As the 2025 NFL season nears, several teams are already confronting serious injuries to key players during training camps and preseason games. In particular, the Rashawn Slater leg injury update has raised alarm among fans, while Matthew Stafford’s status remains uncertain due to back issues. These setbacks add to the tensions heading into the regular season beginning September 4.
Matthew Stafford’s Back Condition Keeps Fans on Edge
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has not yet returned to practice because of persistent back soreness linked to an aggravated disc. Reports from NFL Media indicate that Stafford’s injury is more serious than initially thought, which is worrisome given his age and history of spinal injuries, including a 2022 spinal cord contusion. Rams coach Sean McVay has offered cautiously optimistic updates, but Stafford’s limited offseason readiness means the veteran backup, Jimmy Garoppolo, is likely to remain a key figure in the quarterback room.
Justin Jefferson’s Hamstring Concerns Affect Vikings’ Camp Progress
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson has been managing hamstring soreness that caused him to stop practicing early in training camp. Although the team plans to limit his workload for now, coach Kevin O’Connell expressed confidence that Jefferson will be ready for the regular season. Despite his upbeat presence at camp, the lingering nature of hamstring injuries justifies a moderate level of concern about his full availability in Week 1.
Bills’ Khalil Shakir Carries Ankle Injury, Status Week-to-Week
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir faces uncertainty after sustaining a high-ankle sprain. Coach Sean McDermott described his injury status as week-to-week, leaving Shakir’s participation in opening games doubtful. However, given his importance as one of Josh Allen’s top targets and his recent contract extension, the team is hopeful Shakir will return to form early in the season. Starting the year on injured reserve remains a possibility to help preserve roster flexibility and allow recovery.
49ers Weigh Jauan Jennings’ Calf Injury Amid Contract Speculations
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings is sidelined with a calf injury, complicating the receiver group already weakened by Brandon Aiyuk’s ACL recovery. Coach Kyle Shanahan has not provided a timeline for Jennings’ return, feeding rumors that contract negotiations may be contributing to the absence. With the team lacking clarity on Jennings’ status, the impact on the 49ers’ offense depends heavily on how quickly he and Aiyuk can return to full strength.
Chargers Face High Panic Over Rashawn Slater’s Severe Leg Injury
Los Angeles Chargers left tackle Rashawn Slater, recently recognized as the NFL’s highest-paid offensive lineman annually, suffered a concerning leg injury during Thursday’s team drills. Slater was unable to bear weight on the leg and had to be taken off the field on a cart. This development is particularly troubling given Slater’s critical role protecting quarterback Justin Herbert’s blind side and his history of injuries, including a missed majority of the 2022 season with a biceps tear. The injury raises questions about whether right tackle Joe Alt might switch to the left side to cover the absence.
Houston Texans Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson Also Carted Off With Leg Injury
The Houston Texans lost starting safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson during a team scrimmage after he injured his right leg while trying to tackle receiver John Metchie III. Gardner-Johnson, known for his aggressive play and prior contribution to Philadelphia’s Super Bowl runs, was forced off on a cart. His previous leg injuries and limited game appearances for the Detroit Lions heighten fears this new setback may keep him out for an extended period.
The early injury reports, especially the Rashawn Slater leg injury update, underscore the fragility of NFL rosters as teams try to finalize their starters. The uncertainties surrounding Stafford and Gardner-Johnson further complicate preparations for their teams. How these players recover and reintegrate will be crucial for their franchises’ hopes in the 2025 season.
As training camps progress, the coming weeks will likely reveal more about the severity of these injuries and whether replacements like backup quarterbacks or position switches on the offensive line will become permanent solutions. Fans and teams alike face an anxious wait to see if these star players can return to their expected form without long-term impacts on performance.