Injuries are an inevitable part of the NFL landscape, and this preseason has been no exception. All 32 teams have faced significant setbacks as key players have sustained serious injuries, impacting their availability for the upcoming season.
The Atlanta Falcons have been particularly hard-hit. Moore, traded to Atlanta 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 expected to return in 2025. In a similar vein, Trice, the Falcons' No. 74 overall pick, tore his ACL in his first preseason game and is also anticipated to return in 2025.
Further compounding the Falcons' woes, Evans is set to miss the entire regular season due to a torn patellar tendon, with his return expected in 2025. Williams also faced the harsh reality of a torn ACL during training camp and is slated to return in 2025.
Other Teams Facing Setbacks
Several other teams across the league have also been affected. Milano's torn biceps will keep him off the field for the majority of the season, although his return is optimistically scheduled for December. Herbig, dealing with a torn rotator cuff, faces similar sidelining, with his return projected for December.
Meanwhile, Curtis Samuel's turf toe has rendered him "week to week," but he is expected to be back by Week 2. MVS, who sustained a neck sprain during a preseason Week 2 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, is likely to return by Week 3.
Rehabilitation Timelines
The list of injuries continues with Dane Jackson’s significant hamstring injury and Brooks' torn ACL, injuries likely to keep both players off the field until Week 4. The Bengals' first-round pick sustained a strained pectoral muscle in their first preseason game and is expected to be ready by Week 2.
Unfortunately, McCarthy suffered a torn meniscus and is expected to return in 2025. And Chubb’s knee injury from last season resulted in multiple surgeries, with his return not anticipated before Week 5. Chubb remains on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list since Week 17, with a potential return by Week 8.
Optimistic Outlooks
Amidst the overwhelming injuries, some players have a more optimistic prognosis. Tennessee’s No. 1 wideout and the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year both aim for returns by Week 1 after suffering knee injuries in early August. Phillips, who suffered a torn Achilles, was activated off PUP last week and is expected back by Week 1. Similarly, Warren, who was sidelined in a preseason game against the Bills due to a hamstring injury, is expected back by Week 1.
Season Preparations Disrupted
Dave Canales provided some hopeful insight regarding Brooks' return, stating, "Week 3 or Week 4 would be 'great' for Brooks' return." The Lions' second-year running back sustained a hamstring injury this month, but it is "not expected to be a serious issue."
The Packers' Higbee will rejoin in Week 15 due to ACL and MCL injuries. Preseason injuries like these have disrupted evaluations and preparations, forcing coaches and staff to adapt swiftly. The ripple effect of losing key players is significant, not only altering team dynamics but also shaping the strategies implemented throughout the season.
The brutal nature of football and the inevitable injuries it brings have always tested the resilience of NFL teams. This preseason has been a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change, and how essential depth and adaptability are in navigating a grueling NFL season. As teams brace for the regular season, they'll need to rely on their depth charts and the perseverance of returning players to maintain competitive performance on the field.