Injury is inevitable in football, and Week 2 of the 2024 NFL season highlighted just that. A staggering 329 players missed games due to injuries, a mix of pre-existing issues and new injuries sustained during the week. This situation has left teams scrambling to replace key players and adjust their strategies.
Several teams faced significant losses in Week 2. Star players from various teams went down, adding to the growing list of injured athletes. As teams prepare for Week 3, they must carefully evaluate their rosters and consider their replacement options. With key players sidelined, the impact on team performance and strategy will be substantial.
Let’s Keep An Eye On The NFL Injury Report For Teams Looking To Overcome These Challenges Quarterback: Tua Tagovailoa (Concussion, Injured Reserve): The Dolphins’ quarterback suffered his third career concussion during Thursday’s game. After evaluation, Miami decided to place Tagovailoa on injured reserve, meaning he will be sidelined for at least eight weeks. This injury adds to the concerns surrounding his concussion history.
Running Back: 
- Tyjae Spears (Ankle, Day to Day): The Titans’ running back injured his ankle in the second half of the game against the Jets. Spears walked to the locker room with his shoes off, accompanied by a trainer. Coach Brian Callahan has described Spears’ condition as day-to-day, leaving his availability for the upcoming games uncertain.
- MarShawn Lloyd (Ankle, Injured Reserve): The Packers running back sustained an ankle injury during their matchup with the Colts. Lloyd did not return to the game, and the team placed him on injured reserve on Tuesday. This move means Lloyd will be out for an extended period, potentially for the rest of the season.
- Tank Bigsby (Shoulder): The Jaguars’ running back left the game against the Browns with a shoulder injury. Bigsby was initially questionable about returning but did not come back to the field. The severity of his shoulder injury is still being assessed.
- Isiah Pacheco (Ankle, Injured Reserve): The Chiefs’ running back injured his ankle in the second half of their win over the Bengals. Pacheco was seen leaving the stadium on crutches and wearing a walking boot. The Chiefs have placed him on injured reserve, which means he will miss at least four games as he recovers.
- Joe Mixon (Ankle): The Bengals running back left Sunday night’s game with an ankle injury. Mixon underwent an MRI on Monday, which revealed no severe damage. He avoided a long-term injury, but his recovery timeline is still under consideration.
Wide Receiver:
- Justin Jefferson (Thigh): The Vikings wide receiver left the game against the 49ers with a thigh bruise or contusion. Jefferson needed assistance to walk off the field but was assured that he would be fine. The injury’s severity is still being evaluated, but he might miss some practice time.
- Cooper Kupp (Ankle, Out Indefinitely): The Rams wide receiver suffered an ankle injury in the first half of their game against the Cardinals and did not return. Kupp was seen post-game wearing a walking boot on his left foot and lower leg. He is expected to miss an extended period, though the exact timeline for his return is still unclear.
- Deebo Samuel (Calf, Out a Couple of Weeks): The 49ers wide receiver suffered a calf injury during their game. Coach Kyle Shanahan announced that Samuel will be sidelined for a couple of weeks, which will impact the 49ers’ offensive lineup.
- A.J. Brown (Hamstring, Out a Couple of Weeks): The Eagles wide receiver missed “Monday Night Football” against the Falcons due to a hamstring injury. Brown indicated he could be out for multiple weeks, but Coach Nick Sirianni has not confirmed a specific timeline for his return.
- David Bell (Hip, IR/Season-Ending Surgery): The Browns wide receiver dislocated his hip during their game and will require surgery. Bell has been placed on injured reserve, effectively ending his season.
Tight End:
- Taysom Hill (Chest): The Saints tight end left the game against the Cowboys with a chest injury and did not return. The team is still assessing the severity of his injury, and Hill’s status for upcoming games remains uncertain.
- Evan Engram (Hamstring): The Jaguars tight end suffered a hamstring injury during pregame warmups and did not play in Week 2. Engram’s recovery timeline is still unclear, and his availability for future games will be monitored.
Defensive End:
- Laiatu Latu (Hip): The Colts pass rusher was ruled out with a hip injury sustained during their game. The team is still evaluating the extent of the injury.
Defensive Tackle:
- Vita Vea (Knee): The Buccaneers defensive lineman was ruled out against the Lions due to a knee injury. Initial assessments suggest an MCL sprain, with an MRI scheduled for further evaluation.
- DeForest Buckner (Leg, Carted Off Field): The Colts defensive tackle was carted off the field with a leg injury during their game against the Packers. Buckner was seen holding his lower leg and was helped off the field. He suffered an ankle sprain, but X-rays were negative. An MRI will determine the severity, but it is not expected to be severe.
- B.J. Hill (Hamstring): The Bengals defensive tackle injured his hamstring in the first half of their game against the Chiefs and did not return. The severity of the injury and his recovery timeline are yet to be fully determined.
Linebacker:
- C.J. Mosley (Foot, Carted Off Field): The Jets linebacker suffered a foot injury during their game against the Titans. Mosley was carted to the locker room, and the team is assessing the severity of his injury.
- Jerome Baker (Hamstring): The Seahawks linebacker left the game against the Patriots with a hamstring injury. His status for future games will depend on his recovery progress.
- Jermaine Johnson II (Torn Achilles): The Jets pass rusher/linebacker sustained an Achilles injury in their win over the Titans. Coach Robert Saleh indicated that Johnson likely tore his Achilles, which could end his season.
- Ja’Whaun Bentley (Torn Pectoral): The Patriots’ leading tackler suffered a torn pectoral muscle, requiring season-ending surgery. Bentley has been placed on injured reserve.
Kicker:
- Graham Gano (Hamstring, Out Indefinitely): The Giants kicker aggravated a hamstring injury during their game against the Commanders and left the game early. Punter Jamie Gillan took over kickoff duties in his absence. Gano’s return timeline is currently unknown.
