Injuries have always been an inescapable part of the NFL, and this preseason has been no exception. With all 32 teams dealing with significant setbacks, the upcoming season's landscape has been dramatically reshaped due to various key players sustaining severe injuries.
For the Atlanta Falcons, the loss of Moore, acquired in an offseason trade, has been particularly debilitating. Moore suffered a season-ending knee injury earlier this month, and his abrupt exit from the practice field — marked by an air cast on his right leg and immediate transport to a local medical facility — signaled the gravity of the situation. Moore is now expected to return only in 2025, a long wait for an enthusiastic fan base that had high hopes for his contributions this year.
Adding to the Falcons' woes, their No. 74 overall pick, Trice, also succumbed to a preseason injury, tearing his ACL in his first preseason game. Trice, like Moore, is not expected to return until 2025, further straining the team’s resources and depth. Evans and Williams join them on the casualty list with injuries that will keep them off the field until 2025. Evans' torn patellar tendon and Williams' ACL tear have cast long shadows over the Falcons' prospects this season.
Yet, the Falcons are not alone in their struggles. Milano, suffering a torn biceps, will be sidelined for the majority of the season, with an optimistic return date set for December. The impact of his absence creates another ripple effect among teams preparing for a grueling season.
Other teams are facing their own battles with injuries. Curtis Samuel has been deemed "week-to-week" with turf toe, yet there is hope he could be back by Week 2. MVS, struggling with a neck sprain sustained during a preseason week 2 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, is also likely to return by Week 3.
Bengals, Lions, and other Teams Navigate Mid-Level Setbacks
The Bengals are dealing with a significant blow of their own; their first-round pick strained a pectoral muscle in their first preseason game. Fortunately, his return is anticipated by Week 2, a relatively quick recovery compared to many others on this exhaustive list. Meanwhile, Herbig’s torn rotator cuff rules him out until December, while Chubb–still recovering from last season’s knee injury and multiple surgeries–won't be back until at least Week 5, remaining on PUP since Week 17 last season.
Tennessee struggles with its own setbacks, facing the absence of their No. 1 wideout and reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year due to knee injuries sustained in early August. However, the prospects of their return by Week 1 bring a glimmer of hope for Titans fans.
Several Key Players Poised for Timely Returns
In contrast, some players have shown signs of a quicker return to the field. Higbee, dealing with ACL and MCL injuries, is scheduled to rejoin the action by Week 15. Phillips, who suffered a torn Achilles, was activated off PUP last week and is expected back by Week 1, a reassuring sign for his team. Additionally, Warren, who faced a hamstring injury in a preseason game against the Bills, is also expected to be back by the start of the regular season.
The Lions' second-year running back offers reassurance to fans as his hamstring injury is "not expected to be a serious issue." Similarly, Brooks, another key player, has the optimistic prediction from Dave Canales, who stated, "Week 3 or Week 4 would be 'great' for Brooks' return."
In sum, preseason injuries have not only disrupted team evaluations and preparations but have also forced coaching staff to adapt on the fly. This chain reaction of adjustments and contingency plans will significantly shape the season ahead. While many players face extended recovery periods, fans across the league hold on to hope for timely returns and triumphant comebacks.