Ja’Marr Chase, Russell Wilson the biggest names but everyone has injury issues in the best division
The AFC North is already 0-1 in the 2024 NFL season thanks to the Baltimore Ravens losing to the Kansas City Chiefs to open the year. The Ravens were “toe” close to knocking off the defending Super Bowl champions but fell short.
The other three teams in the division will start their seasons today but, along with Baltimore coming out of Thursday Night Football, injuries continue to be a story. The AFC North was historically great last year and is projected to be again this year but injuries can stop everything.
Cleveland Browns fans know the issues at left tackle with Jedrick Wills out for Week 1 and Jack Conklin, set to start in place of Wills, questionable for the game. The Browns aren’t the only ones facing big injury concerns going into their first game, however.
The Cincinnati Bengals could be without star WR Ja’Marr Chase. Chase has been seeking a contract but, without one, could miss the game due to illness and trying to get back into shape after missing training camp. The Bengals will be without WR Tee Higgins, most likely, due to a hamstring issue making things very difficult for QB Joe Burrow.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to start Justin Fields at quarterback unless Russell Wilson surprises them before the game today:
The #Steelers are expected to examine QB Russell Wilson this morning to check out his calf, but as it stands now, it’s more likely Justin Fields starts vs the #Falcons than Wilson, per me and @MikeGarafolo.
The team is cautious with calf injuries. Wilson is questionable. pic.twitter.com/IrLE33syF6
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 8, 2024
Neither Wilson nor Fields looked good in the preseason.
Coming out of Thursday Night Football, the Ravens may have lost a key, versatile defender in Kyle Van Noy:
Ravens OLB Kyle Van Noy suffered a fractured orbital bone in Thursday’s loss to the Chiefs, according to a source with direct knowledge of the injury. He will undergo further testing to determine how much time he will miss.
— Steve Wyche (@wyche89) September 6, 2024
Injuries are a part of football but going into Week 1 with one team without their starting QB, another without their starting left tackle, another maybe missing their top two receivers and another missing a key component of their defense is not a great stat for the AFC North.
