The 2024 NFL season is experiencing a significant impact from injuries, as numerous teams find themselves in a challenging position just weeks into the campaign. Teams across the league are scrambling to adjust their game plans and line-ups due to key players being sidelined.
Rams and Dolphins Face Unforeseen Challenges
One of the teams feeling the brunt of this injury wave is the Los Angeles Rams. Head coach Sean McVay has the difficult task of rallying a squad that has been decimated by injuries. The Miami Dolphins are also in troubled waters with their standout quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, now on injured reserve following a head injury against the Buffalo Bills. The absence of Tagovailoa leaves a significant void in their offensive machinery.
Patriots and Jets Hit Hard
The New England Patriots are grappling with a slew of injuries affecting both their offensive and defensive lines. Offensive tackle Vederian Lowe (knee), guard Sidy Sow (ankle), linebackers Ja'Whaun Bentley (shoulder), and Oshane Ximines (knee) are all confirmed to be out for the upcoming games. Making matters worse, center David Andrews (hip), offensive lineman Mike Onwenu (wrist), safety Jabrill Peppers (shoulder), and defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. (shoulder) are listed as questionable.
Across town, the New York Jets are also facing significant setbacks. Linebacker Jermaine Johnson II is ruled out with an Achilles injury, and linebacker C.J. Mosley is listed as questionable due to a toe issue. An unnamed source close to the Jets remarked, "His recent quotes seem to indicate he will be pretty physically compromised if he does play."
Steelers and Giants Scramble
The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing for their game against the Chargers under the assumption that they will be without star quarterback Russell Wilson. Additionally, rookie Roman Wilson is limited by an ankle injury, further complicating their offensive production strategy.
The New York Giants are also feeling the heat. Cornerback Nick McCloud was the only absentee from practice on Wednesday due to a knee injury. Meanwhile, players Darius Muasau and Kayvon Thibodeaux (shoulder) were limited participants in practice, thereby placing question marks over their availability.
Injury Woes for Browns and Packers
As for the Cleveland Browns, tight end David Njoku (ankle), edge rusher Myles Garrett (foot), and offensive tackle Dawand Jones (knee) did not practice on Wednesday. Limited practice participants included edge rusher Za'Darius Smith (back), cornerback Denzel Ward (shoulder), and offensive tackle Jedrick Wills (knee).
In an unfortunate series of events for the Green Bay Packers, key players have been missing from practice. Quarterback Jordan Love did return to practice, but running back Josh Jacobs (back), tight end Tucker Kraft, and several offensive and defensive linemen were limited. Notably absent were offensive linemen Elgton Jenkins (illness/glute), Jordan Morgan (shoulder), wide receiver Jordan Reed (calf), and cornerback Carrington Valentine (ankle).
Titans, Bears, and Colts Juggle Injuries
For the Tennessee Titans, running back Tyjae Spears was the sole player unable to practice due to an ankle injury. The Chicago Bears were without key figures like wideout Keenan Allen (heel) and offensive lineman Teven Jenkins (thigh). Head coach Matt Eberflus stated, "There is no timetable regarding the return of Allen."
Meanwhile, the Indianapolis Colts have kicker Matt Gay (right quad) and defensive end Laiatu Latu (hip) on their injury report, adding to their mounting concerns.
Texans, Vikings, and Saints Struggle
The Houston Texans listed seven players who didn’t practice on Wednesday, including running back Joe Mixon (ankle) and wide receiver Nico Collins (hip/foot). For the Minnesota Vikings, their Pro Bowl wideout Justin Jefferson (quad) and running back Aaron Jones (hip) were limited in practice.
The New Orleans Saints also face challenges with linebacker D'Marco Jackson (calf), defensive tackle Khalen Saunders (calf), and tight end Taysom Hill (chest) all missing practice. Saints' head coach Dennis Allen noted, "The plan is for Hill to be limited on Thursday, aiming to manage his workload carefully." Cornerback Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) missed recent action during the Saints' blowout win over the Cowboys.
Chargers and Broncos Assess Injuries
The Los Angeles Chargers are dealing with an ankle issue that caused their quarterback Justin Herbert to miss practice. The Denver Broncos' linebacker Baron Browning (foot) and safety Brandon Jones (foot) are also struggling with injuries.
Lions and Other Teams Navigate Injury-Laden Terrain
Lastly, the Detroit Lions had four out of five players who didn’t practice from their defense. Linebacker Alex Anzalone (concussion) and cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (hamstring) missed practice sessions, along with offensive lineman Graham Glasgow (knee). However, there was a shimmer of good news as wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown (quad) was a full practice participant.
As teams across the league navigate this injury-laden terrain, the impact on game strategies and outcomes will be closely watched, underlining the unpredictable and often brutal nature of the NFL season.