As NFL training camps progress, teams across the league are grappling with a significant wave of injuries that have sidelined or ended the seasons of several key players. Among the hardest hit are the Los Angeles Chargers and the Carolina Panthers, facing the absence of crucial personnel just weeks before the regular season kicks off.
Chargers' Quarterback Situation
For the Los Angeles Chargers, star quarterback Justin Herbert has been a focal point of concern. Herbert endured a plantar fascia injury in his right foot, which has forced him into a walking boot for the next two weeks. Despite this setback, the Chargers remain optimistic about Herbert's availability for the start of the regular season. During his absence, backup quarterback Easton Stick will assume responsibilities, hoping to keep the team on course until Herbert's return.
Panthers' Backup Quarterback Dilemma
The Carolina Panthers are similarly beleaguered, with backup quarterback Andy Dalton sidelined due to a quad injury. This situation has prompted the team to scour the market for an additional quarterback to provide depth and reliability in Dalton's absence.
Adding to their woes, the Panthers are also monitoring the recovery of their rookie running back, Jonathon Brooks. Head coach Dave Canales remains cautiously optimistic, stating, "He expects rookie running back Jonathon Brooks to be ready around Week 3 or Week 4 of this season," as Brooks mends from an ACL tear sustained last November.
Reigning Offensive Player of the Year's Injury
In a significant blow to his team, the reigning Offensive Player of the Year suffered a calf injury in early August. Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed the unfortunate news, "The reigning Offensive Player of the Year suffered a calf injury in early August and will likely miss a few weeks of practice." Although his absence from practice is a setback, the team is hopeful for his swift and complete recovery.
Injury Roll Call
Other notable injuries include the Rams' offensive lineman Jonah Jackson, who is deemed "week to week" with a shoulder injury. Cam Robinson also exited practice following a shoulder injury, and Anton Harrison has entered concussion protocol.
Jonathon Brooks isn't the only one on the mend; Ty Johnson missed practices due to a hamstring injury, and James Cook briefly left practice for personal reasons but has since rejoined the team. Additionally, Demario Davis and Darious Williams are dealing with hamstring strains, adding to their respective teams' concerns.
Receiver and returner Moore’s season came to an abrupt end with a knee injury suffered during a non-contact incident, resulting in a season-ending diagnosis. Similarly, Sam Williams, who tore his ACL, and Samson Ebukam, who endured a torn Achilles tendon, both face long paths to recovery. Likewise, John Cominsky is on injured reserve because of a torn MCL, and YaYa Diaby incurred a high-ankle sprain, presenting another challenge for team medical staffs.
Rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette is under observation for an unspecified injury after he failed to finish practice. Sam Hubbard experienced a knee injury severe enough to warrant his exit from practice on a cart, and Jermaine Burton is sidelined with a minor ankle injury. Rashod Bateman is also feeling the effects of a rib/stomach hit, grappling with some soreness.
Saints' Receiver Nacua's Setback
Second-year Saints' receiver Nacua, who won Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023, is now facing a knee injury. As reported by ESPN, "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." The team is closely monitoring his recovery.
Managing Pre-Season Expectations
As training camps roll on, several players started on reserves lists such as physically unable to perform (PUP), adding another layer of complexity to roster management for teams. The blend of significant injuries to star players and crucial backups has forced teams to re-evaluate their strategies and depth charts as the season rapidly approaches. Each team now faces the challenge of adjusting their plans and rotations to mitigate the impact of these injuries while keeping a keen eye on the recovery process for their affected players.