Injuries are an inevitable part of the NFL landscape, and this preseason has proven to be no exception. All 32 teams have faced significant setbacks, with key players sustaining serious injuries that will impact their availability for the upcoming season.
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, adding to the Falcons' growing list of injured players.
Joining Moore on the sidelines is Trice, the Falcons' No. 74 overall pick, who tore his ACL in his first preseason game and is also anticipated to return in 2025. The Falcons will be without another critical player in Evans, who will miss the entire regular season due to a torn patellar tendon, with a return also expected in 2025.
The Falcons aren't the only team hit hard. Milano's torn biceps will keep him off the field for the majority of the season, with an optimistic return expected by December. Herbig’s torn rotator cuff has similarly ruled him out until December.
Hopeful Returns Before Season End
While some injuries spell longer absences, a few players are expected to make their returns within the season. Curtis Samuel, dealing with turf toe, is considered "week to week" and 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.
Dane Jackson and Brooks, coping with a significant hamstring injury and a torn ACL, respectively, are anticipated to be back on the field by Week 4. The Bengals' first-round pick, who strained a pectoral muscle in their first preseason game, is expected to be ready by Week 2.
Chubb’s knee injury from last season has led to multiple surgeries, and while his return isn't anticipated before Week 5, the Browns are holding out hope. Currently on PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) since Week 17, Chubb might make his comeback by Week 8.
Rookie Recoveries
Rookies also face a challenging start. Tennessee’s No. 1 wideout and the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year are aiming for returns by Week 1 after suffering knee injuries in early August. The Lions' second-year running back’s hamstring injury this month, while not expected to be serious, adds to the list of concerns.
Phillips, who suffered a torn Achilles, was recently activated off PUP last week and is expected back by Week 1. Warren, sidelined in a preseason game against the Bills due to a hamstring injury, is also eyeing a Week 1 return.
Coaching Strategies Affected
Dave Canales, expressing optimism about Brooks' return, remarked, "Week 3 or Week 4 would be 'great' for Brooks' return." The rampant injuries have significantly disrupted team evaluations and preparations, forcing coaches and staff to adapt their strategies and expectations.
Overall, the preseason has been a tumultuous period of adjustments and recalibrations as teams brace for the upcoming NFL season amidst a myriad of player injuries. How each team manages these setbacks could very well define their fortunes in the weeks to come.