Injuries are an inevitable part of the NFL landscape, and this preseason has been no exception. All 32 teams have faced significant setbacks as various key players sustain serious injuries, impacting their availability for the upcoming season.
One of the most notable injuries was to Moore, who was traded to Atlanta this offseason. Earlier this month, he suffered a season-ending knee injury. Moore’s exit from the practice field, marked by an air cast on his right leg and an immediate transport to a local medical facility, underscored the severity of his condition. Moore is now expected to return only in 2025.
Trice, the Falcons' No. 74 overall pick, also fell victim to a brutal preseason, tearing his ACL in his first game. He, too, is set to make his return in 2025. Similarly, Evans will miss the entirety of the regular season due to a torn patellar tendon, and is another player not anticipated back before 2025. Adding to the Falcons' woes, Williams suffered his own ACL tear during training camp and shares the same 2025 return timeline as his teammates.
The injury list extends well beyond Atlanta. Milano suffered a torn biceps, sidelining him for the majority of the season, though an optimistic return is eyed for December. Curtis Samuel, dealing with turf toe, is considered "week to week" and should make his return by Week 2. MVS, who sustained a neck sprain during a preseason Week 2 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, is also likely to return by Week 3.
The Bengals were dealt a blow as well: their first-round pick suffered a strained pectoral muscle in their first preseason game. Fortunately, projections place him back by Week 2. However, not all returns are so near. McCarthy has a torn meniscus, ruling him out until 2025, while Herbig’s torn rotator cuff keeps him off the field until December.
Knee injuries continue to plague seasoned athletes. Chubb, dealing with lingering issues from knee surgeries last season, is not expected back before Week 5. He's been on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list since Week 17, with a potential return by Week 8.
Among the more hopeful notes, Tennessee’s No. 1 wideout and the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year are aiming for Week 1 returns following knee injuries in early August. Higbee, however, won’t rejoin until Week 15 due to both ACL and MCL injuries. The Lions' second-year running back suffered a hamstring injury this month, but the team maintains it is "not expected to be a serious issue."
Another silver lining for the PUP list includes Phillips, who suffered a torn Achilles but was activated last week with expectations to return by Week 1. Warren should also be back by Week 1 after a hamstring injury during a preseason game against the Bills.
Lastly, optimism surrounds Brooks’ status. Dave Canales is hoping that "Week 3 or Week 4 would be 'great' for Brooks' return," providing some light among the heavy injury reports affecting numerous teams.
The preseason injuries have disrupted evaluations and preparations, forcing coaching staff and players to adapt. While the road to recovery is long for many, the resilience and dedication of athletes and medical teams continue to shine through as the 2023 season approaches.