AFC North Injury Report: Week 1
You can feel the rumble in the air and the excitement flooding into towns across the nation. Everyone is gearing up for another great season of football. The AFC North is one division that is a force to be reckoned with. Every team can have the perfect set up, but unfortunately one thing can throw them off course: injuries. Let’s take a look at what the AFC North is dealing with going into the season.
The Baltimore Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals go head to head in their first game of the season. The Ravens have had a promising preseason, but there are still some injuries that they will have to watch closely. Running back, Bernard Pierce is probable with a concussion. Pierce will be starting for running back, Ray Rice, who is on a two game suspension. Cornerback, Lardarius Webb is questionable with a back injury. Webb missed all of the preseason with a back injury that happened during training camp.
As for the Bengals, wide receiver, Marvin Jones has been ruled out with a broken foot. Linebacker, Sean Porter and wide receiver, James Wright are both doubtful to play in game one. Wright suffered a concussion and Porter a hamstring injury. Neither player participated in any practices this week. Linebacker, Vontaze Burfict is listed as probable with a hamstring injury and cornerback, Darqueze Dennard is questionable with a hip injury.
The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns also are getting ready for their first game of the season. Although neither team has had a great start during the preseason, fans are hoping that the regular season will show what each team really has to bring to the table. For the Steelers, cornerback, Brice McCain and wide receiver, Lance Moore are both out with groin injuries. Wide receiver, Martavis Bryant is doubtful with a shoulder injury. Probable for this week include: tight end, Matt Spaeth with a hamstring injury, linebacker, Sean Spence and long snapper, Greg Warren with knee injuries.
The Cleveland Browns also have some injuries to report this week. Offensive lineman, Paul McQuistan is definitely out with an ankle injury. Also, defensive lineman, John Hughes is out after suffering a hamstring injury. Browns’ defensive end, Desmond Bryant is doubtful coming off of a wrist injury. A lot of the Browns players are listed as probable for this week. The Cornerbacks list include: Joe Haden with a foot injury, Pierre Desir with a knee injury and Buster Skrine with a thumb injury. Also, safety, Jim Leonhard is still dealing with his knee, linebacker, Eric Martin with a concussion and long snapper, Christian Yount with a shoulder injury.
Let’s hope the AFC North can keep the injuries to a minimum, but passes to an all-time high. I don’t know about you, but I am ready for kickoff!
