Key NFL Injuries: Matt Ryan Losing Blockers
By Erik Lambert
Sep 7, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) runs in front of New Orleans Saints middle linebacker Curtis Lofton (50) during the second quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Several key players could be on the sidelines around the NFL in week 2. Which injuries could prove the most costly?
Jake Matthews doubtful for Falcons in Cincinnati
Matt Ryan already lost one left tackle when Sam Baker went down with a season-ending injury. Now the Atlanta Falcons quarterback won’t have another for week 2. The timing couldn’t be worse as he will pay a visit to Cincinnati against a Bengals defense that knocked around Joe Flacco on opening day.
Bears holding breath on questionable Alshon Jeffery and Brandon Marshall
The San Francisco 49ers defense may be missing a few teeth but they are still dangerous, especially at home. So the Chicago Bears know they’ll need everybody on deck to pull off a win. So all eyes remain locked on the final status of Pro Bowl receivers Alshon Jeffery and Brandon Marshall. Jeffery tweaked his hamstring in the opener while Marshall twisted his ankle. Both are listed as questionable ahead of Sunday Night.
Tamp Bay Buccaneers could be missing several offensive pieces
Jeff Tedford may be back calling plays for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense, but he returns to a rather depleted roster. Running back Doug Martin and guard Logan Mankins are each questionable for week 2 with knee injuries while rookie tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins is already declared out with an ankle problem. Josh McCown will have to take one of the best pass rushes in football without them.
Jordan Reed and Brian Orakpo add to Redskins misery
As if being humiliated by a Houston Texans team that was 2-14 last season wasn’t bad enough, the Washington Redskins got even tougher NFL news when it was declared tight end Jordan Reed would be out against Jacksonville with a hamstring pull. On top of that their best pass rusher Brian Orakpo is iffy for the game as well with ankle problems. The Jaguars aren’t the 49ers or Seahawks but they aren’t a pushover either.
Oakland Raiders backfield thinned out by losing Maurice Jones-Drew
Speaking of the Houston Texans, they travel out west to face an Oakland Raiders team trying to regroup after a frustrating loss to the New York Jets. They had hopes they would have everybody ready to go but that isn’t the case. Starting running back Maurice Jones-Drew needs time to recover from a procedure on his hand that he injured in that game. That means the Texans will likely see plenty of Darren McFadden.