Preseason Injury Woes: NFL Teams Grapple with Major Setbacks
Preseason Injury Woes: NFL Teams Grapple with Major Setbacks
Injuries remain an inescapable reality in the NFL, casting a shadow over teams’ aspirations and preparations for the upcoming season. As preseason unfolds, all 32 teams have already faced significant setbacks with key players sidelined due to serious injuries. The Atlanta Falcons, in particular, have been hit hard, with newly acquired player Moore and rookie Trice suffering season-ending injuries.
Moore, who transitioned to the Falcons via trade this offseason, endured a devastating knee injury earlier this month, marking the end of his season before it even began. His departure from the practice field was marked by an air cast on his right leg and an immediate trip to a local medical facility. The Falcons will have to wait until 2025 for Moore's return.
Equally disheartening for Atlanta, their No. 74 overall draft pick, Trice, tore his ACL during his first preseason game. Trice’s absence will also extend until 2025, leaving the team without their promising rookie for the entirety of the season.
The injury woes do not stop there for the Falcons. Evans’ torn patellar tendon similarly wipes out his season, pushing his expected return to 2025. Williams, who tore his ACL in training camp, is also looking at a 2025 comeback. Meanwhile, Milano, sidelined with a torn biceps, holds a more optimistic outlook with a potential return in December.
Ongoing Setbacks Across the League
Curtis Samuel's case offers a glimmer of hope amid this otherwise bleak injury landscape. Despite suffering from turf toe, he is considered "week to week" and is anticipated to be back by Week 2. Another player with a more immediate return on the horizon is MVS, who sustained a neck sprain but is likely to be back by Week 3.
The Buffalo Bills face their own challenges, with Dane Jackson's significant hamstring injury and Brooks' torn ACL potentially sidelining them until Week 4. Both players are crucial to the Bills' defensive unit, and their absence will be felt keenly.
For the Bengals, their first-round pick is dealing with a strained pectoral muscle, with hopes pinned on a Week 2 return. McCarthy’s torn meniscus will keep him on the sidelines until 2025, further complicating roster decisions and tactical preparations.
The Steelers’ Herbig is another player whose injury—this time a torn rotator cuff—has ruled him out until December. Additionally, Chubb's lingering knee issues from the previous season, which required multiple surgeries, mean his return won’t be expected until Week 5 at the earliest. Currently on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list since Week 17, Chubb could potentially return by Week 8, depending on his recovery progression.
Hope on the Horizon
Amid the plethora of injuries, some teams are holding onto optimism. Tennessee’s No. 1 wideout and the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year are both targeting Week 1 returns after suffering knee injuries in early August. Higbee, who has faced the double blow of ACL and MCL injuries, aims for a Week 15 return, drawing hopes for a late-season boost.
The Lions also received a modest respite, with their second-year running back’s hamstring injury deemed “not expected to be a serious issue.” Phillips, another player in recuperation mode, was activated off the PUP list last week and is expected back by Week 1. Warren, who endured a hamstring injury during a game against the Bills, also aims to be back on the field by the season opener.
Falcons' coach Dave Canales voiced optimism regarding Brooks' hamstring injury, expressing that "Week 3 or Week 4 would be 'great' for Brooks' return." Coaches and staff continue to adapt and find ways to mitigate the impact of preseason injuries, though the challenges remain substantial.
One thing is clear: preseason injuries have significantly disrupted evaluations and preparations across the league. While some teams might manage to realign their strategies and capitalize on timely returns, others will need to brace for a rough season with key players missing significant chunks, if not all, of the NFL calendar.
As the regular season draws nearer, the situation underscores the unpredictability and inherent risk of the sport, where the high stakes come with an equally high potential for setbacks. Teams are now tasked with navigating these treacherous waters, adjusting their sails accordingly as they strive to stay competitive in an already unforgiving environment.
