In the second week of the 2024 NFL season, a series of significant injuries have rocked numerous teams, leaving fans and management on edge as they anticipate the impact on their respective campaigns. Among the affected are key players whose absence could dramatically alter the dynamics of their teams.
Concussion Sidelines Tua Tagovailoa
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, once again, finds himself on the sidelines due to a concussion sustained during Thursday's game. This marks at least the third confirmed brain injury in Tagovailoa's career, raising serious concerns about his future in the sport. The Dolphins swiftly placed Tagovailoa on injured reserve, which rules him out until at least Week 8. This precautionary measure underscores the team's focus on his long-term health.
Running Back Woes Across Teams
The Tennessee Titans' Tyjae Spears injured his ankle in the second half of their game against the New York Jets. While Spears' status remains day-to-day, another running back, MarShawn Lloyd of the Green Bay Packers, wasn't as fortunate. Lloyd sustained an ankle injury during their clash with the Indianapolis Colts and has since been placed on injured reserve.
Adding to the running back injury list is Tank Bigsby of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Bigsby suffered a shoulder injury in their match against the Cleveland Browns, forcing him to be sidelined for the remainder of the game. Meanwhile, Kansas City Chiefs' Isiah Pacheco, who also injured his ankle in the second half against the Bengals, had to leave the stadium on crutches and in a walking boot. The Chiefs have placed Pacheco on injured reserve, and he will miss at least four games.
While these injuries pose a significant challenge for their respective teams, Cincinnati Bengals fans can breathe a sigh of relief as an MRI confirmed that Joe Mixon's ankle injury wasn’t severe.
Impact on Wide Receivers
The Minnesota Vikings also faced a setback as their star wide receiver, Justin Jefferson, exited the game against the 49ers with a thigh bruise/contusion. Despite his early departure, Jefferson reassured fans by stating, "He'll be fine," after being assisted off the field.
Injuries continue to plague the Los Angeles Rams with Cooper Kupp suffering an ankle injury during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals. Seen later in a walking boot on his left foot/lower leg, Kupp is expected to miss extended time. San Francisco 49ers' Deebo Samuel will also be out for a couple of weeks due to a calf injury, confirmed by head coach Kyle Shanahan, who emphasized the team's cautious approach to Samuel's recovery.
For the Philadelphia Eagles, A.J. Brown did not appear in "Monday Night Football" against the Falcons owing to a hamstring injury, adding to the list of significant absentees this week.
Other Notable Injuries
The Cleveland Browns' David Bell dislocated his hip, necessitating season-ending surgery. Consequently, the Browns placed Bell on injured reserve. Meanwhile, the New Orleans Saints' versatile Taysom Hill exited their game against the Dallas Cowboys with a chest injury, adding to the team’s growing injury concerns.
Evan Engram of the New York Giants sat out Week 2 due to a hamstring issue. For the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Vita Vea's knee injury has been initially diagnosed as an MCL sprain following their match against the Lions.
DeForest Buckner of the Colts faced an apparent leg/ankle injury against the Packers, but X-rays revealed no breaks. The severity of Buckner's ankle sprain will be determined via an MRI. Similarly, the Bengals' B.J. Hill and Jets' C.J. Mosley sustained hamstring and foot injuries, respectively.
Season-Ending Injuries
Among the more devastating injuries, Jets linebacker Jermaine Johnson II appears to have torn his Achilles, and Patriots linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley suffered a torn pectoral muscle, ruling him out for the season.
This array of injuries in Week 2 highlights the physical toll of the NFL on its players, and teams will need to adapt quickly, relying on depth and resilience to navigate the challenges ahead.