The NFL season begins in one day, with a Super Bowl rematch. That said, the effects of the offseason loom large over the start of the regular season. In no bigger way is this seen than on the injury front.
Many rosters are dealing with injuries stemming from the offseason. Other players are dealing with ailments from the 2025 season. As a result, not every team is at 100 percent heading into the start of the 2026 campaign.
Some injuries are long-term, while others are not expected to last past the first game or so.
That said, here are the most impactful injuries that lingered into Week 1 of the NFL season, from least impactful to most.
The most impactful injuries that lingered into Week 1
10. George Kittle
The San Francisco 49ers begin its season in Australia with a date against the Los Angeles Rams. Why is that important information for an injury update on tight end George Kittle? The fact that Kittle made the trip over to Melbourne is, in and of itself, a massive update on his health.
More often than not, an injured player will be left at home for an international game. At the bare minimum, Kittle has a real chance to play on Thursday after tearing his Achilles in the 2025 playoffs. While there is no telling if the veteran tight end will be on a pitch count in his return to action, having him available would be a major boost for the 49ers.
9. Michael Penix Jr.
The Atlanta Falcons still have a massive question mark at the quarterback position. While Tua Tagovailoa is scheduled to start the season with the job, it might be due to Michael Penix Jr. not being healthy after tearing his ACL last season. While Atlanta has high hopes for the incumbent contender in the quarterback battle, there is no telling when he will be able to go this season.
It could be early. Penix could be pushed into action before he is ready if Tagovailoa struggles at the start of the season, as the division feels open for anyone to take it. As of right now, however, the Falcons are going into the season with the veteran quarterback as the starter.
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