NFL Injury Report: 5 losses that could decide Week 1 games

Few things can impact the fortunes of a football team more than the NFL injury report, from those who are on it and those who aren’t.

Week 1 is at hand. Usually, this is when rosters should be at or close to full strength but that’s never the case for most. There’s always somebody who got lost in training camp or the preseason that could prove crucial to how quickly their team will start off the blocks. Based on initial reports thus far, there are a number of notable names who could be out this Sunday and Monday that may tip the balance in favor of the opponent.

Joey Bosa (vs. Kansas City Chiefs)

The Los Angeles Chargers actually seemed to have an advantage going into their game with the Chiefs due to their strong defense. The two offenses are stacked but Kansas City defense is highly questionable. Now the Chargers learn that their star pass rusher Joey Bosa will miss the game with a foot injury. The team has other good players on that unit but he is without question one of their lynchpins. If they can’t pressure Patrick Mahomes, it could be a long day.

Travis Frederick (vs. Carolina Panthers)

The Dallas Cowboys offensive line has taken some rough hits lately. Zack Martin was already out with a knee injury. Now their star center Travis Frederick figures to miss extended time with Guillain-Barre syndrome. That’s the two guys who would’ve been primarily responsible for blocking Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Kawann Short, one of the better interior pass rushers in the NFL. Dak Prescott may not have a fun afternoon.

Olivier Vernon (vs. Jacksonville Jaguars)

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Upon trading Jason Pierre-Paul, the primary pass rusher for the New York Giants will be Olivier Vernon. Now he’s out for the opener with an ankle injury, leaving the defense in an awkward spot. While Blake Bortles is no star, he’s proven effective when not pressured a lot. Given how good that Jaguars offensive line is, the Giants may have a hard time doing that without Vernon. So unless Eli Manning and the offense can put up points on that Jacksonville defense, it doesn’t look ideal.

Anthony Castonzo (vs. Cincinnati Bengals)

Here it is. The day has finally arrived. Andrew Luck is back after missing all of 2017 with a shoulder injury. Protecting him has become a top priority for the Colts and just when that plan was bearing fruit, they learn that left tackle Anthony Castonzo is dealing with a hamstring problem. While he may still play, the odds of him being 100% are remoted. That’s not a good thing when they’re set to play against one of the best defensive fronts in football in Cincinnati.

Jack Conklin (vs. Miami Dolphins)

Another quarterback who’s taken way too many hits early in his career is Marcus Mariota. Keeping him upright is something the Tennessee Titans know they need to do. They certainly have the tackles for that, or at least they did. Jack Conklin will miss the opener with a knee injury. That could expose Mariota to a strong Dolphins front led by Cameron Wake and Robert Quinn. They may not be young anymore but the two men still know how to get to the quarterback.

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