Injuries Hit NFL Training Camps Hard
As NFL training camps surge forward, the league is experiencing a notable rise in injuries, affecting a number of key players and altering team dynamics. These injuries range from temporary setbacks to season-ending blows, underlining the physical toll of preparation for the upcoming season.
Justin Herbert's Setback
The Los Angeles Chargers are currently facing a significant challenge as star quarterback Justin Herbert copes with a plantar fascia injury in his right foot. Herbert will be donning a walking boot for the next two weeks, with the team hopeful he’ll be ready for the regular season.
In the interim, Chargers backup quarterback Easton Stick will step up to lead the offense. The hope is that Herbert’s absence will be brief and that he can return with minimal disruption to the team's game plan.
Carolina Panthers' Quarterback Concerns
Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers are not spared from the injury wave. Backup quarterback Andy Dalton is sidelined for a few weeks due to a quad injury, putting the team in a precarious position. The Panthers are actively searching the market for an additional quarterback to fill the void created by Dalton’s absence.
The Panthers also have their eyes on the recovery of rookie running back Jonathon Brooks, who is mending from an ACL tear he sustained last November. Head coach Dave Canales remains optimistic, stating, "He expects rookie running back Jonathon Brooks to be ready around Week 3 or Week 4 of this season."
High Profile Injuries
The reigning Offensive Player of the Year suffered a calf injury in early August, casting a temporary shadow over their campaign. As Kyle Shanahan noted, "The reigning Offensive Player of the Year suffered a calf injury in early August and will likely miss a few weeks of practice."
The injury bug didn't spare the offensive lines either. The Rams' offensive lineman Jonah Jackson is considered "week to week" due to a shoulder issue, while Cam Robinson also exited practice with a shoulder injury.
Season-Enders and Long-Term Recoveries
For some players, the outlook is more grim. Sam Williams’ season came to an abrupt end as he tore his ACL. Similarly, Samson Ebukam suffered a torn Achilles tendon, eliminating his chances of contributing on the field this season. Both injuries leave significant gaps on their respective teams, necessitating adjustments in strategy and personnel.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' young defender YaYa Diaby wasn’t immune either, suffering a high-ankle sprain that will sideline him for a significant period. John Cominsky of the Lions found himself on injured reserve following a torn MCL, adding to the list of players whose season hopes are dashed.
Non-contact injuries have also claimed victims. Moore, a versatile receiver and return specialist, was carted off the field and later diagnosed with a season-ending knee injury. Such sudden health issues emphasize the unpredictable nature of football and the thin line between participation and sidelining.
Other Notable Injuries
Jermaine Burton is currently dealing with a minor ankle injury, while Rashod Bateman has been experiencing soreness from a rib/stomach hit. Defensive stalwart Sam Hubbard faced a knee injury, exiting practice on a cart, which is never a good sign for any team's defense.
A few more key players are on watch lists. Darious Williams’ hamstring strain is keeping him out of action, and rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette had to leave practice due to an unspecified injury and remains under observation.
Saints' Second-Year Expectations
Nacua, the Saints’ promising second-year receiver who won Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023, suffered a knee injury during Saturday’s practice. An ESPN report confirmed, "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."
These injuries underscore the physical demands of NFL training camps. As teams face an uphill battle to keep their rosters intact, the hope remains that these setbacks are merely temporary and that key players can return to contribute to their teams' success when the regular season kicks off.