NFL Week 2 injuries: Michael Pittman downgraded to out; Alvin Kamara not expected to play

Sun, Sep 18, 2022
NFL News (AP)

The second Sunday of the 2022 season is upon us. The Chiefs and Chargers got us started on Thursday and now we have the remaining slate -- including a Monday night doubleheader -- in front of us. Of course, injuries will be a key storyline to monitor as it is every week, and there are a ton of situations across the league that are of note.'

Of course, the Steelers will be without star pass rusher T.J. Watt for their Week 2 game against the Patriots and the foreseeable future after he was placed on IR following a pectoral injury he suffered in the opener. Elsewhere around the league, the Buccaneers have some receivers who are banged up, and there are a handful of star running backs who have their statuses up in the air at the moment.'

With teams finishing up the week of practice, they've released their final injury reports and rolled out game statuses for Week 2. Below, you'll be able to find each of those reports and a breakdown of some of the biggest injuries.'

All'NFL odds'come via Caesars Sportsbook.'

New England Patriots (-2) at Pittsburgh Steelers

Patriots: S Joshuah Bledsoe (groin), T Trent Brown (ankle), LB Raekwon McMillan (thumb), S Adrian Phillips (ribs), RB Pierre Strong Jr. (shoulder), CB Shaun Wade (ankle) QUESTIONABLE
Steelers: NONE

The biggest news coming out of New England revolves around quarterback Mac Jones, who was taken on the injury report and carries no designation after dealing with an illness and a back injury. Each player listed as questionable was a limited participant in practice on Friday.'

The Pittsburgh Steelers had everyone practice fully and no player has an injury designation heading into Week 2, including running back Najee Harris'(foot).'

Carolina Panthers at New York Giants (-2)

Panthers: LB Brandon Smith (thigh) DOUBTFUL; WR Shi Smith (groin) QUESTIONABLE
Giants: CB Nick McCloud (hamstring), S Jason Pinnock (shoulder), CB Aaron Robinson (appendicitis), WR Wan'Dale Robinson (knee) OUT; OLB Azeez Ojulari (calf) OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (knee) DOUBTFUL; WR Kadarius Toney (hamstring) QUESTIONABLE

For Carolina, Smith was a limited participant throughout the week but was downgraded to a DNP on Friday, so he's trending in the wrong direction heading into Week 2. Meanwhile, Smith popped up on the injury report for the first time on Friday as a nonparticipant due to a groin injury. However, head coach Matt Rhule told reporters that Smith is "on the positive side of questionable." If he is unable to go, Laviska Shenault Jr. or D.J. Moore could be asked to return punts.

The NFL debut of pass rusher Thibodeaux may be kicked out another week as the rookie is officially listed as doubtful of Sunday's action against the Panthers. Thibodeaux had been limited throughout the week of practice. Meanwhile, Toney was a limited participant both Thursday and Friday.

Washington Commanders at Detroit Lions (-1)

Commanders: OG Wes Schweitzer (hamstring), S Kamren Curl (thumb), DT Jonathan Allen QUESTIONABLE
Lions: C Frank Ragnow (groin, foot) OUT; G Jonah Jackson (finger), S Ifeatu Melifonwu (hamstring), CB Amani Oruwariye (back), RB D'Andre Swift (ankle) QUESTIONABLE

Schweitzer is questionable to play with a hamstring issue. He did not practice Wednesday and Thursday, but returned as a limited participant on Friday. Curl has a chance to suit up after missing Week 1 due to his thumb injury. He was a limited participant all week. On Saturday, the Commanders added Allen, their Pro Bowl defensive tackle, to the injury report. He is questionable with a groin injury.

Swift was able to practice for the first time this week on Friday, albeit on a limited basis. That would seem to give him a puncher's chance of suiting up on Sunday in Detroit.'

New York Jets at Cleveland Browns (-6.5)

Jets: QB Zach Wilson (knee) OUT; TE C.J. Uzomah (hamstring) DOUBTFUL; WR Braxton Berrios (heel), OL George Fant (knee), DL John Franklin-Myers (toe), P Braden Mann (back), S Jordan Whitehead (ankle) QUESTIONABLE
Browns: OT Chris Hubbard (elbow, illness) OUT; OT Jack Conklin (knee, rest) QUESTIONABLE

Head coach Robert Saleh had already announced that veteran quarterback Joe Flacco would be the starter on Sunday, so Wilson being ruled out officially was merely a formality. Uzomah's status does seem to be trending in the wrong direction as he did not participate on Friday after popping up on the injury report with a hamstring injury on Thursday.'

Conklin returned to practice on Friday in a limited capacity after not participating on Thursday, so he is trending positively to end the week.'

Indianapolis Colts (-3.5) at Jacksonville Jaguars

Colts: WR Alec Pierce (concussion), LB Shaquille Leonard (back), WR Michael Pittman Jr. (quad) OUT; CB Kenny Moore II (hip), DT DeForest Buckner (hip) QUESTIONABLE
Jaguars: NONE

Pittman did not practice Thursday or Friday due to a quad injury that popped up Wednesday. On Friday, head coach Frank Reich said he's "optimistic Pitt will be fine," but he's been reportedly downgraded to out after the Colts appeared optimistic he'd play. Look for Parris Campbell and Alec Pierce to have expanded roles.'

The Jaguars again had no injuries to report. No player was given a game designation.'

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-2.5) at New Orleans Saints

Buccaneers: WR Chris Godwin (hamstring) OUT; CB Zyon McCollum (hamstring), OT Donovan Smith (elbow) DOUBTFUL; WR Mike Evans (calf), RB Leonard Fournette (hamstring), WR Russell Gage (hamstring), WR Julio Jones (knee), WR Breshad Perriman (knee), OT Tristan Wirfs (abdomen) QUESTIONABLE'
Saints: CB Paulson Adebo (ankle) OUT; RB Alvin Kamara (rib), WR Tre'Quan Smith (shoulder), RB Dwayne Washington (hamstring), QB Jameis Winston (back), RB Mark Ingram (ankle), CB Alontae Taylor (hip) QUESTIONABLE

Tampa Bay will be without Godwin for Sunday's road matchup with the Saints after the wideout missed practice all week due to a hamstring injury. Head coach Todd Bowles said as much Friday before the injury report was released. Meanwhile, Evans did return to practice on a limited basis after missing Thursday's session, which is a positive sign for his status.'

Kamara is officially listed as questionable for Sunday, but the star running back did not practice on both Thursday or Friday, and is not expected to play. As for the rest of the questionable Saints listed on the final report, each was able to practice on a limited basis Friday including Winston (back).'

Miami Dolphins at Baltimore Ravens (-3.5)

Dolphins: TE Cethan Carter (concussion) OUT; RB Salvon Ahmed (heel), OT Terron Armstead (toe), WR Ced Wilson (toe), DE Christian Wilkins (back), TE Hunter Long (ankle) QUESTIONABLE
Ravens: T Ronnie Stanley (ankle), WR James Proche II (groin) DOUBTFUL; RB J.K. Dobbins (knee), CB Marlon Humphrey (groin), DT Travis Jones (knee), CB Marcus Peters (knee), FB Patrick Ricard (calf), DB Brandon Stephens (quad) QUESTIONABLE

Miami has five players listed as questionable for Sunday, but all five were limited participants in practice on Friday. Armstead is someone to keep an eye on, as quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will certainly want him in the lineup to stop pass rushers. Wilkins is an interesting case, as he appeared to have a back injury flare up during the week. He popped up on the injury report Thursday, and was a limited participant in the final two practice sessions.

Dobbins was a full participant in practice all week and is listed as questionable for Week 2. When asked Friday if he'll make his season debut, he said "we'll see." His full participation throughout the week would suggest that he has a good shot of playing. Meanwhile, Humphrey did not practice on Friday after being limited on Thursday and Stanley did return to practice on a limited basis, but is doubtful.'

Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers (-8.5)

Seahawks: S Joey Blount (hamstring) DOUBTFUL; CB Artie Burns (groin), CB Justin Coleman (calf) QUESTIONABLE
49ers: OL Daniel Brunskill (hamstring) OUT; TE George Kittle (groin) QUESTIONABLE

Burns is trending in the right direction for Seattle, as he returned to practice as a limited participant on Friday after missing the previous two sessions. The opposite is true for Coleman, as he was limited on Thursday with a calf injury, but sat out Friday.'

Brunskill will not suit up Sunday, as he didn't practice all week due to a hamstring injury. As for Kittle, he returned as a limited participant on Friday after missing practice on Wednesday and Thursday, and has a chance to play after missing last week.'

Atlanta Falcons at Los Angeles Rams (-10)

Falcons: RB Damien Williams (rib) OUT
Rams: C Brian Allen (knee), WR Van Jefferson (knee) OUT; OT Joe Noteboom (knee), LS Matt Orzech (calf), LB Leonard Floyd (knee) QUESTIONABLE

Atlanta will be without Williams in Week 2 after the RB missed practice all week. His absence could mean that rookie Tyler Allgeier will make his NFL debut when the Falcons take on the Rams. Allgeier would be the backup behind Cordarrelle Patterson, who rushed for 120 yards in Week 1.'

Jefferson is set to miss his second straight game with a knee injury. The Rams also have some concern on the offensive line, as Allen has already been ruled out, while Noteboom is questionable. Noteboom was limited in practice on Thursday and Friday, but Sean McVay is hopeful he will play. It's not looking good for Floyd, as he missed practice on Thursday and Friday after being limited Wednesday.'

Arizona Cardinals at Las Vegas Raiders (-5.5)

Cardinals: WR Andy Isabella (back), WR Rondale Moore (hamstring) OUT; CB Trayvon Mullen (toe), OL Justin Pugh (neck), S Jalen Thompson (toe), DE J.J. Watt (calf) QUESTIONABLE
Raiders: C Andre James (concussion), S Trevon Moehrig (hip), LB Denzel Perryman (ankle) OUT; RB Brandon Bolden (hamstring) DOUBTFUL'

Kyler Murray will be without two of his wide receivers this week, as both Isabella and Moore have been ruled out with back and hamstring injuries, respectively. Mullen, Pugh, Thompson and Watt are questionable to suit up, but all four players were present at practice Friday as limited participants. Watt has said he hopes he will be out there rushing the passer in Week 2.'

For the Raiders, they will be missing some important players this week in James, Moehrig and Perryman. All three did not practice all week. Bolden is doubtful to play, and he didn't practice all week either.'

Houston Texans at Denver Broncos (-10)

Texans: OG Justin Britt (Not injury related) OUT; TE Brevin Jordan (ankle) QUESTIONABLE
Broncos: OL Quinn Meinerz (hamstring), WR KJ Hamler (knee/hip) OUT; LB Josey Jewell (calf), EDGE Randy Gregory (shoulder/knee), DL Deshawn Williams (back), CB K'Waun Williams (wrist), OL Billy Turner (knee) QUESTIONABLE

Britt is out Sunday due to personal reasons. Jordan is questionable with an ankle injury, although he returned to practice as a limited participant on Friday after sitting out Thursday.

Meinerz and Hamler are the two Broncos who will not suit up on Sunday, as neither practiced all week. Turner is one of five players listed as questionable, but he appears ready to return to the lineup, as he was a full participant in practice all week. As for Jewell, Gregory and the two Williams defenders, all four were at least limited participants in practice on Friday, which is positive. ''

Cincinnati Bengals (-7) at Dallas Cowboys

Bengals: WR Tee Higgins (concussion), DT Josh Tupou (shin), TE Devin Asiasi (quad) QUESTIONABLE
Cowboys: WR Michael Gallup (knee) OUT; S Jayron Kearse (knee) QUESTIONABLE

Higgins was a full participant during Friday's practice, which is a great sign that he's trending toward playing on Sunday in Dallas. The team did note that he was a DNP on Thursday, but that was due to a personal matter.'

The Cowboys will again be without Gallup, as he continues to work back from his ACL tear. Kearse is listed as questionable on the Cowboys' official injury report, although the'Dallas Morning News reports head coach Mike McCarthy has ruled him out. Quarterback Dak Prescott (thumb), left guard Connor McGovern (ankle) and defensive end Tarell Basham (thigh) have been ruled out as well.'

Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers (-10)

Bears: WR Velus Jones Jr. (hamstring) DOUBTFUL
Packers: OT David Bakhtiari (knee), OG Elgton Jenkins (knee), WR Allen Lazard (ankle), OG Jon Runyan (concussion) QUESTIONABLE

Chicago is overall pretty healthy heading into its prime-time matchup, listing only Jones Jr. on the final injury. He is doubtful. Offensive lineman Riley Reiff (shoulder) carries no designation after being a full participant both Thursday and Friday.'

The Packers are expected to bounce back in Week 2 after a disappointing loss in the season opener to the Vikings, but Aaron Rodgers will potentially have to operate without a couple of his offensive linemen. Bakhtiari was limited on Wednesday and Friday, but sat out of practice Thursday. Jenkins returned to practice as a full participant on Friday, which seemingly bodes well for his status Sunday. Lazard, on the other hand, was a limited participant in practice all week, while Runyan didn't practice until Friday, where he was limited.

Tennessee Titans at Buffalo Bills (-10), Monday

Titans: CB'Kristian Fulton'(hamstring), RB'Dontrell Hilliard'(hamstring), OL'JaMarco Jones'(elbow) OUT; WR'Kyle Philips'(shoulder) QUESTIONABLE
Bills: DT'Ed Oliver'(ankle) OUT; DT'Tim Settle'(calf) DOUBTFUL; WR'Gabe Davis'(ankle), CB'Dane Jackson'(knee) QUESTIONABLE

Philips had six catches and was a reliable option in his NFL debut for'Ryan Tannehill. He was limited in Saturday's practice. Hilliard had two receiving touchdowns last week, so Tennessee will be without its No. 2 option at running back.'Trenton Cannon'and'Hassan Haskins'are in line for the backup running back duties.'

Obviously, the Bills player to watch is Davis -- who was limited in practice Saturday with a surprising ankle injury. Davis popped up on the injury report at the conclusion of practice, so his status is unknown for Monday.'

Minnesota Vikings at Philadelphia Eagles (-2), Monday

Vikings: CB'Andrew Booth Jr. (quad) OUT
Eagles: NONE

Booth didn't practice all week, so the rookie cornerback being out wasn't a surprise.'Patrick Peterson'missed practice for personal reasons, but will play.'

No players will be out for the Eagles in the Monday night showdown. No players were limited in Saturday's practice.'