As NFL training camps move into full swing, the league is seeing an alarming increase in player injuries, temporarily sidelining or even ending the seasons for multiple high-profile athletes.
Chargers and Panthers Hit Hard
The Los Angeles Chargers have been hit particularly hard, losing star quarterback Justin Herbert to a footballer's nightmare—a plantar fascia injury in his right foot. Herbert, who will be sporting a walking boot for the next two weeks, is expected to be ready for the regular season. In his absence, backup quarterback Easton Stick will step up to steer the team through this challenging period.
Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers are reeling from the loss of their backup quarterback, Andy Dalton, who is out for a few weeks due to a quad injury. The Panthers' quarterback room is under increased scrutiny, with the team actively scouting for another quarterback to fill the void left by Dalton.
High-Impact Injuries Across the League
The reigning Offensive Player of the Year suffered a calf injury earlier in August and is set to miss several weeks of practice. "The reigning Offensive Player of the Year suffered a calf injury in early August and will likely miss a few weeks of practice," confirmed Kyle Shanahan. These injuries are not just impacting starters; they are causing havoc with the depth charts of teams around the league.
Carolina is also monitoring the recovery of rookie running back Jonathon Brooks, who is healing from an ACL tear sustained last November. According to head coach Dave Canales, "He expects rookie running back Jonathon Brooks to be ready around Week 3 or Week 4 of this season."
Other teams are grappling with their injury lists as well. For instance, the Rams' offensive lineman Jonah Jackson is marked as "week to week" due to a shoulder injury, while Jacksonville's Cam Robinson had to leave practice with a shoulder injury. The list of injured players seems almost endless: Anton Harrison has entered concussion protocol, and Demario Davis is dealing with a hamstring issue.
Season-Ending and Severe Injuries
Some injuries have catastrophic consequences, ending players' seasons before they even begin. Sam Williams, for example, suffered a season-ending ACL tear, while Samson Ebukam sustained a devastating torn Achilles tendon. These injuries are not only a blow to the players but also wreak havoc on their teams' strategies and morale.
Elsewhere, Tampa Bay's YaYa Diaby incurred a high-ankle sprain, and Detroit's John Cominsky is on injured reserve with a torn MCL. The injury woes don't stop there; Moore, a receiver/returner, was carted off following a non-contact injury and later diagnosed with a season-ending knee injury.
Less Severe But Noteworthy Injuries
Lesser injuries, although not season-ending, are still causing disruptions. Jermaine Burton is sidelined with a minor ankle injury. Rashod Bateman is nursing soreness from a rib/stomach hit, and Sam Hubbard had to leave practice on a cart due to a knee injury. Darious Williams is dealing with a hamstring strain, while rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette remains under observation due to an unspecified injury.
The New Orleans Saints' up-and-coming receiver Nacua, who enters his second year after winning the Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 2023, is listed as week-to-week with a knee injury he suffered at practice. "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," ESPN reported.
Veterans Rejoining Teams
Amidst the spate of injuries, there are some positives. Buffalo's James Cook had taken a brief hiatus from practice due to personal reasons but has since rejoined his team, offering some stability in a time of chaos.
Ongoing Challenges
The clustering of injuries in NFL training camps is a significant concern for teams and their supporters alike. With so many key players sidelined, coaching staffs are working around the clock to devise strategies, reinforce their rosters, and hope for a swift recovery for their sidelined star players. As these narratives unfold, the resilience and adaptability of both players and teams will be tested like never before.