Key injuries going into 2016 NFL season

Amendola underwent ankle and knee surgeries during the offseason, and at this point he's considered questionable for Week 1. The Patriots can use all the help they can get early in the season with Tom Brady suspended for four games.

Anderson tore his ACL last November. In nine games for the Colts, he had 31 tackles and one sack. He's questionable for the start of the season.

Bell started for the Titans last season but is expected to miss all of 2016 after dislocating his left ankle in OTAs.

Carrier tore his ACL late last season and looks questionable for the start of the year. He was expected to battle for a roster spot as a backup tight end for Washington.

Dorsey suffered a torn ACL late last season and is questionable for the beginning of 2016. He played only 10 games in 2015.

Eifert's durability has been frustrating, and his injury issues continue following ankle surgery. The Bengals don't know if he will be available for the start of the year, which would be costly after he scored 13 touchdowns in 13 games last year.

A backup to Jason Witten over the last three seasons, Escobar tore his Achilles in Week 15 last season and is questionable for Week 1.

Galette's career is at a crossroads after suffering a torn Achilles for the second straight year. He had 22 combined sacks in 2013-14 with the Saints.

Geathers was a regular contributor in his rookie season and was expected to compete for the strong safety job this year. He's iffy for the start of the year due to a broken foot.

The Seahawks have spoken positively on Graham's availability to start the season, though his status shouldn't be taken for granted following a torn petellar tendon. The injury historically has been difficult for players to return from at full strength. The former Pro Bowler had 605 receiving yards and two touchdowns in 11 games last season.

Houston had surgery following last season on his ACL, and he's expected to miss the start of the season. His return week remains to be seen, but the Chiefs will anxiously await his arrival as one of the elite pass rushers in football.

Miami's second-round pick suffered a knee injury during minicamp that required surgery. The Dolphins are hopeful that he will be ready to return during training camp.

Kikaha is expected to miss all of 2016 after suffering a torn ACL. It's a costly injury for the Saints after he recorded 52 tackles and four sacks in his rookie season.

The Bills selected Lawson 19th overall in the draft, but he could miss most, if not all, of 2016 with a shoulder injury. It's a tough break for the former Clemson star.

Mathieu is attempting to return from his second torn ACL. He's a key part of the Arizona defense and enters training camp questionable for the beginning of the season.

Nelson had a clean bill of health this offseason after missing all of 2015 with a torn ACL, but he's now dealing with tendinitis in his surgically repaired left knee. The Packers still hope he will participate in the preseason.

Pettigrew played only eight games in 2015 due to a torn ACL. His status for the start of the season is favorable but certainly not guaranteed.

Redmond tore his ACL in his last season at Mississippi State, but that didn't stop the 49ers from drafting him in the third round. They're hoping to have him back early this season.

Smith had a limited impact in his rookie season and saw it end due to a torn ACL. The former second-round pick is questionable for the start of the season.

A top first-round talent before suffering a gruesome knee injury in Notre Dame's bowl game, Smith went 34th overall to the Cowboys. It's unlikely that he will contribute this season.

Suggs suffered a torn Achilles in the first game of 2015 and is questionable for the start of this season. The Ravens would welcome back their veteran pass rusher, who had 12 sacks in 2014.

Watkins' status for the start of the season has seemed shaky at times following foot surgery. He remains optimistic that he will be ready for the start of the season.

Watt had back surgery in mid-July and is very questionable for the start of the season. Houston can ill-afford to be without Watt, who has recorded at least 17.5 sacks in three of the last four seasons.

Williams' status is uncertain after multiple ankle surgeries. He had 65 tackles and one sack as San Francisco's nose tackle last season.

Wilson underwent surgery for a fractured left foot following minicamp and is set to miss the start of the season. His loss hurts Chicago's receiver depth after he had 464 receiving yards in 11 games during 2015.