Which Recent NFL Injuries Will Hurt The Most?
By Erik Lambert
Aug 16, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Buffalo Bills head coach Doug Marrone (C) talks with running back C.J. Spiller (28) and running back Fred Jackson (22) during the second half at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 19-16. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
A number of notable names joined the NFL injured list. Which ones have the potential to become the most threatening to their teams’ season?
Chandler Jones – New England Patriots
Bill Belichick is renowned for his ability to adjust in the face of adversity, but the New England Patriots are certainly going to feel the loss of their best pass rusher in Chandler Jones. His ability to provide consistent pressure was a key part of the Patriots’ #1 pass defense. With him out, it may force them to become more aggressive with blitzing, and thus more vulnerable to big play. Never mind their ongoing problems stopping the run.
Kyle Fuller – Chicago Bears
With Charles Tillman already on the shelf for the year, the Chicago Bears really couldn’t afford another key loss to the cornerback position. Unfortunately that is exactly what happened with prized rookie Kyle Fuller suffered a broken hand and a hip pointer in the loss to Miami in Week 7. It’s unclear how much time he’ll miss, but the good news is the broken hand did not require surgery. The Bears also have a bye coming up in two weeks. How severe the injury is remains a mystery, but as yet there is no panic.
Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller – Buffalo Bills
To lose the entire starting backfield and the backbone of the offense in one NFL game has to be deflating for the Buffalo Bills. Operating with the experienced but unfamiliar Kyle Orton at quarterback, the Bills were counting on Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller to pace the offense. Then in the space of four quarters both were carted off the field. Suddenly Buffalo is down to one notable name at running back in Bryce Brown, and he hasn’t played all season. That can’t be good.
Brian Orakpo – Washington Redskins
Having only one sack on the season dismissed what Brian Orakpo means to the Washington Redskins. He was still one of their most important defensive players with six hits and 12 pressures to go along with high grades as a run defender. Now the former Pro Bowler is done for the season again, and the Redskins are left to wonder what else can go wrong for their badly depleted defense.