2024 NFL Training Camp Injury Panic Meter Entering August
Anticipation builds as NFL teams gather for training camp, but injuries are an unfortunate inevitability in the sport.
For example, both the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings have already lost a player for the season. Derion Kendrick and Mekhi Blackmon, a pair of cornerbacks, will be unavailable due to a torn ACL.
While many other injuries aren't as significant, they can put someone's status in jeopardy for the preseason—and maybe even Week 1.
Those kinds of injuries are the focus here, and we're rating the perceived panic around the player from 1-10.
Brandon Jones, Denver Broncos
1 of 5
As the Denver Broncos overhauled the roster this offseason, they released All-Pro safety Justin Simmons. Soon after, the Broncos signed Brandon Jones to join the secondary.
Unfortunately for the defense, his unofficial debut might be on hold.
Denver's preseason opener lands on Aug. 11, and head coach Sean Payton told reporters that Jones will be out for a week or two because of a hamstring issue.
The typical disclaimer applies here: Not a doctor. Didn't stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night, either. But since soft-tissue injuries have a habit of reappearing, the Broncos probably will be particularly careful with bringing Jones back onto the field.
Jones' status will be closely monitored through August.
Panic Meter: 2
Xavier Gipson, New York Jets
2 of 5
During his NFL debut last season, Xavier Gipson endeared himself to the New York Jets with a game-winning punt-return touchdown in overtime against the Buffalo Bills.
That moment set the stage for a quality rookie year in which he collected 1,127 all-purpose yards, mostly as a returner.
Despite some minor production as a wideout, he played 45 percent of offensive snaps as a rookie. And, yes, in theory, those numbers should rise if Aaron Rodgers is healthy in 2024.
Gipson, however, is slated to miss "a week or two" because of a lower extremity injury, Jets coach Robert Saleh said.
If there's a bright side, Gipson's absence will provide increased reps for rookie slot receiver Malachi Corley. But any excitement about the third-round draft pick should be tempered, given that Corley has "a long way to go" in his route-running, per Saleh.
While the injury timeline isn't cause for concern, Saleh sounds most comfortable with Gipson as the season nears.
Panic Meter: 3
Chidobe Awuzie, Tennessee Titans
3 of 5
One of many newcomers to the Tennessee Titans' revamped roster, Chidobe Awuzie is expected to play a key role on defense.
But they might be starting the preseason without him.
First-year coach Brian Callahan said Awuzie is dealing with a calf injury and will probably be out for a couple of weeks.
As a result, Tennessee is practicing without both L'Jarius Sneed and Awuzie. Tre Avery and Jarvis Brownlee Jr. are among the corners who should receive more reps—and that could be a good thing, sure—but the Titans are adjusting to a fresh defense with plenty of new faces.
The secondary just might fall a little behind.
Panic Meter: 5
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Justin Watson, Kansas City Chiefs
4 of 5
Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice topped 900 yards last season, but the Kansas City Chiefs' third-leading target was Justin Watson.
In all likelihood, he won't repeat that finish in 2024. Kansas City signed Marquise Brown in free agency and used its first-round selection on speedster Xavier Worthy in April's draft.
Still, the Chiefs will be counting on Watson for depth because Skyy Moore is unproven and Kadarius Toney battled through a mistake-plagued year. Plus, potential legal issues are hovering over Rice, and Worthy himself missed a few days of training camp.
That's the long version of saying Kansas City is hoping Watson's ugly-looking foot injury is merely a short-term concern.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid labeled Watson as "day-to-day" after the setback. If he misses a week, the concern level may rise steadily. For now, though, Watson's injury does not require any panic.
Panic Meter: 2
Marshon Lattimore, New Orleans Saints
5 of 5
Most of the players listed are complementary pieces. Marshon Lattimore, on the other hand, is a veritable star at cornerback.
When he's healthy.
Lattimore exited a recent practice with a hip flexor issue. According to Luke Johnson of NOLA.com, New Orleans Saints coach Dennis Allen did not comment on the severity of the defender's injury.
Particularly given his setbacks over the last two seasons, hopefully this is not a serious problem for Lattimore. He missed 10 games in 2022 because of a lacerated kidney and seven in 2023 due to a sprained ankle. But he yielded no more than 6.5 yards per target in those two years.
New Orleans can lean on second-round rookie Kool-Aid McKinstry in camp and into the preseason, but the best version of the Saints defense needs Lattimore on the field.
Panic Meter: 6
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