NFL Week 1: Latest Injury Updates for Every Marquee Player

With the opening weekend of the NFL regular season inevitably comes injuries, and many teams are nursing key injuries to notable players after their Week 1 debuts.    

One key player going down can significantly alter the course of a team's season, and folks typically get early glimpses of this in the preseason. 2014 has been no different, with a season-ending injury to Sam Bradford changing the Rams' plans and many more units being hampered by untimely injuries.

The NFL is one of the most physically demanding leagues in all of sports, and unfortunately that tends to result in injuries cropping up week after week.

Let's break down the latest injuries to marquee players in Week 1.

Nick Hardwick, C, Chargers

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Nick Hardwick, one of the best center's in the NFL, left Monday's game against the Cardinals with an ankle injury.

U-T San Diego's Michael Gehlken reported the news. Rich Ohrnberger filled in for Hardwick for the remainder of the Chargers' 18-17 loss. The team did not provide an update on his status after the game. 

John Abraham, LB, Cardinals

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John Abraham left the Cardinals' 18-17 win over the Chargers after being evaluated for a concussion. 

Ken Somers of azcentral.com reported the news: "Abraham being evaluated for concussion. Return is questionable".

Abraham never returned and the team did not release an update after the game. 

Cam Johnson, LB, Indianapolis Colts

Stephan Savoia/Associated Press

Down 24-7 at the half on Sunday Night Football to the Denver Broncos, the Indianapolis Colts suffered a loss at linebacker as well.

Cam Johnson, a 2012 seventh-round pick, went down with an elbow injury and did not return. Mike Wells of ESPN tweeted the news, saying, "LB Cam Johnson has an elbow strain and will not return."

As a result, the Colts lose a critical part of the rotation at outside linebacker for an unknown period of time. If the team is going to make the postseason for the third consecutive year, a rush from the outside that includes Johnson is necessary to combat a pass-happy league.

For now, even more pressure is placed on the shoulders of Erik Walden, Bjoern Werner and Andy Studebaker.

Justin Durant, LB, Dallas Cowboys

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Update

Jon Machota of The Dallas Morning News noted that Jason Garrett said Justin Durant is day-to-day, while DFW Sports News pointed out that Durant said he feels all right.

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Justin Durant had a strong season debut against the 49ers, but it turned sour when he left in the fourth quarter with a groin injury. 

Tim McMahon of ESPNDallas.com reported the news, adding that the team listed his return as questionable. Down multiple possessions late in an eventual 28-17 loss, the Cowboys did not risk his return.

It was a nightmare season opener overall for the Cowboys, with the game not nearly as close as the final score indicated. One bright spot on the game, though, was Durant—he had eight tackles on the day before exiting with his injury.

There aren't many positions that could have been worse for the Cowboys to lose a man at. Durant was filling in well for the irreplaceable Sean Lee, who is out for the season. 

The injury could open up more time for newly-acquired Rolando McClain, who came out of early retirement to join the Cowboys in July and cracked the No. 2 spot on the team depth chart entering Week 1.

Chris Culliver, CB, San Francisco 49ers

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Update 

Chris Culliver himself tweeted out that he was ok, but caution is always the best route with any concussion.

The San Francisco 49ers defense has taken a beating in injuries and suspensions, and that continued in Week 1 as starting cornerback Chris Culliver suffered a concussion.

Matt Maiocco of CSN reported the news, which happened early on in the Niners' 28-17 win over the Cowboys.

Although San Francisco will be happy to win so easily on the road to start out 2014, it's a nightmare start to the season in terms of personnel for Jim Harbaugh's defense. It nearly got worse as Around the NFL added that fellow starting corner Tramaine Brock left with a toe injury, but he ended up returning. 

The Niners are already thin at cornerback, and now it appears that Culliver will be out at least throughout some of the week as he undergoes concussion protocol. 

Logan Mankins, OL, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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Update

Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times noted that Lovie Smith had no updates, while Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times pointed out that the Buccaneers wouldn't look outside the roster for a replacement.

After being traded just two weeks before the season, Logan Mankins' Buccaneers career got off to an unfortunate start as he left Sunday's game against the Panthers with a knee injury.

Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times tweeted news of the injury, adding at the time: "Doesn't look good. Needs help off field."

According to ESPN.com, Mankins hyperextended his knee.

The former Patriots guard did not return to Sunday's game, which ended in a 20-14 loss for Tampa Bay. Josh McCown was under pressure without Mankins in the fold, as he was sacked three times. The run game was also nowhere to be found.

As told by the Buccaneers aggressively trading for Mankins weeks before the season, he was desperately needed to anchor a thin offensive line. It will be interesting to see whether the Bucs look elsewhere to solidify their line should Mankins' injury prove serious.

Zach Brown, LB, Tennessee Titans

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Update

Pro Football Talk noted that Zach Brown is expected to miss the entire season with a torn pectoral muscle. 

The Titans got off to a high-flying start in Week 1, but it came with a price as starting linebacker Zach Brown left in the first quarter with a shoulder injury.

Jonathan Hutton of Titans Radio reported Brown was seen with a sling on his shoulder as the Titans and Chiefs came out for the second half. He did not return to the game.

The incident happened on the Titans' opening drive of the season, but it didn't hold Tennessee back from dominating the Chiefs defensively in its Week 1 opener. It cruised to an early lead before winning 26-10 on the road to start 2014. 

As The Tennessean's David Climer reported, Zavier Gooden replaced Brown at inside linebacker during the Week 1 victory.

Tyler Eifert, TE, Cincinnati Bengals

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Update

Albert Breer of NFL Network provided multiple updates on Tyler Eifert, noting that it is believed he dislocated his elbow and providing a time frame.

The Bengals—and plenty around the NFL—have high hopes for Tyler Eifert starting his second NFL season, but it got off to a painful start.

Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported the details:

"Looks like Tyler Eifert's elbow popped out of the socket after a big first down injury. Walking off now. Looked pretty grizzly."

CBS Sports' Will Brinson captured a photo of the injury (Warning: Image is graphic and may not be appropriate for all readers).

The 23-year-old came on slow in his debut season with the Bengals, but was expected to take off in 2014 with a bigger role in the Cincinnati offense. He caught 39 balls for 445 yards and two scores last year.

Jermaine Gresham is still around in Cincinnati and will be a formidable target at tight end if Eifert is to miss some time. Also expect rookie Ryan Hewitt to get some extra reps if Eifert remains out.  

Jordan Reed, TE, Washington Redskins

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Update

Mike Jones of The Washington Post noted that Jordan Reed has a mild hamstring strain but could miss "significant" time. 

Jordan Reed started the year off with injury concerns, and they only compounded after he left Washington's Week 1 affair against the Houston Texans.

John Clayton of ESPN initially reported Reed suffered a hamstring injury with a questionable return. Later, the Redskins downgraded his status to out, as he missed the rest of the contest. 

Injury concerns are nothing new for Reed in this young season. He was questionable entering Sunday's game with a thumb injury, but played anyway before suffering this additional injury.

It would be a major setback for Robert Griffin III and company to be without one of their best weapons in the passing game. Logan Paulsen should get some extra reps if Reed remains out, but it will be a big step back for the offense if that's the case. 

Jake Matthews, OL, Atlanta Falcons

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Update

Ian Rapoport of NFL.com provided a welcome update for Atlanta Falcons fans. Jake Matthews had an MRI, but the damage was not significant and he could play Sunday.

The Atlanta Falcons' offensive line just continues taking crushing blows, this time with prized rookie Jake Matthews leaving his NFL debut early with an ankle injury.

Around the NFL reported Matthews limped to the locker room early before halftime, and Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports added after halftime that the Falcons would yet again need to shake things up in the trenches:

"Jake Matthews has yet to return for the Falcons, who have been forced to reshuffle their offensive line yet again."

According to Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com, the team is not panicking about the ankle injury, but did have Matthews leave the building in a walking boot.

Atlanta had high hopes for the rookie entering 2014 after drafting him with the sixth overall selection in the May draft, but a spotty preseason and growing pains have undoubtedly emerged for the youngster. Now, he'll have an untimely injury to nurse as well as the rigors of getting accustomed to the NFL.

It would be another bad blow to the Falcons' offensive line, as left tackle Sam Baker was ruled out for the year. As long as Matthews is out, Atlanta will be without both of the starting tackles it expected to have in 2014. 

Ben Tate, RB, Cleveland Browns

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The Ben Tate show in Cleveland got off to a less-than-ideal start, as the newly acquired running back left his Browns debut with a knee injury.

The team's Twitter account reported that he would not return. Bleacher Report's Will Carroll later added that he would get an MRI.

After dazzling at times backing up Arian Foster in Houston, Tate headed to Cleveland in free agency on a lucrative deal to become the team's coveted feature back. However, the injury troubles that plagued Tate to miss 24 games in his first four seasons have cropped up again.

They didn't seem to miss Tate for much of his absence, though, as the Browns mounted a furious comeback to tie Pittsburgh. However, Cleveland might have needed him down the stretch, as it lost 30-27. 

Losing Tate for any period of time would be detrimental to Cleveland, but any missed time for the former Auburn Tiger will result in more reps for promising rookie Terrance West.

Jadeveon Clowney, DE, Houston Texans

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The debut of No. 1 overall draft pick Jadeveon Clowney was cut short on Sunday, when he left the game with a knee injury and did not return.

According to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle, Clowney could miss extended time:

"I was wrong with Clowney MCL. Its meniscus and he could miss 4 to 6 weeks. Whitney Mercilus will start. I apologize for the error."

McClain analyzed the injury:

"Clowney is out with a knee injury. First time he's had a knee injury. He was hurt when he was rushing. He jumped and came down wrong."

The dangers of seeing a player go down with a knee injury are well documented, but it doesn't appear that Clowney has too much reason for long-term concern. McClain later reported the following from head coach Bill O'Brien: 

"Obrien said early prognosis on Clowney knee is good but could miss time."

Clowney had been hampered by a couple of minor injuries in training camp and early in the preseason, but this season-opening ordeal may force the Texans to proceed with caution.

Considering J.J. Watt continued his dominance with an MVP-like performance against the Redskins in Week 1, Houston might have the ability to take its time nursing its prized rookie back to the field. 

Evan Mathis, LG, Philadelphia Eagles

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Update

Pro Football Talk noted that Evan Mathis sprained his MCL.

The Philadelphia Eagles lost one of their best players in Week 1 when Evan Mathis went down with an apparent knee injury.

According to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Mathis suffered a MCL injury:

"

The early diagnosis on Mathis, according to sources close to the situation, was that he suffered an injury to the medial collateral ligament in his left knee, not the anterior cruciate ligament that many of his teammates initially feared.

"

Philly.com's Jimmy Kempski reported that it was a knee injury that kept Mathis out of the game. He was helped off the field after the incident, which involved running back LeSean McCoy falling back into Mathis' legs.

The Eagles left guard has long been renowned as one of the best at his position in the entire NFL. Pro Football Focus rated him as the best guard in the league in 2011, and he made his first Pro Bowl last season.

Chip Kelly could be in trouble up front without his dependable lineman in the fold. Matt Tobin and Dennis Kelly are replacement options at guard, but both have minimal experience. 

Vontaze Burfict, LB, Cincinnati Bengals

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Bengals starting linebacker Vontaze Burfict left his 2014 debut on Sunday with a concussion and did not return to the game.

Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported the news that Burfict suffered a concussion. The team quickly took to Twitter early in the second half to announce he would not return to the contest. 

Undrafted out of Arizona State, Burfict immediately burst onto the scene as a rookie in 2012 to validate the hype surrounding him earlier in his college career. He continued his ascension in 2013, making his first Pro Bowl and being voted as a second-team All-Pro.

One of the NFL's top defenses in 2013, the Bengals defensive unit wasn't the same without Burfict in the game. They let up 16 second-half points, but did hold on to top the Ravens in Week 1, 23-16. 

Should Burfict miss extended time, don't be surprised to see Vincent Rey and Sean Porter filling in for him. 

Shaun Hill, QB, St. Louis Rams

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Update

Ian Rapoport of NFL.com noted that Shaun Hill suffered a strained quad, and the team could be without him in Week 2.

The last thing the Rams needed was backup quarterback Shaun Hill struggling to start the season, much less an injury. But both became realities in Week 1.

Hill was replaced by Austin Davis to start the third quarter after going down 13-0 at half, and it wasn't thought to be injury-related until the team tweeted the following:

"Shaun Hill has a thigh injury. His return is questionable. #MINvsSTL"

After the Rams' loss, head coach Jeff Fisher shed more light on the situation, adding that it wasn't solely injury-related, per CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora:

"Jeff Fisher said Shaun Hill's quad strain flared up, made some poor decisions. Will know more about his status tomorrow."

Hill was 8-of-13 on the game for 81 yards and an interception before being replaced. Davis had more success, going 16-of-23 for 192 yards, but still failed to get the Rams into the end zone in a 34-6 defeat.

Bradford's injury late in the preseason put St. Louis in a bind, and Hill's struggles along with injury troubles should shift the rhetoric for Fisher. He might have expected Hill to take off with the job, but now it's apparent that he might need to start working the phones. 

Derrick Johnson, LB, Kansas City Chiefs

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Update

Ian Rapoport of NFL.com noted that both Derrick Johnson and Mike DeVito both are out for the season with torn Achilles. 

The Chiefs' season didn't start as planned with a 26-10 loss to Tennessee, and the troubles are only piling up as Derrick Johnson suffered a serious injury in Week 1.

Johnson was carted off the field against the Titans, and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported news that no Chiefs fan wanted to hear:

"The #Chiefs believe LB Derrick Johnson has torn his Achilles, source says. Season-ending blow."

One of the best defensive players in franchise history and still a leader of this defense, Johnson's reported injury could spell doom for Kansas City's defensive unit. They were one of the league's most formidable defenses a year ago, but early injury troubles are piling up.

Josh Mauga will play a bigger role at interior linebacker with Johnson out, but the main brunt of replacing Johnson may have to come from James-Michael Johnson with other starting inside linebacker Joe Mays on injured reserve. 

Mike DeVito, DE, Kansas City Chiefs

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Update

Ian Rapoport of NFL.com noted that both Derrick Johnson and Mike DeVito both are out for the season with torn Achilles.

Losing a team leader along with the season opener was enough defeat for Kansas City in Week 1, but the Chiefs also may have lost Mike DeVito after he left the opener against the Titans.

Herbie Teope of The Associated Press reported DeVito's injury is similar to that of Derrick Johnson:

"Chiefs DE Mike DeVito also has an Achilles and is out for the game."

As if losing two of their most important defensive players wasn't enough of a blow, the Chiefs' defense was beaten soundly against the Titans. Kansas City gave up a total of 405 yards and failed to generate a single turnover.

The depth chart on the defensive side for Kansas City is getting slimmer and slimmer by the moment. Jaye Howard and Damion Square will both see an increase in reps, but the latter was just signed off waivers less than a week ago. 

Robert Mathis, LB, Indianapolis Colts

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The Indianapolis Colts lost more than just their opening game in the first week of the NFL season. Star pass-rusher and outside linebacker Robert Mathis will miss the remainder of the 2014 NFL regular season, according to Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com.

Mathis reportedly tore an Achilles while working out on his own in Atlanta.

Mathis led the NFL in sacks last year with 19.5, but he was suspended for the first four games of the 2014 season for violating the league’s PED policy. Indianapolis gave him a four-year, $36 million deal before the 2012 campaign, but Florio notes that the squad could put him on the non-football injury list and withhold this year’s money because the injury happened away from the team facility.

This is a serious blow for a team that has postseason aspirations. The Colts tallied only a single sack against Peyton Manning Sunday, and the entire roster outside of Mathis only totaled 22.5 sacks last year.