Injuries have become an unfortunate hallmark of the NFL preseason, and this year has been no exception. As all 32 teams gear up for the new season, they must also reckon with the significant setbacks many of their key players have sustained. The landscape of the roster is shifting as injuries from knee blows to torn tendons take their toll.
The Falcons have had their share of heartache, beginning with the loss of Moore, who suffered a devastating knee injury earlier this month. Moore, who joined Atlanta via trade this offseason, now finds himself sidelined until 2025. The shocking exit from the practice field, an air cast on his right leg, and an immediate ride to a local medical facility painted a grim picture for the team's prospects.
Adding to Atlanta's woes, the Falcons' No. 74 overall pick, Trice, tore his ACL in his first preseason game. He is not expected to return until 2025 as well, which puts immense pressure on the team to find backups for their backup plans. Trice’s injury destabilizes a defensive strategy heavily reliant on new talent stepping up.
Elsewhere in the league, Evans will miss the upcoming season due to a torn patellar tendon, with a return projected for 2025. Similarly, Williams, suffering an ACL tear during training camp, finds himself on the same unfortunate timeline.
In Buffalo, linebacker Milano’s torn biceps has created a small glimmer of hope amidst the adversity. While it will keep him off the field for the bulk of the season, an optimistic return in December offers a potential boost for a late-season push.
“Week to week” injuries like Curtis Samuel’s turf toe have their own impact. Samuel is expected to make his return by Week 2, whereas MVS, who sustained a neck sprain during a preseason victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, aims for a Week 3 comeback.
The Bengals faced an early season setback when their first-round pick strained a pectoral muscle in their debut preseason game. Fortunately for them, his return is on the horizon, and he should be ready by Week 2.
The hits keep coming with more long-term injuries. McCarthy's torn meniscus and Herbig’s torn rotator cuff mean neither will return until December this year. Chubb, nursing a knee injury from last season and navigating multiple surgeries, won’t be back before Week 5. He remains on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list since Week 17 and is tentatively looking at a Week 8 return.
On the brighter side, some teams have promising updates for their injured stars. Tennessee’s premier wideout and reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year aim for Week 1 returns after early August knee injuries. Phillips, who overcame a torn Achilles and landed on PUP, has been activated and is set to rejoin by Week 1. Moreover, the Lions' second-year running back's hamstring injury doesn't appear to be serious, offering some relief in the midst of widespread setbacks.
Williams and Warren also present some positive strides. Williams is anticipated to recover from his ACL and MCL injuries by Week 15, while Warren's hamstring issue, which flared up in a game against the Bills, has a brighter prognosis for a Week 1 return.
In these uncertain times, coaches are adapting rapidly. Dave Canales, addressing Brooks' potential return timeline following his hamstring injury, remains optimistic. “Week 3 or Week 4 would be 'great' for Brooks' return,” he asserts, emphasizing the importance of patience and recovery.
For every team grappling with these U-turns, preseason injuries have upended carefully laid plans, disrupted evaluations, and required agility in preparations. As the regular season looms, fans and players alike will be watching closely, hoping for safe recoveries and eagerly awaiting the return of their stars.