NFL Week 2 Recap: Big Wins and Big Injuries

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Week 2 Overview

Week 2 of the NFL season delivered drama across the board, from late-game comebacks to statement wins. But it was also a weekend defined by injuries, with several star players sidelined in games that could shape the playoff picture.

Game Highlights

49ers 27, Seahawks 21
San Francisco remained perfect with a balanced attack from Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey. Seattle’s late push fell short.
Cowboys 31, Giants 14
Dak Prescott threw three touchdown passes as Dallas dominated the NFC East showdown. The Giants’ offensive line woes continued.
Chiefs 34, Raiders 20
Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce connected for two scores, while the Kansas City defense forced three turnovers.
Dolphins 30, Jets 28
Miami pulled out a thriller behind Tua Tagovailoa’s 350 yards passing. A missed Jets field goal sealed the result.
Ravens 23, Steelers 17
Baltimore leaned on its defense and ground game to outlast Pittsburgh in a hard-fought AFC North battle.

Key Injuries from Week 2

Joe Burrow — Cincinnati Bengals (QB)

Injury: Turf toe with ligament damage
Timeline: At least 3 months (surgery required)
Impact: Bengals lose their franchise leader. Backup Jake Browning now has the reins.

Austin Ekeler — Washington Commanders (RB)

Injury: Torn Achilles
Timeline: Season-ending
Impact: Washington loses a dual-threat back who was central to its offensive game plan.

Ahkello Witherspoon — Los Angeles Rams (CB)

Injury: Broken clavicle
Timeline: At least 4 weeks, potentially longer
Impact: Rams’ secondary takes a major hit in an NFC that thrives on the passing game.

Cooper Beebe — Dallas Cowboys (C)

Injury: High-ankle sprain
Timeline: 6–8 weeks
Impact: A significant blow to Dallas’s offensive line depth and pass protection.

Jaylon Johnson — Chicago Bears (CB)

Injury: Groin injury (season-ending)
Impact: The Bears lose their most consistent defensive back.

Kyle Van Noy — Baltimore Ravens (Edge)

Injury: Hamstring strain
Timeline: Multiple games
Impact: Baltimore’s pass rush rotation will be tested without the veteran presence.

Top Stats from Week 2

Ja’Marr Chase racked up 14 receptions for 165 yards and a touchdown—even after Joe Burrow’s injury. That performance tied him with Jerry Rice, Isaac Bruce, Terrell Owens, and Tyreek Hill for the second-most games (besides Julio Jones) in NFL history with at least 10 catches, 160+ yards & a score in a career.
Lamar Jackson threw 4 touchdown passes and no interceptions in Baltimore’s 41-17 win over Cleveland. That game gave him his 11th career outing with that stat line—putting him alone at the top in that category (among QBs under 30, per the FOX stats breakdown).
Baker Mayfield crossed 25,000 career passing yards and moved up in the franchise record books with his touchdowns. In the Bucs’ tight win over Houston, he led a late drive and also hit key milestones.
Amon-Ra St. Brown had a monster game: 9 catches, 115 yards, and 3 touchdowns. His performance was the driving force behind Detroit’s big win over the Bears.
Rookie guard Dylan Fairchild delivered a breakout Week 2 effort: no pressures allowed while pass blocking, leading to a high PFF grade. Big moment for him and for the Bengals’ offense, given Burrow is out.

What It Means Moving Forward

Playoff picture shifts: The Bengals and Commanders, both hopefuls, now face uphill battles.
Depth tested: Teams with strong second units will be better prepared to withstand the losses.
Season outlooks change: For contenders like Dallas and Baltimore, it’s about surviving injuries without slipping in the standings.

Week 3 is already looming, and the question across the league is simple: who can stay healthy enough to compete?