Injuries are an inevitable part of the NFL landscape, and this preseason has been no exception. Every one of the league's 32 teams has faced significant setbacks due to injuries, with several key players sustaining serious ailments that threaten to impact their availability for the crucial regular season.
Season-Ending Setbacks
The Atlanta Falcons received devastating news when Moore, who was recently traded to the team, suffered a season-ending knee injury earlier this month. Witnesses at the practice field noted his distress as he exited with an air cast on his right leg, quickly transported to a local medical facility. Moore's anticipated return is not expected until 2025.
Similarly, Trice, the Falcons' No. 74 overall pick, tore his ACL during his first preseason game, and like Moore, he is expected to make his comeback in 2025. The loss of these players marks a significant blow to Atlanta's roster depth and developmental plans.
In other disheartening news, Evans will miss the entire regular season after tearing his patellar tendon, pushing his expected return to 2025. Williams, who also tore his ACL during training camp, shares the same grim timeline.
Mid-Season Hopes
The Buffalo Bills faced their own trials with the injury bug. Milano's torn biceps will sideline him for the majority of the season, although there is cautious optimism he might return by December. In parallel, Herbig’s torn rotator cuff has ruled him out until December as well.
For the Lions, their second-year running back has avoided a more severe fate with a hamstring injury this month which is "not expected to be a serious issue." Nevertheless, such injuries are always monitored carefully.
The Cincinnati Bengals are counting down the days until their first-round pick, who sustained a strained pectoral muscle in their first preseason game, can return to action. All signs point toward him being ready by Week 2, a necessity after his promising preseason start was cut short.
Short-Term Absences
Some players are managing shorter recovery spans. Curtis Samuel is dealing with turf toe and is considered "week to week", with a hopeful return by Week 2. Meanwhile, MVS, after sustaining a neck sprain during a preseason victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, is likely to rejoin the lineup by Week 3.
Dane Jackson's significant hamstring injury and Brooks' torn ACL have set potential returns around Week 4. Dave Canales, a key personnel member, voiced his optimism, saying, "Week 3 or Week 4 would be 'great' for Brooks' return."
Strategic Adjustments
Preseason injuries have disrupted the workflow of evaluations and preparations, compelling coaches and staff to make rapid adjustments. Tennessee’s top wideout and the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year aim for returns by Week 1 after their own early August knee injuries.
Also, Phillips, who is recovering from a torn Achilles, was activated off the PUP list last week and is expected to be ready by Week 1. This timeline coincides with the expected return of Warren, who suffered a hamstring injury against the Bills in a preseason game.
Not to be overlooked, Chubb's previous knee injury and subsequent multiple surgeries have placed his return no earlier than Week 5. He remains designated on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list since Week 17 of last season, with an eventual return projected realistically by Week 8.
Looking further into the season, Higbee, recovering from ACL and MCL injuries, is slated to rejoin by Week 15.
Team Resilience
As the new NFL season looms, teams are keenly aware of the thin line between a promising start and a challenging setback due to injuries. The adaptability and resilience of these teams in handling their ailing rosters will be pivotal in navigating the arduous path ahead.