The NFL is back and anything can happen. “Thursday Night Football” delivered on that promise with the Detroit Lions’ major upset over the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. The excitement continues on Sunday, with fourteen games as the opening week of the regular season progresses.
Here’s everything you need to know as you enter the crowded slate.
WR Terry McLaurin will play for Commanders
Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin was removed from the team’s injury report on Friday and is good for Sunday’s game with the Arizona Cardinals, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Ahead of his fifth professional season, McLaurin suffered a toe injury in a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens last month. He was dealing with ‘peat toe’, a sprain of the largest joint of your big toe.
While the injury designation was largely avoided, defensive ends Chase Young and James Smith-Williams (oblique injury) are listed as questionable.
Young suffered a sting (neck/shoulder nerve injury) in the preseason, and head coach Ron Rivera told reporters Friday that Young is seeing a doctor in hopes of being cleared.
The Carolina Panthers will be without wide receiver DJ Chark for Sunday’s opener against the Atlanta Falcons due to a hamstring injury. The 2018 second-round pick took part in a limited practice session on Friday but missed the first two days of the week. Because he cannot prepare in time, he will aim for a start in week 2.
Panthers rookie quarterback Bryce Young could still be one wide behind for his regular-season debut as Adam Thielen is limited by an ankle injury. He did not have to train on Thursday and is listed as questionable for Sunday.
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker’s status is unclear for Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams.
According to the team’s injury report, the 22-year-old was limited for Thursday’s practice due to a groin injury. He suffered the injury during training on July 27 and did not return at full capacity until August 17.
Offensive guard Damien Lewis (shoulder), linebacker Jordyn Brooks (knee) and linebacker Boye Mafe (illness) are also listed on the Seahawks’ injury report. Safety Jamal Adams (knee) and running back Kenny McIntosh (knee/hamstring) also sat out practice.
Receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is still expected to play despite recently undergoing wrist surgery.
QB Joe Burrow is officially good to go for the Bengals
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor confirmed that Joe Burrow will start Sunday against the Cleveland Browns, according to NFL Network Cameron Wolfe. The quarterback, who reportedly signed a massive contract extension on Thursday, has spoken out about his desire to take the field after suffering a calf injury during training camp.
He was reportedly strong in training all week with no apparent limitations.
