NFL preseason Week 1 just wrapped up, and man, it was a brutal one. Forget easing into things, teams are already battling a serious war of attrition out there. We saw some major players take some nasty hits that could absolutely derail their seasons before they even start. Winning this injury battle is huge for any Super Bowl contender, and for some teams, the bad news is already piling up.
Rookie Dreams Shattered Before Kickoff
The Arizona Cardinals got hit hard, losing both of their top two picks from this year’s draft in their preseason opener. Number 3 overall pick, running back Jeremiyah Love, had an explosive debut, rushing for 58 yards on 11 carries and turning three receptions into 14 yards. But then, he left the game with a high ankle sprain. Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur initially tried to downplay it, saying Love “could have returned” to action. But just two days later, the tune changed: Love won’t practice this week or play in Week 2 of the preseason. High ankle sprains can linger, and it’s fair to worry about his status for the season opener on September 13.
And as if that wasn’t enough, number 34 overall pick, offensive tackle Chase Bisontis, got even worse news. He unfortunately tore his MCL and will miss his entire rookie season. This is a gut punch, as Bisontis was seen as one of the top interior linemen in the class, playing snaps at both guard and center. Now, his rookie year is gone, and he’s stuck focusing on recovery. Brutal for a team trying to build something.
Star Backs and Backup QBs Take Lumps
The injury bug didn’t stop with the rookies. New York Jets star running back Breece Hall went down untouched after making a catch. ESPN’s Rich Cimini immediately reported it looked like a possible groin injury, with trainers examining Hall’s upper right leg. But Jets head coach Aaron Glenn tried to play it cool, telling reporters afterward, “I don’t think it was a big deal.” We’ll see how that plays out, but “untouched” is always scary.
Around the league, the hits just kept coming. Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota suffered a sprained MCL and is out for the rest of the preseason. Houston Texans backup signal-caller Graham Mertz tore his ACL, a season-ending injury that no team ever wants to see. And in Minnesota, the Vikings’ defensive “Swiss Army knife” Jamal Adams suffered a torn quadricep, which head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed is a season-ending injury for him too. Over in Tennessee, Titans backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky was seen holding his throwing arm after a deep pass attempt. Head coach Robert Saleh said Trubisky’s being evaluated for a biceps injury, which could open the door for Will Levis to see more reps.
Man, Week 1 of the preseason was a wake-up call for everyone. Teams are already battered, and with the regular season opener just around the corner on September 13 for many, every fan has got to be holding their breath. This “war of attrition” is real, and it’s just getting started.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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