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Tag: NFL injury

Sean Payton Confident Jarrett Stidham Is Ready for AFC Championship Moment

Josh Davis

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The Denver Broncos will turn to Jarrett Stidham at quarterback in the AFC Championship Game, and head coach Sean Payton has no doubts about his readiness for the moment.

With Bo Nix sidelined due to injury, Payton stressed that the Broncos trust Stidham to step in and perform on the game’s biggest stage.

Payton’s Confidence Built Over Years of Evaluation

Payton said the Broncos know exactly what kind of quarterback Stidham is after watching him closely for three seasons.

The coaching staff has evaluated him daily in meetings, practice reps, and game preparation. That familiarity has removed any hesitation about giving him the start, even after an extended stretch without live game action.

Payton emphasized that experience matters more than recent stat lines when evaluating readiness.

Stidham’s Coaching Pedigree Stands Out

Payton also pointed to Stidham’s coaching background as a major factor in his confidence. (Source)

Stidham entered the league after being drafted by Bill Belichick in New England. He later worked under Josh McDaniels with both the Patriots and Raiders. Payton noted that every coaching staff Stidham has played for came away impressed with his preparation, football intelligence, and command of the offense.

That foundation, Payton believes, translates directly to moments like this.

History Supports the Belief

Payton referenced past examples to reinforce his belief that opportunity matters more than circumstance.

Jeff Hostetler led the Giants to a Super Bowl title in 1990 after stepping in as a backup. Nick Foles followed a similar path with the Eagles in 2017. Payton sees no reason Stidham cannot follow that same blueprint.

In Payton’s view, playoff success often comes down to preparation and trust, not résumé.

Broncos Prepared for the Transition

The Broncos have built their game plan with Stidham in mind, leaning into what he does best while maintaining continuity across the offense. Payton stressed that the team will not change its identity simply because of the quarterback switch.

Instead, Denver plans to rely on structure, discipline, and execution.

What This Means Moving Forward

As the Broncos prepare for the AFC Championship Game, Payton’s message is clear. Jarrett Stidham is not being asked to survive the moment. He is being asked to embrace it.

If preparation truly equals opportunity, Stidham now has a chance to write his own postseason chapter as Denver pushes for a Super Bowl berth.

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Matthew Stafford to Undergo Tests on Injured Finger

Josh Davis

oossports

Concerns have emerged about the health of Matthew Stafford following the Los Angeles Rams’ dramatic playoff victory Saturday afternoon vs. the Carolina Panthers. A source told Adam Schefter that Stafford will undergo tests Sunday on an injured finger on his throwing hand. (Source)

How the Injury Happened

Stafford said his finger on his right hand was bent backward late in the first half while attempting a pass. The quarterback struck the arm of a Panthers defender during his throwing motion, resulting in immediate discomfort.

While the Los Angeles Rams did not release detailed information after the game, the source indicated that Sunday’s tests will determine the severity of the injury and whether it could affect Stafford moving forward.

Stafford Played Through the Pain

Despite the injury, Stafford remained on the field and led the Rams to a crucial playoff win. He credited adrenaline for helping him push through the pain during the second half.

“It wasn’t pleasant,” Stafford said. “It wasn’t great. We’ll see what it is.”

That toughness proved vital, as the veteran quarterback delivered when it mattered most.

Strong Performance in Wild-Card Win

Stafford finished the game 24-of-42 for 304 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. His performance helped the Rams improve to 13–5 and secure a spot in the NFC divisional round.

Now, however, attention turns to his health. With the postseason intensifying, Stafford’s availability and effectiveness will be central to the Rams’ championship hopes.

What Comes Next for the Rams

The results of Sunday’s tests will provide clarity on Stafford’s condition. Until then, the Rams are expected to proceed cautiously, knowing how critical their quarterback is to their playoff run.

For now, Stafford’s status remains uncertain. Still, his ability to finish the wild-card game underscores his resilience — a trait the Rams may need again as their postseason journey continues.

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Philadelphia Eagles CB Darius Slay injured during Training Camp

Steelers CB Darius Slay Injured at Training Camp Practice

The Steelers’ secondary depth took another hit on Monday when Darius Slay suffered an ankle injury during training camp practice. The setback comes with starting cornerback Jalen Ramsey already sidelined, raising new concerns ahead of the team’s joint sessions with Tampa Bay later this week.

Slay’s Injury Compounds Cornerback Issues

Slay went down during team drills and did not return to the field. While the team has not released official details about the severity of the injury, his absence will be felt in an already thinned cornerback group. Ramsey has been out for the past week, missing valuable preparation time.

Notably, Slay’s durability has been a talking point in the past. As reported by FOX Sports Radio’s Adam Caplan, the veteran underwent arthroscopic knee surgery late in 2023, which could raise questions about his mobility. “You have to wonder how well he can run … and the Eagles learned this with James Bradberry, who they cut, who signed a big extension two years ago,” Caplan said. While those comments referred to his time in Philadelphia, they highlight the physical challenges Slay has battled in recent years.

Without two of their top defensive backs, the Steelers are relying on less experienced players to step into bigger roles. Cameron McCutchen, Kyler McMichael, and Daryl Porter are among those vying to prove themselves during this stretch.

Opportunity for Young Corners

The competition for roster spots at the bottom of the depth chart is heating up. For players like McCutchen, McMichael, and Porter, this is a prime opportunity to make their case to defensive coordinator Teryl Austin and head coach Mike Tomlin.

Slay’s and Ramsey’s absences open additional reps in both team and individual drills, allowing these young corners to showcase their skills against Pittsburgh’s top wideouts.

What It Means for the Steelers’ Defense

The Steelers entered training camp with one of the NFL’s more intriguing defensive backfields, combining veteran experience with promising young talent. However, the simultaneous losses of Slay and Ramsey create potential ripple effects that could extend into the early regular season.

  1. Depth Concerns – Without their two most established corners on the field, Pittsburgh risks overexposing younger players in live game situations.

  2. Scheme Adjustments – Austin may need to simplify coverage schemes or lean on more zone concepts until his starters are fully healthy.

  3. Increased Safety Responsibility – Minkah Fitzpatrick and the safeties may be tasked with more coverage support, which could impact blitz packages.

  4. Roster Pressure – If the injuries linger, the front office could explore adding a veteran cornerback before Week 1.

While injuries are an unavoidable part of training camp, losing two key players at the same position is a test of a team’s resilience and roster depth.

Looking Ahead to Tampa Bay

The Steelers will now shift their focus to joint practices with the Buccaneers before their preseason matchup in Pittsburgh this weekend. Tomlin has yet to announce which starters will suit up, but this game represents a key evaluation point for the coaching staff.

The preseason schedule is reaching its midpoint, making every rep critical—especially for those fighting for a spot in the secondary. While the team waits for updates on Slay’s status, the next few days could be defining for several fringe roster hopefuls.

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Eagles star carted off after scary leg injury at practice

Philadelphia Eagles guard Landon Dickerson was carted off the field Sunday after suffering a right leg injury during the team’s open practice at Lincoln Financial Field.

The three-time Pro Bowler went down awkwardly on a pass play late in practice and remained on the turf for several minutes. Trainers attended to him before helping him to his feet, but Dickerson was unable to put significant weight on his leg and was taken to the locker room via cart.

Further specifics on the injury have not been announced. Dickerson was not listed on the Eagles’ injury report earlier in the day but had been limited the day before due to a knee issue.

Drafted 37th overall out of Alabama in 2021, Dickerson has been a cornerstone of Philadelphia’s offensive line since his rookie year. He signed a four-year, $84 million extension last season and has helped power one of the league’s most dominant run games. Behind Dickerson and his linemates, Saquon Barkley rushed for an NFL-best 2,005 yards and 13 touchdowns last season as the Eagles captured Super Bowl 59 over the Kansas City Chiefs.

If the injury sidelines Dickerson for an extended period, it would be a significant blow to Philadelphia’s front line. The Eagles open the regular season September 4 against the Dallas Cowboys.

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Packers WR Jayden Reed in Walking Boot, “Day-to-Day” with Foot Injury

Green Bay Packers fans received a scare Saturday night when star wide receiver Jayden Reed was spotted in a walking boot ahead of the team’s preseason opener, a 30-10 loss to the New York Jets at Lambeau Field.

Coach Matt LaFleur confirmed after the game that Reed is dealing with a foot sprain not related to the toe injury he entered training camp with, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. LaFleur called Reed “day-to-day” and expressed optimism that the 24-year-old will be ready for the regular-season opener against the Detroit Lions on September. 7th.

“Hopefully he’ll be back for Week 1,” LaFleur said. “Anytime you see a guy in a boot, that’s a concern.”

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the injury came from Reed cutting awkwardly off his foot during practice. Reed offered only a brief comment when asked about it.“I just cut wrong off my foot and I’m a little sore,” Reed said. “I don’t want to be wrong about anything, so I ain’t gonna be the one to say it.”

Reed, a 2023 second-round pick out of Michigan State, led the Packers in receiving last season with 55 receptions for 857 yards and six touchdowns. His production was a key factor in Green Bay’s offensive success, making his health crucial as the team prepares for a pivotal NFC North matchup to start the season.

While Reed is expected to miss the remainder of the preseason, the Packers hope the time off will ensure he’s ready to return at full strength when it matters most.

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Colts running back suffers serious injury after controversial tackle at practice

Colts Running Back Suffers Serious Injury After Controversial Tackle at Practice

The Indianapolis Colts may have lost a key backfield piece for the season, and it happened under controversial circumstances.

Running back Salvon Ahmed was carted off the field Sunday after suffering a severe leg injury during a live 11-on-11 drill at Colts training camp. The play that caused the injury? A reported hip-drop tackle by rookie safety Trey Washington—a technique the NFL banned before the 2024 season due to its high risk of injury.

What Happened on the Field?

Ahmed broke free for a long run during full-contact drills at the Colts’ camp. According to reports from The Athletic, Washington chased him down and brought him to the ground using the hip-drop technique—grabbing from behind and dropping his weight directly onto Ahmed’s legs.

Per The Athletic’s James Boyd, Ahmed immediately grabbed his lower right leg and screamed in pain. ESPN’s Stephen Holder noted that his ankle was “stuck in an awkward position.”

Practice came to a halt as trainers rushed to the scene and stretchered Ahmed off the field. He was taken to a local hospital for X-rays. Head coach Shane Steichen later confirmed that Ahmed suffered a “severe leg injury.”

Understanding the Hip-Drop Ban

The NFL outlawed hip-drop tackles in 2024 after data showed the move was 25 times more likely to cause injury than a typical tackle. According to league rules, the tackle is defined by a defender unweighting themselves and dropping onto the legs of the ball carrier from behind.

Steichen told reporters the play in question fit the definition.

“We don’t encourage hip-drop tackles,” Steichen said. “I know Trey’s down in the dumps… but those [backups] are going to have to tackle come preseason.”

Fallout for Ahmed and Washington

Ahmed, 26, signed a one-year, non-guaranteed deal with Indianapolis after four seasons in Miami. In 38 career games, he logged 867 total yards and six touchdowns, averaging 4.3 yards per carry as a rotational back.

The injury could end his 2025 season before it begins—an especially brutal outcome for a player without guaranteed money on his contract.

Washington, an undrafted rookie out of Ole Miss, was fighting for a roster spot. While the hit may not have been intentional, it has drawn scrutiny due to its technique and result.

Teammates React

Veteran linebacker Zaire Franklin offered support for both players following the injury, acknowledging the tension between competition and safety in training camp.

“Young Trey, he’s competing for a job,” Franklin told The Athletic. “We’re not trying to hurt each other, but at the same time, we’re competing… It’s a part of the game, but definitely a tough break for Salvon.”

What’s Next for the Colts?

With Ahmed likely headed to injured reserve, the Colts may need to adjust their running back depth chart ahead of preseason action. The team is already relying on a committee approach behind starter Jonathan Taylor.

Whether or not the league further addresses the hip-drop rule’s enforcement in practice settings remains to be seen, but the incident in Indianapolis is sure to reignite the debate.

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Malik Nabers Compares Toe Injury to ‘Mosquito’ in Latest Update

New York Giants receiver Malik Nabers offered a colorful update on the lingering toe injury that dates back to his LSU days, assuring fans that while it’s annoying, it won’t stop him from being productive in 2025.

Speaking with Kay Adams on the Up & Adams Show, Nabers said the toe issue continues to bother him but is under control thanks to regular management with help from Russell Wilson’s training team and Giants staff.

“It’s like a mosquito that don’t want to go away,” Nabers said Monday. “I’m trying to shoo it away. But I’ve been doing a great job with Russell, trainers, you know, I’ve been using his physical therapist guys. I’ve been doing an excellent job of just staying on track of it… We’re just staying on top of it so it don’t give me any problems later on down the line.”

Malik Nabers Toe Injury Management

Nabers sat out voluntary workouts earlier in the spring to manage the injury, and Giants head coach Brian Daboll has stated the team will continue to monitor his workload as needed.

Despite the nagging nature of the toe issue, Nabers didn’t show signs of slowing down during his stellar rookie season. He finished 2024 with 109 receptions for 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns, missing only two games—and those were due to a concussion.

“This mosquito is one of them big mosquitoes,” the 22-year-old WR joked. “Can’t get this one. We’re trying to kill it, though.”

Big Role Ahead in New York

The toe injury may remain part of his routine in 2025, but it’s not expected to limit his ability to produce as the focal point of the Giants’ passing game. The former LSU star has quickly become Wilson’s favorite target in New York, and his chemistry with the veteran quarterback is one of the most promising developments of the Giants’ offseason.

As training camp ramps up, Daboll and the staff are expected to keep Nabers’ reps under control while focusing on long-term durability. If the “mosquito” remains just a nuisance and not a setback, Nabers is on pace for another big year.

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Cowboys starting lineman out multiple months with neck injury

The Dallas Cowboys are facing an early setback at training camp with news that offensive lineman has suffered a neck fracture and is expected to miss two to three months, per Adam Schefter.

The 26-year-old was working with the first-team offensive unit during the initial days of camp when the injury occurred on Sunday. Jones reportedly broke a bone in his neck and will now begin a long road to recovery that could sideline him through the first half of the 2025 season.

The Cowboys signed Jones to a one-year deal this offseason after he spent the previous three years with the Miami Dolphins. In 2024, the guard started all 17 games for the Dolphins at left guard, showcasing the type of reliability Dallas was hoping to add to its offensive front.

Jones originally entered the league in 2021 as an undrafted free agent, eventually landing a three-year, $2.45 million deal with the Dolphins. He managed to crack the 53-man roster in each of his first three seasons, proving himself as a dependable depth piece and eventual starter.

His injury is a significant blow to Dallas’ plans in the trenches. With questions already surrounding the team’s offensive line depth, losing a potential starter like Jones could lead to major reshuffling or even a move in the trade market before the regular season begins.

As the Cowboys continue preparations for the upcoming season, their offensive line rotation now becomes one of the key areas to watch.

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Buccaneers rookie edge rusher suffers season-ending ACL injury

Tampa Bay’s linebacker depth took a hit this week, as rookie edge rusher David Walker has been ruled out for the 2025 NFL season with a torn ACL.

The injury occurred during Friday’s practice, and a source confirmed the severity to The 33rd Team’s Ari Meirov. The Tampa Bay Times was the first to report the nature of the injury on Monday.

Walker, a fourth-round pick in April’s NFL Draft, was expected to serve in a reserve role behind veterans Haason Reddick and Yaya Diaby. Instead, he will now miss his entire rookie campaign before ever taking the field for a regular-season game.

The 6-foot-2, 260-pound linebacker arrived in Tampa Bay following an elite college career at Central Arkansas. A three-time FCS All-American, Walker led the nation with 23 tackles for loss last season and recorded 10.5 sacks. His efforts earned him the 2024 Buck Buchanan Award, given to the top defensive player in FCS football.

The Bucs had high hopes for the explosive rookie, especially as part of a retooled front seven that added star veteran Reddick during the offseason. Instead, the injury shifts attention to the depth behind their projected starters and may prompt a late-summer roster move if general manager Jason Licht decides to bring in outside help.

While Walker’s long-term outlook remains promising, his rookie season is officially over before it began. Tampa Bay is now left to navigate the loss as training camp ramps up and the regular season draws closer.

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Cardinals first-rounder Walter Nolen III expected to miss Training Camp

The Arizona Cardinals’ top rookie may not see the field for much of training camp—or possibly longer. Walter Nolen III, the 16th overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft, has suffered a calf injury and is expected to miss significant time, according to multiple reports.

Head coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed that Nolen will miss “some time” after getting hurt while training. Speaking to reporters, Gannon didn’t rule out the possibility that the rookie defensive tackle could also miss the start of the regular season, saying the team will take it “day by day.”

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport added that Nolen is expected to miss most or all of training camp, though no surgery has been reported.

A Big Blow for a Team Counting on Rookie Impact
Nolen arrived in Arizona with high expectations after a dominant collegiate career at Texas A&M and Ole Miss. Last season with the Rebels, he tallied 48 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks—numbers that earned him All-America recognition and top-20 draft status despite some pre-draft questions about his maturity.

For a Cardinals team trying to climb out of a long-term rebuild, this isn’t welcome news. They’ve missed the playoffs for three straight seasons and haven’t won a postseason game in over a decade. Though they doubled their win total from 2024 last year, the franchise remains a work in progress—and Nolen was drafted to be a key piece of that puzzle.

Next Steps and Long-Term Outlook
Calf injuries are tricky, particularly for linemen who rely heavily on burst and lower-body strength. Arizona’s staff will likely be cautious with the 6-foot-4, 295-pound rookie to avoid aggravating the issue. Whether he’s ready for Week 1 or not will depend on how his rehab progresses over the coming weeks.

The Cardinals’ defensive line rotation may need to adjust in his absence, with additional reps likely going to veterans and other rookies fighting for depth roles.

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