2023 Week 1 NFL Injury Report

This article will recap all fantasy-relevant injuries. Remember, we are operating with limited information, and as the week progresses, situations will become clearer.

Aaron Rodgers - Achilles

The Jets confirmed that Rodgers ruptured his Achilles. He’ll be out for the rest of 2023. There is a reality in which Rodgers has a mini-open repair. In that universe, it’s plausible he can play in a game come February, given he plays QB and doesn’t rely on his legs much. Realistically, this is only in the cards if the Jets make the Super Bowl, and it would be an uphill battle, as a 40-year-old responding that well to a repair and rehab has extremely low odds. It is at least worth pointing out, though.

Austin Ekeler - Ankle

Brandon Staley says Ekeler’s practice status is uncertain at this point due to an ankle injury. By video, a high ankle sprain cannot be ruled out. At this point, unless he is a full participant in practice all week, plan on ~85% dip in Ekeler’s production in Week 2 if active at all. Also, keep in mind there’s a non-zero chance he can’t go in Week 2, as Joshua Kelley took all of the touches in the 4th quarter due to Ekeler’s injury.

Aaron Jones - Hamstring

Jones pulled up on a long touchdown pass and was being stretched out on the sideline due to a hamstring issue. Even though he could be OK, it’s important to understand there’s about a 24% recurrence among RBs with a hamstring strain. There’s also a dropoff in routes and yards per route run (24% and 33%, respectively) in their first week back from hamstring strains, so this may be a week to fade Jones receiving props. Start him if active but don’t go overboard in DFS.

J.K. Dobbins - Achilles

Dobbins ruptured his Achilles, and at this point, the backfield lead is anybody’s guess. Even last season’s committee cannot be relied upon as a compass, given the fact that the offense is totally different this time.

Kenneth Gainwell - Ribs

Gainwell is dealing with a rib injury. Since 2018 RBs who suffer a rib injury miss no time 71% of the time, but Gainwell is on a short week. His practice status is worth monitoring for now.

Diontae Johnson - Hamstring

Adam Schefter confirmed that Johnson will miss “a few weeks.” Here’s what you should know: 21% of the time WRs of Johnson’s profile miss 1 game, 17% miss 2 games, and only 11% of WRs miss 3+ games. We’ll take it week by week, but the hope is Johnson can be back by Week 4. Calvin Austin and Allen Robinson are legitimate waiver wire acquisitions.

Mike Williams and Tyler Lockett — Concussion screen

These guys were evaluated for a concussion in Week 1 but were not placed in the protocol. The protocol isn’t a perfect science, though, and technically they could be at risk next week for a concussion all week and again in Week 2. The risk isn’t enough to advise sitting them in most leagues but don’t be overweight in DFS.

Jakobi Meyers - Concussion

Meyers is in concussion protocol, unfortunately. This is his second concussion, as his last one was in 2022. This doesn’t bode well for his chances to suit up in Week 2 but these injuries are notoriously hard to predict. Even if he plays (there’s about a 50% chance) he’ll be volatile due to reinjury risk, which is 11% for those with a first-time concussion, meaning his risk is likely higher.

Below is a table of all major injuries with my personal associated recommendation:

Expect updates throughout the week, and make sure to subscribe to my YouTube Channel here dedicated to up-to-the-minute updates and breakdowns.