As NFL training camps ramp up, teams are already wrestling with significant injuries, potentially altering their season trajectories before they even begin. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers seem to be the hardest hit, with several key players sidelined.
On Thursday, rookie pass rusher YaYa Diaby was carted off the practice field with a high-ankle sprain. Diaby, expected to be a vital part of Tampa Bay's defensive front, now faces a prolonged recovery period.
Bucs' Offensive Line Woes
Tampa Bay's predicament deepens as guard Sua Opeta suffered a torn ACL and is set to miss the entire season. Opeta, who signed a one-year deal, was vying for the starting left guard position alongside Ben Bredeson. With Opeta sidelined, Bredeson has now taken over reps with the starters.
The Buccaneers were already grappling with the absence of key players like Matt Feiler and Aaron Stinnie from last season, compounding the challenges on their offensive line.
Chiefs Reorganize Despite Injury
The Kansas City Chiefs, while busy bolstering their wide receiver corps with new additions like first-round pick Xavier Worthy, also faced setbacks. Veteran pass rusher Nick Bolton exited practice early with an apparent arm injury. Bolton, who missed time last season due to wrist surgery, is a crucial component of the Chiefs' defense, and his health remains a point of concern.
Dallas Cowboys and Defensive Setbacks
The Dallas Cowboys are not immune to the injury bug either. Sam Williams suffered a torn ACL during Sunday’s practice and will be placed on injured reserve. Williams was anticipated to lend significant support to the formidable pass-rushing duo of Micah Parsons and Demarcus Lawrence. His absence will undoubtedly be felt on their defensive front.
49ers' and Ravens' Defensive Injury Concerns
The San Francisco 49ers were dealt a blow with Samson Ebukam tearing his Achilles tendon, ruling him out for the season. Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens saw Rashod Bateman leave Monday's practice following a hit to the rib/stomach area. Fortunately, early reports suggest that Sam Hubbard's knee injury, which had him carted off the practice field on Sunday, is not serious.
Managing Injuries with Caution
Darious Williams of the Los Angeles Rams is sidelined with a hamstring strain. Rams’ head coach Sean McVay emphasized, "The team will not rush him back and will take it 'a week at a time.'" This careful approach highlights the importance of player health over immediate returns to the field.
Saints and Bears' Injury Updates
Kendre Miller departed the Saints' first camp practice with a hamstring injury. Appearing in just eight games last year, Miller’s availability remains a concern. Head coach Dennis Allen bluntly articulated the team’s sentiments, suggesting Miller "needs to figure out how to stay healthy."
Similarly, Ty Johnson missed Tuesday's practice due to a hamstring injury. Johnson has been part of a rotation for the No. 2 running back position alongside rookie Ray Davis. This comes as starter James Cook recently returned to practice following a brief personal leave.
Additional Setbacks
Nate Davis of the Chicago Bears has been absent from several sessions owing to an undisclosed muscle strain. Meanwhile, Justin Watson, who had a career-high 460 receiving yards in 2023, is grappling with a foot injury. Watson’s absence opens opportunities for third-year player Skyy Moore to step in and prove his mettle.
As these NFL teams navigate through the physical toll of training camps, the focus remains on balancing preparation with safeguarding player health to ensure they are ready for the challenges of the upcoming season.