In Week 2 of the 2024 NFL season, a series of unfortunate injuries have significantly impacted several high-profile teams and players. The Miami Dolphins’ quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, suffered a concussion during Thursday’s game, an alarming event considering it is at least the third confirmed brain injury in his career. The Dolphins have placed Tagovailoa on injured reserve, sidelining him until at least Week 8.
Joining Tagovailoa on the injury list is Tyjae Spears of the Tennessee Titans, who injured his ankle in the second half against the New York Jets. Spears' status remains day-to-day as the team evaluates the severity of his injury. Similarly, MarShawn Lloyd of the Green Bay Packers sustained an ankle injury during their game against the Indianapolis Colts. The Packers moved swiftly, placing Lloyd on injured reserve on Tuesday.
The injury bug did not spare the Jacksonville Jaguars either, as running back Tank Bigsby sustained a shoulder injury during their battle against the Cleveland Browns, forcing him to sit out the rest of the game. Meanwhile, Isiah Pacheco of the Kansas City Chiefs injured his ankle in the second half against the Bengals and was seen leaving the stadium on crutches and in a walking boot. The Chiefs have also placed Pacheco on injured reserve, marking a minimum of four games he will need to miss.
Among the more positive updates is that an MRI confirmed Joe Mixon’s ankle injury wasn’t severe. However, Minnesota Vikings’ wideout Justin Jefferson exited the game against the 49ers with a thigh bruise. While reassuring fans, Jefferson commented, “He’ll be fine,” after being assisted off the field.
The Los Angeles Rams’ standout Cooper Kupp also suffered an ankle injury in the first half of their game against the Arizona Cardinals. Kupp was later seen in a walking boot, and it’s expected that he will miss extended time. San Francisco 49ers’ Deebo Samuel will miss a couple of weeks due to a calf injury. Head Coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed this timeline, emphasizing the team's cautious approach to Samuel's recovery.
The Philadelphia Eagles were without A.J. Brown in their "Monday Night Football" matchup against the Falcons due to a hamstring injury. In Cleveland, the Browns’ David Bell dislocated his hip and is set for season-ending surgery. He has been placed on injured reserve, joining the growing list of sidelined talent.
Other notable injuries include Taysom Hill of the New Orleans Saints, who exited with a chest injury against the Cowboys, and Evan Engram of the New York Giants, who missed Week 2 due to a hamstring issue. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Vita Vea sustained a knee injury in their match against the Lions, with the initial diagnosis pointing to an MCL sprain.
The Indianapolis Colts’ defensive lineman DeForest Buckner faced an apparent leg/ankle injury against the Packers. Although X-rays came back negative, an MRI will determine the severity of Buckner's ankle sprain. The Bengals’ B.J. Hill sustained a hamstring injury, while Jets’ C.J. Mosley suffered a foot injury. Jerome Baker from the Dolphins is dealing with a hamstring issue, and the Jets’ Jermaine Johnson II appears to have torn his Achilles, a significant blow to the team's defense.
Lastly, Ja'Whaun Bentley of the Patriots suffered a torn pectoral muscle and has been ruled out for the season. This injury further depletes New England's defensive roster as they navigate the early weeks of the season.
This slew of injuries in Week 2 underscores the physical toll the NFL takes on its athletes, highlighting the importance of depth and resilience for teams aiming to contend for the playoffs. As players rehabilitate and teams adjust, the next few weeks will be crucial in shaping the early trajectory of the 2024 season.