As injuries continue to cast a shadow over the NFL preseason, all 32 teams are grappling with the loss of key players ahead of the regular season. This year, the injury toll includes a mix of short-term setbacks and long-term absences, disrupting team evaluations and preparations across the league.
Long-term Absences Sweep the League
Among the most significant blows this preseason, several players will not see the field until 2025. Moore, traded to the Atlanta Falcons this offseason, suffered a devastating knee injury that abruptly ended his season. His departure was marked by the alarming sight of an air cast on his right leg as he was quickly transported to a local medical facility.
Similarly, the Falcons' No. 74 overall pick, Trice, tore his ACL in his first preseason game, sidelining him until 2025. Another player facing a long recovery is Evans, who is out for the entire regular season due to a torn patellar tendon. Additionally, Williams also joins the list of players returning in 2025 following an ACL tear during training camp.
The injury bug didn't spare McCarthy, who suffered a torn meniscus, pushing his return date to 2025. And Herbig’s torn rotator cuff rules out his presence on the field until December, further complicating his team's plans.
Mid-season Returns and Optimistic Timelines
In another significant injury, Milano suffered a torn biceps, which will keep him sidelined for the majority of the season. Currently, the anticipated return is optimistically set for December. The progression of his recovery will be closely monitored, with the team hoping for a timely comeback.
Chubb's situation also remains a point of concern. His knee injury from last season resulted in multiple surgeries, with his return not expected before Week 5. Chubb has been on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list since Week 17, with a prospective return around Week 8.
The reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year from Tennessee and the team's No. 1 wideout are both working through knee injuries but aim to be ready by Week 1. Meanwhile, Higbee's injuries to both his ACL and MCL mean he won’t return before Week 15, dealing a significant blow to his team's offensive strategies.
Week-to-Week Comebacks Provide Some Hope
Among the fortunately shorter-term injuries, Curtis Samuel's turf toe has him considered "week to week," with an expected return by Week 2. MVS, who sustained a neck sprain during a preseason victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, is likely to return by Week 3.
Elsewhere, significant hamstring issues have benched Dane Jackson and Brooks, with both players targeting returns by Week 4. In a cautiously optimistic update, Dave Canales commented on Brooks' situation, stating, "Week 3 or Week 4 would be 'great' for Brooks' return."
Moreover, the Bengals' first-round pick, nursing a strained pectoral muscle from their first preseason game, is expected to be ready by Week 2, while Lions’ second-year running back's hamstring injury is "not expected to be a serious issue.”
Phillips, who suffered a torn Achilles, has been activated off PUP and is anticipated to be back by Week 1, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the injury chaos. Similarly, Warren, sidelined by a hamstring injury in a preseason game against the Bills, is expected to make his return by Week 1.
As preseason injuries compel coaches and teams to adapt swiftly, the impact on evaluations and preparations is palpable. The upcoming season will test the depth and resilience of every roster, making strategic adaptations more critical than ever. With the return timelines varying from player to player, the NFL landscape is set for a season defined by both the persistence of injuries and the triumphant comebacks that will inevitably follow.