NFL Week 2 Insider Buzz: Quarterback Injuries and Rookie Debuts

The Vikings may start Carson Wentz if Kyler Murray remains in concussion protocol, while Sam Darnold is expected to miss Week 2 for Seattle.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray must clear concussion protocol to start in Week 2 following a hit that induced a fencing position during a Week 1 loss. If Murray is unavailable, Carson Wentz is expected to start over J.J. McCarthy, who served as the emergency third quarterback on Sunday. Wentz enters the week coming off a performance against Green Bay, while the Vikings' upcoming opponent, Chicago, surrendered 361 passing yards to Bryce Young in the opener.

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold will miss Week 2 and potentially Week 3, though the team has not placed him on short-term injured reserve. Drew Lock is slated to start in his absence. In Atlanta, Michael Penix Jr. continues to recover from a November ACL surgery, leaving his status for live game action uncertain. Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is dealing with an oblique strain, potentially leading to another start for Cooper Rush. Atlanta faces a short turnaround with a Thursday night game scheduled for Week 3.

Several rookies delivered notable Week 1 performances. Jets edge rusher David Bailey recorded four tackles, six pressures, and one sack in 34 snaps against Tennessee. Buccaneers linebacker Josiah Trotter logged a sack and a pick-six, while Dolphins receiver Caleb Douglas caught five passes for 94 yards. In Carolina, Jalen Coker finished his debut with over 33 fantasy points but is currently nursing an ankle sprain.

The Los Angeles Rams enter Week 2 without Myles Garrett, who is expected to miss at least one month. The Rams offense scored seven points in an opening loss to the 49ers. Meanwhile, the Chargers are monitoring wide receiver Ladd McConkey, who is day-to-day with a rib injury after the team's offense struggled following his exit against Arizona.