NFL Training Camps Witness a Surge in Injuries
As NFL training camps intensify, the league is grappling with a concerning rise in injuries among key players, impacting teams' preparations and strategies for the upcoming season.
Quarterback Setbacks
The Los Angeles Chargers are currently facing a significant hurdle with their star quarterback, Justin Herbert. Herbert sustained a plantar fascia injury in his right foot, leading to a temporary sidelining. The team has placed him in a walking boot for two weeks, hoping for his readiness by the regular season's onset. In the interim, backup quarterback Easton Stick will be leading the charge during Herbert's absence.
Similarly, the Carolina Panthers are dealing with the loss of their backup quarterback, Andy Dalton. Dalton is out for a few weeks due to a quad injury. As a result, the Panthers are actively searching the market for an additional quarterback to fortify their depth chart.
Player of the Year Concerns
The reigning Offensive Player of the Year has also been affected, suffering a calf injury in early August. According to Coach Kyle Shanahan, this injury is expected to keep the player out of practice for a few weeks. The situation closely mirrors that of the Panthers' rookie running back, Jonathon Brooks, who is recovering from an ACL tear sustained last November. Head coach Dave Canales commented, "He expects rookie running back Jonathon Brooks to be ready around Week 3 or Week 4 of this season."
Wide Receiver and Running Back Challenges
The predicament is not limited to quarterbacks. Players in other positions are also facing injury-related setbacks. Ty Johnson's participation has been hindered by a hamstring injury, while James Cook had a short-lived hiatus from practice due to personal reasons but has since rejoined his team.
Rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette remains under observation after an unspecified injury forced him to leave practice early. Additionally, Saints' second-year receiver Nacua, who won Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023, is dealing with a knee injury and is considered week-to-week. An ESPN report noted, "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."
Defensive and Offensive Line Struggles
The injury list extends to both defensive and offensive lines. Jonah Jackson of the Rams is labeled "week to week" with a shoulder injury, while Cam Robinson exited practice with a similar issue. Anton Harrison is currently in concussion protocol, adding to the Chargers' concerns.
Furthermore, Demario Davis has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, and Sam Hubbard's knee injury required him to leave practice on a cart. On a more severe note, Sam Williams and Samson Ebukam both suffered season-ending injuries, with Williams tearing his ACL and Ebukam enduring a torn Achilles tendon. Likewise, YaYa Diaby's high-ankle sprain and John Cominsky's torn MCL have landed them both on injured reserve.
Season-Ending and Lesser Injuries
Among the most impactful injuries, a prominent receiver/returner, Moore, was carted off the field following a non-contact injury, later diagnosed as season-ending due to a knee issue. Elsewhere, Jermaine Burton is dealing with a minor ankle injury, and Rashod Bateman faces soreness from a rib/stomach hit.
Broader Implications
These injuries have significant implications not only for the players but also for their teams' strategic planning and depth chart configurations. The training camps, aimed at gearing players up for a grueling season, have paradoxically become a minefield of physical setbacks, testing the mettle and resilience of every squad.
Some players entered training camps already dealing with health issues, landing on reserve lists like the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. This pre-existing condition compounds the challenge for teams as they strive to strike a balance between readiness and risk management.