Injuries are part of the game, but five teams have been especially unlucky with injuries in the first half of the NFL regular season. Dallas, Washington, Arizona, New York Jets and Baltimore have all been without their best or most valuable players at some point in the season.
Dallas: The Cowboys have shot themselves in the foot with penalties and terrible game management through their first seven games. To make matters worse running back and most consistent offensive weapon DeMarco Murray has missed the last two games with a sprained foot and his status is uncertain for the future. The heart and soul of the Cowboys defense, linebacker Sean Lee, had toe surgery on Tuesday and is out for the season. The injury to Lee will make it challenging for the Cowboys to make the postseason.
Washington: The Redskins strengths entering the season was a rookie quarterback with an unlimited ceiling and a strong front seven on defense. In week 1, Pierre Garcon caught a 88-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Robert Griffin III. From that point it looked like Garcon would become the No. 1 target for the 2011 Heisman Trophy winner. During that opening game, Garcon picked up a foot injury and hasn't been the same since. He is currently out and might be rested the next two games. The Redskins front seven took a major blow in week 2 when the Geico caveman's best friend and linebacker Brian Orakpo (torn pectoral) and defensive end Adam Carriker (torn quad) picked up injuries and were ruled out for the season. Since then RGIII hasn't found chemistry with his receivers and the Redskins defense has struggled.
Arizona: The Cardinals started the season 4-0 and were rolling with quarterback Kevin Kolb. Then Kolb picked up a rib injury and John Skelton took over. Skelton started the last two games and Arizona were defeated in both. The running back position for the Cardinals has been hit the hardest by injury. Beanie Wells (turf toe) and Ryan Williams (shoulder) both picked up serious injuries and Arizona has been forced to rely on William Powell and LaRod Stephens-Howling. In Arizona's last game on Monday night they only rushed for seven total yards. Injuries to the offense has derailed a dream season for the Cardinals.
New York Jets: The team might be a mess anyway but the losses of cornerback Darrelle Revis and wide receiver Santonio Holmes hasn't helped Rex Ryan's team. Revis is regarded as the best player at his position and he tore his ACL in week 3. Holmes is the best wide receiver on the Jets and sustained a season ending foot injury in week 4.
Baltimore: The Ravens aging defense means that offensive players like Joe Flacco and Ray Rice have been forced to pick up the slack. The nightmare for the Ravens and their fans was in week 6. Season ending injuries to cornerback LarDarius Webb (torn ACL) and linebacker Ray Lewis (torn tricep) were absolutely devastating. Webb is strong in coverage and is difficult to replace. Lewis may have lost a step at age 37, but his leadership is vital. The injury to Lewis could end his Hall of Fame career.
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Dallas: The Cowboys have shot themselves in the foot with penalties and terrible game management through their first seven games. To make matters worse running back and most consistent offensive weapon DeMarco Murray has missed the last two games with a sprained foot and his status is uncertain for the future. The heart and soul of the Cowboys defense, linebacker Sean Lee, had toe surgery on Tuesday and is out for the season. The injury to Lee will make it challenging for the Cowboys to make the postseason.
Washington: The Redskins strengths entering the season was a rookie quarterback with an unlimited ceiling and a strong front seven on defense. In week 1, Pierre Garcon caught a 88-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Robert Griffin III. From that point it looked like Garcon would become the No. 1 target for the 2011 Heisman Trophy winner. During that opening game, Garcon picked up a foot injury and hasn't been the same since. He is currently out and might be rested the next two games. The Redskins front seven took a major blow in week 2 when the Geico caveman's best friend and linebacker Brian Orakpo (torn pectoral) and defensive end Adam Carriker (torn quad) picked up injuries and were ruled out for the season. Since then RGIII hasn't found chemistry with his receivers and the Redskins defense has struggled.
Arizona: The Cardinals started the season 4-0 and were rolling with quarterback Kevin Kolb. Then Kolb picked up a rib injury and John Skelton took over. Skelton started the last two games and Arizona were defeated in both. The running back position for the Cardinals has been hit the hardest by injury. Beanie Wells (turf toe) and Ryan Williams (shoulder) both picked up serious injuries and Arizona has been forced to rely on William Powell and LaRod Stephens-Howling. In Arizona's last game on Monday night they only rushed for seven total yards. Injuries to the offense has derailed a dream season for the Cardinals.
New York Jets: The team might be a mess anyway but the losses of cornerback Darrelle Revis and wide receiver Santonio Holmes hasn't helped Rex Ryan's team. Revis is regarded as the best player at his position and he tore his ACL in week 3. Holmes is the best wide receiver on the Jets and sustained a season ending foot injury in week 4.
Baltimore: The Ravens aging defense means that offensive players like Joe Flacco and Ray Rice have been forced to pick up the slack. The nightmare for the Ravens and their fans was in week 6. Season ending injuries to cornerback LarDarius Webb (torn ACL) and linebacker Ray Lewis (torn tricep) were absolutely devastating. Webb is strong in coverage and is difficult to replace. Lewis may have lost a step at age 37, but his leadership is vital. The injury to Lewis could end his Hall of Fame career.
Follow @TheNFLInjuryRpt
