As NFL training camps warm up, several teams are already contending with significant injuries to key players, shaking up rosters and causing major adjustments.
Buccaneers Battling a Wave of Injuries
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are particularly hard-hit, with multiple players sidelined. On Thursday, rookie pass rusher YaYa Diaby was carted off the practice field with a high-ankle sprain. Diaby, expected to play a crucial role in Tampa Bay's defensive front, marks a significant loss for the Bucs.
Adding to the Bucs' woes, guard Sua Opeta suffered a torn ACL and will miss the entire season. Opeta, who signed a one-year deal with Tampa Bay, was in competition for the starting left guard role alongside Ben Bredeson. With Opeta out, Bredeson has taken over reps with the starters. This development compounds the challenges on the offensive line, already thin due to the absence of key players Matt Feiler and Aaron Stinnie from last season.
Chiefs Adjusting Amid Injuries
The Kansas City Chiefs' camp saw the addition of several wide receivers, including first-round pick Xavier Worthy. However, the team faced a setback as veteran pass rusher Nick Bolton exited practice early with an apparent arm injury. Bolton missed time last season due to wrist surgery, making his early departure from practice particularly concerning.
Cowboys and 49ers: Defensive Injuries
The Dallas Cowboys also faced a critical injury blow when Sam Williams suffered a torn ACL during Sunday's practice and is set to be placed on injured reserve. Williams was anticipated to support the formidable pass-rushing duo of Micah Parsons and Demarcus Lawrence.
Meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers’ Samson Ebukam tore his Achilles tendon and will sit out the season, creating a void in their defensive lineup.
Ravens and Bengals Hope for Quick Recoveries
Over in Baltimore, Rashod Bateman left Monday's practice after sustaining a hit to the rib/stomach area. Yet, early reports suggest that Sam Hubbard's knee injury, which saw him carted off Sunday’s practice field, is not considered serious.
Coach John Harbaugh described Bateman’s issue merely as "soreness," while the Ravens monitor his recovery attentively. Meanwhile, Cincinnati hopes that Hubbard's injury won't sideline him for an extended period.
Multiple Teams Grappling with Hamstring Issues
Hamstring injuries seem to be a recurring theme in NFL camps this year. Darious Williams of the Los Angeles Rams is currently sidelined with a hamstring strain. Head coach Sean McVay assured that the team will manage Williams' recovery cautiously, stating, "The team will not rush him back and will take it 'a week at a time.'"
Kendre Miller of the New Orleans Saints also left the first camp practice with a hamstring injury. Miller, who appeared in just eight games last year, has been urged by head coach Dennis Allen to find a way to remain on the field. Allen did not mince words about Miller's situation, suggesting the running back needs to "figure out how to stay healthy."
In Buffalo, Ty Johnson has been sidelined due to a hamstring injury. Johnson has been sharing the rotation for the No. 2 running back position alongside rookie Ray Davis. Starter James Cook recently returned to practice after a brief personal leave, providing some relief to the Bills' depth chart.
Bears and Other Noteworthy Absences
Nate Davis of the Chicago Bears has missed several sessions with an undisclosed muscle strain, and Justin Watson, who had a career-high 460 receiving yards in 2023, is dealing with a foot injury. Watson's absence has opened the door for more opportunities for third-year player Skyy Moore.
As the NFL training camps progress, the hope remains that these injuries do not severely impact team dynamics and player performances as they head into the season. Coaches and medical staff will no doubt be working tirelessly to ensure recoveries are as swift and complete as possible, while teams adjust and strategize around the unfortunate absences of their key players.