As NFL training camps progress, the league is dealing with a wave of injuries affecting key players. The Los Angeles Chargers, Carolina Panthers, and several other teams are confronting the immediate impact of missing significant contributors as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Chargers' Justin Herbert on the Mend
The Los Angeles Chargers are currently without the services of their star quarterback, Justin Herbert, who suffered a plantar fascia injury in his right foot. Herbert will be donning a walking boot for the next two weeks. Despite his setback, the team anticipates his readiness for the regular season. Easton Stick will step in as the interim quarterback, a crucial role as the Chargers aim to keep their preseason preparations on track.
Panthers Hit Hard
The Carolina Panthers are grappling with their share of injuries, notably the loss of backup quarterback Andy Dalton due to a quad injury. Dalton is expected to be out for several weeks, prompting the Panthers to search the market for another quarterback to bolster their depth chart. Additionally, rookie running back Jonathon Brooks is recovering from an ACL tear he sustained last November. Head coach Dave Canales remains optimistic, stating, "He expects rookie running back Jonathon Brooks to be ready around Week 3 or Week 4 of this season."
League-Wide Injury Concerns
The reigning Offensive Player of the Year is also sidelined with a calf injury sustained in early August. According to Kyle Shanahan, "The reigning Offensive Player of the Year suffered a calf injury in early August and will likely miss a few weeks of practice." This absence places added pressure on the team's offensive strategies as they navigate the preseason without one of their key players.
Meanwhile, the Panthers are closely monitoring the recovery of other key players. Ty Johnson missed recent practices due to a hamstring injury, while James Cook had a brief hiatus from practice for personal reasons but has since rejoined the team. The offensive line isn't faring much better, as the Rams' Jonah Jackson is "week-to-week" with a shoulder injury, and Cam Robinson also exited practice with a shoulder issue. Adding to the list, Anton Harrison entered concussion protocol, heightening concerns over the team's depth and readiness.
Season-Ending Setbacks
Some players have faced season-ending injuries, an unfortunate reality of the sport. Sam Williams and Samson Ebukam both sustained severe injuries, with Williams tearing his ACL and Ebukam suffering a torn Achilles tendon. YaYa Diaby's high-ankle sprain will also sideline him for the foreseeable future. Additionally, John Cominsky is on injured reserve due to a torn MCL, and Moore, a receiver and returner, was carted off following a non-contact injury later diagnosed as a season-ending knee injury.
Rookie and Sophomore Watch
Rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette remains under observation after not finishing practice due to an unspecified injury, while Saints' second-year receiver Nacua—who enters Year 2 with high expectations after winning Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023—is week-to-week with a knee injury. ESPN reported, "Nacua enters Year 2 with high expectations after winning Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023. He suffered a knee injury at Saturday's practice, however, and is now considered week-to-week."
Injury List Expands
The list of injuries is extensive. Jermaine Burton is out with a minor ankle injury, and Rashod Bateman is dealing with soreness from a rib/stomach hit. Sam Hubbard's knee injury forced him to leave practice on a cart, and Darious Williams is nursing a hamstring strain. The attrition rate during these training camps underscores the physical toll the game takes on its athletes.
Finally, it's notable that some players entered training camps on reserves lists like physically unable to perform (PUP), signaling ongoing recoveries from previous injuries. Teams are treading carefully, ensuring players receive the necessary care and rehabilitation to return to full strength.
As the preseason continues, the health and recovery of these players will be closely watched, impacting team strategies and prospects for the upcoming NFL season. The teams and fans alike hold their breath, hoping for swift recoveries and minimal disruptions as the intensity of the season approaches.