Injuries Plague NFL Teams Ahead of Regular Season
Injuries are an inevitable part of the NFL landscape, and this preseason has been no exception. Across the league, all 32 teams have grappled with significant setbacks as key players have sustained serious injuries. The impact on their availability for the upcoming season is palpable, and coaches, players, and fans alike are feeling the strain.
One of the most noteworthy injuries involves Moore, who was traded to Atlanta this offseason. Earlier this month, Moore suffered a season-ending knee injury, an unfortunate blow marked by an air cast on his right leg and immediate transport to a local medical facility. The Falcons' hopes now rest on his expected return in 2025.
Adding to Atlanta's woes, Trice, the Falcons' No. 74 overall pick, tore his ACL in his first preseason game. Much like Moore, Trice is anticipated to make his comeback in 2025, leaving a significant gap in the Falcons' roster this season.
Other teams have had similar misfortunes. Evans will miss the entire regular season due to a torn patellar tendon and is also expected to return in 2025. Williams, who tore his ACL during training camp, finds himself in the same predicament with a projected return timeline of 2025.
Bills linebacker Milano suffered a torn biceps, sidelining him for the majority of the season. However, there is a glimmer of hope as his return is optimistically scheduled for December. Similarly, Herbig’s torn rotator cuff has ruled him out until December, leaving a significant defensive void for his team to fill.
Curtis Samuel is considered "week to week" with turf toe but is expected to be back by Week 2, providing some relief for his team's offense. Meanwhile, MVS sustained a neck sprain during a preseason Week 2 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers and is likely to return by Week 3.
The Buffalo Bills also face challenges with injuries. Dane Jackson’s significant hamstring injury and Brooks' torn ACL are likely to keep them off the field until Week 4. Dave Canales, however, expressed some optimism, stating, "Week 3 or Week 4 would be 'great' for Brooks' return."
The Bengals are dealing with the fallout from their first-round pick sustaining a strained pectoral muscle in their first preseason game, but there is hope he will be ready by Week 2. Tennessee’s No. 1 wideout and the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year aim for returns by Week 1 after suffering knee injuries in early August.
In other cases, the injuries are even more severe. McCarthy suffered a torn meniscus and is expected to return in 2025. The Lions' second-year running back sustained a hamstring injury this month, but it is "not expected to be a serious issue," offering some hope to the Detroit faithful.
Another player facing a long road back is Phillips, who suffered a torn Achilles. Recently activated off PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) last week, Phillips is expected back by Week 1. Similarly, Warren, who was sidelined in a preseason game against the Bills due to a hamstring injury, is expected to return by Week 1.
One of the more concerning situations belongs to Chubb, whose knee injury from last season resulted in multiple surgeries. His return is not anticipated before Week 5, and he remains on PUP since Week 17 with a potential return by Week 8.
Higbee's ACL and MCL injuries mean he will not rejoin his team until Week 15, further complicating their season plans. Preseason injuries have disrupted evaluations and preparations across the league. Coaches and staff are forced to adapt rapidly, recalibrating their strategies in light of these setbacks.
As the regular season looms, the resilience of teams will be tested. The ability to adapt, find depth, and rally around the challenges will define their success, and fans will be eagerly watching to see how their favorite players and squads rise to the occasion.