What do QB Drew Lock, DE Nick Bosa and RB Saquon Barkley all have in common? They were all injured during Week 2 of the 2020 season.
Fans were excited to welcome football back this year but the lack of a proper preseason is quickly catching up to players.
WR Michael Thomas suffered a high ankle injury during Week 1. Things were kicked off in Week 2 with TE C.J. Uzomah tearing his achillies in the fourth quarter during the Thursday night matchup.
What followed was a raft of injuries in the 1:00 PM ET window unlike anything the league has ever seen.
A cart is coming on the field for Colts WR Parris Campbell.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 20, 2020
Cart out for Nick Bosa…..
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 20, 2020
And now Solomon Thomas is down on the field in major pain as well. With DE Dee Ford already out today…
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) September 20, 2020
Broncos QB Drew Lock is questionable to return because of a right shoulder injury and Jeff Driskel will take over for now in his place.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) September 20, 2020
Today:
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 20, 2020
Nick Bosa carter off with bad knee injury.
Saquon Barkley carried off with knee injury.
Parris Campbell carted off with knee injury.
Drew Lock in locker room with shoulder injury.
Man….
And another: Vikings’ LB Anthony Barr injured his shoulder and is doubtful to return today.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 20, 2020
Bears’ RB David Montgomery to the locker room….on it goes.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 20, 2020
Broncos’ WR Jerry Jeudy receiving attention from trainers on the field following a big hit after a catch.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 20, 2020
49ers’ QB Jimmy Garoppolo is out with an injury and Nick Mullens has replaced him.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 20, 2020
RB Raheem Mostert has a knee injury and also is out.
Andy Dalton in at QB as Dak Prescott goes to the tent for evaluation.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 20, 2020
Add Broncos WR Courtland Sutton (knee/leg cramping) to the list of players ruled out for the day.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 20, 2020
Panthers’ RB Christian McCaffrey is questionable to return with an ankle injury.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 20, 2020
Don’t remember the last Sunday quite like this one. Beyond brutal.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 20, 2020
Injuries are part of football but this year is an abnormality. Even though it’s still early, the injury reports will continue to grow throughout the season. The hopes of healthy players never stood a chance in a season where athletes were unable to properly prepare.
COVID-19 has halted the sports world and has finally reached the football realm. The NFL decided to slash preseason games among the ongoing pandemic in an attempt to be one step ahead of the virus. The league was inherently focused on preventing the spread of the coronavirus, but were not prepared for the loss of many star players early on.
Some fans speculate that improper training techniques or adjustment to turf fields, in the case of MetLife Stadium and the numerous injuries between the San Francisco 49ers and New York Jets, are to blame. Fluke incidents are bound to happen, but an uptick of injuries in the same time span is irregular.
The MLB saw an increase in injuries due to the shortened spring training and rush into regular season. Football has closely mimicked baseball’s approach to starting the season. Players will continue to crowd the injured lists as this season rages on. The NFL’s rush to start the season may be its biggest regret this year.
Photo: (Bill Kostroun/AP Photo)
