As the NFL training camps swing into high gear, an unsettling trend has emerged: a surge in injuries affecting several key players. The injury report is growing for teams across the league, disrupting preparations for the upcoming season and leaving coaches to scramble for viable replacements.
Chargers Hit Hard
Among the most significant losses is the Los Angeles Chargers' star quarterback Justin Herbert, who sustained a plantar fascia injury to his right foot. Forced into a walking boot for the next two weeks, the Chargers are cautiously optimistic about Herbert's recovery. The team anticipates his readiness for the regular season, but in the meantime, backup quarterback Easton Stick will step in to lead the offense.
Panthers in a Bind
The Carolina Panthers are also grappling with quarterback woes, albeit at the backup position. Veteran Andy Dalton is sidelined for a few weeks due to a quad injury. The Panthers are now on the hunt for an additional quarterback to bolster their depth chart, a challenging task given the timing of the injury.
Moreover, head coach Dave Canales remains optimistic about the recovery of their rookie running back, Jonathon Brooks. "He expects rookie running back Jonathon Brooks to be ready around Week 3 or Week 4 of this season," Canales revealed, offering a glimmer of hope amid the team's current struggles. Brooks is on the mend from an ACL tear sustained last November, and his return could be pivotal for the Panthers' offensive schemes.
The reigning Offensive Player of the Year also finds himself sidelined. "The reigning Offensive Player of the Year suffered a calf injury in early August and will likely miss a few weeks of practice," said Kyle Shanahan. This setback comes at a crucial time when teams are fine-tuning their strategies and player conditions.
Other Significant Injuries
Across the league, several other players have fallen victim to the injury bug. Kansas City Chiefs running back Ty Johnson missed recent practices because of a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, James Cook temporarily stepped away from practice for personal reasons but has since rejoined the team.
The injury report didn't spare the offensive linemen either. Rams' Jonah Jackson is listed as "week to week" with a shoulder injury, while Cam Robinson and Anton Harrison are also dealing with significant setbacks. Robinson left practice with a shoulder injury, and Harrison has entered concussion protocol, leaving their statuses uncertain as the season draws near.
On the defensive side, the landscape appears similarly bleak. Demario Davis and Darious Williams are nursing hamstring injuries, and Sam Williams' season came to an abrupt end after tearing his ACL. The trend of severe injuries continued as Samson Ebukam suffered a torn Achilles tendon, and YaYa Diaby was sidelined with a high-ankle sprain. John Cominsky joined the injured reserve list due to a torn MCL.
Wide Receivers and Defensive Players Affected
Wide receivers have not been immune to the plague of injuries. Moore suffered a non-contact injury that resulted in a season-ending knee issue. Saints' second-year receiver Nacua, who had high expectations following a stellar rookie season capped by winning the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023, also found himself sidelined. "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," remarked an ESPN report.
Jermaine Burton deals with a minor ankle injury, while Rashod Bateman is coping with rib and stomach soreness following a recent hit. Rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette is under observation after being forced to exit practice due to an unspecified injury.
Amidst the flurry of muscle strains and ligament tears, some players began training camps on reserves lists, such as the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, potentially due to previous injuries or surgeries that haven't yet fully healed.
As training camps continue and the preseason games begin, these injuries underscore the toll that professional football exacts on its athletes. Teams will need their medical and training staff to be at their best to manage these injuries and help players return to the field as quickly and safely as possible.