NFL Week 1 puts injury management and coaching transitions in focus
Baltimore lost two receivers to injuries, while Minnesota’s Kyler Murray was ruled out with a concussion as new head coaches recorded opening wins.
NFL Week 1 brought early scrutiny of player availability and new coaching regimes, with Baltimore Ravens receivers Ja’Kobi Lane and Zay Flowers leaving their team’s 41–23 win over Indianapolis with injuries.
Flowers, who had missed two weeks of practice with a hamstring problem, was ruled out after catching five passes for 150 yards and a touchdown. Lane, a third-round pick from USC making his NFL debut, left with a right wrist injury after recording one reception for 11 yards. A touchdown catch was negated by a penalty.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray was also ruled out after suffering a concussion against Green Bay. The injury occurred after a head-first play and contact from Packers defenders. Carson Wentz replaced Murray, having started five games last season while J.J. McCarthy was injured.
The Jacksonville Jaguars defeated the Cleveland Browns 34–10, with Cleveland’s first touchdown coming in the final two minutes. Browns coach Todd Monken said the team would assess its performance after the defeat, including its coaching and playing standards.
The New York Jets opened the season with a 24–10 win over the Tennessee Titans. Baltimore coach Jesse Minter and Buffalo coach Joe Brady also recorded their first victories as NFL head coaches.
