Injuries are an inevitable part of the NFL landscape, casting long shadows even before the regular season kicks off. This preseason, all 32 teams have faced significant setbacks as key players across the league have sustained serious injuries. These injuries not only impact individual player careers but also force coaches and staffs to make crucial adjustments.
The Atlanta Falcons' Troubles
The Atlanta Falcons find themselves particularly beleaguered, with two of their critical players facing long-term recoveries. J.P. Moore, who joined the team this offseason, suffered a season-ending knee injury earlier this month. His exit from the practice field was marked by an air cast on his right leg and immediate transport to a local medical facility. Moore is not expected to return until 2025.
Adding to their woes, Trice, the Falcons’ No. 74 overall pick, tore his ACL in his first preseason game. Just like Moore, his return is also projected for 2025. The Falcons’ offense and defense will have to soldier on without them, making strategic shifts to fill these considerable gaps.
Other Major Setbacks Across the NFL
Evans, another highly regarded player, will miss the entire regular season due to a torn patellar tendon, with hopes pinned on his return in 2025. Similarly, Williams, who tore his ACL during training camp, eyes a 2025 comeback.
The injury bug did not spare Milano, either. Suffering from a torn biceps, Milano will miss the majority of the season, with a hopeful return slated for December. Herbig’s torn rotator cuff has ruled him out until December as well, causing significant concerns for depth on several teams.
Curtis Samuel’s injury is relatively less dramatic but still impactful. He is considered "week to week" with turf toe and is expected to be back by Week 2—an optimism that reflects a best-case scenario. MVS, who sustained a neck sprain during a preseason Week 2 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, is likely to return by Week 3.
Dane Jackson’s hamstring injury and Brooks' torn ACL are likely to keep them off the field until Week 4. "Week 3 or Week 4 would be 'great' for Brooks’ return," noted Dave Canales, encapsulating the team's cautious optimism.
Bengals and Other Teams Respond to Injuries
The Bengals' first-round pick sustained a strained pectoral muscle in their first preseason game, yet he is expected to be ready by Week 2, providing a flicker of hope amidst the gloom. However, McCarthy suffered a torn meniscus and, like several others, is expected to return in 2025.
Chubb's knee injury from last season resulted in multiple surgeries, with his return not anticipated before Week 5, and he remains on PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) since Week 17. The team is cautiously eyeing a potential return by Week 8.
In Tennessee, the No. 1 wideout and the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year are both aiming for returns by Week 1 after suffering knee injuries in early August. The Lions’ second-year running back, who sustained a hamstring injury this month, is, fortunately, not expected to face a serious issue.
Phillips, who suffered a torn Achilles, was activated off PUP last week and is expected back by Week 1, a silver lining for his team. Similarly, Warren, sidelined in a preseason game against the Bills due to a hamstring injury, is expected back by Week 1.
Evaluations and Preparations in Flux
Preseason injuries have disrupted evaluations and preparations, forcing coaches and staff to adapt strategies on the fly. These adjustments can significantly impact a team's chances and cohesion as the regular season approaches.
Both medical teams and coaching staffs are working tirelessly to rehabilitate players and adapt game plans. The early part of the season will serve as a litmus test for how well these adjustments can compensate for the loss of key players, with an eye on eventual recoveries and returns.
While the road to recovery is long and arduous for many, the NFL's enduring spirit of resilience and adaptation will undoubtedly carry teams through these challenging times.
