NFL Week Four Injuries

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Injuries are a part of NFL life but the 2024 season is shaping up to be one of the worst seasons for injuries of all time. There is an extremely long list of injuries throughout the NFL and many of the players are on the injured reserve list. Some injuries date back to last year like Cleveland Browns Running Back Nick Chubb.

The Browns have one of the most notable injury reports not just because nine players are on the injured reserve list but because they have multiple key players out. The Browns won’t have Chubb (still recovering from the ligament years last season but close to returning to practice), Offensive Tackle Jack Conklin, Offensive Tackle Jedrick Wills, and Tight End David Njoku. There are several other players who won’t play against the Raiders. Head Coach Kevin Stefanski said, ” There are things we can do based on who’s available”. Stefanski said this in response to a question about options for a starting left tackle.

The Detroit Lions have a total of 13 players on the injured reserve list. Safety Ifeatu Melidfonwu, Defensive End Marcus Davenport, Linebacker Derrick Barnes, Defensive Tackle David Bada, Defensive End John Cominsky, Defensive Tackle Brodric Martin, Cornerback Manuel Moseley, Wide Receiver Tre’Quan Smith, Wide Receiver Antoine Green, Offensive Tackle Connor Galvin, Defensive End Nate Lynn, Guard Natane Muti and Kicker Michael Badgley are all on the injured reserve. Center Frank Ragnow and Guard Christian Mahogany are also out.

Injuries are also having an impact on Detroit’s game plan against Seattle for Monday Night Football. Head Coach Dan Campbell noticed that the Seahawks are passing the ball more without Running Back Kenneth Waller III in the lineup.

There are over 70 players on the injured reserve list at this time. It’s important to factor in that some of these injuries started last season.

This year’s long list of injuries emphasize the importance of having depth on the roster and the idea of “Next man up” becomes more than just another statement. It’s the reality of the NFL. This is why scouts always have to bring forth their best efforts. It’s difficult to constantly find players to take the place of multiple starters but any player on the bench has to ready for the call. When a season starts all like this, anyone can end up playing and potentially starting.

It’s possible that the injured reserve list will become even longer than it currently is. We may say over 100 players on the list but it’s also possible that many of these players will return to games soon.