NFL Week 2 injury report: Carson Palmer, Alshon Jeffery, Brandon Marshall and more

It’s the second Sunday of the NFL season, and a number of teams — and fantasy owners across the country — are already facing the wrath of the dreaded injury bug. In his weekly column, SB Nation Medical Expert Dr. Ali Mohamadi gives insight into the most notable injuries in the fantasy landscape and how they might affect your roster decisions for Week 2.

It was a bit of a surprise last week when Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton missed his team's season-opening victory over Tampa Bay after sustaining a hairline fracture to the ribs in the team’s Aug. 22 preseason contest with New England. This week, if Newton misses Sunday’s game with Detroit, it would be a shock. The Carolina quarterback participated in practice this week without any major lingering effects from the injury, and head coach Ron Rivera was emphatic in his comments yesterday that Newton will start when the Panthers take on the Lions in one of Week 2’s marquee matchups.

The most significant issue with rib injuries is pain management, and players often wear protective jackets during the game to lessen the effect of hits to the area. If Newton suffers a setback in pre-game warmups, backup Derek Anderson would get the nod at quarterback for a second straight week.

All times listed in Eastern.

Cardinals (1-0) at Giants (0-1), 1 p.m.

One of the biggest mysteries of this past week has been the status of Arizona quarterback Carson Palmer. He will reportedly not play Sunday after testing his shoulder, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, and Drew Stanton will get the start instead. Word came earlier from ESPN's Adam Schefter that Palmer hasn't been throwing at all in practice this week, which cast serious doubt over his availability Sunday against the Giants. When asked to elaborate earlier this week, Cardinals coach Bruce Arians simply stated that Palmer had been battling a "nerve thing," but there has been no official word on the exact diagnosis. This could be as minor as a tired shoulder joint or a sign of a nerve injury that could result from a herniated neck disc.

Cardinals (1-0) at Giants (0-1), 1 p.m.

Ellington aggravated a left foot injury in practice prior to Arizona’s Week 1 win over San Diego but was able to suit up in that game, carrying 13 times for 51 yards. Just as last week, Ellington has been limited in practice leading up to Sunday’s game with the Giants and his status will likely be determined in pre-game warmups. If Ellington cannot play, Jonathan Dwyer and Stepfan Taylor will likely split carries for Arizona.

Texans (1-0) at Raiders (0-1), 4:25 p.m.

The Raiders’ new running back left last week’s loss to the Jets after suffering a right hand injury and has not practiced this week. Although he is officially listed as questionable on the team’s injury report, the hand has been heavily bandaged this week and it appears unlikely that Jones-Drew will play this afternoon against Houston. This would put Darren McFadden back at the top of the depth chart at running back for Oakland.

Rams (0-1) at Bucaneers (0-1), 4:05 p.m.

Martin left last week's loss to Carolina in the first half after sustaining a left knee injury, and although he was able to return, he was largely ineffective. The Bucs' running back has been limited all week in practice and is listed as questionable on the team’s injury report, but indications out of Tampa are that the ailment is minor, with head coach Lovie Smith expressing optimism that he will be able to take the field today against St. Louis. If not, backup Bobby Rainey would likely get the start.

Update: Martin will not play and Bobby Rainey will start in his place, per Jay Glazer.

Lions (1-0) at Panthers (1-0), 1 p.m.

Williams has been hampered this week with a thigh injury, missing practice since Thursday and placing his availability for today’s matchup against Detroit in serious doubt. Head coach Ron Rivera himself expressed concern regarding Williams’ status, and with the high likelihood of aggravating muscle injuries of the lower extremity, it is unlikely he will start or see significant action if he isn’t at or near 100 percent by kickoff. If Williams is unable to go, Jonathan Stewart would earn the starting nod.

Update: Pro Football talk reports Williams has been made inactive for Week 2.

Alshon Jeffery, Chicago Bears, hamstring

Bears (0-1) at 49ers (1-0), 8:25 p.m.

Brandon Marshall, Chicago Bears, ankle

Bears (0-1) at 49ers (1-0), 8:25 p.m.

While his teammate Jeffery was forced out of last week’s game against the Bills with an injury, Marshall kept playing, and at a high level, despite suffering an ankle injury. However, his practice time has been limited this week, as the ankle continues to cause him some discomfort, and Marshall plans to test the injury before the game to see if he is able to play. Marshall has only missed five games over his eight-year career, so it would not be a surprise to see him on the field. But with the game taking place tonight, fantasy owners may be holding their breath through warmups.

Browns (0-1) vs. Saints (1-0), 1 p.m.

Cameron aggravated a sprain of the AC joint in his right shoulder in last week’s loss to the Steelers and has been listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against New Orleans, although early signs indicate he may sit this one out. A sprain technically involves tearing of the fibers holding the shoulder joint in place, with the degree of the tear resulting in a grade from 1 (least severe) to 3 (most severe). Regardless of the grade, shoulder sprains can usually be treated without surgery, with pain management being the biggest concern. If Cameron can’t play today, the Browns will turn to Gary Barnidge and Jim Dray at tight end.