Injuries are an inevitable part of the NFL landscape, and this preseason has been no exception. All 32 teams have faced significant setbacks as various key players have sustained serious injuries, impacting their availability for the upcoming season.
Key Player Injuries
Moore, who was 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, a significant blow to the Falcons' plans. Adding to Atlanta’s woes, Trice, the Falcons' No. 74 overall pick, tore his ACL in his first preseason game and is also anticipated to return in 2025.
Evans, another key player, will miss the entire regular season due to a torn patellar tendon and is likewise expected to return in 2025. The Falcons' injury list continues to grow, as Williams, who tore his ACL during training camp, joins the list of those not expected back until 2025.
Milano has sustained a torn biceps, which will keep him off the field for the majority of the season. Optimistically, Milano is scheduled for a December return.
Short-Term Setbacks
Curtis Samuel is considered "week to week" with turf toe and is expected to be back by Week 2. On the other hand, MVS sustained a neck sprain during a preseason Week 2 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers and is likely to return by Week 3.
Dane Jackson’s significant hamstring injury, coupled with Brooks' torn ACL, are likely to keep them off the field until Week 4. Even the Bengals have not been spared, with their first-round pick sustaining a strained pectoral muscle in their first preseason game, though he is expected to be ready by Week 2.
Long Recovery Periods
McCarthy suffered a torn meniscus and is expected to return in 2025, while Herbig’s torn rotator cuff has ruled him out until December. Meanwhile, Chubb’s knee injury from last season resulted in multiple surgeries, with his return not anticipated before Week 5. Having been on PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) since Week 17, Chubb has a potential return by Week 8.
Tennessee’s No. 1 wideout and reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year aim to return by Week 1 after suffering knee injuries in early August. Higbee is slated for a Week 15 return due to ACL and MCL injuries.
Optimism Amid Adversity
The Lions’ second-year running back sustained a hamstring injury this month, but it is "not expected to be a serious issue." Phillips, who suffered a torn Achilles, was activated off PUP last week and is expected back by Week 1. Furthermore, Warren, who was sidelined in a preseason game against the Bills due to a hamstring injury, is also expected back by Week 1.
Dave Canales has expressed optimism about Brooks' return, stating, "Week 3 or Week 4 would be 'great' for Brooks' return." However, the challenges remain substantial. Preseason injuries have disrupted evaluations and preparations, forcing coaches and staff to adapt on the fly.
As teams scramble to adjust their strategies and ensure their rosters are prepared for the upcoming season, one truth remains clear: resilience will be crucial in this injury-ridden preseason landscape. Balancing player recovery timelines with on-field performance will test the depth and adaptability of all 32 NFL teams.