As NFL training camps heat up, teams across the league are grappling with a slew of injuries that are already beginning to reshape the landscape of the upcoming season. Just weeks before the regular season kicks off, several key players find themselves on the sidelines, forcing teams to adapt and strategize in real time.
Chargers' Quarterback Situation
The Los Angeles Chargers faced a daunting setback when star quarterback Justin Herbert suffered a plantar fascia injury in his right foot. Currently, Herbert is expected to spend two weeks in a walking boot before commencing a return-to-play protocol. Fortunately for Chargers fans, there is hope that Herbert will be ready for the start of the regular season. In the interim, backup Easton Stick will step up to take first-team reps, a critical role as the team preps for its opener.
Panthers' Quarterback Woes
Similarly, the Carolina Panthers find themselves in a precarious position with quarterback Andy Dalton sidelined for at least a couple of weeks due to a quad injury. The Panthers are actively seeking another quarterback to address the gap created by Dalton’s absence. With the regular season approaching rapidly, finding a capable substitute is imperative to maintain offensive stability.
Injuries Impact Star Players
One of the league's most electrifying players, the reigning Offensive Player of the Year, is dealing with a calf injury that surfaced in early August. Expectations are that the star running back will miss several weeks of practice, ruling out any participation in the preseason games for the 2024 campaign. This absence will undoubtedly be felt, given his pivotal role in his team's offensive schemes.
Elsewhere, the Detroit Lions are dealing with their own set of challenges as running back Jahmyr Gibbs exited Monday's practice early due to a hamstring injury. The severity of this injury is still uncertain, but it adds another layer of complexity to their preseason preparations. Additionally, Panthers rookie running back Jonathon Brooks, who is recovering from an ACL tear sustained last November, is expected to be ready by Week 3 or Week 4 of the season, according to head coach Dave Canales.
Wide Receiver Concerns
The Tennessee Titans have also been hit, losing wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins to a knee injury that will sideline him for four to six weeks. With a new head coach, Brian Callahan, at the helm, the Titans are anticipated to lean more heavily on a pass-oriented offense. This makes Hopkins' absence particularly troubling for the team's offensive aspirations.
The Saints are not spared either, as wide receiver Josh Downs is dealing with a high-ankle sprain sustained on August 7. Across the league, the Ravens' second-year receiver Puka Nacua is considered week-to-week following a knee injury from practice. These injuries create significant challenges for their respective teams, both of which will need to make adjustments to their receiving corps.
Defensive Setbacks
On the defensive front, the Cowboys suffered a major blow with edge rusher Sam Williams tearing his ACL, ruling him out for the 2024 season. Williams was expected to provide valuable support behind stars Micah Parsons and Demarcus Lawrence. Similarly, the Bengals' defense took a hit when edge rusher Sam Hubbard exited a recent practice with a knee injury. While it is not believed to be serious, any time missed by Hubbard is significant.
These defensive setbacks are compounded by additional injuries across the league. The Colts' defensive lineman Samson Ebukam tore his Achilles tendon during practice, which will keep him out for the entire 2024 season. Buccaneers guard Sua Opeta will also miss the year after tearing his ACL.
Lingering Offensive Line and Other Injuries
The Bengals first-round pick Amarius Mims is contending with a pectoral strain, potentially jeopardizing his start to the regular season. Meanwhile, the Jaguars are dealing with challenges on their offensive line, with tackle Cam Robinson nursing a shoulder injury and fellow tackle Anton Harrison currently in concussion protocol. Last season saw Robinson play only nine games due to a suspension and a knee issue, marking another year of injury concerns for the veteran tackle.
Head coaches across the NFL are navigating these setbacks with cautious optimism. As Saints' head coach Dennis Allen succinctly put it, the challenge is to "figure out how to stay healthy." Rams coach Sean McVay echoed a similar sentiment, emphasizing the importance of taking it "a week at a time."
As the regular season draws near, all eyes will be on how these teams adapt to the early adversity and manage their rosters. While the immediate impact of these injuries is palpable, the true test lies in whether teams can overcome these hurdles to fulfill their potential throughout the grueling NFL season.