Injuries are an inevitable part of the NFL landscape, shaping the course of every season before it even begins. This preseason has been no exception, as all 32 teams have faced significant setbacks with various key players sustaining serious injuries.
Among the hardest-hit teams is Atlanta. Moore, who was traded to Atlanta this offseason, suffered a season-ending knee injury earlier this month. His exit from the practice field was marked by an air cast on his right leg and immediate transport to a local medical facility. Unfortunately for Moore and the Falcons, his return is not expected until 2025.
Falcons Plagued By Injuries
Another blow for Atlanta came with the injury of Trice, the Falcons' No. 74 overall pick. Trice tore his ACL in his first preseason game, an injury that will also keep him off the field until 2025. Similarly, Evans will miss the entire regular season due to a torn patellar tendon and is expected to be back in 2025, further compounding the team's injury woes.
Williams, who tore his ACL during training camp, joins the growing list of Falcons expected to return only in 2025. This series of injuries has disrupted Atlanta's preparations, forcing coaches and staff to adapt quickly in a challenging preseason.
League-Wide Setbacks
The injury plague is not restricted to Atlanta. Milano suffered a torn biceps, which will keep him off the field for the majority of the season, although there is cautious optimism that he could return by December. Herbig’s torn rotator cuff has ruled him out until December as well, adding to the list of sidelined talents.
The Cincinnati Bengals are also feeling the sting. Their first-round pick sustained a strained pectoral muscle in their first preseason game and is expected to be ready by Week 2, a small silver lining in an otherwise gloomy preseason outlook. Yet, some other players face more extended absences. Chubb’s knee injury from last season required multiple surgeries, pushing his return date to possibly Week 5; he's been on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list since Week 17, with a potential return not likely before Week 8.
Optimism Amidst Adversity
Amid these injury woes, there are glimmers of hope for some teams. Curtis Samuel is considered "week to week'' with turf toe and is expected to be back by Week 2, providing a boost for his squad. In a similar vein, MVS, who sustained a neck sprain during a preseason Week 2 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, is likely to return by Week 3. Dave Canales remains optimistic about Brooks' return by Week 3 or Week 4, noting that "Week 3 or Week 4 would be 'great' for Brooks' return."
Mixed Recovery Timelines
Other notable injuries include Dane Jackson’s significant hamstring strain and Brooks' torn ACL, both likely sidelining them until Week 4. Tennessee’s No. 1 wideout and the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year are aiming for returns by Week 1 after suffering knee injuries in early August, a critical deadline for the Titans.
The Lions' second-year running back sustained a hamstring injury this month but is "not expected to be a serious issue," indicating a quicker recovery timeline. On a more positive note, Phillips, who suffered a torn Achilles, was activated off PUP last week and is projected to be back by Week 1. Warren, who was sidelined in a preseason game against the Bills due to a hamstring injury, is mirroring Phillips' speedy recovery and is expected back by Week 1.
Amidst these mixed fortunes, Higbee will rejoin his team only by Week 15, as he's dealing with both ACL and MCL injuries. McCarthy, dealing with a torn meniscus, is expected to be back in 2025 alongside many other sidelined players, underlining the harsh reality of the NFL preseason.
As the preseason injuries continue to stack up, coaching staff across the league are left to adapt their evaluations and preparations, hoping for the best while bracing for an uncertain season ahead.