Week 2 Injury Report: NFL Stars Sideline
The 2024 NFL season saw a slew of injuries in Week 2, sidelining some key players and reshaping team lineups across the league. From concussions to severe leg injuries, coaches and fans are left grappling with the impact of these significant losses.
Key Quarterback Injuries
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was among the notable players injured, sustaining a concussion during Thursday's game. This concussion marks at least the third confirmed brain injury of his career. The Dolphins have placed Tagovailoa on injured reserve, meaning he will be sidelined until at least Week 8.
Running Backs Hit Hard
Tennessee Titans' Tyjae Spears hurt his ankle in the second half of their game against the New York Jets. Spears' status remains day-to-day as the team monitors his recovery. Meanwhile, Green Bay Packers' MarShawn Lloyd also suffered an ankle injury during their matchup with the Indianapolis Colts. The Packers have since placed Lloyd on injured reserve.
Jacksonville Jaguars' Tank Bigsby sustained a shoulder injury against the Cleveland Browns and was sidelined for the remainder of the game. The Kansas City Chiefs' Isiah Pacheco faced a similar fate, injuring his ankle in the second half against the Bengals. Leaving the stadium on crutches and in a walking boot, Pacheco was placed on injured reserve and will miss at least four games.
Conversely, Joe Mixon, despite an ankle injury, received reassuring news after an MRI confirmed no severe damage.
Wide Receiver Woes
The wide receiver position also took a hit this week. Minnesota Vikings' Justin Jefferson had to exit the game against the 49ers with a thigh bruise/contusion. Despite the scare, Jefferson reassured by stating, "He'll be fine," after being assisted off the field.
Los Angeles Rams' Cooper Kupp suffered an ankle injury in the first half against the Arizona Cardinals. Kupp was later seen in a walking boot on his left foot/lower leg and is expected to miss extended time.
San Francisco 49ers' Deebo Samuel will be out for a couple of weeks due to a calf injury. Head Coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed this timeline, emphasizing the team's cautious approach to Samuel's recovery.
The Philadelphia Eagles' A.J. Brown was absent from Monday Night Football against the Falcons due to a hamstring injury.
Tight Ends and Offensive Units Affected
Cleveland Browns' David Bell sustained a dislocated hip and is set for season-ending surgery. Bell has been placed on injured reserve. In New Orleans, Taysom Hill exited with a chest injury against the Cowboys.
The Giants' tight end Evan Engram missed Week 2 due to a hamstring issue, and it remains to be seen when he will return to the field.
Defensive Struggles
Tampa Bay Buccaneers' defensive tackle, Vita Vea, sustained a knee injury in their match against the Lions, with the initial diagnosis pointing to an MCL sprain. Meanwhile, DeForest Buckner of the Colts faced a leg/ankle injury during their game against the Packers. X-rays for Buckner came back negative, but an MRI will determine the severity of his sprain.
The Bengals' B.J. Hill, Jets' C.J. Mosley, and Dolphins' Jerome Baker all suffered hamstring and foot injuries, respectively, causing their status to be closely monitored by their teams.
Significant injuries also included Jermaine Johnson II potentially tearing his Achilles and Ja'Whaun Bentley suffering a torn pectoral muscle, which has ruled him out for the season.
With many key players sidelined, their teams will need to dig deep into their rosters to cope with the early-season injury bug. Fans and teams alike will be closely watching the recovery and return of these athletes as the season progresses.