With week two of the NFL season having wrapped up, apart from tonight's Monday night game, teams are already trying to manage and overcome injuries. However, not all injuries are created equal in terms of who gets injured and these notable players will be much more difficult to replace.
Ravens lose Marshal Yanda for the season
Baltimore Ravens guard Marshal Yanda suffered a season-ending injury on the second play of the third quarter when he fractured his ankle. The Ravens have already been decimated by offensive line issues this year and now they have lost Yanda, who is considered to be one of the best offensive linemen in the entire league.
In his first ten seasons in the NFL, Yanda is a six-time Pro Bowler, a two-time First-Team All-Pro, and a three-time Second-Team All-Pro. Tony Bergstrom, whom the Ravens acquired in a trade with the Arizona Cardinals about two weeks ago, will start in Yanda's stead.
Ravens HC John Harbaugh said G Marshal Yanda is out for the year with an ankle injury.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 17, 2017
Greg Olsen breaks his foot
In the first half of the Carolina Panthers game against the Buffalo Bills, star tight end Greg Olsen left the game. He came out after halftime on crutches and wearing a walking foot, which is generally not a good sign. Following the Panthers 9-3 win over the Buffalo Bills, Olsen told reporters that his foot was broken, saying “I am going to miss a lot of games.”
The three-time Pro Bowler is coming off of the best stretch of his career, as he became the first tight end in NFL history to record three straight 1,000 yard receiving seasons.
ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported that Olsen has already had surgery on his foot, which took place this morning. The Panthers will now need veteran tight end Ed Dickson to step up in Olsen's absence.
Panthers TE Greg Olsen will undergo surgery on his broken right foot and is expected to miss 6-8 weeks, per @mortreport.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 18, 2017
Broncos Garett Bolles gets carted off
The Denver Broncos rookie left tackle and first-round draft pick Garett Bolles got carted off in the third quarter of yesterday's impressive victory over the Dallas Cowboys. Bolles injured his left foot and was later seen on crutches and wearing a walking boot leaving the stadium.
The team feared that Bolles could miss several weeks minimum or maybe even most of the season, but the MRI he underwent today revealed good news. Head coach Vance Joseph said during a radio interview on “Orange and Blue 760” that he has a bone bruise in his lower left leg.
Bolles is week-to-week but will likely miss the next two games and then come back after the team's bye week.
Veteran Allen Barbe, who the Broncos got in a trade with the Eagles almost a month ago, spent most of the time replacing Bolles at left tackle.
Broncos now consider OT Garett Bolles week to week with a bone bruise.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 18, 2017
Jordan Howard leaves game with shoulder injury
Jordan Howard had the worst game of his NFL career yesterday, only managing 7 yards on 9 carries. However, the Chicago Bears running back appeared to worsen his shoulder injury, which caused him to be a limited participant in practice all week. Bears insider for WGM Radio 720 Adam Hoge reported that Howard was spotted leaving the stadium with his right arm in a sling.
Howard was expected to carry a limited Bears offensive, especially coming off a fabulous rookie season in which he had 1,313 yards, averaged 5.2 yards per carry and recorded six rushing touchdowns.
It is unknown how Howard's injury could impact his availability, as head coach John Fox said that it is still the same
This means that fourth-round pick Tarik Cohen could have to carry the load next week, especially since veteran backup Benny Cunningham is still dealing with a high ankle sprain he suffered in the preseason.
Jordan Howard declined to speak to reporters & left the stadium with his right arm in a sling. He came into the game with a shoulder issue.
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) September 17, 2017
Fox also says that Jordan Howard's shoulder injury is still the same. #Bears
— Aaron Leming (@AaronLemingNFL) September 18, 2017