Injuries continue to disrupt the 2024 NFL season, delivering significant blows to numerous teams only weeks into the campaign. The Los Angeles Rams find themselves under the weight of a challenging season as head coach Sean McVay attempts to rally a squad plagued by injuries.
Perhaps one of the most impactful injuries this season is that of the Miami Dolphins' standout quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa. Following another head injury sustained against the Buffalo Bills, Tagovailoa has been placed on injured reserve, a status that casts a long shadow on the Dolphins' aspirations.
Patriots Grapple with Injury Woes
The New England Patriots are feeling the strain, with offensive tackle Vederian Lowe (knee), guard Sidy Sow (ankle), and linebackers Ja'Whaun Bentley (shoulder) and Oshane Ximines (knee) confirmed out. Center David Andrews (hip), offensive lineman Mike Onwenu (wrist), safety Jabrill Peppers (shoulder), and defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. (shoulder) are listed as questionable.
Jets and Steelers in the Trenches
The New York Jets' defensive squad is not unscathed, with linebacker Jermaine Johnson II ruled out due to an Achilles injury. Adding to their concerns, linebacker C.J. Mosley remains questionable with a toe injury. "His recent quotes seem to indicate he will be pretty physically compromised if he does play," a source close to the Jets revealed.
Over in Pittsburgh, the Steelers might have to plan for the immediate future without their star quarterback Russell Wilson for the game against the Chargers. Rookie Roman Wilson is also nursing an ankle injury which limits his participation.
Giants' Practice Report
The New York Giants are dealing with their share of setbacks as well. Cornerback Nick McCloud, suffering from a knee injury, was absent from practice on Wednesday, while players such as Darius Muasau and Kayvon Thibodeaux (shoulder) were limited participants.
Challenges for the Browns and Packers
The Cleveland Browns are also in a tough spot with tight end David Njoku (ankle), edge rusher Myles Garrett (foot), and offensive tackle Dawand Jones (knee) missing practice on Wednesday. "Kevin Stefanski said it's unlikely Njoku will suit up Sunday," shedding light on the uncertainty the Browns are dealing with.
For the Green Bay Packers, quarterback Jordan Love has made a return to practice, providing a sliver of optimism. However, the same cannot be said for other key players like running back Josh Jacobs (back), tight end Tucker Kraft, and several offensive and defensive linemen who were limited. Elgton Jenkins (illness/glute), Jordan Morgan (shoulder), wide receiver Jordan Reed (calf), and cornerback Carrington Valentine (ankle) all sat out.
Health Updates Across the League
In Tennessee, running back Tyjae Spears stood out as the sole player unable to practice. The Bears were without notable figures such as wideout Keenan Allen (heel) and offensive lineman Teven Jenkins (thigh). Chicago's head coach, Matt Eberflus, commented, "There is no timetable regarding the return of Allen," casting doubt on his near-term participation.
The Indianapolis Colts' latest injury report adds kicker Matt Gay (right quad) and defensive end Laiatu Latu (hip) to their list. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans saw seven players, including running back Joe Mixon (ankle) and wide receiver Nico Collins (hip/foot), miss Wednesday’s practice.
Pro Bowl wideout Justin Jefferson (quad) and running back Aaron Jones (hip) were among the limited practice participants for the Minnesota Vikings. The New Orleans Saints also face their trials with linebacker D'Marco Jackson (calf), defensive tackle Khalen Saunders (calf), and tight end Taysom Hill (chest) not practicing. Dennis Allen has indicated that the plan is "for Hill to be limited on Thursday, aiming to manage his workload carefully." Additionally, standout cornerback Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) was notably absent during their recent blowout win over the Cowboys.
Other teams facing critical absences include the Los Angeles Chargers, who were missing quarterback Justin Herbert due to an ankle issue, and the Denver Broncos, who are contending with injuries to linebacker Baron Browning (foot) and safety Brandon Jones (foot).
Detroit Lions in Defense Mode
The Detroit Lions struggled to keep their full squad healthy, with four out of five absentee players being from the defensive side. Linebacker Alex Anzalone (concussion), cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (hamstring), and offensive lineman Graham Glasgow (knee) did not practice, although wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown (quad) participated fully, providing a ray of hope for the team's offensive capabilities.
As the NFL season trudges on, the injury lists continue to grow, leaving teams to adapt on the fly. With star players on the sidelines and coaches adjusting strategies, how each team navigates these injuries will be pivotal in their pursuit of success this season.