The first three weeks of the new NFL season are in the books and there has been a plethora of injuries so far. Injuries play a big part in a team’s performance as teams that are facing injuries will have to find a way to work around them. Here are players people should keep an eye on who are currently battling injury.
Tua Tagovailoa
Tua Tagovailoa has been a rising star in the NFL. He dominated during his time as quarterback at the University of Alabama. In his rookie season last year, Tagovailoa became starting quarterback later in the season for the Miami Dolphins. He had a record of 6-3 as a starter. Tagovailoa was named the permanent starter for this season, energized to start the season strong.
Unfortunately, early in the first quarter during his week 2 outing against the Buffalo Bills, he took a big hit to the ribs and was slow to get up. He slowly got off the field and walked himself towards the sidelines. Unfortunately, Tagovailoa could not sit on the bench any longer and was carted out of the stadium. According to NFL insider Ian Rapaport, Tagovailoa will be on injury reserve, meaning he will miss the next three games. Without Tagovailoa, the Dolphins will have to turn to Jacoby Brissett, former Indianapolis Colts starter. This will be tough for the Dolphins offense as the Dolphin receivers will have to play with Brissett with little playing experience with him.
Carson Wentz
New Indianapolis Colts QB and former Philadelphia Eagles starter Carson Wentz has been injury prone in his career so far. A handful of injuries and underwhelming results led him to Indianapolis in a trade this offseason to try and rejuvenate the Colts’ franchise. In week 2 against the Los Angeles Rams, Wentz would succumb to another injury after taking a hit and rolling his ankle. He would leave in the later part of the game.
Wentz has a history of ankle injuries from his time with the Eagles. It was revealed that his injury was a separated ankle. Before the Colts’ week 3 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Wentz was ruled a game-time decision. Wentz would end up playing against the Titans and did not get the win losing 25-16. Wentz threw for 194 yards but had no touchdown passes to show for. Wentz did not look 100% in the game. The Colts are hoping that Wentz can overcome his injury and be the star he once was. At this point in time, the Colts face a roadblock from Wentz’s injury and an 0-3 start to their season.
T.J. Watt
A rising star in the linebacker position for the Pittsburgh Steelers, T.J. Watt, had an explosive 2020 regular season, collecting 15 sacks and nearly winning defensive player of the year. The Steelers were expecting a lot from him this season. Pittsburgh agreed on a four-year $112 million extension with $80 million guaranteed this offseason for Watt, making him the highest paid defensive player in the NFL. In the Steelers’ week 2 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Watt pulled his groin during a defensive effort. He would leave the game and not return. It was reported that Watt would be ruled out for the next game against the Bengals. This past Sunday went by and saw the Steelers defense struggle against the Bengals without Watt. Pittsburgh would fall to the Bengals 24-10. The Steelers will need to find ways to fill the void that Watt will leave while injured.
We’ve seen players ruled out for a few games like Tua Tagovailoa and T.J. Watt, and players like Carson Wentz playing but not to their full potential. Hopefully we see those three – and other players who are injured- healthy and ready to get back on the football field soon.

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