Week 2 of the 2024 NFL season proved to be a challenging one for multiple teams, as key players around the league faced significant injuries that could impact their teams for weeks to come.
Miami Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa Faces Another Concussion
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa sustained yet another concussion during the Jets game. This incident marks at least the third confirmed brain injury of his career, raising concerns about his long-term health and future in the league. The Dolphins have placed Tagovailoa on injured reserve, sidelining him until at least Week 8. This development is a significant blow to Miami, who rely heavily on his leadership and skill set.
Injuries Plague Other Key Players
The Tennessee Titans' Tyjae Spears injured his ankle in the second half of their game against the New York Jets, and his status remains day-to-day. Meanwhile, Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd also faced a similar fate, injuring his ankle during their game against the Indianapolis Colts. The Packers have since placed Lloyd on injured reserve.
Jacksonville Jaguars' Tank Bigsby suffered a shoulder injury against the Cleveland Browns, forcing him to remain sidelined for the rest of the game. Additionally, Isiah Pacheco of the Kansas City Chiefs endured an ankle injury in the second half against the Bengals. Pacheco was seen leaving the stadium on crutches and in a walking boot, and the Chiefs confirmed his placement on injured reserve, keeping him out for at least four games.
For the Bengals, there was some relief as an MRI confirmed that Joe Mixon’s ankle injury wasn’t severe. Minnesota Vikings' star Justin Jefferson also had a scare, exiting the game against the 49ers with a thigh bruise. Despite the injury, Jefferson assured fans and teammates, saying, "He'll be fine."
Additional Injuries Complicate Team Plans
The injury woes continued with Cooper Kupp of the Los Angeles Rams, who suffered an ankle injury in the first half against the Arizona Cardinals. Kupp was later spotted in a walking boot, and he is expected to miss extended time. San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel will be absent for a couple of weeks due to a calf injury, with Head Coach Kyle Shanahan emphasizing the team's cautious approach to his recovery.
Philadelphia Eagles' A.J. Brown missed the "Monday Night Football" game against the Falcons because of a hamstring injury. The Cleveland Browns faced a significant setback as David Bell dislocated his hip, requiring season-ending surgery and placement on injured reserve.
Taysom Hill of the New Orleans Saints exited with a chest injury against the Dallas Cowboys, and New York Giants' Evan Engram sat out Week 2 due to a hamstring issue. Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Vita Vea sustained a knee injury, with an initial diagnosis pointing to an MCL sprain. Colts' DeForest Buckner faced an apparent leg or ankle injury, and while X-rays came back negative, an MRI will determine the severity of his condition.
Further complicating the injury landscape, the Bengals' B.J. Hill sustained a hamstring injury, the Jets' C.J. Mosley dealt with a foot injury, and Jerome Baker of the Dolphins experienced a hamstring issue. Jermaine Johnson II appears to have torn his Achilles, and Ja'Whaun Bentley suffered a torn pectoral muscle, ruling him out for the season.
As the NFL season progresses, teams will have to navigate these injuries and adjust their strategies accordingly. The absence of these key players will undoubtedly have a ripple effect across the league, potentially altering playoff projections and team dynamics.