Week 2 of the 2024 NFL season delivered a slew of injuries that could significantly alter the landscape of team rosters and the course of the season. Key players found themselves sidelined due to various ailments, leaving teams scrambling to adjust and fill crucial positions. Here’s a closer look at the injuries that have sent shockwaves through the league.
Dolphins' Troubles: Tua Tagovailoa Sidelined
The Miami Dolphins suffered a major setback as quarterback Tua Tagovailoa sustained a concussion during their Thursday game. This incident marks at least the third confirmed brain injury of his career, raising concerns about his long-term health. Consequently, the Dolphins placed Tagovailoa on injured reserve, sidelining him until at least Week 8. The absence of their star quarterback is poised to be a significant challenge for the Dolphins, forcing them to rely on their backup to carry the load in the coming weeks.
Running Back Woes Across the League
Running backs also took a hit this week, with several key players suffering injuries. Tyjae Spears of the Tennessee Titans injured his ankle in the second half against the New York Jets and remains day-to-day. Similarly, MarShawn Lloyd of the Green Bay Packers was sidelined with an ankle injury during their game against the Indianapolis Colts, leading the Packers to place him on injured reserve.
In another unfortunate incident, Tank Bigsby of the Jacksonville Jaguars sustained a shoulder injury against the Cleveland Browns, causing him to miss the remainder of the game. Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs' Isiah Pacheco left the stadium on crutches and in a walking boot after injuring his ankle in the second half against the Bengals. The Chiefs placed Pacheco on injured reserve, ensuring he will miss at least four games.
Contrasting these grim reports, an MRI confirmed that Joe Mixon’s ankle injury wasn’t severe, offering a hint of optimism amid the wave of bad news.
Wide Receivers Hit Hard
Key wide receivers faced their share of injuries as well. Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings exited the game against the 49ers with a thigh bruise/contusion but remained optimistic. “He’ll be fine,” assured Jefferson after being assisted off the field.
The Los Angeles Rams weren't as fortunate with Cooper Kupp, who suffered an ankle injury in the first half against the Arizona Cardinals and was later seen in a walking boot. Kupp is expected to miss extended time, a significant blow to the Rams' offensive firepower. Additionally, Deebo Samuel of the San Francisco 49ers will be sidelined for a couple of weeks due to a calf injury. Head Coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed this timeline, emphasizing the team's cautious approach to Samuel's recovery.
Adding to the list of wide receiver setbacks, A.J. Brown of the Philadelphia Eagles did not appear in "Monday Night Football" against the Falcons because of a hamstring injury.
Season-Ending Injuries
The Cleveland Browns faced a major blow as wide receiver David Bell dislocated his hip and is set for season-ending surgery. Subsequently, the Browns placed Bell on injured reserve. His absence will leave a notable void in the Brown's receiving corps.
More Injuries Across the Board
Other notable injuries include Taysom Hill of the New Orleans Saints, who exited with a chest injury against the Cowboys, and Evan Engram of the New York Giants, who sat out Week 2 due to a hamstring issue. Vita Vea of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sustained a knee injury in their match against the Lions, with initial diagnosis pointing to an MCL sprain. DeForest Buckner of the Colts faced an apparent leg/ankle injury against the Packers, but X-rays returned negative, with an MRI set to determine the severity of his ankle sprain.
B.J. Hill of the Bengals sustained a hamstring injury, while C.J. Mosley of the Jets collided with a foot injury. Meanwhile, Jerome Baker of the Dolphins is dealing with a hamstring issue.
Compounding the injury woes, Jermaine Johnson II appears to have torn his Achilles, and Ja'Whaun Bentley suffered a torn pectoral muscle, ruling him out for the season.
The wave of injuries in Week 2 will undoubtedly impact team strategies and player dynamics. With several key players out, teams must adapt quickly to mitigate these significant losses. The NFL season is long and arduous, and how each team handles these challenges will be paramount to their success moving forward.