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Injuries are an inherent aspect of every sport, particularly in football, where it seems that no team can avoid at least one significant injury each week. This trend was evident for multiple teams during Week 2 of the 2024 NFL season.
Numerous teams faced injuries to key players in Week 2. Below is a summary of each notable injury that occurred during the second weekend of play.
Quarterback
- Tua Tagovailoa (concussion, out indefinitely): The Dolphins quarterback experienced a concussion on Thursday, marking at least the third confirmed brain injury of his career. Coach Mike McDaniel was hesitant to provide a timeline for his recovery, which is understandable given the circumstances.
Running back
- Tyjae Spears (ankle, day to day): The Titans running back suffered an ankle injury in the second half against the Jets. He was observed walking to the locker room without a shoe and accompanied by a trainer (per ESPN). Coach Brian Callahan indicated that Spears’ condition is day to day.
- MarShawn Lloyd (ankle, day to day): The Packers running back left the game against the Colts due to an ankle injury and did not return. On Monday, Lloyd stated that he considers himself day to day.
- Tank Bigsby (shoulder): The Jaguars running back exited the game against the Browns with a shoulder injury. Although he was listed as questionable to return, he ultimately did not.
- Isiah Pacheco (placed on IR): The Chiefs running back injured his ankle during the second half of their eventual victory over the Bengals. He left the stadium on crutches and wearing a walking boot, per ESPN. Pacheco is set to miss at least four games following his placement on IR.
- Joe Mixon (ankle injury): The running back departed from Sunday night’s game with an ankle injury, but after undergoing an MRI on Monday, he avoided a more serious, long-term condition, per KPRC.
Wide Receiver
- Justin Jefferson (thigh): The Vikings receiver exited the game against the 49ers due to what he described as a thigh bruise/contusion, and he did not return. Jefferson required help to walk off the field but mentioned afterward that he would be fine.
- Cooper Kupp (ankle, out indefinitely): Matthew Stafford came into this game without Puka Nacua and has now lost Kupp as well. Kupp sustained an ankle injury in the first half against the Cardinals and did not come back. The veteran was seen wearing a walking boot on his left foot/lower leg after the game and will likely be sidelined for an extended period.
- Deebo Samuel (calf, out couple weeks): 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan reported on Monday that Samuel has a calf injury and will be out for “a couple of weeks.”
- A.J. Brown (hamstring, out couple weeks): The Eagles star missed “Monday Night Football” against the Falcons and suggested he could be out for several weeks, though head coach Nick Sirianni did not confirm a specific timeline.
- David Bell (hip, season-ending surgery): Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski informed reporters that Bell has dislocated his hip and will need surgery.
Tight End
- Taysom Hill (chest): The Saints tight end left the game against the Cowboys with a chest injury and did not return.
- Evan Engram (hamstring): The Jaguars tight end suffered a hamstring injury during pregame warmups and missed Week 2.
Defensive End
Defensive Tackle
- Vita Vea (knee): The Buccaneers defensive lineman was ruled out for the game against the Lions due to a knee injury. It appeared that Yaya Diaby landed on his knee on this play. NFL Media reports that he has received an initial diagnosis of an MCL sprain, with an MRI scheduled for Monday.
- DeForest Buckner (leg, carted off field): The Colts defensive lineman was carted off the field with an apparent leg/ankle injury during the game against the Packers. Buckner was seen holding his lower leg and was assisted off the field, as reported by Indy Star. He suffered an ankle sprain and is doubtful to play next week against the Bears, according to the NFL Network. X-rays were negative, and he is set for an MRI to ascertain the severity of the sprain, which is not believed to be serious.
- B.J. Hill (hamstring): The Bengals’ defensive tackle injured his hamstring in the first half of Cincinnati’s game against Kansas City and will not return.
Linebacker
- C.J. Mosley (foot, carted off field): The Jets linebacker exited the game against the Titans due to a foot injury, riding a cart to the locker room.
- Jerome Baker (hamstring): The Seahawks linebacker left the field with a hamstring injury while playing against the Patriots.
- Jermaine Johnson II (torn Achilles): The Jets pass rusher/linebacker suffered an injury during the victory over Tennessee. After the game, Jets coach Robert Saleh stated that ”it’s looking like” Johnson…
- Aaron Rodgers (torn Achilles): The quarterback for the Jets sustained a severe injury to his Achilles.
- Ja’Whaun Bentley (torn pectoral): The Patriots’ top tackler will miss the remainder of the season due to a torn pectoral muscle.
Kicker