Injuries in the NFL are a formality. There’s no avoiding injuries, given the violent nature of the sport, which is why teams are allowed such large rosters (53 players). This year has been no exception, with several notable players going down with injuries that will keep them out for an extended period of time.
Teams already have to adjust to being short of some key players throughout the first two weeks of the season. Some teams are better prepared for potential injuries than others, so while they may be missing an important player, their season isn’t completely doomed. Other teams aren’t so lucky when they are left scrambling for a suitable replacement.
With that, let’s look at some of the most significant injuries of the season so far, who will replace the star player and what the impact the injuries will have on their respective teams.
J. Green, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
Injury: The Bengals’ star receiver left Sunday’s game with a toe injury that’s expected to keep him out for at least one week.
Now what? With Green out, the Bengals will have to rely more on their outstanding defense and young running backs, Gio Bernard and Jeremy Hill, to create plays. They won’t be able to challenge the defense with vertical routes without Green, and quarterback Andy Dalton is still very hit-or-miss.
His replacement will likely be third year pro Muhammad Sanu who, and while he’s talented, he won’t be able to match Green’s production on the field. The good news is the injury is short term, so Green will be back soon.
History: Green has proven to be one of the most durable players since becoming a pro in 2011. Coming into this year, he’s played in 47 of 48 possible games, missing only one start since his rookie season.
Robert Griffin III, QB, Washington Redskins
Injury: Washington’s quarterback suffered a dislocated ankle against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He’s expected to miss two months.
Now what? Without Griffin, the Redskins won’t be able to take advantage of explosive receivers Desean Jackson, Pierre Garcon and Jordan Reed. They’ll have to rely more on a shaky defense, and with a rookie head coach, their season could be disastrous.
He’ll be replaced by third year pro Kirk Cousins, who’s showed in limited playing time that he’s at least competent. The bigger question is for the Redskins and whether they want to continue relying on a player who can’t be trusted to stay healthy. If Cousins plays well in Griffin’s absence, they may have no choice but to replace Griffin with Cousins.
History: Griffin’s injury history is extensive. He tore his anterior cruciate ligament in 2009 while he attended Baylor University, and again during a playoff loss against the Seattle Seahawks a year-and-a-half ago.
Jamaal Charles, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
Injury: The Chiefs’ star running back suffered a high ankle sprain in a loss to the Denver Broncos last Sunday.
Now what? Without their most important offensive weapon, the Chiefs are left with a very limited offense. Quarterback Alex Smith will be forced to throw more with an injury-riddled offensive line protecting him and receivers who can’t get open consistently. They already had trouble scoring with Charles healthy, so their uphill climb just got tougher.
Replacement: Charles will be replaced by some combination of Knile Davis, De’Anthony Thomas, and Cyrus Gray, all uninspiring choices with limited experience.
Ryan Mathews, RB, San Diego Chargers
Injury: Mathews suffered a sprained MCL in a victory against the Seattle Seahawks. He’s expected to miss 4-5 weeks.
Now what? The Chargers are well-equipped to handle an injury to a running back. They won’t have to adjust much of their game plan with Pro Bowl quarterback Philip Rivers leading the offense and veteran running backs Danny Woodhead and Donald Brown taking Mathews’ snaps. They will miss Mathews in the red zone, specifically on the goal line where Mathews excelled at getting the ball in the end zone.
History: The MCL sprain is the third major injury of Mathews’ career. He suffered two broken clavicles in 2012, and last year played the last month of the season with a high ankle sprain.