Top Five Most Impactful NFL Injuries After Week 3
By Erik Lambert
Sep 21, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall (23) lies on the field as medical personnel check on him during game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Redskins, 37-34. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Injuries continue to pile up around the NFL follow just the third week of the season. Which ones were the most impactful?
- Dennis Pitta – Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore Ravens fans must be thanking their lucky stars that Ozzie Newsome was able to bring in veteran free agent Owen Daniels. Otherwise the injury to Dennis Pitta would be even worse for an offense that already struggles to create explosive plays Daniels will fill in but the reality is the loss of Pitta will have the same effect as last year, forcing Baltimore to lean heavily on their good-but-not-great receiving corps and strong defense.
- Ike Taylor – Pittsburgh Steelers
The secondary already had enough problems for the Pittsburgh Steelers, never mind their continued pass rush deficiencies. Losing their most reliable corner in veteran Ike Taylor really has to hurt them moving forward. While not the suffocating cover man he was five years ago, Taylor still made life hard on opposing top receivers. His loss puts the burden on several young and unproven reserves behind a defensive front that goes for periods without reaching the quarterback.
- Kyle Rudolph – Minnesota Vikings
Losing Adrian Peterson to what is likely a permanent suspension and then starting quarterback Matt Cassel to a broken foot was crippled for the Minnesota Vikings offense. Now they may have to forge ahead without one of their key pass catchers in tight end Kyle Rudolph. Initially reported as a groin problem, it was later revealed that Rudolphi would have to undergo sports hernia surgery. The procedure is likely to keep him out for around six week, putting even more pressure on rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.
- DeAngelo Hall – Washington Redskins
Few defenses were playing as well as the Washington Redskins through the first two weeks of the NFL season. Unfortunately as happens the injuries began to pile up. None will have a more long-term impact to their prospects for 2014 than cornerback DeAngelo Hall tearing his Achilles. The Redskins secondary already had coverage issues even before this season. Hall was easily their best player. So to take him out of the equation makes one wonder how Washington can possibly compensate.
- Stephen Tulloch – Detroit Lions
The defense should still be able to have an impact for the Detroit Lions moving forward, but one of their most underrated and reliable cogs is now gone. Stephen Tulloch was an underrated focal point of their run defense, as well as their pass rush. To lose him in the middle is not only to losing gifted tackling and blitzing prowess, but also leadership. It may not be noticeable at first, but Detroit will soon find runs popping for longer gains and quarterbacks not fearing the blitz as much. It’s subtle, but the loss of Tulloch could prove huge.