As the NFL season gears up, teams face a critical period where injuries and practice participation can significantly impact their early performances. Several teams have reported impactful player updates that warrant attention.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals have received mixed news on the health front. Star wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase showed up limited at practice this week, raising concerns about his readiness. In a more positive development, quarterback Joe Burrow was a full participant in practice, which is encouraging news for Bengals fans hoping to see their quarterback in peak form.
Arizona Cardinals and Green Bay Packers
The Arizona Cardinals are set to miss Marquise Brown, who is sidelined due to a shoulder injury. Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers are dealing with a slew of limited participants in their lineup. Notably, wide receiver Romeo Doubs has been limited for two consecutive days, and tight end Tucker Kraft’s limitation on Wednesday was a new development. It's important to note that the Packers didn’t actually practice; the limitations were mere estimates.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Pittsburgh Steelers
The Buccaneers are another team dealing with multiple injuries, as Logan Hall and kicker Chase McLaughlin did not practice. Interestingly, the Buccaneers currently do not have a kicker on their practice squad. Over in Pittsburgh, Troy Fautanu, Roman Wilson, and Jaylen Warren were all limited in practice.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints, too, are managing injuries, with Willie Gay Jr., Pete Werner, and Marshon Lattimore limited in practice. Saints coach Kevin O'Connell provided some optimism, stating, "Jordan Addison moved around well and that they anticipate increasing his workload as the week progresses," adding that "Jalen Nailor is a bit behind Addison but is progressing well."
Additional Updates Across the League
Kyle Pitts and Nate Landman were limited in practice for the Falcons, while Xavier Weaver is absent due to an oblique injury. In Carolina, Ian Thomas and Tommy Tremble were absent from practice, while Miles Sanders remains limited due to a finger injury. The Panthers have signed rookie Messiah Swinson off the Packers' practice squad to bolster their roster.
The Texans are walking a fine line as safety M.J. Stewart didn’t practice due to a knee injury. Similarly, the Colts are dealing with absences in wide receiver Josh Downs and kicker Matt Gay. In a proactive move, the Colts re-signed Spencer Shrader to the practice squad.
Daniel Thomas of the Jaguars was limited due to an Achilles injury. The Miami Dolphins, on the other hand, seem to be in better shape, with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle having no injury designations.
For the Patriots, Jonathan Jones and Vederian Lowe were limited in practice, and guard Sidy Sow did not practice at all. Devin White's absence for the Patriots due to an ankle injury is notable, with Nakobe Dean set to make his fifth career start in place of White.
The Giants report four limited practice participants: Drew Lock, Micah McFadden, Dane Belton, and Gunner Olszewski. On the Browns' side, Jedrick Wills remains sidelined following surgery last December.
Commanders' players Daron Payne and Marcus Mariota were limited in practice, while John Stephens Jr. missed practice due to a hamstring injury.
A downbeat scenario for the Panthers unfolded as Javon Solomon is out because of an oblique injury and Adisa Isaac is dealing with a hamstring issue.
Roundup of Other Key Players
Significant injuries also plagued some prominent names across the league. Devin White has been ruled out due to an ankle injury, a blow for the team’s defensive lineup. On a more optimistic note, Ian Thomas and Tommy Tremble's absences at practice have not dampened the team’s readiness. Furthermore, Bears’ general manager Ryan Poles assured fans that "Allen’s injury would not impact his Week 1 status".
Mitchell Trubisky showed up limited in practice due to a knee problem, and Jamal Adams did not practice due to a hip injury, putting a question mark over their availability. DeAndre Hopkins, who missed most of training camp due to a knee issue, and Packers' key receiver Romeo Doubs will have to make significant recoveries to contribute effectively.
Keenan Allen and Montez Sweat were limited in practice for the Bears, while over in Cleveland, eight Browns players were in a similar state of limited practice. The Colts face their own challenges with wide receiver Josh Downs and kicker Matt Gay absent from practice, though the team has re-signed Spencer Shrader to the practice squad.
In summary, as the season progresses, teams will closely monitor these injury reports and hope for quick recoveries to maintain their competitive edge. With the regular season fast approaching, the pressure is on for these players to return to full health and perform at their best on game day.