Week 1 Injury Report Analysis

Jets:

Dustin Keller (Hamstring, Did not practice)-Keller has been Mark Sanchez’s most consistent target in the past three years, and it would be a blow to the Jets’ offense if he can’t play. Last year in two games against Buffalo he made eight catches for 125 yards and two touchdowns. Post-practice he told reporters that he expects to play on Sunday.

Joe McKnight (Hamstring, Limited practice) – McKnight was limited in practice but expects to play Sunday. Despite losing out on the third down back job to Bilal Powell, McKnight is the most explosive player in the Jets backfield and as the AFC’s leading kick returner last season he will again play a major role on special teams.

Brandon Moore (Hip, Limited practice) – Moore was limited in practice but expects to play. The Jets offensive line is a question mark as it is, and if Moore does not play Buffalo’s defensive line will be able to wreak havoc on the right side.

Sione Pouha (Back, Limited practice) – Pouha practiced during individual drills but it is still unsure if he will play. Because of the Bills spread attack it is likely that the Jets will be in nickel and dime packages, which Pouha does not typically play in. Still, he is a cog on the defensive line and having him in there to slow down Fred Jackson and CJ Spiller would be preferable for the Jets.

Brian Thomas (Unknown, Limited practice) – Thomas was limited in practice but there is no update as to what type of injury he is suffering from. He could be resting his Achilles which he tore last season in an effort to be fresh heading into week one.

Mike Devito (Calf, Limited practice)-Devito looked good in practice and is expected to play Sunday. Like Pouha, the Bills offensive scheme means he won’t be on the field as much as other games but it is necessary to have depth to spell the younger linemen.

Eric Smith (Did not practice) – Smith is questionable for Sunday, leaving the Jets with a lack of depth behind Yeremiah Bell and LaRon Landry for week one if he doesn’t play. Josh Bush will likely take some snaps in his absence.

LaRon Landry, Santonio Holmes and Chaz Schilens all practiced fully without setbacks and should be able to play Sunday.

Bills:

Stevie Johnson (Groin, Limited practice) – The Bills only had four players on the injury report, the only notable being Johnson. Despite being limited in practice, Johnson is the Bills top receiver and has already made it clear he is excited to face Darrelle Revis on Sunday. If for some reason he doesn’t play, it will allow Revis to match up on Donald Jones or David Nelson and Cromartie on the other, causing trouble for Ryan Fitzpatrick.