In the unforgiving realm of the NFL, injuries are as certain as the gridiron battles themselves. This preseason has proven particularly treacherous, with all 32 teams experiencing a litany of significant player setbacks that are poised to affect the upcoming season.
Mood in the Atlanta Falcons camp has been markedly somber following the offseason trade acquisition, Moore, suffering a season-ending knee injury. The scene was grim as Moore exited the practice field with an air cast strapped to his right leg before being whisked away to a local medical facility. Hopes for Moore's return are set on 2025, a timeline shared with Falcons' No. 74 overall pick, Trice, who tore his ACL in his very first preseason appearance.
Further compounding Atlanta’s woes, Evans has been sidelined for the entire regular season due to a torn patellar tendon, with no return expected until 2025. Another player facing a difficult journey back is Williams, who fell victim to an ACL tear during training camp. His estimated return also lies in the distant year of 2025.
Buffalo’s Milano has been struck by misfortune with a torn biceps, placing his return optimistically in December. Meanwhile, Curtis Samuel’s turf toe injury is relatively minor in the heavy context of preseason injuries. Samuel is expected back in time for Week 2. Similarly, MVS, who sustained a neck sprain in a preseason victory over the Steelers, has a likely return targeted by Week 3.
Dane Jackson's significant hamstring injury and Brooks' torn ACL are likely to keep them on the sidelines until Week 4, highlighting the brutal nature of preseason football. Meanwhile, the Bengals’ first-round pick finds himself in recovery from a strained pectoral muscle, with expectations to rejoin by Week 2, offering a slight glimmer in an otherwise bleak injury report.
The injury bug hasn't spared Herbig, either. His torn rotator cuff has ruled him out until December, while McCarthy’s torn meniscus has sentenced him to a long recuperation period, with an expected return in 2025. Chubb, continuing his challenging recovery from last season's knee injury and subsequent surgeries, is not anticipated back before Week 5. His lingering presence on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list suggests a potential return by Week 8.
Tennessee's top wideout and the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year are both aiming for Week 1 returns despite early August knee injuries. A similar timeline is set for Phillips, who is back in action following a torn Achilles. Also targeting a timely return is Warren, who is expected to shake off a hamstring injury in time for Week 1.
Emerging from Detroit, the Lions' second-year running back's hamstring injury this month is “not expected to be a serious issue.” This bit of positivity brings a sigh of relief to the Lions' coaching staff. Elsewhere, Higbee’s ACL and MCL injuries have pushed his return schedule to Week 15, a stark reminder of how precarious player health can be in this high-stakes league.
Preseason games, intended as a proving ground and preparation period, have instead turned into a time of adversity for many teams. Evaluations and game plans are being adjusted on the fly, showcasing the resilience and adaptability required in professional football. Dave Canales remains hopeful about Brooks’ return, noting that, "Week 3 or Week 4 would be 'great' for Brooks' return."
As the regular season approaches, the lasting impact of these injuries will unfold, with teams reshuffling their lineups and redefining their strategies. This year's preseason has starkly underscored the fragility and unpredictability inherent in the sport, leaving fans anxiously awaiting the comeback stories that will inevitably become a core narrative of the 2025 NFL season.