NFL injuries: Will Travis Kelce return in Week 2? JK Dobbins, Jack Conklin out for season
Just like that, we’re on to Week 2 in the NFL season.
And several teams are already affected by the injury bug after Week 1.
The defending champion Kansas City Chiefs fell to 0-1 without star tight end Travis Kelce, who missed the Thursday night opener last week against the Detroit Lions due to a knee injury.
Kelce reportedly hyperextended his knee during practice Sept. 5, while star quarterback Patrick Mahomes called it a "freak deal" after the loss to the Lions.
NFL Network reported Kelce suffered a bone bruise and avoided a long-term knee injury.
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Kelce’s participation in Chiefs practice this week could determine his availability for Kansas City’s Week 2 matchup on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Here’s the USA TODAY NFL injury tracker heading into Week 2 of the NFL season:
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Steelers' Cam Heyward to miss multiple weeks
The Pittsburgh Steelers' defense got bad news on defensive end Cam Heyward.
The Steelers, who had a tough time slowing down the San Francisco 49ers in their 30-7 loss in Week 1, are expected to be without Heyward for "multiple weeks" with a groin injury, according to Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.
Heyward was injured during the second quarter against the 49ers and played a total of 14 defensive snaps. He recorded one quarterback hit.
Ravens lose J.K. Dobbins to Achilles injury
The Baltimore Ravens are already a hobbled bunch after their 25-9 win against the Houston Texans on Sunday.
Running back J.K. Dobbins suffered an Achilles tear and is done for the season, an MRI confirmed Monday, according to ESPN. The injury news was devastating for Dobbins and his Ravens teammates.
Dobbins’ injury luck has been unfortunate: He missed the entire 2021 season when he suffered a significant knee injury, and missed nine games in 2022 while recovering from the same injury. Now, this.
"Just kind of crestfallen for him," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said of Dobbins after the game. "We will put our arms around him, and he'll get into rehab, and he will be back. But yeah, it's really hard for him."
Baltimore had three other starters leave the game due to injuries: safety Marcus Williams (shoulder), left tackle Ronnie Stanley (knee) and center Tyler Linderbaum (calf). All three will have MRIs, Harbaugh said.
Browns lose right tackle Jack Conklin for the season
The Cleveland Browns’ 24-3 win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday came at a great cost.
Starting right tackle Jack Conklin suffered a torn ACL and MCL in his left knee and will be done for the season.
Conklin was carted off the field after getting rolled up by Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson during the first half.
Eagles likely without starting safety for Thursday night game
The Philadelphia Eagles could be without cornerback safety James Bradberry for their Week 2 game Thursday against the Minnesota Vikings.
Bradberry is in concussion protocol, Eagles coach Nick Sirianni told reporters Monday.
With the quick turnaround after Sunday’s 25-20 win over the New England Patriots, Bradberry's status is very questionable.
Eagles to be without standout linebacker for several weeks
Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean suffered a right foot injury during Sunday’s 25-20 win over the New England Patriots.
Dean is expected to miss multiple weeks, and could be a candidate for short-term injured reserve, which would keep him out at least four games, according to ESPN.
ESPN also reported the Eagles will sign former Titans’ first-round linebacker Rashaan Evans to its practice squad.