Another one bites the dust: Week 8’s NFL Injury Crisis

Kaitlyn Nielsen | Sports Editor

With the conclusion of week eight of the NFL regular season there is one major issue on everyone's minds right now, the amount of injured players. This week alone there were 138 players rendered in active or out for their games. Many teams reported having as many as 7 players rendered out due to injury. Injuries are expected but this week showed just how quickly a team's momentum can shift. 

In particular there were two injuries within the past two weeks that shocked the nation. A Wide Receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Mike Evans and New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo had shocking and season ending injuries. 

This season for Mike Evans has been marked with injuries and setbacks. During the week 3 game against the New York Jets, Evans suffered a hamstring injury in the fourth quarter. This ultimately sidelined him for several weeks. Until he made his comeback in the week 7 game against the Detroit Lions. In the second quarter Evans made a diving catch and on impact he suffered a concussion and clavicle break. Unfortunately, those types of injuries require Evans to undergo surgery, which rules him out for the remainder of the regular season. This was a tough blow for the Buccaneers, whose team has experienced multiple extensive injuries sidelinging a lot of their star players. 

For the New York Giants, Cam Skattebo was having a breakout rookie season. Prior to Sunday's injury, Skattebo was leading in most yards from scrimmage and touchdowns for all rookies. In the past seven weeks he was able to rack up 410 rushing yards, 207 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns. His demanding presence and performance came to a sudden halt during Sunday's game against the Eagles. During the second quarter, while being tackled his right leg was pinned underneath him which ultimately led to his foot becoming dislocated. Critics alike are upset over this injury not only because of the loss of a good player but the referee's questionable calls made throughout the game. Zack Baun tackled Skattebo in a “hip-drop style” which is a banned tackle, following the injury referees did not make any calls regarding the illegal usage. 

As the NFL is approaching the middle of their regular season, week eight has been a bleak reminder to sports fans the physical toll football takes on the human body. As the season progresses the loss of players such as Evans and Skattebo leaves a void, it has completely reshaped playoff hopes and reminds the fans the fine line between victory and heartbreak in the NFL.