NFL Week 2 injury panic meter: Joe Burrow a major reason for concern in Cincinnati, Justin Fields uncertain

Injuries are a constant presence in the NFL, and through two weeks, there’s already been a sizable collection of stars that have paid a visit to the blue medical tent. In Week 2, the seismic injury was found in Cincinnati, where star quarterback Joe Burrow exited the Bengals contest with the Jacksonville Jaguars due to a toe injury, which now has him sidelined indefinitely. On top of Burrow, the likes of Justin Fields, Aaron Jones Sr., Jaylon Johnson, and Patrick Surtain II were among the notable names to also come out of Week 2 dinged up. 

Below, we’re going to roll through the key injuries that occurred during Week 2 and break out our panic meter to determine how concerned folks should be when it comes to these specific ailments. 

Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow 

Panic level: High🚨🚨🚨

Burrow went down in the second quarter of Cincinnati’s Week 2 matchup with the Jaguars after being sacked by Arik Armstead. The Bengals quarterback hobbled to the locker room, was eventually ruled out, and it’s since been revealed that Burrow is dealing with turf toe. The injury requires surgery and is expected to sideline him for at least three months. Despite being 2-0 to start the year, this dramatically lowers the ceiling for Cincinnati in 2025, with Jake Browning set to take over as the starter. 

Panic level: Medium🚨🚨

The Jets quarterback is currently in concussion protocol after being sacked by Buffalo pass rusher Joey Bosa during Sunday’s 30-10 defeat. Fields suffered the injury in the fourth quarter and did not return to the game, leaving Tyrod Taylor to finish out the contest under center. Fields will need to clear protocol before New York heads down to Tampa to face the Buccaneers in Week 3 next Sunday, and that’s always a tricky endeavor, particularly in terms of playing the following week. 

Panic level: High🚨🚨🚨

Chicago’s Pro Bowl corner had missed all of training camp, the preseason, and the Bears Week 1 opener due to a groin injury, but was able to make his debut in Week 2 against Detroit. However, Johnson went down in the second quarter with another groin injury while trying to break up a pass. That injury is now reportedly set to sideline him indefinitely, and the team is still evaluating whether or not surgery is necessary, according to ESPN.  

Panic level: Medium🚨🚨

Head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters postgame that outside linebacker Alex Highsmith suffered a high ankle sprain during Pittsburgh’s Week 2 loss to the Seahawks.Highsmith initially appeared on the Steelers injury report with an ankle injury during last Friday’s practice and seemingly aggravated it during the game. While this injury is expected to sideline him, NFL Media reports that he is not likely to land on injured reserve, meaning the team views this injury as less than a four-game absence. Still, losing a high-impact player like this isn’t ideal for a Pittsburgh defense that has given up 30-plus points in each of the last two weeks. 

Panic level: Medium 🚨🚨

Johnson suffered an ankle injury in the second quarter of Sunday’s loss to Buffalo and did not return. While it’s still unclear as to the severity of the injury, Johnson did post on X on Monday saying, “Thank God… y’all have no idea lol.” That would appear to indicate that he avoided a serious injury, but it’s still worth monitoring until official word comes in. 

Panic level: High 🚨🚨🚨

This injury comes in the Week 2 opener on Thursday night. Ekeler was carted off the field during the fourth quarter of Washington’s loss to Green Bay, and the worst fears have been realized. The veteran back suffered a torn Achilles tendon that will end his season. 

Panic level: Medium 🚨🚨

Atlanta’s starting corner exited Monday’s win over the Vikings in the first half after suffering a hamstring injury. The severity of Terrell’s injury remains unclear, but soft tissue injuries always seem to vary on a case-by-case basis, so there should be a medium level of concern until more information comes in. 

Panic level: High🚨🚨🚨

The Cowboys starting center is expected to miss six to eight weeks with a high ankle sprain, according to NFL Media. That will land Beebe on injured reserve in all likelihood, and set up Brock Hoffman to take over at center for the foreseeable future. 

Panic level: Low 🚨

Humprhey went into the locker room in the fourth quarter due to a groin injury. While more information is needed to get a full scope of the severity of the injury, Baltimore was wrapping up a 41-17 blowout over the Browns. It’s possible that Humprhey didn’t push the envelope to get back into the contest because the game was already in hand, but that’s purely speculation. 

Panic level: High🚨🚨🚨

Van Noy is bracing to potentially miss multiple games due to a hamstring injury he suffered on Sunday, according to ESPN. The veteran linebacker, who led the team with 12.5 sacks last year, went down with roughly 12 minutes to play in the second quarter. With Van Noy on the shelf, rookie linebacker Mike Green could see an uptick in snaps. 

Minnesota Vikings: Aaron Jones

Panic level: Medium 🚨🚨

Jones was initially listed as questionable to return after suffering a hamstring injury in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s loss to Atlanta and did not return to action. Head coach Kevin O’Connell told reporters postgame that Jones will be evaluated, and the severity is not yet known. If Jones misses time, that paves the way for more touches for Jordan Mason. 

Panic level: Low 🚨

Surtain needed assistance getting off the field after suffering a lower leg injury midway through the second quarter of Sunday’s loss to Indianapolis. However, the star corner was able to return to the field with his ankle heavily taped. While Surtain certainly wasn’t 100% upon his return, being able to get back on the field does give a more optimistic view of his status moving forward.