Cleveland Browns quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson receives attention for an injury in the second half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, November 26, 2023, in Denver. (Photo Credit: AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Today, there were some of the scariest injuries this season. No ambulances were brought onto the field, and knee joints didn’t bend backwards in positions that defy physics (that was rough, Eminem, I mean Joe Burrow), so it was a relatively mellow day. However, there were some painful moments that made us all wince in our chairs. Let’s talk about the injuries, with some of the biggest impacts below.
1. Skylar Thompson Has One Of The Scariest Injuries
At times it felt like Skylar Thompson wasn’t going to leave the game in one piece. The Miami Dolphins’ second-string QB was at the mercy of a hungry Seattle Seahawks defense. Thompson has only played in two NFL games ever, and both were two seasons ago. He was a vulnerable soul who was left out for the wolves.
Thompson was sacked five times. He was a tough cookie who peeled himself off the grass like a flattened cartoon character over and over. However, the final sack delivered by Tyrel Dodson in the third quarter was terrifying. The scariest injury after that was when he got tossed to the ground like a rag doll directly onto his already injured right side.
There was no powering through that powerful hit, and Thompson struggled to get off the field with a helping hand this time. He wouldn’t have made it through the whole game like that. His bones were already mushy by the beginning of the second half. The injury was described as a chest injury at one point and a rib injury at another. Hopefully, we will get some clarification soon.
2. Lane Johnson
It wasn’t so much the actual concussion that was the scariest injury in this instance. It was the fact that he was puking his guts out multiple times on the sidelines, according to Pam Oliver, after being pulled out of the game. Losing your lunch is a dangerous symptom of concussions that shouldn’t be treated so casually. Were they expecting him to ralph up his lunch a few time, and then pop back on to the field?
3. Van Jefferson
Pittsburgh Steelers Van Jefferson is on this list because an eye related issue is always one of the scariest injuries out there. We only get two eyes, and they are not easily fixed and are not replaceable. Being able to see is critical for the game of football. Watching Van Jefferson dig his paw through his facemask was a concerning sight. Hopefully he is on the mend!
Honorable Mention
Although Justin Herbert’s ankle injury happened last week, and it was just a reaggravation this week, it was still one of the scariest injuries, or re-injuries. Herbert played through the pain longer than most could, but after it got dinged on a play, he had to leave the game. Limping like that is always scary. Feel better soon, Justin Herbert (and everyone else)!
Final Thoughts On The Scariest Injuries
Any week that Tua Tagovailoa isn’t doing involuntary body movements after a hard hit to the head is a good one in the NFL. An absence of ambulances was also reassuring. No limbs went in ways that physics doesn’t allow. Overall, week 3 was a mellow week in the NFL (so far). However, there was still some injuries that shook us that are plenty serious enough. We all need our eyes, ankles, ribs, and brains in working order and the four gentlemen on this list can’t say that right now. Since your eyes are just fine, make sure to read some more of my articles here.
