As NFL training camps progress, the league is grappling with an uptick in injuries that have sidelined or ended the seasons of several key players. The Los Angeles Chargers, for instance, are currently without their star quarterback, Justin Herbert, who endured a plantar fascia injury in his right foot. Herbert will be wearing a walking boot for two weeks, but the team anticipates his readiness for the regular season. In his absence, backup quarterback Easton Stick will take the helm, hoping to keep the team on course during preseason preparations.
The Carolina Panthers are facing their own struggles with the loss of backup quarterback Andy Dalton due to a quad injury. Dalton is expected to be sidelined for a few weeks, prompting the Panthers to scour the market for an additional quarterback to bolster their ranks. Despite these setbacks, the team remains hopeful and vigilant in its search for viable options.
Meanwhile, the reigning Offensive Player of the Year suffered a calf injury in early August and is expected to miss a few weeks of practice. This development is crucial as teams prepare for the rigors of the upcoming season. Head coach Dave Canales provided some optimism, noting, "He expects rookie running back Jonathon Brooks to be ready around Week 3 or Week 4 of this season," indicating a potential boost to the team’s lineup in the near future.
### Injury Woes Extend Beyond Quarterbacks
The impact of injuries is not confined to quarterbacks alone. The Carolina Panthers are also monitoring the recovery of their rookie running back, Jonathon Brooks, who is on the mend from an ACL tear sustained last November. The team is cautiously optimistic about his return.
Injuries have also affected other key positions. Rams' offensive lineman Jonah Jackson is "week to week" with a shoulder injury, while Cam Robinson also exited practice due to a shoulder concern. The Jaguars' Anton Harrison entered concussion protocol, while linebacker Demario Davis suffered a hamstring injury, adding to the growing list of sidelined players.
### Significant Season-ending Injuries
Some injuries have proven significant enough to end seasons. Sam Williams, for example, sustained a season-ending ACL tear, and Samson Ebukam suffered a torn Achilles tendon, both devastating blows for their respective teams. YaYa Diaby incurred a high-ankle sprain, and John Cominsky is on injured reserve due to a torn MCL, indicating a long recuperation period for these athletes.
Receiver/returner Moore was carted off following a non-contact injury, later diagnosed as a season-ending knee injury. This non-contact injury drew particular concern, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of sports injuries.
Some players have experienced less severe but still notable injuries. Jermaine Burton is sidelined with a minor ankle injury, while Rashod Bateman is dealing with soreness from a rib/stomach hit. Similarly, Sam Hubbard had to exit practice on a cart due to a knee injury, and Darious Williams is managing a hamstring strain. Rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette is under observation after not finishing practice due to an unspecified injury, underscoring the physical toll of training camps.
### Rising Stars and Setbacks
The Saints' second-year receiver Nacua, who enters Year 2 with high expectations after winning Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023, also fell victim to the injury bug. Nacua suffered a knee injury at Saturday's practice and is now considered week-to-week. As ESPN reported, "Nacua enters Year 2 with high expectations after winning Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023. He suffered a knee injury at Saturday's practice, however, and is now considered week-to-week."
Other players are easing their way back from injuries. Ty Johnson was absent from recent practices due to a hamstring injury, while James Cook had a temporary hiatus from practice for personal reasons but has since rejoined the team. This ebb and flow of participation further illustrates the dynamic and often precarious nature of professional football.
### Conclusion
The NFL training camps of 2023 are marked by a notable surge in injuries that impact players across a variety of positions. Teams are navigating these challenges with a mix of caution and optimism, adjusting strategies and rosters accordingly. As the regular season approaches, the hope is that these injured stars will recover swiftly and return to the field, ready to contribute to their teams' success.