Preseason Injuries Plague NFL Teams: A Grim Outlook
Preseason Injuries Plague NFL Teams: A Grim Outlook
Injuries are an inevitable part of the NFL landscape, and this preseason has been no exception. All 32 teams have faced significant setbacks as a slew of key players have sustained serious injuries, casting long shadows over their availability for the upcoming season.
One of the most impactful losses comes from Atlanta, where Moore, acquired through an offseason trade, suffered a season-ending knee injury earlier in the month. In a scene that alarmed both fans and teammates, Moore was seen exiting the practice field in an air cast on his right leg, promptly transported to a local medical facility. Unfortunately, Moore’s return is not anticipated until 2025.
Similarly, Trice, Atlanta's No. 74 overall pick, tore his ACL during his first preseason game. Like Moore, Trice is expected to contribute to the Falcons’ roster only by 2025. Adding to the Falcons’ woes is Evans, out with a torn patellar tendon, sidelining him for the entire regular season with a return also projected for 2025.
In an equally devastating blow, Williams, another promising talent, suffered an ACL tear during training camp, ruling him out for the current season and pushing his return to 2025. On a brighter note for the Falcons, Dave Canales remains optimistic about Brooks' return by Week 3 or Week 4, terming such a timeframe as "great."
Injuries Across the League
The injury bug hasn’t spared other teams either. Milano’s torn biceps will keep him off the field for the bulk of the season, though a December return remains cautiously optimistic. Curtis Samuel, currently dealing with turf toe, is considered "week to week" but is expected to return by Week 2, adding some hope to his team's early season strategy.
MVS suffered a neck sprain during a preseason Week 2 victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers. MVS is likely to make his comeback by Week 3. Similarly, Dane Jackson's significant hamstring strain will keep him out until at least Week 4, while Brooks, dealing with a torn ACL, shares the same expected return timeline.
In Cincinnati, the Bengals’ first-round pick sustained a strained pectoral muscle during their initial preseason game but is expected to be ready by Week 2, offering a relatively quick return for a crucial player.
Continuing the litany of injuries, McCarthy tore his meniscus and will be out until 2025, while Herbig’s torn rotator cuff keeps him sidelined until December. And then there's Chubb, whose knee injury from last season required multiple surgeries, delaying his return to the field until at least Week 5. Currently on PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) since Week 17 of last year, Chubb's return is tentatively pegged for Week 8.
Mixed Fortunes
Not all injury reports spell doom for the entire season; Tennessee's No. 1 wideout and the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year are both aiming for a Week 1 return after knee injuries in early August.
Higbee's situation is more complicated; he will only be able to rejoin his team in Week 15 due to ACL and MCL injuries. A brighter note for the Lions is that their second-year running back’s hamstring injury, sustained earlier this month, is "not expected to be a serious issue."
Then there is Phillips, who, after suffering a torn Achilles, was activated off PUP last week and is anticipated to debut by Week 1. Fans of Warren will also be relieved to know that despite his sidelining hamstring injury against the Bills in a preseason game, he is expected to be back in action by Week 1.
A Season of Uncertainty
As preseason injuries disrupt evaluations and preparations, coaches and staff across the league must adapt accordingly. While the return timelines vary from a few weeks to over a year, the focus now shifts to how teams will navigate these early-season challenges. Adaptability, resilience, and perhaps a bit of luck will be crucial as the season unfolds.
Indeed, the NFL landscape is as unpredictable as ever, with injuries reshaping team fortunes before the regular season even begins. The next few weeks will be critical as teams finalize their rosters and adjust game plans in response to these unfortunate changes. The hope remains that many of these injured players will return stronger and more determined to make an impact when they eventually step back onto the field.
