As NFL training camps commence, teams are already contending with a slew of injuries impacting key players, creating hurdles early in the preseason.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Plagued by Injuries
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, in particular, find themselves hard-hit. On Thursday, rookie pass rusher YaYa Diaby was carted off the practice field with a high-ankle sprain. Diaby is expected to be a pivotal component of Tampa Bay's defensive front once he returns, highlighting the critical nature of his absence.
Adding to their woes, guard Sua Opeta suffered a torn ACL and will miss the entire season. Opeta, who signed a one-year deal with Tampa Bay, was in competition for the starting left guard spot alongside Ben Bredeson. With Opeta sidelined, Bredeson has taken over reps with the starters. The Buccaneers were already grappling with the absence of key players like Matt Feiler and Aaron Stinnie from last season, leaving a significant void on the offensive line.
Kansas City Chiefs Build and Battle Injuries
The Kansas City Chiefs are looking to fortify their roster by adding several wide receivers, including first-round pick Xavier Worthy. However, their training camp also encountered setbacks as veteran pass rusher Nick Bolton exited practice early with an apparent arm injury. Bolton, who missed time last season due to wrist surgery, will be closely monitored as the camp progresses.
Dallas Cowboys Lose Key Defensive Player
For the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday’s practice came with misfortune as Sam Williams suffered a torn ACL and will be placed on injured reserve. Williams was anticipated to bolster the formidable pass-rushing duo of Micah Parsons and Demarcus Lawrence, making his absence a significant blow to the Cowboys' defensive strategy.
San Francisco 49ers Endure Major Setback
In another devastating turn, Samson Ebukam of the San Francisco 49ers tore his Achilles tendon, ruling him out for the season. His absence leaves a substantial gap in the 49ers’ defensive line.
Baltimore Ravens Face Injury Challenges
The Baltimore Ravens' camp was also not immune to injuries. Rashod Bateman left Monday's practice after sustaining a hit to the rib and stomach area. Early assessments suggest that the injury may not be overly serious, as Coach John Harbaugh described the issue as "merely soreness."
Injury Reports Across the League
Meanwhile, other teams are carefully managing the health of their players. Cincinnati Bengals' Sam Hubbard was carted off the practice field with a knee injury; early reports indicate it is not considered serious. The Rams' Darious Williams is sidelined with a hamstring strain, and head coach Sean McVay assured that the team will handle his recovery with caution, saying they will take it "a week at a time."
At the New Orleans Saints' camp, Kendre Miller exited the first practice due to a hamstring injury. Miller, who appeared in just eight games last year, faces a critical juncture in his career. Head coach Dennis Allen did not mince words regarding Miller's predicament, suggesting the running back needs to "figure out how to stay healthy."
The injury bug also bit Ty Johnson, who is sitting out Tuesday's practice with a hamstring injury. Johnson has been rotating for the No. 2 running back position alongside rookie Ray Davis, while starter James Cook recently returned to practice after a brief personal leave, adding depth to the rotation.
The Chicago Bears’ Nate Davis has missed multiple sessions with an undisclosed muscle strain, and Justin Watson is dealing with a foot injury. Watson, who had a career-high 460 receiving yards in 2023, opens the door for third-year player Skyy Moore to seize more opportunities.
As training camps advance, teams will undoubtedly continue to adapt and pivot with the loss and return of integral players. The hope remains that these early setbacks won't cast long shadows over the impending season.