The 2024 NFL season has barely hit full stride, but it has already taken a brutal toll on several key players across the league. Week 2 was particularly harsh, seeing significant injuries that are poised to impact teams profoundly in the coming weeks.
Miami Dolphins Hit Hard
One of the most shocking injuries occurred during the Miami Dolphins' Thursday game, where quarterback Tua Tagovailoa sustained a concussion. This latest concussion is at least the third confirmed brain injury of his career, raising serious concerns about his long-term health. The Dolphins have placed him on injured reserve, meaning Tagovailoa will be sidelined until at least Week 8. The loss of their star quarterback casts a shadow over the Dolphins' early-season aspirations.
Running Backs Down
In the Tennessee Titans' clash with the New York Jets, Tyjae Spears injured his ankle in the second half. His status remains day-to-day, leaving the Titans in a state of uncertainty regarding his availability for upcoming games. Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers faced their own setback as MarShawn Lloyd injured his ankle during their match against the Indianapolis Colts. He was placed on injured reserve, which will impact the team's running game strategy.
Jacksonville Jaguars' Tank Bigsby also sustained a shoulder injury against the Cleveland Browns and was sidelined for the remainder of the game. In another blow to running backs across the league, Isiah Pacheco of the Kansas City Chiefs injured his ankle in the second half against the Bengals. Leaving the stadium on crutches and in a walking boot, Pacheco was subsequently placed on injured reserve, ensuring he will miss at least four games.
On a somewhat brighter note for the Bengals, an MRI confirmed that Joe Mixon's ankle injury wasn't severe, offering a glimmer of hope for Cincinnati's backfield stability.
Wide Receivers Hurting
Wide receivers also weren't spared from the injury plague. Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings exited the game against the 49ers with a thigh bruise/contusion. Jefferson later shared an optimistic note when he said, "He'll be fine," suggesting his absence might be brief.
However, the news wasn't as encouraging for the Los Angeles Rams' Cooper Kupp, who suffered an ankle injury in the first half against the Arizona Cardinals. Kupp was later seen in a walking boot on his left foot/lower leg and is expected to miss extended time. The Rams will need to look to their depth chart to fill the void left by their star receiver.
Deebo Samuel of the San Francisco 49ers will be absent for a couple of weeks due to a calf injury. Head Coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed this timeline, emphasizing the team's cautious approach to Samuel's recovery.
The Philadelphia Eagles also faced an absence as A.J. Brown did not appear in "Monday Night Football" against the Falcons due to a hamstring injury—a crucial miss for the Eagles' offense.
A Season-Ending Injury and More Issues for Browns
Cleveland Browns' David Bell faced a dislocation of his hip, a devastating injury that is set to end his season. Bell is scheduled for season-ending surgery and has been placed on injured reserve, marking a significant blow to the Browns' receiving corps.
Other Notable Injuries
The New Orleans Saints' do-it-all player, Taysom Hill, exited with a chest injury against the Cowboys, adding to their injury woes. Meanwhile, Evan Engram of the New York Giants sat out Week 2 due to a hamstring issue, which raises questions about his availability for the near term.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' defensive line took a hit as Vita Vea sustained a knee injury in their match against the Lions. The initial diagnosis points to an MCL sprain, leaving a gap in Tampa Bays’ defense. For the Indianapolis Colts, DeForest Buckner faced an apparent leg/ankle injury in their game against the Packers. X-rays came back negative, but an MRI will determine the severity of his potential ankle sprain.
Defensive Struggles Continue
The Bengals' B.J. Hill took a hit with a hamstring injury, adding to Cincinnati's defensive challenges. C.J. Mosley of the Jets and Jerome Baker of the Dolphins were both sidelined with foot and hamstring injuries, respectively. Furthermore, Jermaine Johnson II appears to have torn his Achilles, a significant setback that will affect the Jets’ defensive capabilities. Meanwhile, Ja'Whaun Bentley suffered a torn pectoral muscle, ruling him out for the season and adding to the defensive casualties.
This litany of injuries in Week 2 is a stark reminder of the physical toll the NFL takes on its players. Teams will need to navigate these challenges, relying on depth and strategic adjustments to maintain their competitive edge as the season progresses.