Injuries in the NFL are inevitable. Whether it’s a pulled hamstring that sidelines a player for a week or two, or a career-ending one too many torn ACLs, coaches and trainers have to prepare for the worst, but expect the best.
Determining who’s the next man up when starters is crucial to the coaching staff, right after determining treatment plans and recovery timetables, of course.
Throughout preseason and as we enter week 4 of the 2016 season, we witnessed some injuries that we wouldn’t wish on our own worst enemy. Here’s a list of 5 players whose absence will be largely felt by teammates while they focus on their recovery.
Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota Vikings star running back Adrian Peterson is notoriously known for bouncing back from injuries rapidly and returning before expected. But his latest sidelining injury might not make it so easy to come back to work. It was originally reported that Peterson suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee against the Green Bay Packers in week 2, but NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport later reported he also suffered a sprain in his LCL, but wouldn’t need corrective surgery.
#Vikings RB Adrian Peterson, in addition to his torn meniscus, has a mild LCL sprain that won't need to be repaired surgically, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September">https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/77870745553862... 21, 2016
Next Man (Men) Up: The Vikings were quick to sign Ronnie Hillman after it was determined Peterson would be out for 3-4 months. Of course, Peterson is a tough talent to fill in for, so head coach Mike Zimmer will use Hillman, and running backs Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata to spread out the responsibility and pressure that comes with replacing a player like Peterson.
Ameer Abdullah, Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions fear running back Ameer Abdullah will most likely miss the rest of the season due to a torn ligament in his right foot. In their loss to the Tennessee Titans on September 18th, the Lions’ leading rusher left the game during the second quarter after injuring his foot and did not return. Since then, Abdullah has been placed on injured reserve, but with the NFL’s new IR rule, he could potentially be chosen as the franchise’s single player brought off IR.
Next Man (Men) Up: Theo Riddick, Dwayne Washington, and Zach Zenner
Donte Moncrief, Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Donte Moncrief is expected to miss 4-6 weeks after suffering a fractured shoulder blade in their Week 2 loss to Denver. Luckily, the do-it-all receiver’s injury won’t require surgery according to head coach Chuck Pagano.
Next Man (Men) Up: Phillip Dorsett and T.Y. Hilton will be responsible for filling in for Moncrief’s absence. Hilton has already made a noticeable impact. The 26-year-old didn’t fail to deliver in the Colt’s Week 3 victory against San Diego, finishing the game with 8 receptions for 174 yards and scored the game-winning touchdown.
Danny Woodhead and Keenan Allen, San Diego Chargers
When it rains, it pours. Just ask the San Diego Chargers who suffered a double-whammy blow to their offense in just two weeks, losing running back Danny Woodhead and wide receiver Keenan Allen to season-ending ACL tears. With two offensive playmakers being put on injured reserve in just two weeks, it’s clear that the Chargers have some serious lineup decisions to make.
Next Man Up:
Danny Woodhead: former Kansas City Chiefs running back Dexter McCluster
Keenan Allen: it’ll be a group effort by Travis Benjamin, Tyrell Williams, and Dontrelle Inman
