As NFL training camps progress, the league is grappling with a notable uptick in injuries, sidelining or ending the seasons of several key players. The Los Angeles Chargers, in particular, are feeling the sting with their star quarterback, Justin Herbert, currently out due to a plantar fascia injury in his right foot. Herbert’s recovery plan involves wearing a walking boot for the next two weeks, as the team remains optimistic about his readiness for the regular season. During his absence, the responsibilities under center will fall to backup quarterback Easton Stick.
Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers are also navigating quarterback challenges as backup Andy Dalton is sidelined for a few weeks with a quad injury. The Panthers have been notably active in the market, searching for an additional quarterback to stabilize their roster. This development coincides with the team monitoring the recovery of rookie running back Jonathon Brooks, who is on the mend from an ACL tear sustained last November. Head coach Dave Canales maintains that Brooks should be ready around Week 3 or Week 4 of the season.
Player Injury Woes Continue
The reigning Offensive Player of the Year has also fallen victim to the injury bug, suffering a calf injury in early August. He is expected to miss a few weeks of practice, which has undoubtedly caused some consternation among his team and its supporters. As noted by Kyle Shanahan, this injury is a blow but not an insurmountable one.
The Rams are not immune to their own set of setbacks. Offensive lineman Jonah Jackson is categorized as "week to week" with a shoulder injury, while Cam Robinson exited practice due to a similar issue. In another unfortunate circumstance, Anton Harrison has entered concussion protocol, further straining the team’s offensive line depth.
Decisive Injuries Impacting the Season
Some injuries have had more devastating consequences. The Panthers' rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette remains under observation after leaving practice due to an unspecified injury. Similarly, receiver/returner Moore was carted off following a non-contact injury and was later diagnosed with a season-ending knee injury. Adding to the offensive woes, John Cominsky was placed on injured reserve due to a torn MCL.
Several other teams are also dealing with significant injuries. Jermaine Burton is sidelined with a minor ankle injury, while Rashod Bateman copes with soreness from a rib/stomach hit. Defensive players are not exempt either: Demario Davis suffered a hamstring injury, and Sam Hubbard's knee injury required his exit from practice on a cart. Ty Johnson’s absence from recent practices is attributed to a hamstring injury, adding to the growing list of sidelined players.
Week-to-Week Recoveries
Saints’ second-year receiver Nacua, entering Year 2 with high expectations after winning Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023, suffered a knee injury at Saturday's practice and is now considered week-to-week. According to an ESPN report, Nacua’s potential return is crucial for the Saints' offensive aspirations.
Equally worrying are the statuses of players like Sam Williams, who sustained a season-ending ACL tear, and Samson Ebukam, who suffered a torn Achilles tendon. Both players were expected to be key contributors this season, and their absence will be profoundly felt by their respective teams. Additionally, YaYa Diaby incurred a high-ankle sprain, hampering his ability to contribute effectively.
James Cook's hiatus from practice was temporary and for personal reasons, but he has since rejoined the team, providing a sliver of good news amidst the slew of injuries. As the NFL training camps continue, the affected teams hope for speedy recoveries and a subsequent return to form for their injured stars.
The grim reality of injuries in professional sports is an unchanging constant, and this year's NFL training camps have been a somber reminder of that fact. Teams across the league must adapt quickly, relying on depth and resilience as they face the ever-present challenges of player health and readiness.