NFL Week 1 News and Notes
News 9/12/22
Wednesday, Sept. 7
James Robinson is Back
Jacksonville Jaguars running back James Robinson is reportedly back to "100%" after suffering an Achilles injury that ended his 2021 season. Robinson will join Travis Etienne Jr. to presumably form one of the league's most dynamic running duos. After going undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft, Robinson exploded onto the scene in his first season—setting the undrafted rookie record for scrimmage yards (1,414). The Jaguars and new coach Doug Pederson will take on the Commanders in Week 1 on the road.
Van Jefferson Out
The Los Angeles Rams’ wide receiver Van Jefferson has officially been ruled out for Thursday’s season-opener against the Buffalo Bills. Jefferson is recovering from knee surgery.
Kittle Misses Practice With Groin Injury
The San Francisco 49ers’ tight end George Kittle suffered a groin injury during practice on Monday. Kittle is not practicing today, and it is unclear if he will play in the season-opener against the Chicago Bears.
J.J. Watt Day-to-Day With a Calf Injury
The Arizona Cardinals could be without J.J. Watt for their Week 1 matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs. Watt is considered day-to-day after suffering a calf injury, Kliff Kingsbury told NFL Media. Watt missed the last ten games of the 2021 season due to an injury suffered in a Week 7 matchup against his former team, the Houston Texans. The three-time Defensive Player of the Year signed a two-year deal with the Cardinals following the 2021 season. He spent the first ten years of his career with Houston, setting the franchise's record for sacks as a Houston Texan (101).
New York Jets Plan to Start Joe Flacco Week 1
The New York Jets announced on Wednesday that Joe Flacco would be the starting quarterback Week 1, according to NFL Media. Zach Wilson, the team’s first-round draft pick in 2021, is still working his way back from a knee injury suffered during the preseason. The Jets are looking to continue building under new general manager Joe Douglas and coach Robert Salah. Jets fans and management alike will be eager to get their young QB back under center. The Jets do not plan on bringing Wilson back until, at the earliest, Week 4 when they take on the Pittsburgh Steelers. Robert Salah told reporters they want Wilson "110%" before he returns to action. Some of our experts love the Jets’ plan of sticking with Flacco until Wilson is ready.
Colt McCoy Placed on Injured Reserve
The Arizona Cardinals placed backup quarterback Colt McCoy on injured reserve Wednesday, according to ESPN. The move ensures the veteran QB will miss at least the first 4 games of the regular season. Instead, Arizona will turn to Trace McSorley—a sixth-round pick in 2018—to back up star quarterback Kyler Murray.
Buffalo Bills and Tight End Dawson Knox Agree to Extension
The Buffalo Bills signed tight end Dawson Knox to a four-year contract extension on Wednesday, according to ESPN. The deal will be worth $53.6 million, with over $31 million guaranteed. Knox had a breakout 2021 season, tallying 49 catches for 587 yards receiving and 9 touchdowns. The former third-round pick is slated to be one of the primary weapons for quarterback Josh Allen and this highly regarded Bills offense.
Knox told reporters, “I love the people in Buffalo. Hopefully, I’ll be here a long time.” The deal is expected to make Knox one of the highest-paid tight ends in the NFL.
Emmanuel Sanders Announces Retirement
Emmanuel Sanders—a two-time Pro Bowl selection and Super Bowl champion—announced his retirement from the NFL on Wednesday, according to ESPN. Sanders was originally a third-round draft pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He went on to play for four other teams: the Denver Broncos, San Francisco 49ers, New Orleans Saints, and the Buffalo Bills. The receiver will likely be remembered best for his time in Denver, where he helped the Broncos win Super Bowl 50 after an outstanding regular season in which he had 101 catches for 1404 yards receiving and 9 touchdowns. Sanders is planning to retire as a Bronco, bringing an end to his 12-year playing career.
Chargers Star J.C. Jackson will not play Week 1
J.C. Jackson will sit out Week 1 of the NFL season, according to NFL Media. Jackson went undrafted coming out of the University of Maryland in 2018 but found success with New England Patriots. He was named a second-team All-Pro following the 2021 NFL season. Jackson signed a five-year $82.5 million deal with the Chargers this offseason figuring to be a vital piece of a revamped defense.
Pittsburgh Steelers Restructure T.J. Watt’s Contract
The Pittsburgh Steelers on Wednesday created $6.75 in cap space by restructuring star edge rusher T.J. Watt’s contract, according to NFL Media. The former first-round pick out of the University of Wisconsin was named 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year following a season in which he tied the league’s record for sacks in a season with 22 ½ to go along with 21 tackles for a loss and 5 forced fumbles.