NFL
What players are out for the NFL season?
Injuries can wreak havoc on both players and teams alike. We take a look at the unfortunate few who will miss the rest of the season because of them.
In the high stakes and violent world of the NFL injuries are constant as players push the bodies to the limit.
A look at NFL players who are out for the season
A season ending injury is every athletes worst nightmare. They can be devastating not just physically, but mentally as well. Many players struggle to maintain positivity while traveling the road to recovery. That says nothing of the effect it can have on a team's morale when they have to do without one of their players for an extended period of time. Between filling the void and motivating the rest of the roster, it's no joy ride for anyone. Here we take a look at a handful of notable players who unfortunately will have to sit out the remainder of the NFL 2021 season due to injury.
#1 - Jameis Winston, QB, New Orleans Saints
Winston suffered an ACL tear in the Saints' surprise win over a Tom Brady lead Tampa Buccaneers. An unfortunate end to the season of one of the most promising QBs in the league at the moment. At the time of the injury the QB had thrown for 508 yards and 4 touchdowns on the season.
#2 - Derek Henry, RB, Tennessee Titans
The star running back has created a real problem for the Titans after suffering a broken bone in his foot. Henry then had to undergo surgery which was deemed successful. Coach Mike Vrabel seemed positive about the idea that his player would return before season's end but the reality is, chances are slim.
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#3 - Carl Lawson, EDGE, New York Jets
Carl Lawson's injury was a brutal blow to the New York Jets. As the team's coveted free-agent, he was impressive during training camp. Considered one of the best pass rushers in the NFL today, Lawson would undoubtedly improve the Jets' defense significantly this season. Unfortunately it's wasn't meant to be and Jets fans will now have to wait until next year to see their star player in the mix once again.
#4 - Cam Akers, RB, Los Angeles Rams
Cam Akers was viewed as the Los Angeles Rams' go to back in coming into 2021 season. After a good showing in his rookie season last year, the signs were there that this would indeed be 'his' season in Sean McVay's offense until he ruptured his Achilles during a practice session in July. All is not lost for the Rams ,however, McVay can now count on the services of quarterback Matthew Stafford who will surely bring even more to an already dangerous offense. It is sad of course as Akers would have been the perfect player to open the passing game.
#5 - Jacob Phillips, LB, Cleveland Browns
Jacob Phillips has been suffering from an ongoing bicep issue. The Linebacker was expected to form a brutal partnership with teammate Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah at the heart of the Cleveland Browns' defense, but is now set to sit out the remainder of the season. Having had a great rookie season last year expectations were high for this season but the Browns and their fans will have to wait until 2022.
#6 - Devin Funchess, WR, Green Bay Packers
The Packers are having a complicated time at the moment and the situation surrounding Devin Funchess doesn't help. Funchess has not played an NFL game in almost two years but was poised to take up the WR2 role for Green Bay alongside Davante Adams. Funchess signed with the Packers during the 2020 off season only to backtrack citing covid-19 concerns. He then returned on a cheaper deal for 2021 but suffered a severe hamstring injury. Funchess was recently released by the Packers after the two parties reached an injury settlement. The wide receiver is now a free agent without a team but won't be expected to play again this season due to injury.
#7 - Travis Etienne, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars rookie running back Travis Etienne was set to light up the league this season. Sadly he didn't even get to make his regular season debut as he suffered a foot injury after just three snaps in preseason loss against the New Orleans Saints. Etienne later underwent surgery to repair the bone and now sits on the injured reserve until 2022.
For a look at the full list of injured NFL players take a look here.