Top 10 most impactful NFL injuries/absences this season

Each year, there are substantial injuries that determine the outlook for NFL teams. The unfortunate blows this year have already cost multiple games and have pointed to long-term implications.

Here are some of the most impactful injuries thus far.

Honorable Mention: Tyreek Hill - MIA

With the dumpster fire that is the Miami Dolphins, this injury does not matter as much. As long as Tua Tagovailoa stays healthy, the offense should remain semi-functional. With a 1-4 record, Miami has deeper issues beyond Hill’s injury.

No. 10: James Conner and Trey Benson - ARI

These injuries quite literally cost Arizona the game against the dreadful Tennessee Titans. It was laughably impressive that the Cardinals lost the game, following Emari Demercado’s 80-yard goal-line drop that would’ve sealed it.

Like Miami, this is an issue that goes far beyond James Conner and Trey Benson. However, it appears the team’s sense of awareness is injured as well.

No. 9 Rashee Rice - KC

Kansas City is now third in the AFC West with a 2-3 record, following the loss on Monday to Jacksonville. This is an offense that looks far worse than it has in the past five years. Patrick Mahomes has been scrambling for his life with zero downfield threats.

After his six-game suspension, Rice will look to provide the true number one receiving option for Mahomes. In the three games he played last season, Rice tallied 24 receptions for 288 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Chiefs need a dynamic playmaker and will not get it until Week 7.

No. 8 Nick Bosa - SF

The 49ers have gotten by without their star defensive end; however, one could assume this injury will catch up to them at some point. San Francisco has been plagued by injuries in losing star tight end George Kittle, as well as starting quarterback Brock Purdy. Bosa’s absence significantly weakens the Niners’ defense and especially the pass rush. In the past, the 49ers’ record without Bosa was 6-12.

No. 7 Khalil Mack - LAC

The Chargers' defensive front has been very streaky. After going down with a dislocated elbow a few weeks ago, Los Angeles has been scrambling to replace the All-Pro. The team recently acquired Odafe Oweh to replace Mack, and he will look to increase production up front.

The Chargers have allowed more explosive plays than usual and have especially struggled against the QB-run. Since Mack has been out, the team is 1-2, recently dropping games to the Giants and Commanders.

No. 6 Maxwell Hairston - BUF

You rarely find a rookie as a key absence for a team that has Super Bowl aspirations like the Bills. For starters, Hairston is an athlete. In 2023 at Kentucky, he led the SEC with five interceptions and recorded second-team All-SEC honors last season despite only playing 7 games.

The Bills need a speedy corner who specializes in man coverage. Tre’Davious White has been insufferable and has allowed far too many explosive plays. He is also rated one of the least productive corners in the NFL, according to PFF.

No. 5 - Rashawn Slater - LAC

As the backbone of the Chargers’ offensive line, this was an extreme low-blow. Slater was deemed out for the year after suffering a torn patellar tendon in the preseason.

This came just weeks after he was made the highest-paid lineman in the NFL. This injury has been costly, as the Chargers have given up 17 sacks in just five games, which is the fourth-highest total in the league.

No. 4 Malik Nabers - NYG

This is more of a long-term setback for the entire Giants organization. The scene was eerily reminiscent of a young Odell Beckham Jr. being carted off the field with a torn ACL.

That image reflects a devastating loss of one of the best young stars in the game. Malik Nabers is an undeniable talent who has contributed vastly to the Giants’ offense. Now, with rookie Jaxson Dart starting, this loss makes things even worse for Brian Daboll's offense and Dart’s development.

No. 3 Lamar Jackson - BAL

The significance of this injury has become far more evident in Baltimore's most recent 44-10 blowout loss at home. Lamar Jackson is the heart of the entire offense, and after going down with a hamstring injury against the Chiefs, nothing has been the same.

Derrick Henry and Zay Flowers are both a fraction of their true selves when Jackson is absent. Overall, the entire offense needs Jackson back.

No. 2 Ravens Defense - BAL

As if Lamar Jackson’s absence was not enough, here is the entire Ravens defense coming in at the No. 2 spot. Many issues are going on in Baltimore, but when the bulk of your defensive stars are out, surely those issues will escalate even more.

Last week, Baltimore was without linebacker Roquan Smith, cornerback Marlon Humphrey, cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, and safety Kyle Hamilton. Both DTs Nnamdi Madubuike and Broderick Washington Jr. are expected to miss significant time as well. This is the result of an old, fragile team.

No. 1 Joe Burrow - CIN

The absence of Joe Burrow is easily the most substantial, as the Bengals have barely shown a pulse. Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Chase Brown have all been hindered in their performances, and the Bengals as a whole look horrible. Luckily, the team traded for Joe Flacco, and the production from the offense is hopeful to ramp up.

Sam Simonic is a first-year student majoring in print/digital journalism. To contact him, please email sps7381@psu.edu.