There has been a recent increase in player injuries in the NFL, with many players being out for weeks, months, and even for the rest of the season. Superstars like James Conner, Nick Bosa, Najee Harris, Austin Ekeler, and many more have suffered season-ending injuries.
These players missing the season could be very bad for their teams, as losing key players can cause many losses and lower their chances of making the playoffs.
With all these injuries, this gives a chance for backups and rookies to make a statement and prove why they deserve the starting job.
Running backs like 1st round pick Omarion Hampton and 7th round pick Jacory Croskey-Merritt will have their chance to show their talent as both teams’ starting running backs suffered season-ending injuries.
Many veterans are getting a chance to make a statement late in their career, like former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz, who is now stepping in for an injured J.J. McCarthy. Wentz has had a very injury-ridden career and is getting another chance with the Minnesota Vikings with many offensive weapons like Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.
Teams like the Cincinnati Bengals are going to take a big hit on offense with the injury of star quarterback Joe Burrow. Burrow went down with a turf toe injury in week 2. Midway through the 2nd quarter, Burrow was sacked and left the game early. It later came out that he suffered a grade 3 turf toe injury and is going to miss most of the season until December.
This can drastically change the outcome of the Bengals’ season, as missing their starting quarterback can lead to many offensive struggles on top of an already lackluster defense. Jake Browning will be the Bengals quarterback for the future, and while Browning has shown some flashes, he’s still a backup and isn’t really good enough to lead a team to the playoffs. This shows after their blowout loss to the Minnesota Vikings 48-10, where Browning threw for 140 passing yards, 1 touchdown, and 2 interceptions.
The San Francisco 49ers will also take a big hit on defense with the loss of Nick Bosa. Bosa was announced to be out for the entire season with a torn right ACL on September 21st. With this injury, the 49ers take a big hit to their defensive line as Bosa is one of their best players on the team.
On Sept. 28th, New York Giants star wide receiver Malik Nabers suffered a season-ending injury after he tore his ACL. This is a major blow to the Giants’ offense as Nabers was their best weapon. Missing Nabers could make things even worse, as they have already had a rough start to the season. With Nabers out, wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson is going to have to be the starter for the rest of the season until the Giants can figure something out.
On Sept. 29th, the Miami Dolphins were playing the New York Jets in a Monday night football game. Early in the third quarter, Dolphins superstar Tyreek Hill went down with a gruesome injury. It was later announced that he had dislocated his knee, torn his ACL, and torn multiple other ligaments. Hill is now out for the rest of the season and making Jaylen Waddle the starting receiver for the Dolphins.
All of these injuries can drastically change the outcome of their team’s season and make it more difficult for them to make the playoffs and win the Super Bowl.
