Injuries are an inevitable part of the NFL landscape, and this preseason has been no exception. All 32 teams have faced significant setbacks as key players have sustained serious injuries, impacting their availability for the upcoming season.
Moore, who was traded to Atlanta this offseason, suffered a season-ending knee injury earlier this month. His departure from the practice field was notably concerning, marked by an air cast on his right leg and immediate transport to a local medical facility. As it stands, Moore is not expected back until 2025, a blow for the Falcons who had high hopes for his impact this season.
Alongside Moore, the Falcons’ No. 74 overall pick, Trice, also fell victim to a serious injury, tearing his ACL in his first preseason game. Trice, much like Moore, will be sidelined until 2025. Adding to the Falcons' woes, Evans will miss the entire regular season due to a torn patellar tendon, with his return also projected for 2025.
Williams, who tore his ACL during training camp, joins his teammates on the injury list with an expected return in 2025. The succession of these severe injuries within the Falcons' roster has raised significant concerns about their depth and preparedness for the forthcoming season.
Recurring Theme: ACL Injuries
It’s been a preseason marred by ACL injuries across the league. Aside from the aforementioned players, Brooks and the Bengals’ first-round pick have both sustained serious injuries. While the Bengals’ young star suffered a strained pectoral muscle and is expected to be ready by Week 2, Brooks’ torn ACL could keep him off the field until Week 4. Nonetheless, Dave Canales remains optimistic, stating, "Week 3 or Week 4 would be 'great' for Brooks' return."
Meanwhile, McCarthy’s torn meniscus has positioned him alongside those anticipated for a 2025 return, and Herbig’s torn rotator cuff has ruled him out until December. Such injuries have forced coaches and staff to adapt, disrupting evaluations and preparations during a crucial preseason period.
Recovery Timelines Vary
Different injuries come with diverse recovery timelines. Milano, who suffered a torn biceps, will be absent for the majority of the season, aiming for a return by December. Curtis Samuel's situation is slightly more hopeful; he is considered "week to week" with turf toe and is expected back by Week 2.
MVS sustained a neck sprain during a preseason victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers and is likely to return by Week 3. Dane Jackson’s significant hamstring injury puts him on a similar timeline, with an anticipated return by Week 4. Chubb's enduring knee issues from last season, which resulted in multiple surgeries, have delayed his return until at least Week 5, and potentially as late as Week 8 as he remains on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.
Optimism Amidst Setbacks
Not all injury updates spell doom for the season. Phillips, who suffered a torn Achilles, was activated off PUP last week and is expected back by Week 1. Similarly, Warren, who grappled with a hamstring injury in a preseason game against the Bills, is expected back by the start of the regular season. The Lions' second-year running back who sustained a hamstring injury this month is also "not expected to be a serious issue," potentially easing concerns for Detroit fans.
As the preseason injuries disrupt evaluations and preparations, the NFL community remains hopeful for timely recoveries. The commitment and resilience of the players, supported by effective medical and training staff, will ultimately determine the impact of these setbacks on the 2023 season. Teams are bracing for the challenges ahead, ready to adapt and overcome as they gear up for what promises to be an unpredictable and gripping season of football.