As NFL training camps get underway, the road to the regular season is already proving to be a tough one for several teams grappling with significant injuries to key players. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are feeling the impact more than most, as multiple players have been sidelined with serious injuries.
On Thursday, rookie pass rusher YaYa Diaby was carted off the practice field with a high-ankle sprain. The promising rookie is expected to be a crucial element in Tampa Bay’s defensive front, and the team will undoubtedly miss his presence until his return.
The Buccaneers were dealt a more severe blow when guard Sua Opeta suffered a torn ACL, ruling him out for the entire season. Opeta, who signed a one-year deal, was in the midst of a competitive battle for the starting left guard spot alongside Ben Bredeson. With Opeta out of the equation, Bredeson has taken over reps with the starters, stepping into a void created by the absence of key players like Matt Feiler and Aaron Stinnie from last season.
Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs are also experiencing their share of adversity. Veteran pass rusher Nick Bolton exited practice early with an apparent arm injury, a worrying sign given that Bolton missed time last season due to wrist surgery. The Chiefs have also added several wide receivers to their camp roster, including first-round pick Xavier Worthy, in a bid to bolster their offensive arsenal.
The Dallas Cowboys are facing a significant setback with the loss of Sam Williams, who tore his ACL during Sunday’s practice and will be placed on injured reserve. Williams was anticipated to provide crucial support to the formidable pass-rushing duo of Micah Parsons and Demarcus Lawrence, and his absence will be keenly felt by the Cowboys' defense.
The injury woes extend to the San Francisco 49ers as well, where Samson Ebukam has torn his Achilles tendon and will sit out the season. The Baltimore Ravens, too, are not spared, with Rashod Bateman leaving Monday’s practice after sustaining a hit to the rib/stomach area. Coach John Harbaugh described the issue as merely soreness, but Bateman’s condition will be closely monitored.
In Cincinnati, Sam Hubbard was carted off Sunday’s practice field with a knee injury. Early reports thankfully suggest that Hubbard’s knee injury is not considered serious, providing a sigh of relief for the Bengals faithful. Elsewhere, Darious Williams is sidelined with a hamstring strain, and Rams’ head coach Sean McVay has assured that the team will manage his recovery cautiously. "The team will not rush him back and will take it 'a week at a time,'" McVay stated.
Kendre Miller’s health remains a concern for the New Orleans Saints. The running back left the Saints' first camp practice with yet another hamstring injury. Miller appeared in just eight games last year, and head coach Dennis Allen did not mince words about his situation, suggesting the running back needs to “figure out how to stay healthy.”
Ty Johnson’s injury situation echoes Miller's, as he is sitting out Tuesday’s practice due to a hamstring issue. Johnson has been in a rotation for the No. 2 running back position alongside rookie Ray Davis, with starter James Cook recently returning to practice after a brief personal leave. Over in Chicago, Nate Davis of the Bears has missed several sessions with an undisclosed muscle strain, adding to the list of concerns for the team.
Justin Watson is dealing with a foot injury, a disappointing turn for a player who had a career-high 460 receiving yards in 2023. Watson’s absence opens the door for third-year player Skyy Moore to seize more opportunities, an exciting prospect for Chiefs fans eager to see Moore’s development.
As NFL teams navigate the treacherous waters of pre-season, the injury list serves as a stark reminder of the physical toll the sport exacts. Coaches and medical teams will be working tirelessly to manage these setbacks, aiming to bring their squads to full strength just in time for the regular season kickoff.