Injuries Cast a Shadow Over NFL Preseason as Teams Grapple with Setbacks
Injuries are an inevitable part of the NFL landscape. This preseason, all 32 teams have faced significant setbacks as various key players have sustained serious injuries, impacting their availability for the upcoming season.
Moore, who was traded to Atlanta this offseason, suffered a season-ending knee injury earlier this month. When Moore exited the practice field, onlookers noted the air cast on his right leg as he was immediately transported to a local medical facility. The Falcons' organization has confirmed that Moore is expected to return in 2025.
In another blow for Atlanta, Trice, the Falcons' No. 74 overall pick, tore his ACL in his first preseason game. Trice is anticipated to return in 2025, marking a significant delay in the young player’s burgeoning career.
Evans joins the list of sidelined Falcons, missing the entire regular season due to a torn patellar tendon. Like his teammates, Evans is also expected to return in 2025. Similar timelines have been laid out for Williams, who tore his ACL during training camp, and McCarthy, who suffered a torn meniscus. Their absences will be keenly felt by their respective teams.
Milano has also been bitten by the injury bug, suffering a torn biceps. This will keep him off the field for the majority of the season, with his return optimistically scheduled for December. Curtis Samuel, in contrast, is considered "week to week" with turf toe and is expected to be back by Week 2. This contrasts with MVS, who sustained a neck sprain during a preseason Week 2 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers and is likely to return by Week 3.
Dane Jackson’s significant hamstring injury and Brooks' torn ACL are likely to keep them off the field until Week 4. Brooks' return, however, comes with a glimmer of hope as Dave Canales expressed optimism, saying, "Week 3 or Week 4 would be 'great' for Brooks' return." Meanwhile, the Bengals' first-round pick, who sustained a strained pectoral muscle in their first preseason game, is expected to be ready by Week 2.
Herbig’s torn rotator cuff has ruled him out until December, and Chubb, who endured a knee injury last season that required multiple surgeries, won’t be back before Week 5. Currently on PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) since Week 17, Chubb has a potential return timeline set for Week 8.
Elsewhere, Tennessee’s No. 1 wideout and the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year aim for returns by Week 1 after suffering knee injuries in early August. Higbee also faces a long road to recovery, with expectations to rejoin in Week 15 due to ACL and MCL injuries.
The Lions' second-year running back dodged a more serious fate with a hamstring injury this month that is "not expected to be a serious issue." Phillips, who suffered a torn Achilles, was activated off PUP last week and is on track to be back by Week 1, offering a beacon of hope for his squad.
Warren, sidelined in a preseason game against the Bills due to a hamstring injury, also marks his calendar for a Week 1 return. As for Brooks, Canales’ optimism provides a tentative timeline as the team adapts to his absence.
The wave of preseason injuries has undoubtedly disrupted evaluations and preparations, forcing coaches and staff to adapt and recalibrate their strategies moving forward. As the regular season nears, the impact of these injuries will become clearer, reshaping expectations and team dynamics across the league.