As NFL training camps advance, the unsettling specter of injuries has loomed large, impacting several teams and key players across the league. The Los Angeles Chargers, for instance, are feeling the absence of their star quarterback, Justin Herbert, who is sidelined due to a plantar fascia injury in his right foot. Herbert's recovery will be closely monitored over the next two weeks, during which he will be wearing a walking boot. The team remains optimistic about his readiness for the regular season, entrusting Easton Stick to take over in Herbert's absence.
Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers are also contending with a significant setback at the quarterback position. Backup quarterback Andy Dalton is out for a few weeks owing to a quad injury. This development has prompted the Panthers to scour the market for an additional quarterback, highlighting the challenges that injuries pose to even the most well-prepared teams.
Notable Players Affected
The reigning Offensive Player of the Year has suffered a calf injury early this month and is expected to miss a few weeks of practice. "The reigning Offensive Player of the Year suffered a calf injury in early August and will likely miss a few weeks of practice," shared Kyle Shanahan. Furthermore, the Panthers are closely monitoring the recovery of their rookie running back, Jonathon Brooks, from an ACL tear sustained last November. According to Head Coach Dave Canales, "He expects rookie running back Jonathon Brooks to be ready around Week 3 or Week 4 of this season."
In addition to these injuries, other notable players across the league are grappling with various ailments. Rams' offensive lineman Jonah Jackson is listed as "week to week" with a shoulder injury. Cam Robinson, similarly, left practice due to a shoulder injury, adding to the growing list of those sidelined. Anton Harrison’s entry into concussion protocol further highlights the precarious nature of player health during these crucial training periods.
Season-Ending Injuries
Tragically, not all injuries will see a return during this season. Sam Williams has sustained a season-ending ACL tear, and Samson Ebukam has suffered a torn Achilles tendon. Such injuries are devastating for both players and their teams, who had high hopes and expectations for their contributions this season. Receiver/returner Moore's non-contact injury resulting in a season-ending knee issue serves as yet another stark reminder of the physical toll of the sport.
Ty Johnson’s hamstring injury has kept him off the field recently, while James Cook's brief hiatus from practice for personal reasons has fortunately concluded with his return to the team. For the Saints, second-year receiver Nacua's knee injury, resulting in a week-to-week status, adds to their list of concerns. Nacua, who enters Year 2 with high expectations after capturing the Offensive Rookie of the Year title in 2023, will be sorely missed. "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," reported ESPN.
Additional Injuries Under Observation
The injury list extends further with Jermaine Burton sidelined by a minor ankle injury and Rashod Bateman dealing with soreness from a rib/stomach hit. Sam Hubbard’s knee injury required him to exit practice on a cart, and Darious Williams is recovering from a hamstring strain. Rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette also remains under observation after an unspecified injury prevented him from completing practice.
The physical rigors of the sport are in full display as training camps progress, with injuries significantly impacting team preparations for the upcoming season. Even as some players spend time on the physically unable to perform (PUP) lists, the resolve and resilience of both players and teams are poised to shape the unfolding narrative of the 2023 NFL season. The league marches on with the hope that those sidelined make swift and successful recoveries, and that the toll on players’ health will diminish in the weeks leading up to the regular season.