This injury stuff is getting ridiculous. We’re a third of the way into the season, and we’ve already got more than enough key injuries to key players to last the entire year. A 1 thru 32 ranking of each team’s most significant injury.
The Packers, with the likely league MVP out for half of the season, lead the way.
Seven teams haven’t yet had a long-term injury that really moves the needle. Falcons, Bills, Steelers, Rams, Bucs, Titans and Washington. But give it time. We’ve still got 11 weeks to go.
1. Aaron Rodgers, G.B. (Collarbone)
2. David Johnson, Ariz. (Wrist) NFL’s best running back made it through one half of one game. Cardinals have also lost their outstanding guard, Mike Iupati.
3. Odell Beckham Jr., NYG (Ankle) Madden Curse live. Giants also lost their other starting wide receiver, Brandon Marshall.
4. J.J. Watt, Hou. (Leg) Texans lost their outstanding outside linebacker, Whitney Mercilus, in the same game. Middle linebacker Brian Cushing is suspended 10 games.
5. Andrew Luck, Ind. (Shoulder) Colts should get a half season out of Luck. Starting guard Jack Mewhort just headed to IR.
6. Marshal Yanda, Balt. (Ankle) Yanda is one of the game’s best guards. Earlier, Ravens lost starting tight end Crockett Gillmore and third-down back Danny Woodhead.
7. Dalvin Cook, Minn. (Knee) Cook looked like he was going to be really special. Both of the team’s top two quarterbacks have been affected by knee injuries.
8. Eric Berry, K.C. (Achilles) Berry went down late in their season-opening win at Foxborough. Chris Conley and Spencer Ware are both out for the year.
9. Ezekiel Elliott (suspension) Elliott is one of the game’s best running backs, and it looks like he’ll need to sit for six games. Earlier, Cowboys lost tight end Rico Gathers, who might eventually develop into Jason Witten’s replacement.
10. Greg Olsen, Car. (Foot) Olsen’s rehab supposedly is coming along well. Might be fine for the final half dozen games of the season.
11. Ryan Tannehill, Mia. (Knee)
12. Forrest Lamp, LAC (Knee) Chargers also have lost a pair of key defenders, Denzel Perryman and Jason Verrett.
13. Allen Robinson, Jac. (Knee) Robinson was in a contract year, hoping to put up big numbers and cash in next spring.
14. George Fant, Sea. (Knee) Seahawks were hopeful that Fant would develop into a capable left tackle, but lost him in the preseason. They’ve since lost Chris Carson, who had developed into their starting tailback.
15. Julian Edelman, N.E. (Knee) Patriots have other capable wide receivers, but Edelman had a special rapport with Tom Brady.
16. Cameron Meredith, Chi. (Knee) Including Kevin White, Bears have lost both of their starting wide receivers.
17. Taylor Decker, Det. (labrum) Without their left tackle (who hopefully will return soon), Detroit’s offensive line has been a disaster.
18. Tyler Eifert, Cin. (Back) Oft-injured tight end underwent season-ending surgery on his back.
19. Zach Strief, N.O. (Knee) Offensive line problems continue with right tackle out for the year.
20. Shane Ray, Den. (Wrist) Emmanuel Sanders could be the named played, depending on the serveity of the ankle injury he suffered Sunday night.
21. Joshua Garnett, S.F. (Knee) Former first-round pick is supposed to develop into an elite guard.
22. Corey Coleman, Cle. (Hand) Coleman was going to be their No. 1 receiver. Will miss half of the season.
23. Darren Sproles, Phil. (Arm) An oldie but a goodie. Was going to catch a bunch of balls out of the backfield. Reportedly suffered a torn ACL on the same play he broke his arm.
24. Quincy Enunwa, NYJ (Neck) Not a big name, but he was going to be their featured wide receiver.
25. Sebastian Janikowski, Oak. (Back) Replacement Giorgio Tavecchio missed a key extra point yesterday. Jano could return for second half of the season.
—Ian Allan