As NFL training camps continue to progress, several teams are grappling with a wave of injuries that are reshaping team dynamics mere weeks before the regular season kicks off.
Significant Setbacks for the Chargers and Panthers
The Los Angeles Chargers have been dealt a significant blow with star quarterback Justin Herbert suffering a plantar fascia injury in his right foot. Herbert will be in a walking boot for two weeks before starting a return-to-play protocol, with expectations that he will be ready for the regular season. In his absence, backup quarterback Easton Stick will take on first-team reps, an opportunity for Stick to demonstrate his capabilities under pressure.
In a parallel setback, Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton is sidelined for at least a couple of weeks due to a quad injury. The Panthers are actively seeking to bring in another quarterback to fill the gap during Dalton’s recovery, a move indicative of the team's urgency to stabilize its quarterback situation.
Star Players Sidelined Across the League
The reigning Offensive Player of the Year is nursing a calf injury that surfaced in early August. This key player is expected to miss a few weeks of practice and is unlikely to participate in any preseason games, potentially impacting readiness for the 2024 campaign.
Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs exited practice early on Monday due to a hamstring injury, adding to the list of players hampered by preseason ailments. Meanwhile, Carolina Panthers rookie running back Jonathon Brooks is on the path to recovery from an ACL tear sustained last November. Head coach Dave Canales anticipates Brooks will be ready by Week 3 or Week 4 of the season, providing a glimmer of hope for the Panthers’ running game.
Injuries Hamper Key Receivers and Defensive Players
The Tennessee Titans face a challenging situation as wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is out with a knee injury, expected to sideline him for four to six weeks. This setback comes as the Titans are transitioning to a more pass-oriented offense under new head coach Brian Callahan, making Hopkins’ absence particularly impactful.
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Josh Downs, dealing with a high-ankle sprain that occurred on August 7, highlights the risk of preseason practices. Similarly, Ravens' second-year receiver Puka Nacua is considered week-to-week following a knee injury sustained during practice, casting uncertainty over his early-season availability.
On the defensive side, the Dallas Cowboys suffered a significant loss with edge rusher Sam Williams tearing his ACL, ruling him out for the 2024 season. Williams was expected to play a supporting role behind stars Micah Parsons and Demarcus Lawrence, accentuating the depth concerns for the Cowboys’ defense.
Bengals edge rusher Sam Hubbard gave rise to concerns when he exited Sunday’s practice with a knee injury, though initial reports suggest it is not serious. In contrast, Samson Ebukam’s Achilles tendon tear during practice will sideline him for the entire season, a substantial blow to his team's defensive lineup. Additionally, Buccaneers guard Sua Opeta is out for the year after tearing his ACL, another crushing injury for Tampa Bay’s offensive line.
Uncertainty Surrounds Rookie and Veteran Players Alike
The Bengals are facing a potential early-season challenge with first-round pick Amarius Mims sustaining a pectoral strain, potentially sidelining him for several weeks and jeopardizing his availability at the start of the regular season. The Jaguars are also feeling the sting of injuries; tackle Cam Robinson is nursing a shoulder injury after playing just nine games last season due to a suspension and a knee issue. Adding to the Jaguars' woes, tackle Anton Harrison is currently sidelined, having entered the concussion protocol.
Across the league, head coaches are juggling these setbacks with cautious optimism. Saints’ head coach Dennis Allen has emphasized the importance of finding ways to "figure out how to stay healthy," while Rams coach Sean McVay remains pragmatic, taking it "a week at a time" as he navigates his team's injury challenges.
As preseason injuries pile up, these developments significantly influence team preparations and strategies. Coaches and players alike are striving to adapt and mitigate the impact, underscoring the unpredictable yet resilient nature of the NFL.