Heavy Injuries Plaguing First Few Weeks of NFL Season

Owen Kelly '21, Contributing Writer

NFL fans have long waited for the 20-21 season, but after the first two weeks, there are a number of severe injuries that will be sure to affect the whole league. 

New York Giants star running back and 2018 second overall draft pick Saquon Barkley tore his ACL against the Chicago Bears in week two. He will be out for the whole season so it will be up to either Dion Lewis or Devonta Freeman to step up and fill his shoes. 

The Indianapolis Colts starting running back Marlon Mack tore his right Achilles in week one. The tear was caused by an awkward landing after making a jumping catch. He quickly got back up on his feet but then had to be later helped off the field by teammates. He is unfortunately out for the whole season. 

The biggest name among these injuries is definitely Christian McCaffrey. He most likely was the number one pick in almost every fantasy draft this year. He suffered a high ankle sprain against the Buccaneers in week two. Luckily it is predicted that he will only miss four to six weeks. McCaffrey is known for his versatile style of play; being a running back that can play like a wide receiver. In the 2019 season, he both ran and received for over 1000 yards. The Panthers will need to rely much more on receivers D.J. Moore and Robby Anderson for the next few weeks if they want to be successful. 

Other notable players out for the year are Von Miller, Le’veon Bell, and Courtland Sutton, Dak Prescott, Nick Bosa.