The NFL preseason is a time for hopeful rookies and veterans alike to demonstrate their skills and earn a spot on the team's roster. However, as Week 1 of the preseason concluded, players and teams were reminded of the physical toll the game can exact.
Preseason Injuries Mount
The Atlanta Falcons faced a significant setback as outside linebacker Bralen Trice suffered a torn ACL. This injury not only jeopardizes Trice’s immediate future but also impacts the Falcons' defensive lineup as they prepare for the regular season. Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs are coping with the loss of Hollywood Brown, who dislocated his sternoclavicular joint. Head Coach Andy Reid succinctly noted, "He suffered a sternoclavicular joint dislocation," a blow for the Chiefs as they look to build momentum heading into the season.
The New York Giants were hit particularly hard with injuries to key players. Quarterback Drew Lock's hip pointer and strained oblique will sideline him for an extended period, a frustrating setback for the team's depth chart. With Lock out, the Giants are left with only starter Daniel Jones and rookie Tommy DeVito to command the offense. Additionally, wide receiver Malik Nabers sustained a minor ankle sprain, further complicating the team’s injury woes.
Pivotal Players Sidelined
Other teams are also feeling the sting of preseason injuries. The Baltimore Ravens saw cornerback Nate Wiggins exit the game against the Philadelphia Eagles with a minor shoulder sprain. His condition is currently considered day-to-day. The Pittsburgh Steelers had a scare when offensive tackle Troy Fautanu left their preseason opener with a knee injury, later diagnosed as a minor MCL sprain. Both players are crucial to their respective lineups, and their health will be closely monitored in the coming days.
In Green Bay, rookie running back MarShawn Lloyd exited with a hamstring injury in the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns. Lloyd, a third-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, was seen as a promising addition to the Packers' backfield. The Browns also took a hit with wide receiver David Bell sustaining a quadriceps injury in the same game, potentially affecting their receiving corps.
Severe Setbacks
San Francisco 49ers’ cornerback Ambry Thomas experienced perhaps the most severe injury, breaking his forearm in the preseason game against the Tennessee Titans. Thomas was carted off to the locker room post-evaluation in the medical tent, underscoring the severity of his condition. The 49ers now face a significant challenge as they look to fill the void left by Thomas’s absence.
The preseason is undeniably a critical phase for NFL teams, allowing them to evaluate talent and make strategic decisions. Yet, as these injuries demonstrate, the risks are ever-present. Teams must now navigate these setbacks, balancing immediate needs with long-term player health and performance. As head coach Kyle Shanahan of the 49ers aptly put it, "It will be some time," a sentiment that echoes across the league as teams await the return of their injured players while preparing for the battles ahead.