As NFL training camps advance, the league is grappling with a notable uptick in injuries, sidelining or ending the seasons of several key players. The Los Angeles Chargers are feeling the sting, currently without their star quarterback, Justin Herbert. Herbert suffered a plantar fascia injury in his right foot, sidelining him for at least two weeks with a walking boot. The team remains optimistic about his return for the regular season, with backup quarterback Easton Stick temporarily taking the helm.
In a similar plight, the Carolina Panthers face the loss of backup quarterback Andy Dalton due to a quad injury, sidelining him for several weeks. In response, the Panthers are actively scouring the market for an additional quarterback to fill the void. Simultaneously, they keenly observe the recovery of their rookie running back, Jonathon Brooks. Head coach Dave Canales expects Brooks, who is on the mend from an ACL tear sustained last November, to be ready around Week 3 or Week 4 of this season.
Meanwhile, the reigning Offensive Player of the Year, whose identity remains unspecified, suffered a calf injury in early August, likely missing a few weeks of practice. "The reigning Offensive Player of the Year suffered a calf injury in early August and will likely miss a few weeks of practice," confirmed Kyle Shanahan, adding to the roster challenges faced by several teams.
The injury woes continue with the Rams, whose offensive lineman Jonah Jackson is week-to-week following a shoulder injury. Cam Robinson also exited practice early due to a shoulder injury, adding to their list of concerns. Anton Harrison's entrance into concussion protocol further complicates the team’s preparation strategy.
Other notable injuries across the league include Demario Davis's hamstring injury and Sam Williams's season-ending ACL tear. The landscape is also impacted by Samson Ebukam's torn Achilles tendon and YaYa Diaby’s high-ankle sprain. John Cominsky, now on injured reserve due to a torn MCL, marks another significant loss for his team.
The wide receiver landscape is equally troubled, with Moore being carted off following a non-contact injury, later diagnosed as a season-ending knee injury. Jermaine Burton faces a minor ankle injury, whereas Rashod Bateman is dealing with soreness from a rib/stomach hit. The Bengals' Sam Hubbard exited practice on a cart due to a knee injury, further illustrating the breadth of the league's injury crisis.
Additionally, Darious Williams is battling a hamstring strain, while rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette remains under observation due to an unspecified injury incurred during practice. The Saints’ second-year receiver Nacua, entering Year 2 with high expectations after winning Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023, suffered a knee injury at Saturday's practice. "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," reported ESPN.
As teams navigate this wave of injuries, some players entered training camps on reserves lists like physically unable to perform (PUP), further highlighting the physical toll of the sport. The NFL’s landscape remains precarious, with teams and fans alike hoping for swift recoveries and minimal long-term impacts on player careers and team fortunes.