Week 2 of the 2024 NFL season proved to be a testing period for several teams as numerous key players succumbed to injuries, significantly impacting their respective franchises moving forward.
Tua Tagovailoa’s Concussion Woes
The Miami Dolphins were dealt a significant blow when their star quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, sustained a concussion during Thursday's game. This marks at least the third confirmed brain injury of Tagovailoa's career, raising concerns about his long-term health and career sustainability. The Dolphins swiftly placed Tagovailoa on injured reserve, sidelining him until at least Week 8. His absence leaves a substantial void in Miami's offense as they navigate the next few weeks without their leader.
Ankle Issues Across Multiple Teams
Week 2 saw a spate of ankle injuries affecting several players. Tyjae Spears of the Tennessee Titans left the game against the New York Jets in the second half with an ankle injury, and his status is currently day-to-day. Similarly, MarShawn Lloyd of the Green Bay Packers suffered an ankle injury during their matchup with the Indianapolis Colts. The Packers have since placed Lloyd on injured reserve.
Elsewhere, Isiah Pacheco of the Kansas City Chiefs was seen leaving the stadium on crutches and in a walking boot after injuring his ankle in the second half against the Bengals. The Chiefs have placed Pacheco on injured reserve, ruling him out for at least four games. In more fortunate news, an MRI confirmed that Joe Mixon’s ankle injury wasn’t severe, offering some relief to Bengals fans.
Wide Receivers Sidelined
In the realm of wide receivers, the Minnesota Vikings’ Justin Jefferson exited the game against the 49ers with a thigh bruise/contusion but assured, “He’ll be fine,” despite being assisted off the field. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams’ Cooper Kupp 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.
Deebo Samuel of the San Francisco 49ers is set to miss 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. Additionally, A.J. Brown of the Philadelphia Eagles was notably absent from “Monday Night Football” against the Falcons due to a hamstring injury.
Season-Ending Injuries and More
The Cleveland Browns have lost David Bell for the season after he dislocated his hip. Bell is set to undergo season-ending surgery and has been placed on injured reserve. The New Orleans Saints’ Taysom Hill exited with a chest injury against the Cowboys, while Evan Engram of the New York Giants sat out Week 2 due to a hamstring issue.
Defensive Challenges
On the defensive side of the ball, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are monitoring Vita Vea, who sustained a knee injury in their match against the Lions. The initial diagnosis points to an MCL sprain. DeForest Buckner of the Colts dealt with an apparent leg/ankle injury against the Packers, but X-rays came back negative. An MRI will further determine the severity of Buckner’s ankle sprain.
B.J. Hill of the Bengals and Jerome Baker of the Dolphins both face hamstring issues, while C.J. Mosley of the Jets sustained a foot injury. The Jets’ Jermaine Johnson II appears to have torn his Achilles, and Ja’Whaun Bentley suffered a torn pectoral muscle, ruling him out for the season.
The wave of injuries in Week 2 demonstrates the physical toll the NFL takes on its players, with teams now scrambling to fill the gaps left by these key absences. As the season progresses, the resilience and depth of each franchise will be crucial in navigating this challenging landscape.