Panic Meter for Biggest Injuries to NFL Stars Entering Week 2

Every week, NFL teams must work around injuries. Unfortunately, roster attrition is part of the game, which is why depth is important.

Some clubs will feel the impact of injuries more than others based on the quality of backups at key positions.

In the aftermath of Week 1, several players are undergoing medical tests, and others are going on injured reserve.

We'll check the panic meter for the biggest injuries around the league and how teams have adjusted or will struggle to do so moving forward without key players.

WR Drake London, Atlanta Falcons

AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman

Falcons WR Drake London

Late in the fourth quarter of the Atlanta Falcons' season opener, Drake London exited with a shoulder injury.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, he will undergo more tests on his sprained shoulder and is considered day-to-day.

Though London's tests are pending, the initial word on his injury sounds positive in terms of the likelihood that he's able to play through some discomfort. The fourth-year receiver caught eight passes for 55 yards in the Falcons' loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Since Michael Penix Jr. took over the starting quarterback job, he's built a strong rapport with London, who racked up 106-plus receiving yards in Weeks 17 and 18 of the previous season.

Keep in mind that Falcons wideout Darnell Mooney didn't play in Week 1 because of a shoulder issue. Atlanta would have a severely depleted receiver unit if London misses time, though it seems he's avoided a significant injury.

Panic Meter: 1

WR Xavier Worthy, Kansas City Chiefs

AP Photo/Charlie Riedel

Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy

Last Friday, Xavier Worthy collided with tight end Travis Kelce and exited the game in Brazil after just three plays.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Worthy dislocated his shoulder and could return this season with a brace, though he can opt to undergo surgery.

Head coach Andy Reid said he is day-to-day, which suggests the second-year pro will try rehab without undergoing a procedure that would jeopardize his season.

The Chiefs wanted to feature the deep ball this year, which made Worthy a key part of the offense. In his absence, Tyquan Thornton, who caught two passes for 41 yards in Week 1, can be an explosive playmaker, though Worthy's budding connection with Patrick Mahomes showed promise at the end of last season.

Kansas City's aerial attack took a big hit last Friday. At least for now, the Chiefs lack a consistent playmaker capable of winning over the top.

Panic Meter: 7

TE Brock Bowers, Las Vegas Raiders

AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper

Raiders TE Brock Bowers

In Week 1, the Las Vegas Raiders had a late lead over the New England Patriots, which allowed them to keep Brock Bowers on the sideline as he dealt with a knee injury.

On one hand, Bowers told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero that he's "fine."

Yet, head coach Pete Carroll had a more cautious update on his All-Pro tight end and linebacker Elandon Roberts, who sprained his elbow.

"Everyone is going day to day," he told reporters on Monday. "These three days will be really crucial for us."

The Raiders have an extra day of rest before their home-opening Monday Night Football showdown with the Los Angeles Chargers, which is a positive for Bowers. However, Carroll's comments indicate his team's best pass-catcher isn't a lock to play next week.

The Raiders' Week 2 injury report will shed more light on the severity of Bowers' knee injury.

Panic Meter: 4

OG James Daniels, Miami Dolphins

AP Photo/Lynne Sladky

Dolphins G James Daniels

This offseason, the Miami Dolphins signed James Daniels to a three-year, $24 million deal to upgrade the interior of their offensive line. He had a brief debut with his new team, playing three snaps before leaving the game with a pectoral injury.

Per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Daniels didn't tear his pectoral, but he's expected to miss three to four weeks of action.

After Daniels' exit, the Dolphins turned to Kion Smith, who played 70 offensive snaps since going undrafted in 2021.

Based on starting experience, Smith (zero career starts) is a significant downgrade from Daniels (85 career starts). Tua Tagovailoa took three sacks in the Dolphins' season opener and may take more against the New England Patriots in Week 2.

Panic Meter: 8

TE George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers

AP Photo/John Froschauer

49ers TE George Kittle

On Tuesday, the San Francisco 49ers placed George Kittle on injured reserve, which means he'll miss at least the next four games with a hamstring injury.

Since the offseason, the 49ers have struggled to stay healthy, particularly their wide receiver group.

In the summer, Jauan Jennings missed extensive time because of a calf issue, and according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, he's dealing with a minor shoulder injury. Jacob Cowing is on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. Brandon Aiyuk is still recovering from a torn ACL and MCL. Jordan Watkins is nursing an ankle injury.

Kittle is the 49ers' best pass-catcher. He led the team in multiple receiving categories last season, hauling in 78 passes for 1,106 yards and eight touchdowns.

With a banged-up receiver corps, the 49ers take an even bigger hit with the loss of Kittle for a month at a minimum.

Panic Meter: 10

QB Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers

AP Photo/John Froschauer

49ers QB Brock Purdy

Despite a mixed-bag performance, Brock Purdy led the San Francisco 49ers to a win on a late fourth-quarter game-winning drive against the Seattle Seahawks. He didn't finish the game unscathed, though.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Purdy sustained shoulder and toe injuries, and he's uncertain to play against the New Orleans Saints in Week 2.

The 49ers could beat the Saints with backup quarterback Mac Jones if running back Christian McCaffrey is healthy, but Purdy's recent history of injuries is a reason to panic about his long-term outlook, considering he just signed a five-year, $265 million extension.

In the NFC Championship Game of the 2022 campaign, he tore his UCL, a ligament in his elbow. Last season, he missed two games because of shoulder and elbow injuries.

At 6'1", 220 pounds, Purdy is a smaller quarterback relative to others around the league. If his injuries continue to pile up, the 49ers may not get an appropriate return on their investment in him because of a lack of durability.

Panic Meter: 6

OT JC Latham, Tennessee Titans

AP Photo/Peter Joneleit

As a rookie last year, JC Latham struggled in pass protection, allowing seven sacks and 47 pressures, per Pro Football Focus (h/t Titans Wire's Kevin Hickey).

However, NFL.com's Bucky Brooks and PFF's Bradley Locker listed Latham as a potential breakout player as he moves back to his collegiate position at right tackle.

Latham's struggles continued in the Tennessee Titans' season opener against the Denver Broncos, though. He gave up a sack and committed a penalty, per PFF.

According to Titans Wire's Mark Mihalko, head coach Brian Callahan mentioned Latham's hip injury as the most serious among the team's banged-up players.

It's too early to say whether Latham will show improvement in a transition from left tackle to right tackle, but Tennessee doesn't have a reliable backup to replace him.

Furthermore, with rookie quarterback Cam Ward under center, the Titans need their starting offensive line to jell sooner rather than later.

Panic Meter: 8

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Maurice Moton covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @MoeMoton.