NFL training camps are in full swing, but unfortunately, injuries are already starting to pile up for some players. From quarterbacks to running backs to wide receivers, no position group seems immune to the injury bug this early in the season.
One notable injury is to Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, who suffered a plantar fascia injury in his right foot. While he is expected to be ready for the regular season, backup Easton Stick will be taking first-team reps in the meantime.
Another significant injury is to reigning Offensive Player of the Year, who is dealing with a calf injury that will likely keep him out of practice for a few weeks. The star running back is also unlikely to see any preseason snaps before the start of the 2024 campaign.
For the Panthers, rookie running back Jonathon Brooks is expected to be ready by Week 3 or Week 4 of the season after recovering from an ACL tear suffered last November. However, Ty Johnson, who has been vying for the No. 2 running back spot, is currently out with a hamstring injury.
In New Orleans, third-round pick Miller left practice with a hamstring injury, prompting head coach Dennis Allen to stress the importance of staying healthy for the young player.
In Tennessee, DeAndre Hopkins is expected to miss four to six weeks after suffering a knee injury, which is a setback for the pass-oriented offense under new head coach Brian Callahan.
The injury bug has also hit the defensive side of the ball, with Cowboys edge rusher Sam Williams suffering a torn ACL that will sideline him for the entire 2024 season. Bengals edge rusher Sam Hubbard, on the other hand, escaped serious injury after leaving practice with a knee issue.
It’s not just the players on the field who are dealing with injuries – Buccaneers guard Sua Opeta suffered a torn ACL that will keep him out for the season, leaving the team with a hole to fill at left guard.
Injuries are an unfortunate reality of the NFL, especially during the high-intensity training camp period. Teams will need to rely on their depth and adjust their game plans accordingly as they navigate the challenges presented by key players being sidelined. As the season approaches, the hope is that these injured players will recover quickly and be back on the field making an impact for their teams.