2023 NFL Regular Season: Notable Injuries Weeks 1-2

By Sam Batz

We are two weeks into the 2023 NFL regular season. We’ve seen spectacular plays, overtime thrillers, upsets, and heroic triumphs. But the monster no one sees coming, the hideous beast that plays a massive role every season and strikes without warning, has already begun to rear its ugly head. I am of course talking about injuries. 

Injuries are inevitable in the NFL. Some of the strongest athletes in the world smash into each other every play, and although they are in top physical condition, the human body can only take so much. Injuries range from minor to season ending to career ending, and while the latter is rare, several key players have already been ruled out for the season, and are now on the road to recovery. Below we will highlight the most notable injuries of the 2023 NFL season thus far, and of course wish for a speedy recovery for those affected.   

Season Ending Injuries (Weeks 1-2)

• Aaron Rodgers, QB, New York Jets: Achilles – Out For Season

39-year old Aaron Rodgers joined the NY Jets over the offseason. He was meant to be the missing piece of the Jets long unfinished puzzle. But disaster struck when Rodgers was sacked on his fourth play as a Jet. At first, it didn’t look that bad, but when Rodgers sat back down on the field, a look of absolute dejection on his face, it was clear something terrible had happened. Rodgers then left the field, never to return. It was later reported Aaron Rodgers tore his achilles (left) and would be out for the rest of the season. 

• J.K. Dobbins, RB, Baltimore Ravens: Achilles – Out For Season

J.K. Dobbins’ career has been marred by injuries. The 24-year old running back out of Ohio State was drafted by the Ravens in 2020, but Dobbins has yet to complete a full season in the NFL. Unfortunately, this year is no different. In Baltimore’s season opener, disaster struck when after a routine tackle near the goal line, Dobbins came up limping. He was helped off the field, taken to the blue tent, then quickly taken back for an x-ray. Later we learned it was indeed a torn achilles, and J.K. Dobbins would be out for another season. 

• Nick Chubb, RB, Cleveland Browns: Knee – Out For Season

Devastation for the Cleveland Browns as star RB Nick Chubb was ruled out for the season. This one was bad, and for those with sensitive stomachs, don’t look it up. Chubb took a hard hit to the knee, which caused his leg to move in a very unnatural way. Everyone knew it was bad right away, from Chubb’s teammates to the fans in attendance who let out a collective groan upon seeing the replay. It was a nasty looking injury, hopefully one that does not end the talented RB’s career, but Nick Chubb is certainly done for the year. 

Other Notable Injuries

Not all injuries are season enders, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t worthy of mentioning. Injuries can add up, especially if a player returns too quickly, which inevitably leads to the worst case scenario. Below are some notable injuries to high-profile players, but for an exhaustive list of NFL injuries by team, click here. 

Questionable

The “questionable” tag is the most common one you’ll see for injuries. It simply means the player did not practice that day, and it’s unclear whether he’ll be fit enough for the next game. Teams typically use the “questionable” tag on players with minor injuries, which as you can imagine, happen often in the NFL. “Questionable” does not mean these guys won’t play, but it is worth keeping an eye on them. 

Here are the most notable “questionable” players for Week 3:

• Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens
• Marlon Humphrey, CB, Baltimore Ravens
• Ronnie Stanley, OT, Baltimore Ravens
• Micah Hyde, S, Buffalo Bills
• Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals
• David Montgomery, RB, Detroit Lions
• Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, Detroit Lions
• Aaron Jones, RB, Green Bay Packers
• Laremy Tunsil, OT, Houston Texans
• Anthony Richardson, QB, Indianapolis Colts
• Travis Etienne Jr., RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
• Austin Ekeler, RB, Los Angeles Chargers
• Saquon Barkley, RB, New York Giants
• Minkah Fitzpatrick, S, Pittsburgh Steelers
• Brandon Aiyuk, WR, San Francisco 49ers
• DK Metcalf, WR, Seattle Seahawks