NFL
Which NFL team has the most long-term injuries to start the 2024/25 season?
Only a few days before the start of the 2024 season, NFL teams are already dealing with injury issues, with the Dolphins especially affected.
NFL preseason came to an end last Sunday (August 26), giving teams a couple of weeks - in some cases a little less - to finalise their preparations for the start of the 2024 regular season.
The real action gets underway on Thursday, September 5, when Super Bowl LVIII winners the Kansas City Chiefs play host to the Baltimore Ravens at Arrowhead Stadium. But although the season has yet to get going, NFL teams across the country are already having to contend with a whole host of injury issues, as tends to be the case most weeks.
Although countless players from almost every team are rated as ‘questionable’ for week 1, the Miami Dolphins appear to be suffering from fitness problems more than most.
Hill and Waddle questionable for start of 2024 NFL season
Eight players from the Florida franchise fall into the ‘questionable’ category for their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, September 8, including wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, who are dealing with thumb and unspecified issues respectively.
They still have over a week to prove they are ready to play, but no fewer than 13 Dolphins players will be unavailable for the game at Hard Rock Stadium.
Which Miami Dolphins players will miss the Week 1 game against the Jaguars?
Linebacker Bradley Chubb, who tore his ACL in February, is arguably the highest-profile absentee and is listed as ‘physically unable to perform’. He is, however, expected to return to action in week 5, when the Dolphins travel to face the New England Patriots on October 6.
Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr (undisclosed), linebacker Cameron Goode (kneecap) and offensive guard Isaiah Wynn (quadriceps) are in exactly the same position.
Three more players are on the injured reserve list, but are also slated to return in week 5. They are cornerback Cam Smith (hamstring), safety Patrick McMorris (foot) and wide receiver River Cacraft (upper body).
Finally, linebacker Wyatt Ray (undisclosed), wide receivers Anthony Schwartz (knee) and Tahj Washington (undisclosed), offensive tackle Kion Smith (ACL), linebackers Cam Brown (undisclosed) and Grayson Murphy (knee) are also on the injured reserve list, with no return dates set as yet.
Undoubtedly not the ideal way for the Dolphins to start to the new season, although they will hope to avoid new injuries and go from strength to strength as they get players back to full fitness.