The world of professional football is no stranger to the harsh reality of injuries, a narrative that has unraveled dramatically this preseason. All 32 teams, including some of the NFL’s premier franchises, have been beset by significant setbacks as key players succumb to serious injuries, casting a shadow over the upcoming season.
In Atlanta, Moore, a recent offseason acquisition, suffered a devastating knee injury earlier this month. The scene on the practice field was somber, as Moore exited with an air cast on his right leg and was immediately transported to a local medical facility. The injury has ruled him out for the entire season, with a return date optimistically set for 2025.
The Falcons’ woes didn’t end with Moore. Trice, their No. 74 overall pick, tore his ACL in his very first preseason game. His rookie campaign is over before it began, and like Moore, Trice is also targeting a comeback in 2025. Adding to Atlanta’s growing list of absentees, Evans sustained a torn patellar tendon and is expected to miss the entire regular season.
Williams, another unfortunate victim of an ACL tear during training camp, finds himself in the same predicament. The consistent timeline of these injuries has Williams' return penciled in for 2025 as well.
The Falcons are not alone in this predicament. Milano’s torn biceps means he will be sidelined for the majority of the season, with hopes of a December return. Meanwhile, Curtis Samuel is navigating the complications of turf toe, with expectations of being back by Week 2. The setbacks continue with MVS, who sustained a neck sprain in a preseason Week 2 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, setting a tentative return by Week 3.
For other teams, the situation mirrors Atlanta’s struggles. Dane Jackson is dealing with a significant hamstring injury, and Brooks, sidelined by a torn ACL, are likely to remain off the field until Week 4. The Bengals' first-round draft pick strained a pectoral muscle in their first preseason game, but there is optimism for a Week 2 return.
McCarthy, having suffered a torn meniscus, faces a long road to recovery with a 2025 return on the horizon. Herbig, troubled by a torn rotator cuff, is ruled out until December. Meanwhile, Chubb's knee injury from last season required multiple surgeries, with his return not anticipated before Week 5. Chubb remains on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list since Week 17, with a potential comeback by Week 8.
In Tennessee, significant injuries are also prevalent. The team's No. 1 wideout and the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year are both striving for a week 1 return after suffering knee injuries earlier this month.
Higbee's ACL and MCL injuries are another blow, delaying his presence on the field until Week 15. The Lions are cautiously optimistic about their second-year running back, as his recent hamstring injury is "not expected to be a serious issue."
In preparation for the new season, Phillips, who sustained a torn Achilles, has been activated off the PUP list and is expected back by Week 1. Similarly, Warren, who was sidelined in a preseason game against the Bills due to a hamstring injury, is anticipated to suit up by Week 1. Optimism surrounds Dave Canales as he expressed hope for Brooks’ return by Week 3 or Week 4, stating, "Week 3 or Week 4 would be 'great' for Brooks' return."
The domino effect of these preseason injuries has rippled through teams' preparations, disrupting evaluations and strategic planning. Coaches and staff are now forced to navigate these uncharted waters, adapting on the fly while striving to keep the competitive spirit alive.