The NFL training camps are in full swing, but not without a significant uptick in injuries that have affected numerous key players across the league.
Chargers Face Quarterback Conundrum
The Los Angeles Chargers are dealing with the temporary loss of their star quarterback, Justin Herbert. Herbert suffered a plantar fascia injury in his right foot and will be wearing a walking boot for two weeks. Despite this setback, the team anticipates that he will be ready for the regular season. During Herbert's absence, backup quarterback Easton Stick will be stepping in to lead the team, hoping to keep the offense functional and focused.
Panthers Struggling with Injuries
The Carolina Panthers are also grappling with their own quarterback dilemma. Backup quarterback Andy Dalton is sidelined for a few weeks due to a quad injury. This unfortunate development has prompted the Panthers to scour the market for an additional quarterback to shore up their roster. Adding to their woes, the reigning Offensive Player of the Year suffered a calf injury in early August and is expected to miss a few weeks of practice. Head coach Dave Canales is hopeful, however, that rookie running back Jonathon Brooks will be ready by Week 3 or Week 4 of the season as he continues to recover from an ACL tear sustained last November.
Injury Epidemic Across the League
The injury bug hasn't spared other teams either. Ty Johnson of the Jets missed recent practices owing to a hamstring injury, while James Cook had a temporary hiatus from practice for personal reasons but has since returned. The Rams are dealing with offensive lineman Jonah Jackson, who is currently "week to week" with a shoulder injury. Similarly, Cam Robinson exited practice due to a shoulder injury, and Anton Harrison entered concussion protocol.
Linebackers have not been immune either. Demario Davis has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, and Sam Williams endured a season-ending ACL tear. In a devastating blow to the Colts, Samson Ebukam suffered a torn Achilles tendon, while rookie defensive end YaYa Diaby incurred a high-ankle sprain. John Cominsky of the Lions had to be placed on injured reserve due to a torn MCL.
Non-Contact Injuries Adding to Concerns
Non-contact injuries have also raised concerns. Receiver and returner Moore was carted off the field after sustaining a season-ending knee injury during a non-contact drill. Similarly, Jermaine Burton is currently sidelined with a minor ankle injury, and Rashod Bateman has reported soreness from a rib/stomach hit. The Bengals are monitoring Sam Hubbard, who had to exit practice on a cart due to a knee injury, while Darious Williams is dealing with a hamstring strain.
Rookies and Veterans Alike Under Surveillance
Rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette remains under observation after failing to complete a recent practice due to an unspecified injury. Meanwhile, Saints’ second-year receiver Nacua is week-to-week with a knee injury. ESPN reported, "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."
The surge in injuries has also placed multiple players on reserves lists, including the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, emphasizing the physical toll of the preseason grind. Coaches and medical staff across the league are undoubtedly working overtime to manage these injuries and prepare their squads for the impending regular season. Each team hopes to see their sidelined stars back in action as soon as possible, but caution remains the watchword as rushing back too soon could prove detrimental in the long run.
As training camps progress and preseason games loom on the horizon, the narrative will likely continue to shift. Fans, coaches, and players alike can only hope that the injury wave ebbs sooner rather than later, allowing the league's best talents to showcase their skills on the field come regular season kickoff.