As the 2024 NFL season unfolds, it has become increasingly marred by injuries affecting numerous teams. Just weeks into the campaign, the injury list reads like a who's who of NFL talent, posing significant challenges for head coaches and teams alike.
The Impact on Teams
In Los Angeles, Rams head coach Sean McVay is grappling with the arduous task of rallying a squad severely impacted by injuries. Similarly, the Miami Dolphins face a daunting prospect as standout quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been placed on injured reserve following another head injury sustained against the Buffalo Bills.
The New England Patriots' woes extend beyond their offensive struggles as injuries to key players further complicate their season. Offensive tackle Vederian Lowe (knee), guard Sidy Sow (ankle), and linebackers Ja'Whaun Bentley (shoulder) and Oshane Ximines (knee) are all confirmed out. Additionally, center David Andrews (hip), offensive lineman Mike Onwenu (wrist), safety Jabrill Peppers (shoulder), and defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. (shoulder) are listed as questionable.
The New York Jets are dealing with significant setbacks as well, ruling out linebacker Jermaine Johnson II due to an Achilles injury. The Jets' linebacker C.J. Mosley remains questionable with a toe injury, potentially leaving the defense critically short-handed. "His recent quotes seem to indicate he will be pretty physically compromised if he does play," a source close to the team mentioned.
Pittsburgh and Beyond
The Pittsburgh Steelers are bracing for the possibility of missing star quarterback Russell Wilson in their upcoming game against the Chargers. The team is already feeling the impact as rookie Roman Wilson is limited by an ankle injury.
For the Giants, cornerback Nick McCloud's knee injury has him absent from practice, while Darius Muasau and Kayvon Thibodeaux, who is nursing a shoulder injury, were limited participants in practice.
The Cleveland Browns are another team plagued by injuries, with tight end David Njoku (ankle), edge rusher Myles Garrett (foot), and offensive tackle Dawand Jones (knee) not practicing on Wednesday. Head coach Kevin Stefanski noted, "It's unlikely Njoku will suit up Sunday." Limited practice participants also included edge rusher Za'Darius Smith (back), cornerback Denzel Ward (shoulder), and offensive tackle Jedrick Wills (knee).
Green Bay's Mixed Bag
The Green Bay Packers' quarterback Jordan Love returned to practice on Wednesday, encouraging news amid the team's broader injury difficulties. Running back Josh Jacobs (back), tight end Tucker Kraft, and several offensive and defensive linemen were limited in practice. Additional absentees included offensive linemen Elgton Jenkins (illness/glute) and Jordan Morgan (shoulder), wide receiver Jordan Reed (calf), and cornerback Carrington Valentine (ankle).
More Injury Reports
The Tennessee Titans' Tyjae Spears was the sole player unable to practice, while the Chicago Bears are missing key figures like wideout Keenan Allen (heel) and offensive lineman Teven Jenkins (thigh). Bears head coach Matt Eberflus remarked, "There is no timetable regarding the return of Allen."
The Indianapolis Colts' kicker Matt Gay (right quad) and defensive end Laiatu Latu (hip) are also under the injury cloud. Seven Houston Texans players did not practice on Wednesday, with running back Joe Mixon (ankle) and wide receiver Nico Collins (hip/foot) being notable absentees.
The Minnesota Vikings saw Pro Bowl wideout Justin Jefferson (quad) and running back Aaron Jones (hip) limited in practice, while the New Orleans Saints grapple with injuries to linebacker D'Marco Jackson (calf), defensive tackle Khalen Saunders (calf), and tight end Taysom Hill (chest), who all missed practice. Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) missed action during their recent blowout win over the Cowboys. Head coach Dennis Allen indicated, "The plan is for Hill to be limited on Thursday, aiming to manage his workload carefully."
Meanwhile, Los Angeles Chargers' quarterback Justin Herbert missed practice due to an ankle issue, adding to their concerns. Broncos' linebacker Baron Browning (foot) and safety Brandon Jones (foot) also face injury challenges.
The Detroit Lions are dealing with multiple injuries, with four out of five non-practicing players on the defensive side. Linebacker Alex Anzalone (concussion) and cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (hamstring) didn't practice, along with offensive lineman Graham Glasgow (knee). However, there is some good news as wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown (quad) participated fully in practice.
As the season progresses, these injuries will undoubtedly reshape team dynamics, strategies, and potentially the playoff race. Coaches and players alike will need to adapt swiftly to navigate the numerous obstacles posed by these setbacks.