Key Injuries Going into Week 9 of the 2023 NFL Season

The remarkable performances in Week 8 of the NFL season were accompanied with a great number of injuries yet again. Quite a few big names were seen having to leave the field because one medical concern after the other. As heartbreaking as it is to see your favorite players get injured, it is what makes the NFL season so interesting. Here’s a roundup of a few star players who faced injuries in Week 8:

•         Kirk Cousins:

The quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, Kirk Cousins, had to leave the field during the fourth quarter of the game against the Green Bay Packers because of a non-contact Achilles injury. He was spotted limping on the sidelines before being carted to the locker room and was quickly ruled out and replaced by backup Jaren Hall. The MRI confirmed that it was in fact, a tear. Unfortunately, this did mean that the player will be missing the rest of the 2023 NFL season.

•         Matthew Stafford:

Another quarterback, Matthew Stafford from the Los Angeles Rams, hit his thumb on a helmet during the game against the Dallas Cowboys. It wasn’t until he caught a pass and landed on the affected thumb that he had to leave the field and was replaced by backup Brett Rypien in the second half. It was later revealed that he had suffered a sprained UCL in his right thumb. It is still uncertain whether or not he will return to the field for Week 9.

•         Kendrick Bourne:

The New England Patriots’ top wide receiver Kendrick Bourne was doing quite well against the Miami Dolphins when he suffered a knee injury. An awkward tackle during the fourth quarter forced the player to leave the field and he was later ruled out. It was revealed on Monday that the player did in fact face a torn ACL which marked the end of his 2023 NFL season.

•         DeVante Parker:

Another player from the New England Patriots, DeVante Parker took a shot to the head during the third quarter from the Dolphins’ safety DeShon Elliott. The wide receiver was ruled out for the remainder of the game. Fellow players were seen furious as Elliott somehow managed to avoid a penalty for the play. For Parker, the team still hasn’t provided any updates regarding his condition.

•         Minkah Fitzpatrick:

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ star safety exited the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars early in the first quarter when he suffered a hamstring injury. At first he was ruled doubtful to return but was later ruled out and Damontae Kazee took his place. Their head coach has now reported that Fitzpatrick will not be returning to the field for their Week 9 game against the Tennessee Titans.

As week after week goes by, the list of injuries keeps getting longer and it isn’t going to stop anytime soon. It is all a part of the NFL season and as sad as it can be, fans are here for the rollercoaster of a journey.