The first week of the NFL preseason has come to a close, and the brutal nature of the sport has once again made itself apparent. While the preseason is essential for assessing emerging talents, it also brings significant risks, evident in a slew of injuries affecting several teams.
Key Injuries from Week One
The Atlanta Falcons faced a major setback when outside linebacker Bralen Trice tore his ACL. This injury will undoubtedly sideline Trice for an extended period, impacting the team's defensive depth.
Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs had their own troubles as star wide receiver Hollywood Brown suffered a dislocated sternoclavicular joint. Coach Andy Reid confirmed the severity, stating, "He suffered a sternoclavicular joint dislocation," signaling a possibly lengthy recovery process for Brown.
Quarterback Concerns for the Giants
The New York Giants are struggling with their quarterback roster after Drew Lock sustained both a hip pointer and a strained oblique. Lock's injuries mean he is expected to miss significant time, leaving the Giants with only two healthy quarterbacks: starter Daniel Jones and rookie Tommy DeVito. This situation puts considerable pressure on Jones to stay healthy and increases the stakes for DeVito to perform when needed.
Minor Setbacks for Some, Major Concerns for Others
Other teams faced a mix of minor and major injuries. The Baltimore Ravens saw cornerback Nate Wiggins exit their matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles with a minor shoulder sprain. Fortunately for the Ravens, Wiggins' injury status is considered day-to-day, indicating a quick return.
The Pittsburgh Steelers also dealt with their fair share of injury woes when offensive tackle Troy Fautanu left their opener with a knee injury. A diagnosis revealed a minor MCL sprain, which, while limiting, might not keep him sidelined for too long.
Rookie Challenges
In Green Bay, rookie running back MarShawn Lloyd, a third-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, picked up a hamstring injury during their game against the Cleveland Browns. Lloyd's injury could affect his early development and integration into the team's offensive schemes.
The Browns also had injury misfortunes of their own, with wide receiver David Bell sustaining a quadriceps injury in the same game. Bell's condition will be closely monitored as the preseason progresses.
49ers and Giants Counter Injury Blows
San Francisco 49ers’ cornerback Ambry Thomas faced a harsh blow, breaking his forearm in their preseason tilt against the Tennessee Titans. Thomas had to be carted off the field after being evaluated in the medical tent, underscoring the severity of his situation. Following the game, head coach Kyle Shanahan remarked, "It will be some time," indicating Thomas' prolonged absence from the lineup.
Adding to the Giants' injury woes, wide receiver Malik Nabers suffered a minor ankle sprain during a Sunday practice session. Though less severe than some of the other injuries, Nabers' condition will be watched closely to ensure he returns to full strength.
Looking Forward
The opening week of the NFL preseason has set an intense tone, with injuries casting a shadow over the hopeful aspirations of several teams. As players continue to battle for their spots and teams adjust their strategies accordingly, the focus will be on maintaining player health while refining game plans in these critical weeks leading up to the regular season.