Injuries are an inevitable part of the NFL landscape, and the preseason of this year 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. Among the hardest hit are the Atlanta Falcons and a number of other teams whose pivotal players will be sidelined for considerable lengths of time.
Atlanta Falcons' Woes
One major loss for the Falcons is Moore, who was traded to Atlanta this offseason. He suffered a season-ending knee injury earlier this month. Described as a critical addition to the team, Moore's exit from the practice field was marked by an air cast on his right leg and immediate transportation to a local medical facility. Fans and team officials are looking at a 2025 return for Moore, a timeline that has undeniably dampened the team’s preseason spirit.
Trice, the Falcons' No. 74 overall pick, also saw his season come to an abrupt halt when he tore his ACL in his first preseason game. Much like Moore, Trice is anticipated to return in 2025, a development that puts a significant dent in the Falcons' roster flexibility and depth.
League-Wide Impact
The Atlanta Falcons are not alone in their struggle. Evans is another casualty, set to miss the entire regular season due to a torn patellar tendon, joining the queue of players aiming for a 2025 return. The same fate has befallen Williams, who tore his ACL during training camp, making 2025 a key target year for his comeback.
Elsewhere, Milano’s torn biceps will keep him off the field for the majority of the season, with a hopeful return set for December. Herbig’s torn rotator cuff has also ruled him out until December. Curtis Samuel and MVS have relatively minor injuries but will still miss the early games. Samuel, suffering from turf toe, is considered "week to week" and is expected back by Week 2, while MVS's neck sprain is likely to keep him out until Week 3.
Evaluations and Preparations Disrupted
Coaches and staff across the league have had to readjust their strategies due to these preseason injuries. For example, the Bengals' first-round pick sustained a strained pectoral muscle in their first preseason game, with an expected return by Week 2. This has altered their initial practice and game plans significantly.
Other notable injuries include Dane Jackson’s significant hamstring injury, which, along with Brooks' torn ACL, is likely to keep them off the field until at least Week 4. Dave Canales shared his optimism about Brooks’ recovery, stating, "Week 3 or Week 4 would be 'great' for Brooks' return."
Optimistic Return Timelines
While some players will miss the entire season, others have more optimistic timelines. Phillips, who suffered a torn Achilles, was activated off PUP last week and is expected back by Week 1. Warren, sidelined in a preseason game against the Bills due to a hamstring injury, is also expected back by Week 1. Tennessee’s No. 1 wideout and the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year are both aiming for returns by Week 1 after suffering knee injuries in early August.
For others, like Chubb, who remained on PUP since Week 17 with multiple surgeries from a knee injury, the return will be more gradual, with a potential appearance by Week 8.
Preseason injuries have certainly disrupted evaluations and preparations across all teams. This underscores the precarious nature of the NFL, where the loss of key players can alter the landscape in an instant. Teams will need to demonstrate resilience and adapt their game plans if they hope to overcome these challenges and remain competitive throughout the regular season.