NFL Week 1 injury roundup: J.K. Dobbins, Diontae Johnson among big names hurt in 2023 openers

The 2023 NFL season kicked off in full on Sunday, and with the games came an unfortunate but unsurprising barrage of injuries. Several big-name starters on both sides of the ball were forced out of action in Week 1. Here’s a roundup of notable updates:

The Ravens‘ fourth-year running back appeared to suffer an ankle injury in the first half against the Texans, only to quickly be ruled out with a reported Achilles tear that will end his 2023 season. It’s just the latest in a long line of ailments for the former second-rounder, who had played just seven games the previous two seasons due to multiple knee injuries.

The Steelers‘ No. 1 receiver exited in the second half against the 49ers with a hamstring injury and was quickly ruled out. The fifth-year veteran, who just last year inked a $36 million extension, was leading Pittsburgh with three catches before leaving early. His absence didn’t help a sluggish Steelers offense that trailed by 20 in the third.

The Steelers’ second-year tight end caught Kenny Pickett’s first touchdown pass of the season, a 23-yard strike, but also took a hard shot to the chest on an end-zone target. He left the field later and was ruled questionable to return.

The two-time All-Pro Browns tackle was carted off against the Bengals after his left leg buckled upon contact in the second quarter. He was ruled out soon afterward, replaced by rookie Dawand Jones on the right side.

The six-time Steelers Pro Bowler, a mainstay on Pittsburgh’s defensive front, was initially ruled questionable to return with a groin injury suffered in the first half against the 49ers. He later returned to the field for a few snaps before a final exit to the locker room, where the team ruled him out alongside wideout Diontae Johnson.

The Panthers‘ No. 1 cornerback went down with a hamstring injury in the second quarter against the Falcons and was quickly ruled out. The former No. 8 overall draft pick is considered one of the game’s top young cover men, but he’s now battled multiple injuries in his young career, missing all but three games in 2021 with a fractured foot and also enduring ankle and foot issues this summer.