Injury woes have plagued the NFL's second week of 2024, with a wave of setbacks sidelining key players across multiple teams and positions. The Miami Dolphins face a significant challenge as quarterback Tua Tagovailoa sustained a concussion during Thursday's game, marking at least the third confirmed brain injury of his career. Consequently, the Dolphins placed Tagovailoa on injured reserve, sidelining him until at least Week 8.
Meanwhile, the Tennessee Titans are closely monitoring the health of Tyjae Spears, who injured his ankle in the second half against the New York Jets. His status remains day-to-day, leaving the Titans in a state of uncertainty moving forward. Another ankle injury struck the Green Bay Packers' MarShawn Lloyd during their matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. The Packers have since placed Lloyd on injured reserve.
The Jacksonville Jaguars also faced a blow when Tank Bigsby sustained a shoulder injury against the Cleveland Browns. Bigsby was sidelined for the remainder of the game, and his availability for upcoming matches remains in question. Compounding the league's injury concerns, Kansas City Chiefs' Isiah Pacheco injured his ankle in the second half against the Bengals, later seen leaving the stadium on crutches and in a walking boot. The Chiefs placed Pacheco on injured reserve, ruling him out for at least four games.
In Cincinnati, an MRI confirmed Joe Mixon’s ankle injury wasn't severe, a rare piece of good news amidst the week's lengthy injury report. Contrast that with the Minnesota Vikings' situation, where Justin Jefferson exited the game against the 49ers with a thigh bruise/contusion. "He'll be fine," Jefferson assured after being assisted off the field, offering a glimmer of hope for Vikings fans.
Continuing the trend, the Los Angeles Rams must cope without Cooper Kupp, who 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. Over in San Francisco, Deebo Samuel will miss a couple of weeks due to a calf injury, with Head Coach Kyle Shanahan confirming this timeline, emphasizing the team's cautious approach to Samuel's recovery.
The Philadelphia Eagles were without A.J. Brown, who did not appear in "Monday Night Football" against the Falcons due to a hamstring injury. The Cleveland Browns faced a significant setback as David Bell dislocated his hip, necessitating season-ending surgery. Bell, consequently, was placed on injured reserve.
The New Orleans Saints saw Taysom Hill exit with a chest injury against the Cowboys, while the New York Giants had to navigate Week 2 without Evan Engram, who sat out due to a hamstring issue. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers received an early diagnosis indicating Vita Vea sustained an MCL sprain during their match against the Lions.
Adding to the injury list, DeForest Buckner of the Colts faced an apparent leg/ankle injury against the Packers. While X-rays for Buckner came back negative, an MRI will determine the full extent of his ankle sprain. Similarly, the Bengals’ B.J. Hill sustained a hamstring injury, further complicating Cincinnati's injury crisis.
The New York Jets were struck by C.J. Mosley’s foot injury and possibly a more severe issue with Jermaine Johnson II, who appears to have torn his Achilles. On a tougher note for the New England Patriots, Ja'Whaun Bentley suffered a torn pectoral muscle and is ruled out for the season, adding to the list of debilitating injuries shaking the league.
This week underscores the harsh and unpredictable nature of the NFL, where the fortunes of teams can pivot suddenly on the health of key players. As teams adjust their strategies and rosters, fans and analysts alike will closely monitor these developments heading into the next set of games.