NFL: Top 5 One-and-Done Injuries

There has only been one week of NFL football, yet there have already been a multitude of injuries around the league. With that being said, here is my list of the Top 5 Week 1 season-ending injuries over the past decade.

5. WR Javon Walker, Green Bay Packers, 2005: The Packers wide receiver created a nice-looking tandem with Brett Favre before going down in the season opener four years ago. Walker’s injury came on a 55-yard touchdown reception that was negated by an offensive pass interference penalty. The loss of Walker would foreshadow a miserable 4-12 season for the Packers, resulting in Favre’s worst statistical season.

4. QB Vinny Testaverde, New York Jets, 1999: Jets fans were expecting another Super Bowl run after Testaverde had led them to the AFC title game the previous season. Less than ten minutes into the opening game however, the veteran signal caller suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon trying to recover a fumble by running back Curtis Martin. The injury seemed to cause a propensity for picks, as Vinny would throw 76 interceptions over his final seven seasons in the league.

3. LB Brian Urlacher, Chicago Bears, 2009: In the most recent example, Urlacher was ready to lead Chicago’s impenetrable defense to another outstanding season, but his plans shifted towards rehabbing his body following the team’s Week 1 loss to the Packers on Sunday night, as he suffered a dislocated wrist. Not to throw in the towel after only a week of play, but it might be time to drop the Bears defense from your fantasy football team, as they will be without a six-time pro bowler and the 2005 Defensive Player of the Year.

2. WR Steve Smith, Carolina Panthers, 2004: Coming off a breakout season in 2003, Smith hoped to establish himself as a bona fide NFL star. After making a catch late in the fourth quarter catch however, he rolled his ankle while being tackled. He is exemplary of a comeback player, as he had an MVP worthy season with Carolina the following year, scoring a league leading 12 touchdowns to go along with 1,563 receiving yards.

1. QB Tom Brady, New England Patriots, 2008: One shot from Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Bernard Pollard was all it took for the Pats to lose their starter and two-time Super Bowl MVP for the entire season. New England would go a surprising 11-5 in the regular season, but fail to make the playoffs in a competitive AFC East.