Caleb Williams was carted off the field with a hamstring injury. Jayden Daniels needed a cart after he dislocated his elbow again.
Williams and Daniels, both Heisman Trophy winners, were selected with the first two picks in the 2024 NFL draft. Their simultaneous injuries during Sunday’s games pose significant concerns for their teams and the league, as both quarterbacks are seen as franchise cornerstones.
The implications of these injuries extend beyond the players themselves. For the Chicago Bears, who have high expectations this season, losing Williams could derail their campaign. Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders must navigate their season without Daniels, raising questions about their competitiveness in the NFC East.
Fortunately, there is optimism regarding Williams’ condition. After the game, he was observed walking around the locker room with only a slight limp, suggesting he may have avoided a severe injury. An MRI scheduled for Monday will provide further clarity on the situation, but the Bears are likely to exercise caution, particularly given Williams’ reliance on mobility in his playing style.
A potential worst-case scenario could involve an injury akin to the one Dak Prescott suffered in 2024, where a hamstring tendon detached from the bone, requiring surgery and an extensive recovery period. Seeing Williams visibly emotional on the cart, with a towel draped over his face, was distressing for fans, teammates, and coaches alike. After a challenging rookie season, Williams had rebounded impressively under coach Ben Johnson, leading the Bears to an NFC North title and a playoff win last year.
“I’m actually happy it’s nothing with the knee, that was my first inclination,” Johnson remarked. “But yeah, the hamstring could be pretty damaging as well. So, we’ll see how bad it is and we’ll go from there.”
Daniels, on the other hand, has faced similar challenges previously. He dislocated his left elbow in Week 9 of the last season, returned in Week 14, but then re-injured it, leading to him missing the final four games of the season. He was the AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2024, guiding the Commanders to the NFC Championship game, but injuries have restricted his playing time significantly.
Coach Dan Quinn stated that initial imaging showed Daniels did not suffer a fracture, and further tests are scheduled for Monday. However, the recurrence of the elbow injury raises concerns about the long-term stability of his joint. Dr. David Chao, an orthopedic surgeon and former team physician for the Chargers, noted that “the joint comes out easier the second time. Original ligament tear heals ‘looser.’”
Quinn succinctly summarized the situation: “It sucks.”
As the Bears (1-1) prepare for their upcoming game against the Philadelphia Eagles (2-0), they face uncertainty regarding Williams’ status. If he cannot play, Tyson Bagent is likely to step in. Fortunately for Williams, an extra day of rest is available due to the Monday night game.
The Commanders (0-2), on the other hand, will turn to veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota in Daniels’ absence. Their aspirations for the season appear bleak without their starting signal-caller, particularly in a challenging NFC East division.
In addition to the worries about Williams and Daniels, several takeaways emerged from the NFL games on Sunday:
Shaky Packers Can Win Without Parsons: The Green Bay Packers overcame a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter to defeat the New York Jets 20-17 in overtime, marking their first win without star pass rusher Micah Parsons.
Resilient Saints Are Playoff Contenders: Tyler Shough led the New Orleans Saints to a comeback victory against the Baltimore Ravens, further solidifying their position in the weak NFC South.
Bengals’ Defense Is For Real: Cincinnati’s revamped defense kept the Houston Texans out of the end zone, proving to be a formidable force in their 20-6 victory.
Mahomes Is Superman: Patrick Mahomes, returning from knee surgery, showcased his elite skills with 382 yards and three touchdown passes in a thrilling overtime win against the Indianapolis Colts.
Denver’s Defense Bounces Back: After a rough start, the Broncos’ defense stifled the Jaguars, leading to a 20-13 comeback victory.
Raiders Are Kirk’s Team: Kirk Cousins’ impressive performance led the Las Vegas Raiders to a 26-14 win over the Chargers, as he continues to assert himself as the team leader.
___
See AP’s full NFL coverage here
