NFL Power Rankings: Major injuries already affecting teams like the 49ers, Saints and Falcons — Yahoo Sports

RESOLVING THE LEDGER

NFL Power Rankings: Major injuries already affecting teams like the 49ers, Saints and Falcons — Yahoo Sports | AIPROPX

The NFL's preseason starts Thursday night with the Hall of Fame Game, and 30 teams won't have their first preseason game until next week.

And already, some clubs are probably wishing training camp and the preseason was over.

August is necessary for NFL teams but also can be costly. Some franchises have already taken on season-changing injuries. The 49ers have lost receiver Ricky Pearsall for the season with a recurring knee problem. The Panthers saw young pass rusher Nic Scourton suffer a torn ACL and rookie receiver Chris Brazzell II also suffer a season-ending knee injury. The Falcons lost last year's first-round draft pick, edge rusher Jalon Walker, to a torn ACL. Their NFC South rival, the Saints, lost a key defensive piece when tackle Bryan Bresee tore his ACL. There have been many other injuries, significant and minor. And there's still more than a month to go before the season starts.

Ricky Pearsall is one of many key players who have already suffered an injury in training camp. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) Thearon W. Henderson via Getty Images

There's not much teams can do to avoid it. Practices will continue so teams can get ready for the season, and preseason games will be a big part of preparation too. Everyone will hold their breath hoping their team isn't affected next. But nothing will stop the injuries from coming before the season even starts.

Here are the pre-preseason power rankings. You can read an in-depth preview for each team by clicking on the team name below:

32: Miami Dolphins

Linebacker Jordyn Brooks signed a three-year, $51.3 million extension, a sign of respect from a new regime. It says something about the 2026 Dolphins that Brooks, who is 28 years old and plays a lower value position, is probably Miami's second-best player behind De'Von Achane.

31: New York Jets

The Jets might be better than expected, especially on offense if Geno Smith bounces back. There are questions about whether Frank Reich is the right fit at coordinator, but there's talent. Perhaps the Jets can be more exciting than anticipated.

30: Arizona Cardinals

We can already see that Marvin Harrison Jr. will have a lot of pressure on him. Every drop and highlight in camp is being dissected already. It'll be a long season in Arizona, and all eyes will be on whether Harrison establishes himself as a true WR1.

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29: Cleveland Browns

The quarterback battle in camp hasn't seen many highlights. Dillon Gabriel seems to be creeping back in the race with Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson. The Browns have a lot to like, but their quarterback play won't be pretty.

28: Tennessee Titans

There have been some fun camp highlights from rookie receiver Carnell Tate. Cam Ward needs the help at receiver, but perhaps more important, he needs the offensive line to come together before the start of the season.

Cam Ward ➡️ Carnell Tate 😍 pic.twitter.com/dV8jSVS8Hf

— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) August 4, 2026

27: Las Vegas Raiders

Fernando Mendoza has had ups and downs in camp , which should be expected. There's still the question over when he'll take the starting job, which is why he's one of the top players to watch in the NFL this preseason.

26: Atlanta Falcons

Early in camp, undrafted rookie Jack Strand from Minnesota State Moorhead was taking first-team reps at quarterback with Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa out with injuries. Someone will get healthy before Week 1, but it's a fragile QB room. Then the defense took a hit when 2025 first-round draft pick Jalon Walker tore his ACL . Not a good start.

25: New York Giants

Malik Nabers isn't in the clear from his ACL recovery, but being back on the field for Week 1 seems to be a realistic goal. If the Giants can get Nabers back anytime in September, and he looks like his normal self, it would be a huge boost.

24: New Orleans Saints

The Saints had a solid defense last season without many headlining stars, and that approach will be challenged further after losing defensive tackle Bryan Bresee to a torn ACL. That's a big injury for a team that has hopes of building off last season's second-half success.

23: Carolina Panthers

The Panthers have been hit hard already. Edge rusher Nic Scourton and rookie receiver Chris Brazzell II suffered season-ending injuries, and offensive tackle Taylor Moton has a blood clot in his lung that could keep him out at the beginning of the season. The Panthers can't afford to take on many more losses.

22: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Baker Mayfield isn't happy that the Buccaneers didn't offer him a better deal, which is fine for a player who uses perceived slights to fuel him. Realistically, the Bucs aren't wrong to be wary of Mayfield's extreme ups and downs, which includes an awful second half to last season.

21: Indianapolis Colts

The big news in Colts camp is that quarterback Daniel Jones looks great coming back from a torn Achilles. There should be skepticism until we see how he moves in game action, but all signs are positive so far.

20: Pittsburgh Steelers

There has been a focus on Mike McCarthy's training camp not being as taxing as Mike Tomlin's camps. Maybe that helps the Steelers stay fresher later in the season. Regardless, after 19 seasons under Tomlin, every change with McCarthy will draw attention.

19: Minnesota Vikings

J.J. McCarthy seems to be making it a true quarterback competition in training camp, when it seemed like Kyler Murray had a big edge. Perhaps some positive reviews of McCarthy is also a reflection on Murray.

18: Washington Commanders

The Commanders had a question about their No. 2 receiver, since any Brandon Aiyuk plan went sideways with Aiyuk's behavior this offseason. They believe Stefon Diggs can be the answer . Diggs, who agreed to a deal with Washington on Wednesday, is...