Friday typically represents the best chance to gauge whether players can recover before the weekend, but a third missed practice typically foreshadows an absence. No game is “must win” in Week 1, but teams in competitive divisions need to get out to fast starts -- that could mean bad news for New York and Seattle.
NFL Week 1 injury report: Giants and Seahawks could miss critical players
Thursday injury reports were released and some big name players could be out this weekend.
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James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.
The Giants are one of several teams playing a division matchup right out of the gate. This week they face the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football, likely without several players on offense.
Offensive tackle David Diehl has already been listed as "out" for Sunday's game as the veteran continues to recover from thumb surgery. Running back Andre Brown has also been ruled out as expected. He was placed on short-term IR with a broken leg sustained during preseason.
Diehl and Brown were known quantities, but they're joined by other big names on the injury report. Center David Baas (did not participate), receiver Victor Cruz (limited) and fullback Henry Hynoski (limited) also made the list. That's four offensive starters who could be out, a situation the Giants will surely monitor in the coming days.
The Seahawks start the season on the road facing the Carolina Panthers and have questions about their defense entering the game. The normally reliable unit has been hobbled by injuries and suspensions recently, weakening the team's pass rush.
Bruce Irvin is out this week as a result of suspension, meaning the rest of the defense will need to pick up the pass rushing slack. Unfortunately, 75 percent of the team's starting defensive line is on the injury report. Chris Clemons (did not participate), Brandon Mebane (limited) and Tony McDaniel (limited) would be bad enough -- they're joined by rotational defensive linemen Cliff Avril (limited) and rookie Jordan Hill (did not practice).
Speed on the defensive front is the key to stopping Cam Newton and the Panthers’ offense. Missing these defensive players could change the outcome of Sunday’s game.
Other notable injuries
WR Danny Amendola (Patriots): Limited
CB Champ Bailey (Broncos): Out
LB Barkevious Mingo (Browns): Limited
DE Ezekiel Ansah (Lions): Limited
G Carl Nicks (Buccaneers): Did not participate
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