Injuries are an inevitable part of the NFL landscape. This preseason, all 32 teams have faced significant setbacks as various key players have sustained serious injuries, impacting their availability for the upcoming season.
Moore, who was traded to Atlanta this offseason, suffered a season-ending knee injury earlier this month. His exit from the practice field was marked by an air cast on his right leg and immediate transport to a local medical facility. Moore is expected to return in 2025.
Trice, the Falcons' No. 74 overall pick, tore his ACL in his first preseason game and is anticipated to return in 2025. Evans will miss the entire regular season due to a torn patellar tendon and is expected to return in 2025. Similarly, Williams, who tore his ACL during training camp, is also expected to return in 2025.
Milano suffered a torn biceps, which will keep him off the field for the majority of the season. His return is optimistically scheduled for December. Curtis Samuel is considered "week to week" with turf toe and is expected to be back by Week 2.
Setbacks Across the League
MVS sustained a neck sprain during a preseason Week 2 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers and is likely to return by Week 3. Dane Jackson’s significant hamstring injury and Brooks' torn ACL are likely to keep them off the field until Week 4.
The Bengals' first-round pick sustained a strained pectoral muscle in their first preseason game and is expected to be ready by Week 2. McCarthy suffered a torn meniscus and is expected to return in 2025.
Herbig’s torn rotator cuff has ruled him out until December. Meanwhile, Chubb’s knee injury from last season resulted in multiple surgeries, with his return not anticipated before Week 5. Chubb remains on PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) since Week 17, with a potential return by Week 8.
Key Players Eyeing Early Returns
Tennessee’s No. 1 wideout and the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year aim for returns by Week 1 after suffering knee injuries in early August. Higbee will rejoin in Week 15 due to ACL and MCL injuries.
The Lions' second-year running back sustained a hamstring injury this month, but it is "not expected to be a serious issue." Phillips, who suffered a torn Achilles, was activated off PUP last week and is expected back by Week 1. Warren, who was sidelined in a preseason game against the Bills due to a hamstring injury, is expected back by Week 1.
Dave Canales is optimistic about Brooks' return by Week 3 or Week 4. "Week 3 or Week 4 would be 'great' for Brooks' return," said Canales.
Preseason Challenges
Preseason injuries have disrupted evaluations and preparations, forcing coaches and staff to adapt. Teams must now shuffle their rosters and adjust their game plans to compensate for the loss of key players, making strategic decisions with long-term recovery timelines in mind. The adaptive measures taken by coaching staff across the league will ultimately define how well these teams can respond to the challenges posed by this spate of injuries.