As NFL training camps ramp up across the league, several teams are already facing significant setbacks due to injuries to key players. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers appear to be particularly hard-hit, with multiple injuries impacting their roster. On Thursday, rookie pass rusher YaYa Diaby was carted off the practice field with a high-ankle sprain. Diaby was expected to be a pivotal component of Tampa Bay's defensive front upon his return. His absence, therefore, deals a substantial blow to the Buccaneers’ plans.
The Buccaneers' offensive line depth chart also took a hit as guard Sua Opeta suffered a torn ACL, rendering him out for the entire season. Opeta, who had signed a one-year deal with the team, was engaged in a battle for the starting left guard position alongside Ben Bredeson. Following Opeta's injury, Bredeson has now assumed the reps with the starters. This compounds the offensive line issues for the Buccaneers, who are already dealing with the departures of players like Matt Feiler and Aaron Stinnie from last season.
Over in Kansas City Chiefs’ camp, the team has bolstered their receiving corps with several new additions, including first-round pick Xavier Worthy. However, the Chiefs' defense took a hit as veteran pass rusher Nick Bolton exited practice early with an apparent arm injury. Bolton missed time last season due to wrist surgery, raising concerns about his availability for the upcoming season.
The Dallas Cowboys were dealt a significant blow as well, with Sam Williams suffering a torn ACL during practice. Williams was expected to support the formidable pass-rushing duo of Micah Parsons and Demarcus Lawrence. His placement on injured reserve leaves the Cowboys looking for answers in their pass-rushing rotation.
The San Francisco 49ers will also be without a key defensive player this season, as Samson Ebukam tore his Achilles tendon. Ebukam's absence leaves a void in the 49ers' defensive line depth chart, adding to their preseason challenges.
Receivers are not immune to the injury bug either. Rashod Bateman of the Baltimore Ravens left Monday's practice after sustaining a hit to the rib/stomach area. Early reports, however, suggest that the injury to Cincinnati Bengals’ Sam Hubbard is not serious, despite the initial scare that saw him carted off the practice field with a knee injury.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams will be cautiously managing cornerback Darious Williams' recovery from a hamstring strain. Rams head coach Sean McVay assured that the team will not rush him back, stating they will take it "a week at a time."
In New Orleans, running back Kendre Miller left the Saints' first camp practice with a hamstring injury. Miller, who appeared in just eight games last year, has caught the attention of head coach Dennis Allen, who suggested the back needs to "figure out how to stay healthy." Given his limited availability last season, the concerns around Miller's durability are well-founded.
In addition, Ty Johnson is sitting out practice due to a hamstring injury, disrupting the competition for the No. 2 running back position alongside rookie Ray Davis. Starter James Cook has recently returned to practice after a brief personal leave, providing some stability to the running back rotation.
The Chicago Bears are facing similar challenges with Nate Davis, who has missed several sessions with an undisclosed muscle strain. Wide receiver Justin Watson is also dealing with a foot injury, opening the door for more opportunities for third-year player Skyy Moore. Watson, having recorded a career-high 460 receiving yards in 2023, was expected to continue his upward trajectory this season.
The cascade of injuries across NFL training camps underscores the physically demanding nature of the sport and highlights the uncertainties teams must navigate as they prepare for the upcoming season. With key players sidelined, coaching staffs must adapt quickly, realigning their strategies and giving other players opportunities to step up. As always, the resilience and depth of each roster will be tested long before the first snap of the regular season.