As NFL training camps ramp up, a slew of injuries have already started to reshape team rosters and strategies just weeks before the regular season kickoff. Key players across multiple franchises are finding themselves sidelined, casting a shadow over their teams' preseason preparations and potentially their regular season aspirations.
Chargers Hit Hard with Herbert Injury
The Los Angeles Chargers faced a major setback with star quarterback Justin Herbert suffering a plantar fascia injury in his right foot. Herbert, who spearheaded the team's offense, will be in a walking boot for two weeks. Following this period, he will begin a return-to-play protocol, with the team optimistic he'll be ready by the start of the regular season. In his absence, backup quarterback Easton Stick will take over first-team reps, hoping to fill the substantial void left by Herbert.
Panthers’ Quarterback Troubles
The Carolina Panthers are also grappling with a significant quarterback injury. Andy Dalton is out for at least a couple of weeks due to a quad injury. This has propelled the Panthers into an urgent search for another quarterback to cover the gap while Dalton recovers.
Running Backs on the Mend
Teams are also dealing with setbacks in their running back squads. The reigning Offensive Player of the Year is currently nursing a calf injury that emerged in early August, ruling him out of practice for a few weeks and making it unlikely he will participate in any preseason games. Similarly, Lions' running back Jahmyr Gibbs left practice early due to a hamstring injury.
For the Panthers, rookie running back Jonathon Brooks is on the road to recovery from an ACL tear sustained last November. Head coach Dave Canales is hopeful Brooks will be ready by Week 3 or Week 4 of the season.
Knees and Ankles: A Painful Trend
On the receiving end, the Tennessee Titans are dealing with a knee injury to wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, sidelining him for four to six weeks. The team's new head coach, Brian Callahan, is managing the situation as they shift towards a more pass-oriented offense.
Elsewhere, Saints wide receiver Josh Downs is recovering from a high-ankle sprain sustained on August 7. The Ravens are also dealing with a knee injury to second-year receiver Puka Nacua, categorized as week-to-week following his injury in practice.
Defensive Line Setbacks
The Dallas Cowboys' defense took a significant hit when edge rusher Sam Williams suffered a torn ACL, ending his 2024 season. Williams was anticipated to play a crucial supporting role behind stars Micah Parsons and Demarcus Lawrence. Bengals edge rusher Sam Hubbard also faced a scare when he exited Sunday’s practice with a knee injury, although it's not believed to be serious.
Adding to the list of defensive woes, Samson Ebukam’s torn Achilles tendon will keep him out for the entire season, and the Buccaneers’ guard Sua Opeta is also sidelined for the year with a torn ACL.
Offensive Line Challenges
The Bengals are looking at several weeks without their first-round pick Amarius Mims due to a pectoral strain, potentially affecting the start of his regular season. On the Jaguars' front, tackle Cam Robinson is working through a shoulder injury, joined by Anton Harrison, who is currently in concussion protocol. This follows a challenging previous season for Robinson, who played in only nine games owing to a suspension and knee issue.
Coaches Adjusting to New Realities
Head coaches across the league are navigating these tumultuous waters with cautious optimism, trying to maintain momentum despite the injury setbacks. As Saints' head coach Dennis Allen poignantly put it, the challenge is to "figure out how to stay healthy," a sentiment echoed across many training camps. Rams coach Sean McVay also highlighted the unpredictable nature of the sport, remarking they are taking it "a week at a time."
The wave of injuries serves as a stark reminder of the brutal physical toll that football exacts, even before the season officially begins. As teams recalibrate and second-string players step up, the resilience and adaptability of these squads will be put to the test in the weeks leading up to the first whistle of the regular season.