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Source: ESPN
Summary
Week 1 of the NFL season ended with several teams dealing with injuries. The Philadelphia Eagles placed left guard Landon Dickerson on injured reserve with a knee injury, after he admitted to playing through pain in their win over the Washington Commanders. Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray is in concussion protocol after taking a hit in his season opener against the Green Bay Packers. The New England Patriots expect running back TreVeyon Henderson to return to practice, while the Los Angeles Chargers’ Ladd McConkey avoided a long-term injury after a chest injury against the Arizona Cardinals.
Our Reading
The game followed a familiar script.
Murray got hit, left, and now the backup plan is on standby.
Dickerson played hurt, then got hurt for real.
Henderson’s return is a relief, but the offense still needs help.
McConkey’s injury was a reminder that even stars can get shaken up.
Author: Evan Null
Week 1 Injuries Set the Tone
The first week of the NFL season ended with a flurry of injuries, setting the stage for a long week of recovery and roster adjustments. Teams are already starting to sort out who will be available for Week 2, with several key players facing uncertain returns. The Philadelphia Eagles lost Landon Dickerson to a knee injury, while the Minnesota Vikings are left wondering if Kyler Murray will be ready for the Chicago Bears. The New England Patriots and Los Angeles Chargers also dealt with setbacks, with TreVeyon Henderson and Ladd McConkey both facing injury concerns.
Players Admit to Playing Through Pain
Landon Dickerson admitted to playing through pain during the Eagles’ Week 1 win over the Washington Commanders, which likely contributed to his injury. His admission came after he struggled in the game and later underwent imaging that confirmed a bone bruise. Dickerson said he knew he shouldn’t have been on the field but continued to play, a decision that ultimately led to his placement on injured reserve. His situation is a reminder of how quickly injuries can derail a season, even for players who think they’re ready to go.
Concussions and Backup Plans
Kyler Murray’s concussion in the Vikings’ opener against the Green Bay Packers has left his Week 2 status in doubt. Head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed that Murray is in concussion protocol, with no update on his availability against the Chicago Bears. If Murray can’t return, Carson Wentz is expected to step in, with J.J. McCarthy as the backup. The situation highlights the fragile nature of quarterback play and the need for teams to have reliable backups in place.
Reinforcements on the Way
The New England Patriots are hoping for a boost from running back TreVeyon Henderson, who is expected to return to practice after a long absence. Coach Mike Vrabel confirmed the news, though Henderson has yet to practice since August 24. With A.J. Brown on injured reserve, Henderson’s return is a crucial development for the Patriots’ offense, which struggled in their Week 1 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. His presence could provide much-needed depth and playmaking ability.
Chargers’ Depth Tested
The Los Angeles Chargers’ Ladd McConkey suffered a chest injury in their Week 1 game against the Arizona Cardinals and left the game without returning. Head coach Jim Harbaugh described the injury as a rib issue and said McConkey is day-to-day. While the injury doesn’t appear to be long-term, it has left the Chargers’ receiving corps with questions about their depth. If McConkey is unavailable, Quentin Johnston, Tre Harris, and rookie Brenen Thompson could see increased playing time.
