Injuries continue to send shockwaves through the 2024 NFL season, severely impacting multiple teams just weeks into the campaign.
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay faces a formidable challenge in rallying a squad that has been significantly weakened by injuries. The Miami Dolphins are grappling with a major setback as they have placed their standout quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, on injured reserve following another head injury sustained during a game against the Buffalo Bills.
Patriots Struggling with Key Absences
The New England Patriots are dealing with notable absences, as offensive tackle Vederian Lowe (knee), guard Sidy Sow (ankle), and linebackers Ja'Whaun Bentley (shoulder) and Oshane Ximines (knee) have all been confirmed out. The Patriots also face uncertainty with center David Andrews (hip), offensive lineman Mike Onwenu (wrist), safety Jabrill Peppers (shoulder), and defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. (shoulder) listed as questionable.
Jets’ Defense Takes a Hit
The New York Jets are confronting challenges of their own, with linebacker Jermaine Johnson II (Achilles) ruled out and linebacker C.J. Mosley remaining questionable due to a toe injury. According to recent reports, "His recent quotes seem to indicate he will be pretty physically compromised if he does play."
Steelers Prepare for Life Without Wilson
The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing to face the Chargers without their star quarterback Russell Wilson. Additionally, rookie Roman Wilson is limited by an ankle injury, adding to the team’s woes.
Giants and Browns Aim to Overcome Setbacks
For the New York Giants, cornerback Nick McCloud's knee injury left him absent from practice on Wednesday, while players Darius Muasau and Kayvon Thibodeaux (shoulder) were limited participants. The Cleveland Browns are dealing with a slew of injuries as well; tight end David Njoku (ankle), edge rusher Myles Garrett (foot), and offensive tackle Dawand Jones (knee) did not practice. Limited practice participants included edge rusher Za'Darius Smith (back), cornerback Denzel Ward (shoulder), and offensive tackle Jedrick Wills (knee).
In a statement, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski noted, "It's unlikely Njoku will suit up Sunday."
Packers’ Injury List Grows
The Green Bay Packers have quarterback Jordan Love returning to practice, which is a positive sign. However, the team still has several challenges to address. Key players, such as running back Josh Jacobs (back) and tight end Tucker Kraft, were limited in practice, alongside numerous offensive and defensive linemen. Notably missing from practice were offensive linemen Elgton Jenkins (illness/glute) and Jordan Morgan (shoulder), wide receiver Jordan Reed (calf), and cornerback Carrington Valentine (ankle).
Titans, Bears, Colts, and Texans’ Injury Woes
The Tennessee Titans had running back Tyjae Spears (ankle) as the sole player unable to practice. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears are missing important figures such as wideout Keenan Allen (heel) and offensive lineman Teven Jenkins (thigh). Bears head coach Matt Eberflus stated, "There is no timetable regarding the return of Allen."
The Indianapolis Colts are dealing with injuries to kicker Matt Gay (right quad) and defensive end Laiatu Latu (hip), further complicating their season. The Houston Texans saw seven players miss practice on Wednesday, including running back Joe Mixon (ankle) and wide receiver Nico Collins (hip/foot).
Vikings and Saints’ Limited Practice Participants
The Minnesota Vikings had Pro Bowl wideout Justin Jefferson (quad) and running back Aaron Jones (hip) limited in practice. The New Orleans Saints saw linebacker D'Marco Jackson (calf), defensive tackle Khalen Saunders (calf), and tight end Taysom Hill (chest) not practice. Saints head coach Dennis Allen mentioned, "The plan is for Hill to be limited on Thursday, aiming to manage his workload carefully."
Additionally, Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) missed action during the team’s recent blowout win over the Cowboys.
Chargers and Broncos’ Update
The Los Angeles Chargers are contending with the absence of quarterback Justin Herbert, who missed practice due to an ankle issue. The Denver Broncos are dealing with injuries to linebacker Baron Browning (foot) and safety Brandon Jones (foot), which could affect their upcoming performances.
Lions Face Defensive Setbacks
The Detroit Lions had four out of five players who didn't practice on the defensive side, including linebacker Alex Anzalone (concussion) and cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (hamstring). Offensive lineman Graham Glasgow (knee) also didn’t practice. On a positive note, wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown (quad) was a full practice participant.
As the season progresses, teams across the league will need to navigate these injury challenges, with each sidelined player representing a significant hurdle to their aspirations.