Training camps across the NFL are in full swing, but unfortunately, injuries are also becoming prevalent. Many key players have already been sidelined due to injuries sustained either before or during camp.
Some players are dealing with ongoing recoveries, while others have encountered fresh injuries during their initial training sessions. This has led to several prominent names being placed on reserves lists or expected to miss significant practice time as they recover.
On the offensive side, notable injuries include Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, who is dealing with a plantar fascia injury and will be in a walking boot for two weeks. Panthers’ Andy Dalton is out for a couple of weeks with a quad injury, and the reigning Offensive Player of the Year is expected to miss a few weeks due to a calf injury.
Additionally, rookie running back Jonathon Brooks is expected to return around Week 3 or 4 after recovering from an ACL tear. Other offensive injuries include Ty Johnson’s hamstring strain, DeAndre Hopkins’ knee injury, and rookie wide receiver Jermaine Burton’s ankle injury, among others.
The offensive line has also been affected, with several linemen going down during training camp. The Buccaneers lost guard Sua Opeta for the season due to a torn ACL, while Jaguars tackles Cam Robinson and Anton Harrison both suffered injuries—Robinson with a shoulder injury and Harrison entering concussion protocol.
The Chiefs and Rams also saw injuries to their offensive linemen, with Wanya Morris and Jonah Jackson both expected to miss time due to shoulder issues.
On the defensive front, the Cowboys suffered a major blow as edge rusher Sam Williams went down with a torn ACL, which will sideline him for the entire 2024 season. The Bengals’ Sam Hubbard also sustained a knee injury, although it is not believed to be severe.
Other significant defensive injuries include Samson Ebukam’s torn Achilles, Lions’ John Cominsky’s torn MCL, and Demario Davis’ hamstring injury. Additionally, the Buccaneers’ edge rusher YaYa Diaby and Chiefs’ linebacker Nick Bolton are also dealing with injuries that could affect their availability.
In the secondary, the Rams and Vikings were both hit hard by injuries. The Rams’ Darious Williams is out with a hamstring strain, and the Vikings’ Blackmon suffered a season-ending ACL tear.
These injuries could lead to shifts in their respective defensive lineups as both teams look for suitable replacements or adjust their strategies in response to these setbacks.
As training camps progress, teams are likely to remain cautious with their injured players, ensuring they recover fully before the regular season begins. However, the impact of these injuries on team dynamics and roster decisions will be significant as franchises strive to maintain their competitive edge while managing the health of their key players.
