As NFL training camps march on, the league is grappling with a notable surge in injuries that have temporarily sidelined or ended the seasons of several key players. This development poses significant challenges for teams gearing up for the regular season, with the Los Angeles Chargers and Carolina Panthers among those most affected.
Impact on the Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers have been dealt a significant blow with the loss of their star quarterback, Justin Herbert. Herbert suffered a plantar fascia injury to his right foot and will be in a walking boot for the next two weeks. Despite this setback, the team remains hopeful about his readiness for the regular season. In the meantime, backup quarterback Easton Stick will take over the helm, steering the Chargers through this rough patch of training.
Challenges for the Panthers
Similarly, the Carolina Panthers are wrestling with their own quarterback conundrum. Backup quarterback Andy Dalton has been sidelined for a few weeks due to a quad injury, prompting the team to search the market for an additional quarterback to bolster their roster. In addition to Dalton’s absence, the Panthers are closely monitoring the recovery of their rookie running back, Jonathon Brooks, who is on the mend from an ACL tear sustained last November. Head coach Dave Canales offered a glimmer of hope, stating, "He expects rookie running back Jonathon Brooks to be ready around Week 3 or Week 4 of this season."
Reigning Offensive Player of the Year Sidelined
Across the league, other high-profile injuries have made headlines, including the reigning Offensive Player of the Year. As reported by Kyle Shanahan, this pivotal player suffered a calf injury in early August, casting doubt on their participation in upcoming practices. Shanahan was quoted saying, "The reigning Offensive Player of the Year suffered a calf injury in early August and will likely miss a few weeks of practice."
Additional Notable Injuries
Injury woes haven’t spared other teams either. The Rams’ offensive lineman Jonah Jackson is battling a shoulder injury, labeled “week to week,” while Cam Robinson also left practice with a shoulder issue. On a more concerning note, Anton Harrison entered concussion protocol and Demario Davis suffered a hamstring injury. Perhaps one of the most devastating blows was to Sam Williams, who sustained a season-ending ACL tear.
The injury list continues with Samson Ebukam suffering a torn Achilles tendon, and YaYa Diaby incurring a high-ankle sprain. Meanwhile, John Cominsky is on injured reserve because of a torn MCL, and Moore was carted off the field following a non-contact injury that later turned out to be a season-ending knee injury.
Younger Talent and Uncertainties
Among the rookie and younger talent, Jonathon Brooks’s ACL recovery remains a focal point for the Panthers, who are keen on seeing him take the field. Rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette has also caught attention but remains under observation after leaving practice early due to an unspecified injury. Another young talent, Jermaine Burton, is sidelined with a minor ankle injury, while Rashod Bateman deals with soreness from a rib/stomach hit. Sam Hubbard’s knee injury required him to exit practice on a cart, adding another name to the long list of training camp casualties.
Veterans Affected Too
Veterans are not immune to these pre-season misfortunes. The Saints’ second-year receiver Nacua, who had an impressive rookie year winning Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023, is now considered week-to-week due to a knee injury sustained during practice. Reflecting on his situation, ESPN noted, "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."
Conclusion
As training camps progress, the rise in injuries casts a shadow over preparations for the NFL season. Teams must adapt swiftly, balancing the need for readiness with the health and recovery of their players. This period will be critical for both veterans and rookies as they strive to overcome physical setbacks and contribute to their teams' success when the regular season finally kicks off.