Many key players around the NFL have sustained injuries that are leaving them on the physically unable-to-perform list (PUP). There are many reasons why someone may be on this list, but being on this list means the player will automatically be out for the first four weeks, at the minimum.
Running Backs
Highlighting the list this year is Nick Chubb. Chubb has been the Browns lead back for multiple seasons now, proving himself as one of the best players in the NFL. Last season, Chubb sustained a gruesome knee injury against the Pittsburgh Steelers in week two last season.
Chubb underwent multiple surgeries and has been rehabbing all offseason. He recently returned to doing drills such as running and cutting but is not expected to be back for multiple more weeks.
The Browns expect Jerome Ford to fill the hole left by Nick Chubb. Ford did a good job last year, rushing for 813 yards on 204 carries in Chubb’s absence.
Another running back beginning the season on the PUP list is the Panthers’ rookie Jonathan Brooks. Brooks was drafted out of Texas in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Unfortunately, Brooks suffered a torn ACL against TCU late in the college football season last year. Before the injury, Brooks had rushed for 1,139 yards on 187 carries (6.1 yards per carry), and 10 touchdowns.
Upon returning, Brooks will bring an explosive look to the Panthers offense, which will be important. Until then, Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders will lead the way for the Panthers backfield.
Some key players will be starting the NFL season on the PUP list causing them to miss at least the first four games of the season. Many guys are coming off ACL and multi-ligament tears and will need a few more weeks to recover and strengthen before return.
— The Predictors Medical (@sportsdocmatt) August 27, 2024
#NFL #BangedUpScore pic.twitter.com/stVMYu6DEu
Tight Ends
Moving on to tight ends, the most notable name on the list is Vikings’ T.J. Hockenson. Hockenson was well on pace for over 1,000 yards before tearing his ACL and MCL against the Lions in Week 16.
Hockenson has been one of the more reliable tight ends over the last few seasons, but will likely not be ready until much later in the season. Minnesota will hope they can get their Pro Bowl tight end back. Johnny Mundt will be filling in for Hockenson until we see his return to the field.
Another tight end on the list, although not as big a name as Hockenson, is Tyler Higbee. Higbee suffered a torn ACL very late in the season, also against the Lions. Higbee has been the Rams tight end since 2016.
Although he has not put up superstar numbers like some other people on this list, he has still been a very important player to the Rams’ offense and a reliable target for Matthew Stafford. Colby Parkinson will be filling in for the Rams' vacant tight end spot.
Both these players fell victim to low hits by Kerby Joseph, who faced heavy criticism around the league for causing these injuries.
Wide Receivers
Moving onto wide receivers, Patriots’ Kendrick Bourne will be missing the first few weeks of the season. Bourne tore his ACL in the middle of the season last year. Before his injury, Bourne was putting up respectable numbers, especially for how the Patriots quarterback room looked last year. Through seven games, he hauled in 37 catches for 406 yards and four touchdowns.
The Patriots have a very young offense and will need all the help they can get. Although they have not announced a starting quarterback yet, rookie Drake Maye is in the running and can use Bourne back as soon as possible. Until then, the Pats will be relying on rookie Ja’Lynn Polk and DeMario Douglas to carry the load for them.
One last player we see going on the PUP List is Odell Beckham Jr. Beckham has struggled to catch back on since his 2019 season in Cleveland. Looking for a fresh start, he moved on to a loaded Miami Dolphins offense, but his fresh start is not off to a good start.
Beckham is out due to an offseason procedure, according to Ian Rappaport, and Miami knew there was a good chance he would be out. When he returns, he will not have a very big role in the offense, as he will be stuck behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, but he may still be able to be a good role player for Miami.
The #Dolphins will start Odell Beckham Jr on PUP, per me and @TomPelissero.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 27, 2024
When Miami signed him in May, they were aware this was possibility, due to an offseason procedure he had. OBJ has worked hard, but MIA felt the best path was to ease him in. It’s a long-term decision. pic.twitter.com/YiROpHqnjX
Conclusion
Seeing this many players out before the season starts is not what any fan hoped for, but unfortunately is part of the game. The way teams overcome them and ease their stars back into the game is what separates the good from the great.
