Injuries are an unavoidable part of the NFL, and this preseason has been no exception. Every one of the league's 32 teams has encountered significant setbacks as key players have suffered serious injuries, casting a shadow over their upcoming seasons. Below, we delve into the most impactful injuries and their implications.
Season-Ending Injuries
Certainly, the most crushing injuries are those that end a player's season before it even begins. This year, several players have had their seasons cut short. Moore, who was traded to Atlanta this offseason, suffered a season-ending knee injury earlier this month. His departure from the practice field, marked by an air cast on his right leg and immediate transport to a local medical facility, signaled the severity of the injury. Moore is not expected to return until 2025.
Similarly, Trice, the Falcons' No. 74 overall pick, tore his ACL during his first preseason game, ruling him out until 2025. Alongside him, Evans will miss the entire regular season due to a torn patellar tendon, also aiming for a 2025 return. Adding to the Falcons' misfortunes, Williams, who tore his ACL during training camp, is projected to return in 2025.
Partial Season Absences
Not all injuries have been season-ending, but many will still sideline players for significant chunks of the season. Milano, injured with a torn biceps, is expected to be off the field for most of the season, with an optimistic return projected for December. Herbig’s torn rotator cuff has a similar timeline, with hopes for a December comeback.
Browns' running back Chubb, whose knee injury last season led to multiple surgeries, is not anticipated to return before Week 5, remaining on PUP since Week 17 of last season. A potential return by Week 8 is on the cards.
Short-Term Injuries and Expected Returns
In contrast, several players are dealing with injuries that are likely to keep them out for only a few weeks. Curtis Samuel is dealing with turf toe and is expected to be back by Week 2. MVS sustained a neck sprain during a preseason Week 2 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers and is likely to return by Week 3.
Dane Jackson’s significant hamstring injury and Brooks' torn ACL are anticipated to keep them off the field until Week 4. Brooks’ return by Week 3 or Week 4 would be "great," according to Dave Canales.
The Bengals' first-round pick suffered a strained pectoral muscle during their first preseason game but is expected to be ready by Week 2. Meanwhile, Tennessee’s No. 1 wideout, along with the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year, are aiming for returns by Week 1 after suffering knee injuries in early August.
Some players have made rapid recoveries. Phillips, who suffered a torn Achilles, was activated off PUP last week and is expected to return by Week 1. Warren, who was sidelined in a preseason game against the Bills due to a hamstring injury, is also expected to return by Week 1.
Impact on Team Preparations and Strategies
Preseason injuries have disrupted evaluations and preparations, forcing coaches and staff to quickly adapt. The Lions' second-year running back recently sustained a hamstring injury, though it is "not expected to be a serious issue." That said, the timeline for these players' returns remains a concern for their respective teams.
In some cases, the timing of a player’s return could significantly impact team performance. For example, Higbee, who is set to rejoin in Week 15 after ACL and MCL injuries, may return just in time for a playoff push if his team qualifies. The potential mid-season returns of players like Chubb and Milano could also boost a team’s prospects.
The reverberations of these preseason injuries are being felt across the NFL. As teams look ahead to the regular season, the health and recovery of these athletes will be closely monitored. Injuries are a part of the game, but their impact can often be the difference between a successful season and one filled with "what ifs."