Injuries are an inevitable part of the NFL landscape, and this preseason has been no exception. Across all 32 teams, significant setbacks have emerged as various key players have sustained serious injuries, putting their upcoming seasons in jeopardy.
One of the most impactful injuries was suffered by Moore, who was recently traded to the Atlanta Falcons this offseason. Moore's season came to a screeching halt earlier this month with a knee injury that will sideline him until 2025. His exit from the practice field was particularly concerning, marked by an air cast on his right leg and immediate transport to a local medical facility.
The Falcons also faced another major blow when Trice, their No. 74 overall pick, tore his ACL in his first preseason game. Like Moore, Trice's road to recovery extends into 2025. This double blow has prompted Atlanta to adjust its plans significantly.
League-Wide Injury Impact
Other teams are feeling the pain as well. Evans is set to miss the entire regular season due to a torn patellar tendon, joining Moore and Trice in targeting a return in 2025. The Falcons weren’t the only ones facing multiple setbacks; Williams, who tore his ACL during training camp, is also racing against the clock for a 2025 return. This season-ending list continued with McCarthy, who suffered a torn meniscus, and Phillips, who dealt with a torn Achilles but has been activated off PUP and is hopeful for a Week 1 return.
Some players have prospects for earlier returns. Milano, recovering from a torn biceps, has a December comeback on the horizon, while Herbig's torn rotator cuff has him aiming for a return in the same month. MVS, after a neck sprain during a preseason win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, is likely to be back by Week 3. Jackson's significant hamstring injury and Brooks' torn ACL are sidelining them until Week 4.
Optimistic Timetables
Not all injury news has such a long-term outlook. The Bengals' first-round pick sustained a strained pectoral muscle but is expected to be ready by Week 2. Additionally, there are optimistic reports about other players: Curtis Samuel's turf toe makes him "week to week," likely returning by Week 2, and Warren's hamstring injury from a preseason game against the Bills won’t keep him off the field beyond Week 1.
One of the more closely watched recoveries is Chubb’s. After battling knee issues last season that led to multiple surgeries, Chubb remains on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list and won't return before Week 5, with Week 8 being a more realistic target.
Coaches and Teams Adapt
Injuries not only disrupt team rosters but also affect evaluations and preseason preparations. Coaches and staff have had to scramble to adjust their plans and fill gaps left by injured players. Dave Canales, commenting on Brooks' potential return, noted, "Week 3 or Week 4 would be 'great' for Brooks' return," reflecting a careful optimism that resonates with many coaching staffs under similar pressures.
Even amid these setbacks, some teams found silver linings and hopeful news. Tennessee’s No. 1 wideout and the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year are both aiming for returns by Week 1 despite suffering knee injuries in early August. The Lions' second-year running back’s hamstring injury this month isn't expected to be serious, offering some relief to the Detroit faithful.
For teams and fans alike, these preseason injuries represent raw challenges that require strategic pivots and a deep bench of talent. As teams gear up for the regular season, the resilience and adaptability of coaching staff, medical teams, and players will be put to the test, all while the league holds its breath for swift and successful recoveries.