The NFL's annual training camps have been a difficult period for several teams this year, as injuries have become an all-too-common theme. As the regular season approaches, the league is witnessing a worrying trend of players succumbing to various ailments, impacting their preparation and, in some instances, their entire seasons.
Key Players Sidelined
The Los Angeles Chargers find themselves in a precarious position with the loss of their star quarterback, Justin Herbert. Herbert suffered a plantar fascia injury in his right foot and is expected to wear a walking boot for the next two weeks. Despite the setback, the team remains optimistic about Herbert's availability for the start of the regular season. In his absence, backup quarterback Easton Stick is set to take the reins.
The Carolina Panthers are also grappling with their share of misfortune. Backup quarterback Andy Dalton is sidelined with a quad injury, predicted to keep him out for a few weeks. Consequently, the Panthers are actively exploring options in the market for an additional quarterback. Compounding their troubles, rookie running back Jonathon Brooks is still recovering from an ACL tear sustained last November. Head coach Dave Canales stated, "He expects rookie running back Jonathon Brooks to be ready around Week 3 or Week 4 of this season."
Injuries Across the League
In early August, the reigning Offensive Player of the Year sustained a calf injury and is projected to miss several weeks of practice. According to Kyle Shanahan, "The reigning Offensive Player of the Year suffered a calf injury in early August and will likely miss a few weeks of practice."
In a similar vein, the Rams' offensive lineman Jonah Jackson is listed as "week to week" with a shoulder injury. Compounding the Rams' injury woes, Cam Robinson exited practice due to another shoulder injury, and Anton Harrison has entered concussion protocol.
Among other notable injuries, Demario Davis is out with a hamstring issue, and Sam Williams' season has come to a premature end following a torn ACL. Moreover, Samson Ebukam faces a lengthy recovery from a torn Achilles tendon, while YaYa Diaby is dealing with a high-ankle sprain. John Cominsky has been placed on injured reserve due to a torn MCL.
Non-Contact Injuries and Minor Setbacks
In a particularly unsettling scenario, receiver and returner Moore was carted off the field following a non-contact injury, later confirmed to be a season-ending knee ailment. Meanwhile, Jermaine Burton is expected to be sidelined temporarily with a minor ankle injury, and Rashod Bateman is coping with soreness from a hit to the rib and stomach area.
Sam Hubbard had to be carted off the practice field after sustaining a knee injury, adding to the defensive challenges his team faces. Further complicating matters, Darious Williams is managing a hamstring strain. Rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette is currently under observation after not finishing practice due to an unspecified injury.
Hopeful Returns and High Expectations
The New Orleans Saints' second-year receiver Nacua is now considered "week to week" with a knee injury sustained during Saturday's practice. As noted by ESPN, "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."
A wave of injuries has not only imperiled the current preparations but could have lingering effects as teams transition into the regular season. As always, the health and recovery of these athletes are paramount, and their respective teams will undoubtedly be monitoring their progress closely.