As NFL training camps continue to ramp up, injuries have become an ever-present and impactful part of the preseason narrative. Several key players across multiple teams are sidelined, affecting team strategies and depth charts just weeks before the regular season kicks off.
One of the most significant setbacks has hit the Los Angeles Chargers. Star quarterback Justin Herbert has sustained a plantar fascia injury in his right foot. Herbert is expected to be in a walking boot for two weeks before beginning a return-to-play protocol. Despite this injury, he is anticipated to be ready for the regular season. In the interim, backup Easton Stick will handle first-team reps, offering him a chance to showcase his skills.
The Carolina Panthers are also dealing with a blow to their quarterback depth. Veteran Andy Dalton is sidelined for at least a couple of weeks with a quad injury. This development has left the Panthers actively looking to bring in another quarterback to bridge the gap during Dalton's recovery.
In the running back department, the reigning Offensive Player of the Year is nursing a calf injury that emerged in early August. He is expected to miss a few weeks of practice and is unlikely to see any preseason action ahead of the 2024 campaign. Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions' promising running back Jahmyr Gibbs left practice early on Monday due to a hamstring injury.
Carolina's running back woes continue with rookie Jonathon Brooks, who is recovering from an ACL tear that he sustained last November. According to head coach Dave Canales, Brooks is expected to be ready by Week 3 or Week 4 of the season.
In Tennessee, wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins will be sidelined for four to six weeks due to a knee injury. The Titans, under new head coach Brian Callahan, are expected to adopt a more pass-oriented offense, making Hopkins' absence even more impactful during this adjustment period.
The New Orleans Saints have their own concerns with wide receiver Josh Downs, who is dealing with a high-ankle sprain sustained on August 7. Similarly, the Baltimore Ravens' second-year receiver Puka Nacua is considered week-to-week following a knee injury during practice.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Dallas Cowboys suffered a major loss with the news that edge rusher Sam Williams has torn his ACL, ruling him out for the entire 2024 season. Williams was expected to play a supporting role behind stars Micah Parsons and Demarcus Lawrence.
The Cincinnati Bengals are also contending with injuries to two key players. Edge rusher Sam Hubbard exited Sunday’s practice with a knee injury, although it is not believed to be serious. Meanwhile, first-round pick Amarius Mims is facing several weeks on the sidelines due to a pectoral strain, potentially missing the start of the regular season.
Further compounding the issue, the San Francisco 49ers have lost defensive lineman Samson Ebukam to a torn Achilles tendon, putting him out for the entire 2024 season. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offensive line took a hit as well, with guard Sua Opeta tearing his ACL, an injury that will also rule him out for the season.
Jacksonville Jaguars are not immune to the injury wave either. Tackle Cam Robinson is dealing with a shoulder injury, and his colleague, Anton Harrison, is sidelined after entering the concussion protocol. Robinson's tumultuous previous season, in which he played only nine games due to suspension and a knee issue, adds another layer of concern for the Jaguars.
As teams navigate these setbacks, head coaches are forced to adopt a cautious optimism. Saints head coach Dennis Allen emphasized the need to “figure out how to stay healthy,” while Rams coach Sean McVay is taking it "a week at a time."
The resilience of NFL teams will be tested in these final weeks of preseason. Each injured player represents not just a loss of skill and experience but also an adjustment to team chemistry and strategy as backups and new signings are integrated into practice regimes. Coaches and medical teams will be working overtime to ensure that their squads are as healthy and prepared as possible when the regular season kicks off.
As always, the ability to adapt and prepare for the unexpected will be a hallmark of the teams that succeed despite these early challenges.