As NFL training camps intensify, the league is grappling with a concerning rise in injuries, temporarily sidelining or ending the seasons of several key players. Leading the list of impacted teams is the Los Angeles Chargers, who are currently contending with the absence of star quarterback Justin Herbert.
Chargers Hit by Herbert's Injury
Justin Herbert has been sidelined due to a plantar fascia injury in his right foot. He will be wearing a walking boot for two weeks, and the team remains hopeful about his participation in the regular season. During Herbert’s absence, backup quarterback Easton Stick will be stepping in to lead the team.
Panthers' Quarterback Woes
The Carolina Panthers, another team hit hard by injuries, are now without backup quarterback Andy Dalton, who is expected to be sidelined for several weeks due to a quad injury. The Panthers are actively searching the market for an additional quarterback to reinforce their roster. This setback comes as the team also closely monitors the recovery of their rookie running back, Jonathon Brooks. Head coach Dave Canales expressed optimism about Brooks' progress, stating, "He expects rookie running back Jonathon Brooks to be ready around Week 3 or Week 4 of this season."
Star Players Sidelined
Among the league's most significant injuries is that of the reigning Offensive Player of the Year, who suffered a calf injury in early August. According to Kyle Shanahan, the injury will likely keep him out of practice for a few weeks. This comes as a blow to the team's preparations and adds to the list of setbacks that teams are currently facing.
Hamstrung by Injuries Across the League
Adding to the injury woes, the Los Angeles Rams’ offensive lineman Jonah Jackson is listed as "week to week" with a shoulder injury. Teammates Cam Robinson and Anton Harrison are also out, dealing with a shoulder injury and concussion protocol, respectively.
Elsewhere in the league, the injury list continues to grow. Demario Davis suffered a hamstring injury, and Sam Williams' season is over after tearing his ACL. Samson Ebukam is similarly suffering with a torn Achilles tendon, while YaYa Diaby has incurred a high-ankle sprain. Additionally, John Cominsky is on injured reserve due to a torn MCL.
High-Profile Injuries Impacting Preparations
The season-ending knee injury to receiver and returner Moore, sustained during a non-contact drill, underscores the unpredictability and severity of injuries during training camps. Similarly, Jermaine Burton is sidelined with a minor ankle injury, and Rashod Bateman is dealing with soreness from a rib/stomach hit.
Sam Hubbard's knee injury was significant enough to require him to exit practice on a cart, adding yet another name to the injury report. Darious Williams is also grappling with a hamstring strain, while rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette remains under observation following an unspecified injury.
Saints' Nacua Faces Setback
The New Orleans Saints are dealing with their own setback, as Nacua, the second-year receiver and winner of the Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 2023, is considered week-to-week with a knee injury. As ESPN noted, "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."
These injuries underscore the physical toll that NFL training camps can take on players, reshaping team dynamics and strategies even before the season officially begins. As the regular season approaches, teams are navigating these challenges, balancing caution with the need to prepare for competitive play.
While some players entered training camps on reserves lists like physically unable to perform (PUP), the sheer volume of new injuries is significant. Teams and fans alike are keeping a close eye on recovery timelines and hoping for swift returns to form for their athletes.