Injuries are an inevitable part of the NFL landscape, a truth underscored by this preseason's litany of setbacks affecting all 32 teams. As the regular season approaches, franchises across the league are wrestling with the ramifications of losing key players to serious injuries.
The Atlanta Falcons, for example, have been hit particularly hard. Moore, who joined the team via a trade this offseason, suffered a devastating knee injury that has ended his campaign before it began. Moore was seen leaving the practice field with an air cast on his right leg, promptly transported to a local medical facility. His return is not expected until 2025, marking a significant loss for Atlanta's roster.
Adding to Atlanta’s woes, their No. 74 overall pick, Trice, tore his ACL in his first preseason game. The Falcons will also miss his services until 2025. Similarly, Evans will be sidelined for the entirety of the regular season due to a torn patellar tendon, with hopes pinned on a 2025 return.
The injury wave isn’t confined to Atlanta. Williams, another talented player recovering from an ACL tear sustained during training camp, is also not expected to return until 2025. Meanwhile, Milano’s torn biceps will keep him off the field for the majority of the season, although there is optimism for a December return.
Not all injuries spell lengthy absences. Curtis Samuel’s battle with turf toe places him on a "week to week" status, with an expected return by Week 2. MVS, who sustained a neck sprain during a preseason win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, is likely to return by Week 3. For Dane Jackson and Brooks, nursing a significant hamstring injury and torn ACL respectively, Week 4 appears to be a more realistic target for their comebacks.
The Bengals are navigating their own injury troubles. Their first-round pick strained a pectoral muscle in the first preseason game but is expected to be ready by Week 2. McCarthy, on the other hand, suffered a torn meniscus and will not see action until 2025.
Injury setbacks have also affected the health of veteran stars. Chubb’s knee issues from last season have required multiple surgeries, setting his return no earlier than Week 5. He remains on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list since Week 17 and is eyeing Week 8 for a potential return to action.
In Tennessee, the No. 1 wideout and the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year are pacing themselves for Week 1 returns after dealing with knee injuries in early August. Higbee, recovering from ACL and MCL injuries, is slated to rejoin by Week 15.
The Lions’ second-year running back suffered a hamstring injury this month. Fortunately for Detroit, this is "not expected to be a serious issue," providing some much-needed respite amidst the injury chaos.
One of the more dramatic recoveries involves Phillips, who recently returned from a torn Achilles. Activated off the PUP list last week, he is expected to be back by Week 1. Similarly, Warren, sidelined in a preseason matchup against the Bills due to a hamstring injury, shares an optimistic Week 1 return timeline.
As for Brooks, Falcons' Director of Player Personnel Dave Canales expressed a hopeful outlook on his return, stating, "Week 3 or Week 4 would be 'great' for Brooks' return."
Preseason injuries have undeniably disrupted evaluations and preparations, forcing coaches and staff to adapt quickly. As teams brace for the regular season, the hope is that these players can make successful recoveries and contribute meaningfully when their names are once again called upon.