As the NFL training camps continue, a spate of injuries is already reshaping team rosters and strategies less than a month before the regular season kicks off. A number of key players are battling injuries, forcing coaching staffs to make tough decisions on the fly.
Chargers: A Blow to the Offense
The Los Angeles Chargers have been hit hard, losing their star quarterback Justin Herbert to a plantar fascia injury in his right foot. Expected to be in a walking boot for two weeks before entering a return-to-play protocol, Herbert is anticipated to be ready for the regular season. In his absence, backup quarterback Easton Stick will take first-team reps.
Herbert’s injury sends ripples through the Chargers' camp, but the team remains optimistic. His return is eagerly awaited as the Chargers look to make a significant impact in the upcoming season.
Panthers: Quarterback Conundrum
In Carolina, quarterback Andy Dalton is sidelined with a quad injury for at least a couple of weeks. The injury leaves the Panthers scrambling to find a temporary solution at quarterback. The Panthers are actively seeking to bring in another quarterback to fill the gap during Dalton's recovery.
Their efforts underscore the importance of depth at the quarterback position, especially with a long season ahead.
Offensive Player of the Year Sidelined
Elsewhere, the reigning Offensive Player of the Year is coping with a calf injury that first surfaced in early August. Although expected to miss several weeks of practice, team officials remain hopeful that he will be fit for the regular season campaign. Notably, his absence from preseason games is all but assured.
Detroit and Tennessee: Running Backs and Wide Receivers
The Detroit Lions are also facing injury issues, with running back Jahmyr Gibbs leaving practice early due to a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, Panthers rookie running back Jonathon Brooks is rehabbing from an ACL tear sustained last November. Brooks is expected to see the field by Week 3 or Week 4, according to head coach Dave Canales.
Tennessee wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is managing a knee injury that will keep him sidelined for four to six weeks. The Titans, with a new head coach Brian Callahan, are likely to adopt a more pass-oriented offense during Hopkins' recovery period.
Additional Injuries Across the League
Saints wide receiver Josh Downs is dealing with a high-ankle sprain from an August 7 practice session. Similarly, Ravens' second-year receiver Puka Nacua is described as week-to-week following a knee injury sustained during practice.
The injury bug hasn’t spared the Cowboys either; edge rusher Sam Williams has torn his ACL and will miss the entire 2024 season. Williams was expected to play a supporting role behind stars Micah Parsons and Demarcus Lawrence.
For the Bengals, edge rusher Sam Hubbard exited Sunday’s practice with a knee injury. Fortunately, his injury is not considered serious. However, Bengals' first-round pick Amarius Mims is dealing with a pectoral strain and could miss several weeks, potentially affecting his availability for the start of the regular season.
The Buccaneers' camp is facing its own challenges as guard Sua Opeta is out for the year after tearing his ACL, adding to their woes.
Jaguars: Offensive Line Woes
The Jacksonville Jaguars are facing difficulties on the offensive line. Tackle Cam Robinson is nursing a shoulder injury, a concerning development considering he played only nine games last season due to suspension and a knee issue. Adding to their concerns, rookie tackle Anton Harrison has entered the concussion protocol.
These setbacks require the Jaguars to rethink their offensive strategies, stressing the importance of player health and depth.
Navigating the Challenges
As injuries mount, head coaches across the NFL are proceeding with cautious optimism. Saints head coach Dennis Allen remarked on the situation, emphasizing the need to "figure out how to stay healthy." Rams coach Sean McVay echoed a similar sentiment, suggesting they take the situation "a week at a time."
These remarks underscore the delicate balance teams must maintain between ensuring top performance and safeguarding player health. With the regular season fast approaching, the focus remains on recovery and preparation amid this unpredictable wave of injuries.