As the long and grueling NFL season carries on, it is normal to see the injury bug hit every team. However, just two weeks into the 2019 season, several big-name players are dealing with injuries. Some of those injuries will keep them off the field for multiple weeks, changing the landscape of the league in the process.
Perhaps the biggest injury in terms of impact on Sunday belonged to Saints quarterback Drew Brees. Brees suffered a thumb injury late in the first quarter when his right throwing hand hit Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald’s hand at the end of an incomplete pass.
After visiting a hand specialist, Brees will reportedly undergo surgery on the torn ligament in his thumb, sidelining him for approximately six weeks. Teddy Bridgewater came in to replace Brees, but the Rams prevailed easily 27-9. Bridgewater should start going forward for the Saints, starting with next Sunday’s game against the Seahawks.
Big Ben Down
The Steelers were also big losers on Sunday. First, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger exited their game late in the first quarter with an elbow injury on his right throwing arm. Then in the fourth quarter, running back James Conner left with a knee injury. Both players did not return to action, although both were considered questionable after leaving the game.
While Conner still needs more evaluation, Roethlisberger will have season-ending surgery on his elbow. Mason Rudolph will now become the starter at quarterback for Pittsburgh. Rudolph nearly completed the comeback on Sunday but fell short as Pittsburgh lost to the Seahawks 28-26 at home.
Grounded Eagles
Not only did the Eagles fall to the Falcons on Sunday Night Football, but they now have questions about their top two wide receivers. Both DeSean Jackson and Alshon Jeffery exited the ballgame in the first half and would not return to action. Jackson hurt his groin and appeared to walk with a slight limp as he left the locker room.
Meanwhile, Jeffery kept quiet on his status but seemed to think he would be okay for the next week. On the other side of the ball for Philadelphia, defensive tackle Tim Jernigan injured his foot and left the stadium in a walking boot. Jernigan was starting the game replacing the injured Malik Jackson.
Tainted Win
Out of all of the teams who suffered injuries to major players, only the 49ers got a win. San Francisco pounded the Bengals 41-17 in Cincinnati but not without a significant loss to their offensive line. Left tackle Joe Staley suffered a broken fibula during the game, due to running back Jeff Wilson tripping and falling over his leg.
While Staley will miss the next several weeks, he is expected to return later this season, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. It’s expected that the Niners will make a move this week to bolster their depth along the line before their Week 3 matchup hosting the Steelers.
Still Others
Those were the most notable players to get hurt on Sunday, but hardly the only players. Patriots offensive tackle Isaiah Wynn (foot), Cowboys wide receiver Michael Gallup (knee) and defensive tackle Antwaun Woods (knee), and Bengals guard Michael Jordan (knee) all dealt with ailments suffered during their games. Others, like Cardinals running back David Johnson (wrist) and Falcons right tackle Kaleb McGary (knee), left their games, but later returned to action.
