The NFL season hasn’t even fully kicked into gear, but the injury reports and roster shakeups are already creating chaos across the league. From the Cowboys’ secondary boost to the Jets’ latest heartbreak, here’s everything fans need to know.
The Dallas Cowboys received a much-needed piece of good news ahead of their primetime clash with the Philadelphia Eagles. Cornerback Trevon Diggs, who tore his ACL late last year, is expected to play Thursday night. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that Diggs has been a full participant in practice after being activated from the PUP list on August 24. For Dallas, this is massive: Diggs’ return means their secondary regains its biggest ballhawk just as Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown come to town.
As if that wasn’t enough positive momentum, Dallas also locked down Hunter Luepke, their do-it-all fullback, with a two-year, $7.5 million extension. With over $5 million guaranteed, it’s a huge vote of confidence in a player who has become indispensable on both offense and special teams.
Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens won’t have risen tight end Isaiah Likely when they take on the Buffalo Bills in a high-stakes matchup. Likely underwent foot surgery in July and is still recovering, meaning Baltimore’s passing attack will lean even more on Mark Andrews. For Lamar Jackson, that reduces one of his most explosive safety valves a concern against a Bills defense that thrives on forcing tight coverage.
The Kansas City Chiefs, set to open their season in Brazil against the Los Angeles Chargers, won’t have rookie wideout Jalen Royals. Royals have been ruled out with a knee injury, putting added pressure on Patrick Mahomes’ receiving corps, which was already one of the most-scrutinized units in football. Defensive lineman Omarr Norman-Lott was also limited in practice with an ankle issue, raising depth questions as the Chiefs prepare for one of the AFC’s fiercest pass-protecting teams.
And then, of course, there’s the New York Jets. Just days before their opener, news broke that Alijah Vera-Tucker, arguably their best offensive lineman, suffered a potentially serious upper-body injury. The 2021 first-round pick has battled injuries throughout his young career, and this setback could once again force the Jets to reshuffle their line. Losing AVT would be brutal for a team relying on stability in front of Aaron Rodgers and Justin Fields.
It’s only Week 1, but the NFL’s injury drama is already reshaping playoff hopes and roster strategies. The Cowboys get their star defender back, but the Ravens, Chiefs, and Jets are left scrambling. In a league where one injury can flip a season upside down, this week’s news is proof that chaos doesn’t wait until midseason it starts right at kickoff.
