As NFL training camps progress and preseason games loom, a slew of injuries is affecting key players, reshaping team plans, and testing the depth of rosters across the league. From Los Angeles to Tennessee, teams are grappling with setbacks that could have significant implications as the regular season draws near.
Chargers Face Dilemmas Without Herbert
The Los Angeles Chargers have been dealt a significant blow with star quarterback Justin Herbert suffering a plantar fascia injury in his right foot. Herbert is expected to be in a walking boot for two weeks before beginning his return-to-play protocol. Optimistically, he is anticipated to be ready for the regular season. In the interim, backup Easton Stick will assume first-team reps, an opportunity that will test his readiness to step up when needed.
Panthers' Quarterback Quandary
Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers are also navigating quarterback concerns. Veteran Andy Dalton has been sidelined with a quad injury expected to keep him out for at least a couple of weeks. This has prompted the Panthers to actively seek an additional quarterback to fill the gap during Dalton's recovery. The injury woes don’t end there for Carolina, as rookie running back Jonathon Brooks continues to recover from an ACL tear sustained last November. Head coach Dave Canales expects Brooks to be ready by Week 3 or Week 4 of the season.
Elsewhere in the league, the reigning Offensive Player of the Year is dealing with a calf injury that emerged in early August. This star running back is set to miss several weeks of practice and will likely sit out all preseason games, with the team hoping for a full recovery by the start of the 2024 campaign.
Injury Woes Across Multiple Teams
In Detroit, chaos struck when Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs exited practice early on Monday due to a hamstring issue. Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is also on the mend, suffering a knee injury that will sideline him for four to six weeks. This will force the Titans to reconsider their offensive options, particularly under new head coach Brian Callahan who is expected to adopt a more pass-oriented approach.
The New Orleans Saints are coping with a high-ankle sprain endured by wide receiver Josh Downs on August 7. "We have to figure out how to stay healthy," lamented head coach Dennis Allen. Baltimore Ravens’ second-year receiver Puka Nacua finds himself in a similar predicament, considered week-to-week following a knee injury during practice.
Defensively, the Dallas Cowboys will miss the services of edge rusher Sam Williams for the entire 2024 season after he suffered a torn ACL. Williams had been pegged for a supporting role behind standouts Micah Parsons and Demarcus Lawrence, but now the team must seek depth elsewhere. Cincinnati Bengals edge rusher Sam Hubbard exited Sunday’s practice with a knee injury that, fortunately, is not believed to be serious.
However, bad luck struck the Indianapolis Colts as edge rusher Samson Ebukam tore his Achilles tendon, ruling him out for the entire season. The Buccaneers are facing a similar fate with guard Sua Opeta, who is out for the year after tearing his ACL.
Challenges in the Trenches
Cincinnati Bengals first-round pick Amarius Mims is facing several weeks off due to a pectoral strain, potentially jeopardizing his start to the regular season. The Jacksonville Jaguars are dealing with their own problems in the offensive line — tackle Cam Robinson has a shoulder injury, adding to his woes from last season when he played only nine games due to suspension and a knee issue. Tackle Anton Harrison is currently sidelined after entering the concussion protocol, further compounding the Jaguars' difficulties.
Navigating Setbacks With Cautious Optimism
As these injuries unfold, head coaches across the league are navigating these setbacks with a blend of caution and optimism. The challenges posed by these absences are significant but not insurmountable. Rams coach Sean McVay, reflecting a sentiment shared by many of his peers, advised his team to take it "a week at a time,” as they strategize to mitigate the impact of these injuries and preserve the ambitions of a successful season.
The evolving injury landscape underscores the importance of depth and resilience in the NFL. As teams adapt, the road to the regular season continues with a heightened focus on player health and readiness.