Injuries are, unfortunately, an inescapable part of the NFL landscape. This preseason has been particularly harsh, with all 32 teams grappling with significant setbacks as various key players face the all-too-common reality of serious injuries.
The Falcons, for instance, have seen their roster suffer extensive losses. Moore, a recent acquisition from Atlanta, faced a season-ending knee injury earlier this month. His exit from the practice field was a somber affair, marked by an air cast on his right leg and immediate transport to a nearby medical facility. Moore isn’t expected to return until 2025, delivering a significant blow to Atlanta’s offseason plans.
Adding to the Falcons' woes, their No. 74 overall pick, Trice, tore his ACL during his first preseason game. Like Moore, he’s not anticipated to make a comeback until 2025. The injury bug also bit Evans, who will miss the entire regular season due to a torn patellar tendon, though he’s on track for a 2025 return as well. Williams’ ACL tear during training camp further extends this timeline of recovery to 2025.
Grim Injury Reports Across Teams
Elsewhere, significant figures on various teams are facing lengthy absences. Milano’s torn biceps will keep him sidelined for the majority of the season. If all goes well, Milano could be back by December.
Curtis Samuel, battling turf toe, is more fortunate, with his status considered "week to week." Samuel is targeting a return by Week 2.
The injury woes for the Kansas City Chiefs include MVS, who sustained a neck sprain during a preseason Week 2 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. He should be back by Week 3. Meanwhile, Dane Jackson’s significant hamstring injury, coupled with Brooks' torn ACL, will likely keep them off the field until Week 4.
For the Bengals, their first-round pick suffered a strained pectoral muscle in the first preseason game, but the prognosis is relatively positive, with an expected return by Week 2.
Additionally, McCarthy, who tore his meniscus, joins the growing list of players expected to return only in 2025. Herbig’s torn rotator cuff also rules him out until December. Chubb’s knee injury from last season is an ongoing saga; his return, after multiple surgeries, isn’t expected before Week 5. Chubb has been on PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) since Week 17, with a potential return as late as Week 8.
Shorter-Term Returns
In more optimistic news, Tennessee’s No. 1 wideout and the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year aim to return by Week 1 after suffering knee injuries in early August. Another key recovery involves Higbee, who will rejoin his team by Week 15 despite ACL and MCL injuries.
Detroit Lions’ second-year running back sustained a hamstring injury recently but is fortunate that it isn’t expected to be a serious issue. Phillips, having suffered a torn Achilles, was activated off the PUP list last week and is also expected back by Week 1. Similarly, Warren, who was sidelined during a preseason game against the Bills due to a hamstring injury, is eyeing a Week 1 return.
Brooks’ injury scenario is under a more cautious outlook. Dave Canales, optimistic about Brook's recovery, mentioned that "Week 3 or Week 4 would be 'great' for Brooks' return."
Preseason injuries have undeniably disrupted team evaluations and preparations, compelling coaches and staff to adapt their strategies in real-time. As teams navigate these turbulent waters, the resilience and depth of each roster will be tested, setting the stage for what promises to be an unpredictable NFL season.