Only two weeks into the 2028 season and the injury list around the league is already growing into a major storyline. Several superstar players are now sidelined, and a few franchises may be forced to reconsider their entire season outlook.
From MVP-caliber quarterbacks to elite pass rushers and offensive stars, the damage across the league is significant.
Here are the injuries that will reshape the season.
Jalen Hurts – Philadelphia Eagles
Injury: Complete PCL Tear
Timeline: 41 Weeks
The most devastating injury so far belongs to the Eagles.
Jalen Hurts’ complete PCL tear effectively ends his season and leaves Philadelphia scrambling for answers at quarterback.
Team physicians described the injury as severe.
“The posterior cruciate ligament is critical for stability,” explained team orthopedic specialist Dr. Brian Caldwell.
“Recovery at the professional level requires extensive rehabilitation, and the timeline places his return closer to next season than later this year.”
Hurts had been the centerpiece of the Eagles offense, and losing him shifts the entire NFC competitive landscape.
Ja’Marr Chase – Cincinnati Bengals
Injury: Dislocated Ankle
Timeline: 8 Weeks
One of the league’s most explosive receivers will miss roughly two months.
Chase’s dislocated ankle came on a non-contact play, immediately raising concern on the Bengals sideline.
The receiver remained optimistic following imaging results.
“It could’ve been worse,” Chase told reporters.
“I’m attacking rehab every day. I’ll be back before it matters most.”
Still, Cincinnati’s offense now loses its most dangerous weapon during a critical portion of the schedule.
Taylor Tatum – New York Giants
Injury: Dislocated Hip
Timeline: 8 Weeks
The Giants’ breakout young running back suffered one of the more painful injuries in the sport.
Hip dislocations can carry significant long-term concerns if not managed carefully.
“The hip joint is extremely stable under normal conditions,” explained Dr. Anthony Rivera, a sports trauma specialist.
“When it dislocates, the concern shifts to surrounding cartilage and nerve impact.”
New York will likely rely on a committee approach in the backfield while Tatum recovers.
Tristan Wirfs – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Injury: Knee Cartilage Tear
Timeline: 5 Weeks
Few offensive linemen are more valuable than Tristan Wirfs, making this injury especially problematic for Tampa Bay.
The All-Pro tackle anchors pass protection, and his absence could expose the Buccaneers quarterback to increased pressure.
“Cartilage injuries are unpredictable,” said Dr. Rivera.
“Some players recover quickly, others deal with lingering swelling.”
Jessie Bates III – New York Jets
Injury: Dislocated Ankle
Timeline: 8 Weeks
The Jets defense loses its most experienced safety for two months.
Bates serves as the communicator and organizer in the secondary, meaning his absence may lead to coverage breakdowns.
Brian Branch – Detroit Lions
Injury: Torn Labrum
Timeline: 5 Weeks
Detroit’s versatile safety will miss over a month after tearing the labrum in his shoulder.
While not season-ending, this injury removes one of the Lions’ most physical defenders during a critical early stretch.
The Defensive Line Casualties
Pass rushers around the league also suffered significant injuries.
Notable names include:
- Shemar Stewart (CIN) – Torn tricep, 18 weeks
- Dallas Turner (MIN) – Knee cartilage tear, 7 weeks
- Oluwafemi Oladejo (TEN) – Dislocated ankle, 8 weeks
- Matayo Uiagalelei (DAL) – Broken ribs, 6 weeks
These injuries could dramatically alter pass rush productivity across several defenses.
Quarterback Room Takes More Hits
Two additional quarterbacks also landed on the injury list.
Tua Tagovailoa – Miami Dolphins
Dislocated hip, 5 weeks
Fernando Mendoza – Arizona Cardinals
Broken ribs, 3 weeks
Neither injury is season-ending, but both teams must now adjust offensive plans temporarily.
Running Back Depth Being Tested
Several teams also lost key backfield contributors.
- TreVeyon Henderson (NE) – Dislocated elbow, 3 weeks
- Dylan Edwards (HOU) – Dislocated ankle, 8 weeks
- Fluff Bothwell (MIA) – Upper arm fracture, 4 weeks
The early-season physical toll on running backs is already becoming noticeable.
The Big Picture
Through just two weeks of football:
- Multiple All-Pro caliber players are sidelined
- Several playoff contenders must adapt quickly
- The balance of power across divisions could shift rapidly
As one league trainer summarized:
“The NFL season is as much about survival as it is about performance.”
And right now, survival is becoming the league’s biggest challenge.
