As NFL training camps intensify, injury woes have already thrown a wrench into the plans of several teams, notably the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs, among others.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Hit Hard
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are wrestling with a series of setbacks among their key players. Rookie pass rusher YaYa Diaby, expected to be an important cog in Tampa Bay's defensive line, was carted off the practice field on Thursday with a high-ankle sprain. His absence adds to the growing list of injuries that are worrying the team's coaching staff.
Guard Sua Opeta, who signed a one-year contract with Tampa Bay, tore his ACL and will miss the entire season. Opeta was in the midst of a competition with Ben Bredeson for the starting left guard position. His injury has now solidified Bredeson's role with the starters, but leaves the team's offensive line in dire straits. The departure of Matt Feiler and Aaron Stinnie from last season had already created a significant void.
Kansas City Chiefs Bolster Receivers, But Lose Bolton
Over at the Kansas City Chiefs' camp, the team has added several wide receivers, including first-round pick Xavier Worthy. However, veteran pass rusher Nick Bolton had to leave practice early due to an apparent arm injury. Bolton's recent history includes time missed last season due to wrist surgery, raising concerns about his durability for the forthcoming campaign.
Injury Bug Hits Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers
Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys are also dealing with bad news. Sam Williams suffered a torn ACL during Sunday’s practice and will be on injured reserve for the season. Williams had been expected to back up the dynamic pass-rushing duo of Micah Parsons and Demarcus Lawrence.
For the San Francisco 49ers, Samson Ebukam's torn Achilles tendon means he will sit out the season as well, adding another wrinkle to the already complex puzzle of their defensive strategy.
Baltimore Ravens' Rashod Bateman and Cincinnati Bengals' Sam Hubbard
Rashod Bateman of the Baltimore Ravens suffered a hit to the rib and stomach area during Monday's practice, causing him to leave the field. Early reports indicate that Sam Hubbard's knee injury, which led to him being carted off the Cincinnati Bengals’ practice field on Sunday, is not considered serious.
Other Notable Injuries
The injury list across the league extends further. Darious Williams of the Rams is nursing a hamstring strain, with Head Coach Sean McVay assuring the player will be handled with caution, stating the team will manage his recovery "a week at a time." Elsewhere, Kendre Miller of the New Orleans Saints exited the first camp practice due to a hamstring issue. Head coach Dennis Allen did not hold back his frustrations, saying Miller needs to "figure out how to stay healthy." Miller appeared in just eight games last year, making his health a critical focus.
The Chicago Bears' Nate Davis has also missed several sessions because of an undisclosed muscle strain, while Ty Johnson sits out Tuesday's practice with a hamstring injury. Johnson had been in rotation for the No. 2 running back position alongside rookie Ray Davis, filling in for starter James Cook, who had just returned to practice after a brief personal leave.
Lastly, Justin Watson dealt with a foot injury after recording a career-high 460 receiving yards in 2023. His absence offers third-year player Skyy Moore more opportunities to shine in upcoming games.
Training camp injuries are, of course, nothing new in the NFL. Yet, the severity and sheer number of them early in this preseason highlight the physical toll the sport continues to take on its athletes. Teams will need to rely on their depth and the capability of their coaching staff to navigate these setbacks as they prepare for the season ahead.