This NFL season has been greatly affected by  COVID-19 outbreaks, as well as many injuries. It has been argued that the spike in injuries is a result of the shortened preparation for the season which caused players to be less physically ready for the season or even the types of turf being used in a particular stadium. These injuries have been a big loss to these teams. In this particular list, all COVID-19 related illnesses will be left out.

10. Tyronn Smith and La’el Collins, Tackle, Dallas Cowboys

With the loss of their star tackles for the year, the Cowboys’ defense has greatly declined. They have given up 22 sacks, which is in the lower half of the rest of the league. They also have one of the worse rush attacks in the league, even with two solid running backs.

9. Ronnie Stanley, Tackle, Baltimore Ravens

Ever since the loss of the Pro Bowl Tackle to a severe ankle injury suffered against the Steelers, the Ravens have had declines in rushing yards per game. Stanley recently resigned with Baltimore and is set to make upwards of 100 million dollars over the next five years. Stanley is set to return next season.

8. Derwin James, Safety, Los Angeles Chargers

Although James’ torn meniscus was suffered before the start of the season, the loss of the Charger’s All Pro Safety for the past two consecutive years has proven to be detrimental to the team. Although L.A. ranks 10th for pass defense allowing 220 yards pergame. However, they rank towards the bottom half in rushing, allowing on average up to 120 yards per game. James is set to return next season as the leader of the Charger’s secondary known as the “Jackboys”.

7. Anthony Barr, Linebacker, Minnesota Vikings

Without Barr through the first 5 weeks of the season the Vikings defense was last in points allowed and yards allowed after tearing his torn pectoral muscle. Opponents have been scoring many points due to the loss of Minnesota’s signal caller and leader of that defense.

6. Odell Beckham Jr, Wide Receiver, Cleveland Browns

Beckham started off the season slow, but as it progressed he became a much more of a vital part in the Cleveland offense led by Baker Mayfield. In the last 3 games before his injury Beckham had 3 touchdowns and helped the team win 2 out of those 3 games only losing to the undefeated Steelers. Since the loss of Beckham, the Browns have continued their success, but without their star many players have had to step up, and fill the role that he played in their young offense.

5. Saquon Barkley, Running back, New York Giants

Losing a player like Barkley is obviously a huge blow, especially for a struggling team like the Giants. In week two, Barkley suffered a season-ending ACL tear. Last season, Barkley rushed for over 1,000 yards for the second year in a row. Initially with the loss of Barkley, the Giants’ offense has struggled, however, more recently, they have had the help of Quarterback Daniel Jones and backup running back Wayne Gallman Jr.

4. Joe Burrow, Quarterback, Cincinnati Bengals

Being the first pick in this year’s draft, Burrow had high expectations, and he lived up to them even with a terrible Offensive Line and an inconsistent running game. Burrow was in contention for the Rookie of the Year award and had an 89.8 QBR. Without Burrow, the Bengals have struggled to move the ball downfield. After suffering a gruesome injury against the Washington Football Team, Burrow’s rookie campaign has come to an end.

3. Christian McCaffery, Running back, Carolina Panthers

Although he has played in three games this season, the All-Pro RB McCaffery has faced two different injuries this season that have prohibited him from play— the first being his ankle, and now his shoulder. When on the field, the Carolina RB has been fantastic, recording five TDs in only three games played. However, back up Mike Davis has done a good job filling the shoes of such a vital player to the young Carolina offense. McCaffery is set to comeback in week 14.

2. San Francisco 49ers

Following a dominating performance in the 19-20 season led by their strong defense which helped them get to the Super Bowl,  which they ended up losing. However, through the first couple of weeks, they lost many of their leaders who contributed to their success the previous season. Some of these injuries include starting QB Jimmy Garoppolo, HB Raheem Mostert and Tevin Coleman, TE George Kittle, WR Deebo Samuel, DE Nick Bosa, DT Solomon Thomas, and more.

1. Dak Prescott, Quarterback, Dallas Cowboys

The leader of the Dallas Cowboy offense was playing football up until his sickening leg injury suffered in week five against the New York Giants, in which he suffered a compound fracture and dislocation of his right ankle. Prescott was leading the league in passing yards and was on pace to maintain his low interception rate and throw for many more yards as well as touchdowns than the season before. Without Prescott, the Cowboys passing attack has greatly declined; they have not thrown for over 300 yards and have greatly decreased in average QBR. This has caused them to greatly struggle, but surprisingly, they are still in contention for a spot in the playoffs, because they are in the underperforming NFC East.