Injuries are an inevitable part of the NFL landscape, and this preseason has proven particularly challenging for all 32 teams. Key players across the league have sustained serious injuries, causing significant setbacks as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Impactful Injuries
Moore, who was traded to Atlanta this offseason, suffered a devastating knee injury earlier this month that will keep him sidelined for the entire season. His departure from the practice field was marked by the use of an air cast on his right leg and an immediate transport to a local medical facility. Fans and teammates can only hope for a strong return in 2025.
The Falcons also faced another blow when Trice, their No. 74 overall pick, tore his ACL in his first preseason game. Like Moore, Trice is anticipated to return in 2025, leaving the team to regroup and rethink their strategy.
Evans will miss the entire regular season due to a torn patellar tendon. His recovery timeline sets his potential return in 2025, adding to the Falcons' injury woes. Meanwhile, Williams, who suffered an ACL tear during training camp, is likewise expected back on the field in 2025.
Season-Long Absences and Returns
In another significant injury, Milano suffered a torn biceps, which will sideline him for most of the season. Optimistically, there is hope for his return by December. Additionally, Curtis Samuel is considered "week to week" with turf toe and could be back by Week 2, while MVS, dealing with a neck sprain from a preseason win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, is likely to return by Week 3.
Dane Jackson’s significant hamstring injury alongside Brooks' torn ACL will keep them off the field until Week 4. The Bengals' first-round pick suffered a strained pectoral muscle in their first preseason game but is expected to be ready by Week 2.
Long-Term Recoveries
Among the long-term injuries, McCarthy's torn meniscus has him set to return in 2025. Herbig’s torn rotator cuff has ruled him out until December, and Chubb’s knee injury from last season, which resulted in multiple surgeries, means he’s not expected to return before Week 5. Having remained on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list since Week 17, Chubb potentially aims for a return by Week 8.
Despite the injury challenges, some players are approaching the light at the end of the tunnel. Phillips, who suffered a torn Achilles, was activated off the PUP list last week and is expected back by Week 1. Similarly, Warren, sidelined in a preseason game against the Bills due to a hamstring injury, shares the same return timeline.
Optimistic Timelines
Encouragingly, Tennessee’s No. 1 wideout, alongside the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year, aim to be back by Week 1 after both suffering knee injuries in early August. Lyons' second-year running back, who sustained a hamstring injury this month, is not expected to face a serious long-term issue.
Adding to optimism, Higbee is projected to rejoin in Week 15 after dealing with ACL and MCL injuries. Dave Canales also remains hopeful about Brooks' return by Week 3 or Week 4, noting that “Week 3 or Week 4 would be 'great' for Brooks' return.”
Unsurprisingly, such preseason injuries have disrupted evaluations and preparations, forcing coaches and staff to adapt rapidly. The loss of key players undoubtedly reshapes the dynamics and expectations for the teams affected, laying out a season filled with trials and resilience.
As each team moves forward, the collective eye of the league is on the injured, hoping for timely recoveries and a return to full strength.