Mac Jones suffers injury in season opener versus Miami Dolphins

New England Patriots starting quarterback Mac Jones was not available for interviews after the team’s loss to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. The team revealed that the former Alabama star suffered a back injury during the game, however, they did not detail the severity of the injury.

In the 20-7 loss, Jones completed 21 of 30 passes for 213 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He also rushed twice for no gain and lost a fumble. Although he took several big hits in the game, including two sacks for a loss of 20 yards, Jones managed to play through the final whistle.

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According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, Jones stopped by the X-Ray room at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

Unclear exactly when Mac Jones suffered his back injury. He wasn't hit on the Patriots' final two drives, but he took two big ones on back-to-back plays with about 13 minutes remaining, one of which was flagged for roughing the passer.

— Zack Cox (@ZackCoxNESN) September 11, 2022

Former Alabama DT Phil Mathis carted off in Week 1

On top of Mac Jones and Najee Harris, another Alabama alum got banged up on Sunday. Washington Commanders’ second-round draft pick Phidarian Mathis left his debut versus the Jacksonville Jaguars due to an apparent knee injury in the first half. Mathis was the No. 47 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft after a breakout senior season.

“Phidarian Mathis was emotional as doctors looked at his left leg/knee. He wiped away some tears and punched the ground,” Sam Fortier of the Washington Post reported.

After exiting the field on a cart, Mathis was listed as questionable to return by the Commanders.

Last season in Tuscaloosa, Mathis totaled 53 tackles with 10.5 tackles for loss and nine sacks. He also had one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.

Despite the injury to Mathis, the Commanders closed out the Jaguars in the final minutes of the game to notch a win 28-22.