Injuries are an inevitable part of the NFL landscape, a challenging reality that all 32 teams have had to face this preseason. This year, significant setbacks have already impacted teams' preparations and their outlook for the upcoming season as various key players have sustained serious injuries. These unfortunate incidents have not only derailed personal ambitions but also forced coaching staffs to make difficult adjustments.
Key Players Sidelined
One of the most notable casualties is Moore, who was traded to Atlanta this offseason. Moore suffered a season-ending knee injury earlier this month, leaving his team to cope with a sudden and significant loss. His departure from the practice field was marked by an air cast on his right leg and an immediate transport to a local medical facility. The prognosis for Moore is grim, with a return expected only in 2025. Similarly, Trice, the Falcons' No. 74 overall pick, tore his ACL in his first preseason game and also faces a lengthy recovery period, with a return projected in 2025.
Injuries have not spared any position group. Evans will miss the entire regular season due to a torn patellar tendon and, like Moore and Trice, is expected to return in 2025. Williams, who tore his ACL during training camp, and McCarthy, who suffered a torn meniscus, are both joining the ranks of those anticipated to return only in 2025. The devastating toll continues with Milano suffering a torn biceps, sidelining him for the majority of the season. Optimistically, Milano might return by December, but even that is uncertain at this stage.
Week-to-Week and Shorter-Term Injuries
Not all injuries guarantee a long-term absence. Curtis Samuel is week-to-week with turf toe, and his speedy recovery has fans hopeful he will be back by Week 2. Similarly, MVS sustained a neck sprain during a preseason Week 2 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers and is likely to return by Week 3. Dane Jackson’s significant hamstring injury and Brooks’ torn ACL are likely to keep them off the field until Week 4. Dave Canales had a sense of cautious optimism, noting, "Week 3 or Week 4 would be 'great' for Brooks' return."
The Bengals are also managing their setbacks, with their first-round pick sustaining a strained pectoral muscle in their first preseason game. The player is aiming to see action by Week 2. Meanwhile, Herbig’s torn rotator cuff means he won’t possibly return until December. On the other side, Tennessee’s No. 1 wideout and the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year are both aiming for returns by Week 1 after suffering knee injuries in early August.
Setbacks and Hopes for Quick Rehabilitation
Some players have caught a fortunate break amid the chaos. The Lions' second-year running back sustained a hamstring injury this month but is not expected to face a serious issue. Phillips, who suffered a torn Achilles, was activated off the PUP list last week and is expected back by Week 1. Warren, another player sidelined due to a hamstring injury against the Bills, is also expected back by the start of the season.
The Impact of Major Recoveries
Fans and teams alike are also concerned about marquee players making their delayed comebacks. Chubb’s knee injury from last season resulted in multiple surgeries, with his return not anticipated before Week 5. Currently, Chubb remains on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list and could potentially return by Week 8. Higbee also remains a late-season liability, with ACL and MCL injuries expecting to keep him sidelined until Week 15.
As the NFL season gears up, the injury report casts a long shadow over the hopes and strategies of teams and fans. Preseason injuries have disrupted evaluations and preparations, forcing coaches and staff to adapt and reshuffle their rosters. In the unforgiving world of professional football, the next man up mentality prevails, but there’s no denying the tangible impact that these injuries have across the league.