I couldn't help but notice that two of the most severe injuries during week one of the NFL season happened on teams and at positions where former UConn stars could be in line to see expanded roles.

Let's start in Atlanta where Pro Bowl CB Brent Grimes suffered a season-ending Achilles injury. Among the reserve cornerbacks on the Falcons' 53-man roster is former UConn product Robert McClain. McClain made the team with a strong showing in the preseason but was inactive for the first game against Kansas City. It will be interesting to see if McClain can work his way into the nickel package with Grimes no longer in the equation.

In Buffalo the season-ending knee injury suffered by David Nelson may lead to Marcus Easley being promoted from the practice squad to the 53-man roster. Easley did not have a strong camp but did return a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown in the final preseason game against Detroit and has more familiarity with the Bills offense than a player who could be brought in to try to replace Nelson.