The sound of MRI machines buzzing around the NFL was predictable. Teams braced for a rash of injuries amid the COVID-19 pandemic, comparing the lack of offseason preparation and subsequent injuries to the post-lockout injury outbreak in 2011.
Several superstars who were eyeing massive 2020 seasons were suddenly taking to social media to promise an epic comeback in 2021.
Things have gotten so bad with the New York Jets, who had 17 players on the injury report last week, that the team is looking into the repeated issues, particularly the frequent soft-tissue injuries, according to sources.
But while the Jets are nowhere near contention, others have enough depth to keep their hopes alive. We're also not including the Los Angeles Chargers here; even though they're plenty banged up, that seems to be a perennial problem for them. Here are six contenders who are currently facing significant injury issues, along with insights from opposing coaches and execs on how likely they are to weather the storm.
San Francisco 49ers
Notable players on injured reserve: Nick Bosa, defensive end; Solomon Thomas, defensive end; Tevin Coleman, running back; Deebo Samuel, wide receiver; Richard Sherman, cornerback; Jalen Hurd, wide receiver; Tavon Austin, wide receiver; Weston Richburg, center (physically unable to perform list)
Other key players missing time: Jimmy Garoppolo, quarterback; George Kittle, tight end; Raheem Mostert, running back; Dee Ford, defensive end; Dre Greenlaw, linebacker; Ahkello Witherspoon, cornerback
Key replacements: Nick Mullens, quarterback; Jerick McKinnon, running back; Ziggy Ansah, defensive end; Mohamed Sanu, wide receiver
Reasons for optimism: Coach Kyle Shanahan could scheme up winning zone-rushing attacks with Silicon Valley-based financial analysts. He's had success with several running backs and that won't stop now. He's also had success with Mullens, who acquitted himself well in 2018 with 2,277 yards, 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in eight games. And the schedule remains soft, with the Eagles and Dolphins coming up before a Week 6 clash with the Rams.
Reasons for pessimism: Bosa is irreplaceable. Many evaluators considered him a top-three overall edge rusher entering the league. Ansah, signed last week, is a capable veteran but isn't dominant at this stage in his career. That puts pressure on rookie Javon Kinlaw to produce in short order. He's up for it but doesn't have much depth behind him. An interior offensive line considered a weak spot entering the season (by 49ers standards) likely won't be getting Richburg back any time soon.
What I heard this week: San Francisco has been very happy with McKinnon's recovery from multiple right knee surgeries and believes he can carry the load for the short term. He might not be a guy who runs a 4.3-second 40-yard dash anymore, but he's looked fluid and has shown good balance when taking contact. Sanu has been a welcome addition inside 49ers headquarters because of his smarts and savvy, two things the coaches covet.
Seattle Seahawks
Notable players on IR: Phillip Dorsett, wide receiver; Marquise Blair, safety; Bruce Irvin, linebacker; Branden Jackson, defensive end; Darrell Taylor, defensive end (non-football injury list); Rashaad Penny, running back (PUP list)
Other key players missing time: Chris Carson, running back; Quinton Dunbar, cornerback; Neiko Thorpe, cornerback; Cedric Ogbuehi, offensive tackle; Lano Hill, safety; Damien Lewis, guard
Key replacements: B.J. Finney, guard; Ugo Amadi, safety; Jamarco Jones, guard; Carlos Hyde, running back
Reasons for optimism: The Seahawks' losses are voluminous but manageable. The team got good news with Carson, who could return from a low-grade knee sprain as soon as this week. Save for Irvin, most key players have a chance to return this year. And all of quarterback Russell Wilson's bones and ligaments are intact and should be bubble-wrapped at all times. Word is that Wilson has taken extra precautions during the recent COVID-19 spike, tightening his circle and doing everything possible to avoid a positive test.
Reasons for pessimism: The defense simply doesn't have the depth to survive long-term problems up front. The Seahawks looked into several free-agent pass-rusher options, including Cameron Wake, in recent months, before settling on their current rotation. They are planning for second-round rookie Darrell Taylor to help when healthy, but he's probably a few weeks away. The reality is that the Seahawks must be prepared to win more shootouts.
What I heard this week: The Seahawks' willingness to "let Russ cook" more often is a combination of Wilson's growth as a passer and the Seahawks having their best receiving corps in years. They feel strongly positive about the four-man crew of D.K. Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, David Moore (who quietly had a great camp) and Dorsett (when healthy). Plus, they are eager to expand Josh Gordon's impact in Year 2, assuming he gets reinstated from suspension in the coming weeks. Seattle explored an Antonio Brown signing but cooled off, primarily because it loves what it has.
New Orleans Saints
Notable players on IR: Ty Montgomery, running back; Johnson Bademosi, defensive back; Kiko Alonso, linebacker (PUP)
Other key players missing time: Michael Thomas, wide receiver; David Onyemata, defensive tackle; Marcus Davenport, defensive end; Chase Hansen, linebacker; Andrus Peat, offensive lineman
Key replacements: Trey Hendrickson, defensive end; Deonte Harris, wide receiver; Tre'Quan Smith, wide receiver; Malcom Brown, defensive tackle
Reasons for optimism: Thomas -- who is a first-down machine on short-to-intermediate routes that coach Sean Payton schemes up -- has been pushing hard to return, and could be an option this weekend vs. the Lions. Payton told reporters he hopes Davenport returns this week, too. If Davenport maximizes his enormous potential, Cameron Jordan will see fewer double-teams.
Reasons for pessimism: New Orleans' problems seem bigger than health. Penalties have plagued the defense, and quarterback Drew Brees has struggled to stretch defenses vertically or make off-platform throws. Checking down to Alvin Kamara, who looks phenomenal, is always a good idea, but it's obvious Payton can't hit every page of the playbook right now, which is very unlike the Saints.
What I heard this week: One NFC exec said he wouldn't be surprised to see the Saints explore potential trades at the Oct. 29 deadline. They pride themselves on being aggressive, as evidenced by the late push for Jadeveon Clowney before Week 1. They could use one more playmaker to balance out the offense. The Emmanuel Sanders experiment at wide receiver has produced two touchdowns but is trending for less than 500 yards on the season.
Indianapolis Colts
Notable players on IR: Trey Burton, tight end; Malik Hooker, safety; Sheldon Day, defensive tackle; Parris Campbell, wide receiver; Marlon Mack, running back
Other key players missing time: Michael Pittman, wide receiver; Jack Doyle, tight end; Rock Ya-Sin, cornerback (illness)
Key replacements: Jonathan Taylor, running back; Julian Blackmon, safety; T.J. Carrie, cornerback; Kenny Moore, cornerback
Reasons for optimism: Indy just overwhelmed the Vikings and Jets by a combined score of 64-18. The Colts look just fine. One of the game's best offensive lines is largely healthy. The upcoming schedule is manageable with the Bears, Browns, Bengals and Lions, giving Indy a month to heal up before back-to-back clashes with the Ravens and Titans.
Reasons for pessimism: The Colts weren't exactly loaded at wide receiver to begin with -- Pittman was supposed to help with that -- and now are out two pass-catchers in the rotation. This applies more pressure on quarterback Philip Rivers, who might be better off throwing less than 30 times per game at this stage.
What I heard this week: Considered one of the game's best teams at discovering and developing talent, the Colts believe they have several gems who can help offset losses. Tight end Mo Alie-Cox, a former undrafted free agent and basketball player at Virginia Commonwealth, has developed into a prime target. And the team is high on young safeties Julian Blackmon and Khari Willis.
Dallas Cowboys
Notable players on IR: La'el Collins, offensive tackle; Chidobe Awuzie, cornerback; Anthony Brown, cornerback; Cam Erving, offensive tackle; Blake Jarwin, tight end; Leighton Vander Esch, linebacker; Sean Lee, linebacker
Other key players missing time: Tyron Smith, offensive tackle
Key replacements: Dalton Schultz, tight end; Terence Steele, offensive tackle; Trysten Hill, defensive tackle
Reasons for optimism: Smith could be on the way back for the Browns game in Week 4, and most of the cornerback depth issues are considered short-term. Dalton Schultz has played better than expected in replace of Jarwin. And quarterback Dak Prescott is averaging nearly 400 yards per game. Moving the ball isn't an issue.
Reasons for pessimism: Uncertainty surrounds Collins' situation. The talented tackle has tried to stave off surgery, but there's no word on when he'll return. Prescott took shots in the pocket last weekend without the Cowboys' top two tackles, forcing Zack Martin to play outside. The Cowboys' identity starts with a stout offensive line, and that's not a strength right now.
What I heard this week: Though the Cowboys love Smith, still a premier tackle, several execs believe Dallas is frustrated by his durability concerns, missing at least three games every year since 2016. And it's happening again. Meanwhile, execs see linebacker Jaylon Smith as a great downhill player but lacking in lateral quickness. With Vander Esch and Lee still out, how Smith fares on passing downs moving forward is something to watch. Dallas insists on standing pat on the interior defensive line and the secondary despite injuries, sources said, hoping to build cohesive units with the mix of veterans and young players in place. The Cowboys simply haven't aggressively pursued Earl Thomas or other big-name free agents still available.
Las Vegas Raiders
Notable players on IR: Richie Incognito, offensive guard; Marcus Mariota, quarterback; Tyrell Williams, wide receiver
Other key players missing time: Henry Ruggs III, wide receiver; Trent Brown, offensive tackle; Nick Kwiatkoski, linebacker; Damon Arnette, cornerback
Key replacements: Sam Young, offensive tackle; Ukeme Eligwe, linebacker; John Simpson, guard; Nevin Lawson, cornerback
Reasons for optimism: One of the AFC's most physically imposing offensive lines should be made whole soon. Incognito's Achilles tendon issue is not considered a long-term malady, and Brown has a chance to come back this week.
Reasons for pessimism: The Arnette loss is costly. A reaggravated thumb injury will test a thin corner lineup. Lawson is experienced, but hardly a long-term solution. Versatile veteran Lamarcus Joyner can play corner or safety.
What I heard this week: Kwiatkoski is eyeing a return this week, per a source. His pectoral injury cost him a few games, but he didn't suffer major damage. The Raiders rebuilt their linebacker corps by signing Kwiatkoski and Cory Littleton in free agency, and want to develop their chemistry together.