

Kayvon Thibodeaux hasn't played since injuring his knee in the Giants' preseason opener, but he seems optimistic he will return for Week 2.

The Giants host the Carolina Panthers next week, a team that ranked in the bottom five of pass-blocking on Pro Football Focus in Week 1.

New York Jets Week 1 Injuries:

Zach Wilson will participate in individual drills this week, but isn't expected to join team sessions. Despite the step forward, Robert Saleh has already told reporters that Joe Flacco is expected to start for the Jets again in Week 2.

Flacco and the Jets offense struggled against the Ravens on Sunday, scoring just three points for the first 50 minutes of the game before cashing in a garbage time touchdown.

Philadelphia Eagles Week 1 Injuries:

Edge rusher Derek Barnett suffered a torn ACL against the Lions, ending his season. The former first-round pick had just two sacks in 2021 and was re-signed in the offseason to be a depth piece.

With Barnett out for the season, Tarron Jackson should slide into his role in the rotation after being inactive in Week 1. Jackson had six total pressures as a rookie last year in 156 pass-rushing snaps.

Pittsburgh Steelers Week 1 Injuries:

TJ Watt is seeking a second opinion on his torn pectoral muscle and could miss anywhere between six weeks and the rest of the season depending on the severity.

The reigning Defensive Player of the Year had a sack and an interception in the Steelers' Week 1 win. Former Bronco Malik Reed could step into Watt's role despite being acquired just two weeks ago.

On a positive note, Najee Harris is expected to suit up for Week 2 after suffering a foot injury against the Bengals.

San Francisco 49ers Week 1 Injuries:

Running back Elijah Mitchell will miss two months after suffering a knee injury in Chicago.

Jeff Wilson led the 49ers in rushing attempts, gaining 22 yards on his nine carries. Wilson averaged 77 yards from scrimmage over three-straight starts last season.

Seattle Seahawks Week 1 Injuries:

Jamal Adams was carted to the locker room early in the second quarter on Monday night. Following the game, Pete Carroll told reporters Adams suffered a “serious” quad injury.

Josh Jones filled in for Adams against the Broncos, recording seven total tackles.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Week 1 Injuries:

Left tackle Donovan Smith suffered a hyperextended elbow on Sunday night. Josh Wells filled in against the Cowboys and Smith's return is dependent on his pain tolerance.

Chris Godwin also left the game early, however, his hamstring injury isn't considered severe according to Todd Bowles. Still, there is no timetable for his return.

Russell Gage is the next man up at receiver, but he only got two targets on Sunday, catching them both for 13 yards.

Tennessee Titans Week 1 Injuries:

Safety AJ Moore was carted off the field in the first half on Sunday after suffering an ankle injury. He only played five special teams snaps before exiting.

As of Tuesday, there is no update on his injury.