Week 1 of the preseason is underway and the 2023 season opener is now just 27 days away.
As kickoff draws closer, plenty of NFL stars are still on the injury report. However, there were positive updates this week for banged-up players around the league. With the heart of fantasy football draft season approaching, it’s important to stay up to date on all the latest injury news.
Read up on the status of Joe Burrow, Jonathan Taylor, Cooper Kupp, Jaylen Waddle and more.
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-- Quarterbacks --
Joe Burrow, Bengals
Cincinnati’s signal-caller was back at practice this week for the first time since he strained his calf July 27. Burrow was seen in street clothes at the Bengals-Packers joint practice Thursday — there’s currently no timeline for his return. Cincinnati's season opener at Cleveland on Sep. 10 is now less than a month away.
-- Running Backs --
Jonathan Taylor, Colts
Taylor left training camp Tuesday to rehab his injured ankle away from the team amid his standoff with ownership following his July 29 trade request. The 2021 rushing leader sought a contract extension from the club and with the two parties not near a deal, he asked out. Taylor remains on the PUP list with Indianapolis set to begin the preseason Saturday.
Walker, who hasn’t practiced since the first day of camp due to a groin injury, has progressed to running at full speed in a straight line. Head coach Pete Carroll previously said the injury to the second-year back is not serious. Rookie Zach Charbonnet made his preseason debut Thursday and gained 28 yards on six touches.
Sanders tweaked his groin in Wednesday’s practice, according to head coach Frank Reich. He’s expected to be held out of Saturday’s preseason game, though the rest of Carolina’s starters are slated to play.
Isiah Pacheco, Chiefs
Pacheco is expected to be available for Kansas City’s Sep. 7 season opener, per general manager Brett Veach. He’s yet to be cleared for contact after undergoing offseason surgeries on his hand and shoulder. Pacheco, who led the team in rushing as a rookie, has been a limited participant so far in camp.
Williams, who tore his ACL in Week 4 last season, is “100% right now,” according to head coach Sean Payton. The third-year back is expected to play in Week 2 of the preseason.
Head coach John Harbaugh said earlier this week he expects Dobbins back at practice “very soon.” Baltimore’s fourth-year back remains on the PUP list while he recovers from a knee injury. Dobbins has previously expressed frustration about his contract situation as he heads into the final year of his rookie deal.
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-- Wide Receivers --
Cooper Kupp, Rams
Kupp, who is day-to-day with a hamstring injury, was seen working out at practice earlier this week with the strength and conditioning staff.
Waddle left Wednesday’s practice early and walked to the locker room under his own power. Little has been revealed about the nature of his injury so far but it appeared to be on the right side of his body, apparently his midsection, according to reports.
Wilson returned to practice Thursday, nearly two weeks after he suffered a low ankle sprain. He missed the Hall of Fame Game last week and his status for the rest of the preseason is currently unknown.
Kadarius Toney, Chiefs
Toney is expected to return for the Sep. 7 season opener, according to Veach. He tore his meniscus at Kansas City’s first training camp practice and subsequently had surgery to clean up his knee. Toney was traded to the Chiefs midseason in 2022 and appeared in seven regular-season games.
-- Tight Ends --
Kittle is reportedly expected to be sidelined for a week with an adductor injury. The news about the Pro Bowler came out days before San Francisco’s preseason opener.
