NFL Week 1 Injury Buzz: Texans’ Kirk Out, Browns’ Garrett Ailing, Chargers Shuffle RBs & Eagles Pursue Parsons

Browns Monitor Myles Garrett’s Hip Injury

Cleveland’s defense also monitors a star’s status. Myles Garrett missed Thursday’s practice with a hip injury, putting his availability for the Sept. 7 home game versus Cincinnati (1 p.m. ET) in doubt. Garrett is a four-time All-Pro and the centerpiece of the Browns’ pass rush.

Chargers Hand RB1 Role to Rookie Omarion Hampton

In Los Angeles, the Chargers are making an early backfield change. Rookie Omarion Hampton, the No. 22 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft out of North Carolina, will start at running back Friday night against the Chiefs. 

Free-agent signee Najee Harris returns as RB2 after recovering from an eye injury in a July 4 fireworks accident. Harris, a former first-rounder, averaged 1,078 rushing yards and seven TDs per season (2021-24) with Pittsburgh before signing a one-year deal in March.

Jets Lose Alijah Vera-Tucker for the Season

The Jets absorbed another blow up front. Head coach Aaron Glenn announced Sept. 4 that guard Alijah Vera-Tucker tore his triceps and will miss the 2025 season. 

Vera-Tucker ranked 15th among guards with a 77.7 overall grade in 2024 (PFF) but has endured repeated setbacks: 10 games missed in 2022 (triceps), 12 in 2023 (Achilles), and two in 2024 (ankle).

Eagles’ Pursuit of Micah Parsons Ends in Green Bay

Philadelphia’s offseason pursuit of Micah Parsons also surfaced this week. ESPN reported Sept. 4 that the Eagles tried to acquire Parsons from Dallas, but the Cowboys refused to deal him within the NFC East. Instead, Dallas shipped the two-time All-Pro to Green Bay for defensive tackle Kenny Clark and two future first-rounders. 

Parsons immediately signed a four-year, $186 million extension with the Packers, becoming the highest-paid non-QB in league history at $46.5 million annually. The defending Super Bowl champion Eagles host the Cowboys Thursday night after sweeping them 75-13 last season.

Other Key Contract and Depth Chart Moves

San Francisco locked in depth at wide receiver just before kickoff weekend. Jauan Jennings agreed to a deal that adds $3 million in play-time incentives for a possible $10.5 million payout this season (ESPN, Sept. 4).

Dallas, meanwhile, is getting healthier for the prime-time opener. Cornerback Trevon Diggs and left tackle Tyler Guyton (both knee) practiced fully on Sept. 3.

Tampa Bay secured its right tackle for the long term. Luke Goedeke signed a four-year, $90 million extension with $50 million guaranteed (Sept. 4). He allowed just three sacks in 2024 and ranked 30th of 140 tackles (PFF).

In New York, rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart moved up the depth chart. The No. 25 pick from Ole Miss is now the Giants’ No. 2 behind Russell Wilson, ahead of veteran Jameis Winston.

Quarterback and Injury Updates Across the League

The Rams expect quarterback Matthew Stafford to start Week 1 despite an aggravated disk in his back that limited his summer work. Stafford threw for 3,762 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2024.

Newly minted Packers edge rusher Micah Parsons is practicing through an L4/L5 facet-joint sprain, per ESPN (Sept. 4). He could receive an epidural injection to play Sunday against Detroit.

Miami’s offense is trending upward. Head coach Mike McDaniel said Sept. 4 that RB De’Von Achane, WR Tyreek Hill and TE Darren Waller are on track for Week 1. Achane produced 907 rushing yards, 582 receiving yards and 12 total touchdowns in 2024. 

Jaylen Wright is doubtful and Alexander Mattison is on IR with a season-ending neck injury, leaving rookie Ollie Gordon II as the only fully healthy back.

Steelers Lock Up Jaylen Warren

Finally, the Steelers secured running back depth. Jaylen Warren agreed to a two-year extension that pushes his deal to three years, $17.25 million with $12 million guaranteed. Warren has yet to start a game but owns 1,674 rushing yards and 894 receiving yards over three seasons in Pittsburgh.