The first week of the NFL preseason delivered a sobering reminder of the game's inherent risks, as several players across the league sustained significant injuries.
Testing Ground With Risks
While the preseason serves as a vital proving ground for emerging talents and offers a glimpse of veteran readiness, it also exposes players to the harsh realities of professional football. The Atlanta Falcons experienced this first-hand as outside linebacker Bralen Trice suffered a torn ACL. This injury, notorious for its lengthy recovery period, will likely sideline Trice for the entire season, a significant blow to both the player and the team.
Chiefs and Giants Hit Hard
The Kansas City Chiefs were also hit by the injury bug, with wide receiver Hollywood Brown dislocating his sternoclavicular joint. Head Coach Andy Reid confirmed the severity of the injury, stating, "He suffered a sternoclavicular joint dislocation," though the timeline for Brown's return remains unclear.
Meanwhile, the New York Giants faced their own challenges when quarterback Drew Lock sustained a hip pointer and a strained oblique. Lock's injuries are expected to keep him off the field for a considerable period, leaving the Giants with just two healthy quarterbacks: starter Daniel Jones and rookie Tommy DeVito. This situation thrusts DeVito into a more prominent role as he gears up to provide backup support in the absence of Lock.
Ravens, Steelers, Packers, and Browns Impacted
The Baltimore Ravens did not escape unscathed, with cornerback Nate Wiggins leaving Friday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles due to a minor shoulder sprain. Fortunately, Wiggins' status is considered day-to-day, suggesting he might return sooner rather than later.
Similarly, the Pittsburgh Steelers saw offensive tackle Troy Fautanu exit their preseason opener with a knee injury. Medical evaluations later revealed a minor MCL sprain. Though not considered severe, Fautanu's injury will still require careful management to ensure it doesn't develop into a more serious issue.
Green Bay Packers' rookie running back MarShawn Lloyd suffered a hamstring injury during the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns. Lloyd, a third-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, was expected to make an impact this season, but his immediate future now hinges on his recovery process.
The Browns also faced adversity, with wide receiver David Bell sustaining a quadriceps injury in the same game. Such injuries can be tricky, often requiring extended rest and rehabilitation to regain full strength.
49ers and Giants Bear Additional Losses
The San Francisco 49ers were not spared either, losing cornerback Ambry Thomas to a broken forearm in their preseason clash against the Tennessee Titans. Following the injury, Thomas was carted off to the locker room after initial evaluation in the medical tent. This absence creates a gap in the 49ers' secondary, a unit critical to their defensive setup.
In addition to Drew Lock's injury, the Giants suffered another setback when wide receiver Malik Nabers sprained his ankle during a practice session on Sunday. While the sprain is considered minor, it adds to the growing list of physical challenges the team faces as they prepare for the regular season.
Coaching Responses
Coaches across the league are grappling with these untimely injuries. Kansas City's Andy Reid and San Francisco’s Kyle Shanahan were among those who addressed the media with cautious outlooks on the rehabilitation timelines for their players. Shanahan succinctly put the reality into perspective, noting, "It will be some time," highlighting the uncertainty and cautious optimism prevalent in teams' strategies moving forward.
In the end, while the opening week of preseason games brought excitement and a taste of what's to come, it concurrently underscored the physical toll the sport exacts on its players. Teams and fans alike now turn their attention to recovery periods and adjustments, hoping for swift and full recoveries for all affected athletes.