Training camps have started around the NFL and two teams have already lost major offensive weapons. The Philadelphia Eagles have lost Jeremy Maclin to a torn ACL. He was injured during practice Saturday during a seven-on-seven drill and was carted off the field. Maclin led the team in receptions, touchdowns and receiving yards last year.
Maclin was the third player in the league to tear his ACL this season joining former Detroit Lion Aaron Berry of the Jets and former Michigan Wolverine Jonas Mouton of the Chargers.
The other blow was to Baltimore Raven tight end Dennis Pitta. Pitta was injured during practice Saturday in a collision with safety James Ihedigbo leading to a dislocated hip. He was carted off the field and later had season ending surgery.
The Detroit Lions have had their share of injuries during camp but so far none have been season ending. In recent years, we have yet to see a Lions secondary without injuries. Cornerback Ron Bartell missed practice Sunday with a shoulder injury. Cornerback Jonte Green left practice after a right hamstring injury and did not return Sunday. Both seem like minor injuries going forward.
Louis Delmas did see some action in seven-on-seven drills but shortly after was seen icing his knee. The Lions would like to have Delmas healthy for the start of the season and it seems they are taking no chances with his knee this early in camp.
Other injured Lions include offensive guard Leroy Harris and receiver Devin Thomas on the physically unable to perform list and defensive end Ronnell Lewis on the non-football illness list.
Injuries routinely derail a team’s plan for the season. It seems like every year we see great players fall at some point in the season. However, in certain situations this gives birth to a new star. What would Tom Brady be if Drew Bledsoe had never gotten injured? More recently, the Lions discovered Joique Bell due to injuries. It’s a sure bet that there will be more injuries in the league but the question is will we see any new players step up.
Fantasy Football Impact: Replacing Maclin and Pitta
Pitta was getting a lot of hype this year at the tight end position and will be greatly missed. The Ravens immediately responded to the injury of Pitta by going out and signing Visanthe Shiancoe.
Shiancoe is far removed from his eleven touchdown season with the Vikings in 2009. Last year he played in four games for the New England Patriots and had no catches. The early favorite for most of the targets has to be Ed Dickson.
The Maclin injury poses a much tougher problem for the Eagles. They need someone opposite DeSean Jackson to prevent double coverage. Jason Avant, Riley Cooper and Arrelious Benn will be fighting for Maclin’s starting spot.
The safest bet for the starting job would be Avant as he has the most experience and has had at least 50 receptions and 500 receiving yards the last three years. Benn was a second round pick in 2010 for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but injuries have limited his play.