NFL Training Camp Injury Roundup: Star Players Sidelined as Season Approaches
As NFL training camps hit full stride across the nation, the league faces a wave of injuries that have temporarily sidelined or ended the seasons of several key players. Among the most significant impacts is the loss of Los Angeles Chargers star quarterback, Justin Herbert.
Notable Quarterback Setbacks
Chargers fans were dealt a blow when Herbert sustained a plantar fascia injury in his right foot. Currently, Herbert is in a walking boot and is expected to need about two weeks to recover. Despite his absence from training camp, the team remains optimistic about his availability for the regular season.
In the meantime, backup quarterback Easton Stick will be tasked with leading the Chargers' offense. Stick, who has had limited playing time in previous seasons, will look to keep the team in sync until Herbert's return.
Elsewhere, the Carolina Panthers are grappling with the loss of their backup quarterback, Andy Dalton, who is sidelined for a few weeks due to a quad injury. The team has been actively scouring the market for an additional quarterback to ensure they have enough depth heading into the season.
Impact on Offensive Players
The reigning Offensive Player of the Year also suffered a significant setback with a calf injury in early August, causing him to miss a few weeks of practice. Reflecting on the situation, Kyle Shanahan noted, "The reigning Offensive Player of the Year suffered a calf injury in early August and will likely miss a few weeks of practice."
Additionally, the Panthers are closely monitoring the recovery of their rookie running back, Jonathon Brooks, who is on the mend from an ACL tear he sustained last November. Head coach Dave Canales commented, "He expects rookie running back Jonathon Brooks to be ready around Week 3 or Week 4 of this season."
Another player who recently had a hiatus from practice is James Cook, who stepped away for personal reasons but has since rejoined the team. Meanwhile, Ty Johnson was absent from recent practices due to a hamstring injury, raising concerns about the depth of the running back position.
Injuries Across the League
The injury woes are not confined to the Chargers and Panthers. Across the league, other teams are dealing with a host of injuries affecting both offensive and defensive players. The Rams' offensive lineman Jonah Jackson is currently listed as "week to week" with a shoulder injury, while Cam Robinson also left practice with a shoulder injury. Furthermore, Anton Harrison has entered concussion protocol, adding to the Jaguars' concerns.
On the defensive side of the ball, Demario Davis is dealing with a hamstring injury, and Sam Williams has undergone surgery for a torn ACL, ending his season prematurely. Similarly, Samson Ebukam suffered a torn Achilles tendon, while John Cominsky is on injured reserve with a torn MCL, and YaYa Diaby incurred a high-ankle sprain. The list continues with receiver/returner Moore, who was diagnosed with a season-ending knee injury after being carted off following a non-contact injury.
The offensive units are not spared either. Jermaine Burton is sidelined with a minor ankle injury, and Rashod Bateman is dealing with soreness from a rib/stomach hit. In addition, Sam Hubbard experienced a knee injury, requiring him to exit practice on a cart.
Rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette remains under observation after not finishing practice due to an unspecified injury, and the Saints' second-year receiver, Nacua, is week-to-week with a knee injury. Nacua, who had high expectations after winning Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023, suffered the injury at a recent practice session. As ESPN reported, "Nacua enters Year 2 with high expectations after winning Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023. He suffered a knee injury at Saturday's practice, however, and is now considered week-to-week."
Looking Forward
While injuries are a common aspect of the NFL, the recent surge has many teams re-evaluating their training and conditioning programs. As the regular season approaches, the focus will be on recovery and rehabilitation, ensuring that these players can return to the field stronger and ready to compete. Teams will continue to adjust their strategies and rosters to deal with the absences, hoping to mitigate the impact of these injuries on their overall performance in the upcoming season.