As NFL training camps push forward, the league has experienced a spate of injuries impacting several key players, creating a ripple effect across multiple teams.
Significant Absences for Key Players
The Los Angeles Chargers have been dealt a significant blow with the temporary loss of their star quarterback, Justin Herbert. Herbert sustained a plantar fascia injury in his right foot and will be in a walking boot for the next two weeks. Despite this setback, the team remains hopeful about his recovery, anticipating that he will be ready for the regular season. In the interim, backup quarterback Easton Stick will step up to lead the team.
The Carolina Panthers are also navigating a difficult situation with their backup quarterback, Andy Dalton, sidelined for several weeks due to a quad injury. As a result, the Panthers are actively searching the market for another quarterback to fill the void. Simultaneously, the team is closely monitoring the progress of their rookie running back, Jonathon Brooks, who is recovering from an ACL tear sustained last November. Head Coach Dave Canales expressed optimism, stating, "He expects rookie running back Jonathon Brooks to be ready around Week 3 or Week 4 of this season."
Offensive Player of the Year Faces Setback
The reigning Offensive Player of the Year has also joined the list of injured players, suffering a calf injury in early August. "The reigning Offensive Player of the Year suffered a calf injury in early August and will likely miss a few weeks of practice," noted Kyle Shanahan. This development poses a challenge for the player's team as they prepare for the upcoming season without his vital contributions.
Multiple Teams Grapple with Injuries
The injury list extends beyond quarterbacks and offensive stars. In Los Angeles, Rams' offensive lineman Jonah Jackson is dealing with a shoulder injury and is listed as "week to week." Meanwhile, Cam Robinson and Anton Harrison faced their own setbacks—Robinson exiting practice due to a shoulder injury and Harrison entering concussion protocol.
Demario Davis has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, while the Cowboys' Sam Williams will miss the season after tearing his ACL. Samson Ebukam's season came to an abrupt end following a torn Achilles tendon. Tampa Bay’s YaYa Diaby is coping with a high-ankle sprain, and John Cominsky is on injured reserve with a torn MCL.
Non-Contact Injuries and More
Receiver/returner Moore suffered a non-contact injury that led to a season-ending knee injury diagnosis. Jermaine Burton is nursing a minor ankle issue, while Rashod Bateman is dealing with soreness from a rib/stomach hit. The Bengals' Sam Hubbard had to be carted off from practice due to a knee injury, and Darious Williams is recovering from a hamstring strain. Rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette is being monitored after an unspecified injury ended his practice session prematurely.
Year Two Expectations and Injuries
The New Orleans Saints are hopeful as their second-year receiver Nacua embarks on the season following his Offensive Rookie of the Year accolade in 2023. However, his journey hit a snag with a knee injury at a recent practice session, putting him on a week-to-week recovery timetable. "Nacua enters Year 2 with high expectations after winning Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023. He suffered a knee injury at Saturday's practice, however, and is now considered week-to-week," reported ESPN.
As training camps progress, the impact of injuries is palpable across the league. Teams are forced to adapt, with backups stepping into roles of greater responsibility and personnel changes being made to address the evolving roster landscapes. The aspirations of many teams rest heavily on the recovery and readiness of these pivotal players as the regular season looms closer.