In a tumultuous Week 2 of the 2024 NFL season, numerous teams across the league grappled with significant injuries to key players, potentially altering the course of their campaigns.
Miami Dolphins' Troubles
The Miami Dolphins faced a major blow as their star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered a concussion during Thursday's game. This incident marks at least the third confirmed brain injury in Tagovailoa's career, raising concerns about his long-term health and career prospects. The Dolphins have consequently placed Tagovailoa on injured reserve, sidelining him until at least Week 8. This period of absence forces Miami to reconsider their strategy and depend on backup solutions for the coming games.
Tennessee Titans’ Ankle Woes
Tyjae Spears from the Tennessee Titans also faced an unfortunate ankle injury in their clash against the New York Jets. With his status marked as day-to-day, the Titans' coaching staff and fans will be hoping for a quick recovery to minimize his time off the field. Moreover, MarShawn Lloyd of the Green Bay Packers injured his ankle during their game against the Indianapolis Colts and has been placed on injured reserve.
Jaguars and Chiefs Face Setbacks
In Jacksonville, Tank Bigsby sustained a shoulder injury against the Cleveland Browns, sidelining him for the remainder of the game. Meanwhile, Kansas City Chiefs’ Isiah Pacheco also fell victim to an ankle injury in the second half against the Bengals. Pacheco was seen leaving the stadium on crutches and in a walking boot, leading to his placement on injured reserve and a mandatory four-game absence.
Mixed Fortunes for the Bengals and Vikings
The Bengals, however, received a slight reprieve as an MRI confirmed that Joe Mixon’s ankle injury wasn’t severe. On the other hand, the Minnesota Vikings faced a scare when Justin Jefferson exited their game against the 49ers with a thigh bruise/contusion. Despite the injury, Jefferson assured, "He'll be fine," after being assisted off the field.
Prolonged Absences
The Los Angeles Rams are bracing for a stint without their star receiver Cooper Kupp, who suffered an ankle injury in the first half against the Arizona Cardinals. Kupp was later seen in a walking boot on his left foot/lower leg, and he is expected to miss extended time. Similarly, the San Francisco 49ers will miss Deebo Samuel for a couple of weeks due to a calf injury. Head Coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed this timeline, emphasizing the team’s cautious approach to Samuel's recovery.
Eagles and Browns' Key Players Out
The Philadelphia Eagles faced the absence of A.J. Brown during their “Monday Night Football” encounter against the Falcons due to a hamstring injury. In a significant blow to the Cleveland Browns, David Bell dislocated his hip, necessitating season-ending surgery. The Browns are now forced to place Bell on injured reserve, further depleting their roster.
Other Injuries Across the League
The New Orleans Saints’ Taysom Hill exited with a chest injury in their game against the Cowboys, adding to the team's injury concerns. The New York Giants’ Evan Engram sat out Week 2 due to a hamstring issue, posing additional challenges for their offensive lineup.
Vita Vea of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sustained a knee injury in their match against the Lions. The initial diagnosis suggests an MCL sprain, raising questions about his availability for the upcoming games. Meanwhile, the Colts’ DeForest Buckner faced an apparent leg/ankle injury against the Packers, with X-rays returning negative but an MRI scheduled to determine the severity.
Further compounding the week’s injury toll, B.J. Hill of the Bengals dealt with a hamstring injury, while C.J. Mosley of the Jets sustained a foot injury. The Dolphins’ Jerome Baker and Jermaine Johnson II both left their games with hamstring issues, with Johnson facing a likely Achilles tear. The Patriots have ruled out Ja'Whaun Bentley for the rest of the season due to a torn pectoral muscle.
As the NFL season progresses, teams will need to adapt quickly to these setbacks, testing the depth and resilience of their rosters. The coming weeks will reveal who can best manage their lineup amidst a growing list of injuries.