Three significant injuries to begin NFL training camp

Starling Thomas V (Instagram)

National Football League training camp, has officially begun. While one high profile controversial player is busy taking a cruise on a yacht in France (you can read about who this player is by clicking on the link), most players do take training camp seriously. I understand the importance of training camp, and the importance of players getting into shape. However,  it constantly behooves me that so many players get injured before the season starts. We are not just talking about minor ailments. These are serious injuries. Let’s take a look at three of the injuries so far.

David Walker

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Walker of Stuttgart, Arkansas in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft out of Central Arkansas. There was a lot of hype surrounding Walker in training camp because he won the 2024 Buck Buchanan Award, presented to the best defensive player in the Division I Football Championship Subdivision. However, on Monday, Walker, a linebacker, tore his anterior cruciate ligament, and his rookie season is over before it started.

Starling Thomas V

The cornerback from Birmingham, Alabama (pictured above) played the last two seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. On Friday, Thomas V tore his ACL at the end of practice, and is also done for the year. In 2024, he had 47 combined tackles (31 solo tackles and 16 assisted tackles), one tackle for a loss, one forced fumble and six pass deflections. The tackle for a loss and forced fumble came in a 17-15 Cardinals win over the Los Angeles Chargers on October 21.

Rob Jones

The guard from Rockford, Illinois was in his first year with the Dallas Cowboys after four seasons with the Miami Dolphins. On Monday, Jones broke a bone in his neck, and could be out three months.