Week 2 of the 2024 NFL season witnessed a slew of injuries to key players, shaking up team rosters across the league. From debilitating ankle sprains to concussions, the impact was wide-reaching, affecting both emerging talents and established stars.
Dolphins Face Setbacks with Tua Tagovailoa
The Miami Dolphins faced a significant blow when their quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, sustained a concussion during Thursday's game. This latest concussion marks at least the third confirmed brain injury for the young quarterback, casting a shadow over his future in the league. The Dolphins have placed Tagovailoa on injured reserve, sidelining him until at least Week 8. His absence is a devastating setback for a team counting on his leadership and playmaking abilities.
Ankle Injuries Plague Multiple Teams
Tyjae Spears of the Tennessee Titans injured his ankle during the second half against the New York Jets, and his status remains day-to-day. A similar fate befell MarShawn Lloyd of the Green Bay Packers, who injured his ankle in a game against the Indianapolis Colts. Lloyd has been placed on injured reserve, significantly impacting the Packers' roster.
Another notable ankle injury occurred with Isiah Pacheco of the Kansas City Chiefs. Pacheco left the stadium on crutches and in a walking boot following his injury during the second half against the Bengals. He has also been placed on injured reserve and will miss at least four games. Despite the scare, an MRI confirmed that Joe Mixon’s ankle injury wasn't severe, bringing a sigh of relief to Bengals fans and staff alike.
Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings exited the game against the 49ers with a thigh bruise/contusion. Although it looked concerning at first, Jefferson assured everyone, "He’ll be fine," after being assisted off the field.
Star Wide Receivers Sidelined
The Los Angeles Rams' Cooper Kupp suffered an ankle injury in the first half against the Arizona Cardinals and was later seen in a walking boot. Kupp is expected to miss extended time, adding to the Rams’ challenges this season. Deebo Samuel of the San Francisco 49ers will also be out 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.
A.J. Brown of the Philadelphia Eagles didn’t appear in "Monday Night Football" against the Falcons due to a hamstring injury, further adding to the list of affected wide receivers. David Bell of the Cleveland Browns dislocated his hip, a severe injury that necessitated season-ending surgery. Bell has since been placed on injured reserve, compounding the Browns’ offensive woes.
Additional Notable Injuries
Taysom Hill of the New Orleans Saints exited with a chest injury against the Cowboys. Evan Engram of the New York Giants sat out Week 2 due to a hamstring issue, further weakening the Giants’ offensive options.
Vita Vea of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sustained a knee injury in their match against the Lions, with the initial diagnosis pointing to an MCL sprain. Over in Indianapolis, DeForest Buckner faced an apparent leg/ankle injury against the Packers. While X-rays came back negative, an MRI will determine the severity of Buckner’s ankle sprain.
B.J. Hill of the Bengals sustained a hamstring injury, and C.J. Mosley of the Jets is dealing with a foot injury. Jerome Baker of the Dolphins also suffered a hamstring issue during the same period.
Season-Ending Injuries
Perhaps the most significant injury news involves Jermaine Johnson II, who appears to have torn his Achilles. This type of injury often requires a long recovery period, potentially ending his season. Similarly, Ja'Whaun Bentley suffered a torn pectoral muscle, ruling him out for the season.
The string of injuries in Week 2 has set a challenging tone for many teams as they adjust strategies and rosters moving forward. The depth of talent across the league will be tested as backups step into more prominent roles, emphasizing the NFL’s unpredictable nature and the paramount importance of player health and safety.