Sunday of Week 2 was a particularly painful one for some of the biggest stars in the NFL, and one team, in particular, suffered worst of all.
The defending NFC champion San Francisco 49ers lost four starters to game-ending injuries during Sunday’s 31-13 win in New York against the Jets, with star pass rusher Nick Bosa suffering a season-ending torn ACL.
Bosa was carted off the field in the first quarter with an injury to his left knee. It occurred at the 6:45 mark as Bosa was tangled up while engaging with a blocker. Two plays later, defensive lineman Solomon Thomas also suffered a left knee injury and was carted off. Shanahan said he was hopeful that Thomas’ injury was not as severe as Bosa’s.
Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo was ruled out at halftime with a high ankle sprain and running back Raheem Mostert also was ruled out for the second half with a knee injury. Garoppolo is expected to miss at least a game while the 49ers believe Mostert suffered a mild sprain of the MCL and said he will undergo an MRI exam to determine the severity of the injury.
Rough day for running backs
—An MRI on Monday confirmed that New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley suffered a season-ending torn ACL during his team’s 17-13 loss to Chicago. The 2018 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year missed three games in 2019 with an ankle injury.
—Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey sustained what the team called a lower-leg injury while scoring a touchdown early in the fourth quarter of the Panther’s 31-17 loss to Tampa Bay. He will miss between 4-to-6 weeks.
QBs don’t escape the ugliness
—Denver quarterback Drew Lock left the Broncos’ loss to the Steelers in the first quarter after landing on his shoulder on a sack. He did not return and ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Lock suffered a sprained AC joint and is expected to miss at least two weeks and as many as six.
—Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Tyrod Taylor was a late scratch for his team’s home opener against Kansas City with a chest injury. According to reports, Taylor experienced chest pains during warmups and was taken to a hospital. Rookie first-round pick Justin Herbert started in Taylor’s place and nearly led the Chargers to an upset as the Chiefs won in overtime. After the game, Chargers coach Anthony Lynn said Taylor would start if he is healthy next week.
More injury news
—Green Bay Pro Bowl wide receiver Davante Adams injured his hamstring early in the second half of the Packers’ win over Detroit and did not return. … Giants receiver Sterling Shepard injured his toe against the Bears and did not return.
—Broncos receiver Courtland Sutton suffered a torn ACL. After missing Week 1 because of a shoulder injury, Sutton injured his knee and was also dealing with cramps. … Indianapolis receiver Parris Campbell was carted off with a PCL injury against Minnesota and will miss a significant period of time.
—Also in Indianapolis, safety Malik Hooker tore his ACL against the Vikings and will miss the remainder of the season. … On the other side of the ball, Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr injured his shoulder and did not return.
