The NFL’s highly anticipated return brings excitement across the country, but several marquee matchups will be missing their star power. From All-Pro receivers to franchise cornerstones, key players across multiple positions will be watching from the sidelines as their teams navigate crucial season openers. These absences could reshape early storylines and force coaching staffs to reveal their depth charts sooner than expected.
Which Star Players Will Miss the Season’s Opening Week?
Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers will have to wait for Brandon Aiyuk to recover from his severe ACL and MCL tears. San Francisco placed him on the PUP list, meaning he’ll miss at least the first four games. While he’s technically eligible to return as early as Week 5, he might not see action until Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 49ers will feel his absence particularly hard, especially since other wide receivers are also battling injuries following the loss of Deebo Samuel.
#49ers Brandon Aiyuk looks good running routes today 👀
via @TracyFGSN pic.twitter.com/Z7VoDNP8FV
— 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙎𝙁𝙉𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙨 (@TheSFNiners) August 16, 2025
Christian Kirk, Houston Texans
Christian Kirk’s debut with the Houston Texans will have to wait. A strained hamstring will keep him out of the opener against the Los Angeles Rams, and Houston is taking a cautious approach to his recovery. With Kirk sidelined, Nico Collins must step up in a passing game that already faces early-season adjustments.
Texans WR Christian Kirk has a strained hamstring that is expected to sideline him for at least Sunday’s opener vs. the Rams and possibly longer, per sources. One source estimated it to be a two-week injury for Kirk, but the Texans will be “cautious” with him. pic.twitter.com/2nkyFGUhI8
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 4, 2025
Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Chris Godwin won’t take the field in the first month due to a serious ankle injury he suffered in 2024. The Buccaneers are being cautious and anticipate that he will miss time even after being activated off the PUP list. Tampa Bay is prioritizing Godwin’s long-term health over rushing him back for the early games.
Christian Gonzalez, New England Patriots
New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez won’t suit up in Week 1 against the Las Vegas Raiders due to a hamstring injury from training camp. Head coach Mike Vrabel stressed that Gonzalez will return only when he feels confident and safe on the field, leaving his Week 2 availability uncertain.
How Will Running Backs and Tight Ends Fill the Void?
Joe Mixon, Houston Texans
Joe Mixon will miss the season’s first four games with a lingering foot/ankle injury. The Texans placed him on the reserve/NFI list after he couldn’t participate in offseason or training camp activities. Nick Chubb and Houston’s other backs must shoulder the load early in the season.
Isaiah Likely, Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely will miss Week 1 while recovering from a small foot fracture that required surgery in July. He’s been seen doing light running, but the Ravens are being cautious, leaving Mark Andrews and Charlie Kolar to handle the tight end duties against the Buffalo Bills.
Ravens TE Isaiah Likely (foot) out for Week 1 vs. Bills. pic.twitter.com/6Z1MWeuGrC
— NFL (@NFL) September 5, 2025
Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans
Tyjae Spears suffered a high-ankle sprain during the Tennessee Titans’ preseason opener and will miss at least the first four games after being placed on injured reserve. Tony Pollard and Tennessee’s other running backs will need to fill the gap in the backfield.
Darren Waller, Miami Dolphins
Darren Waller is sidelined for Week 1 with a hip strain, suffering a setback just before the opener against the Indianapolis Colts. After coming out of retirement and spending most of training camp on the PUP list, Waller’s season start is delayed, leaving the Miami Dolphins to rely on backup tight ends early in the season.
Meanwhile, other key players round out the injury list. Chase Young is out with a calf injury that caught the New Orleans Saints off guard. Head coach Kellen Moore described it as “week-to-week,” so while Sunday is ruled out, Young’s availability for Week 2 will depend on how he responds to treatment and practice.
Tampa Bay faces additional challenges with Tristan Wirfs still working his way back from a recurring right knee issue that required surgery in July. Even though the Buccaneers activated him off the PUP list, he won’t play in the opener while continuing his recovery. The team will need to adjust its offensive line protection early in the season.
