From season-altering to bizarre, injuries hit again

ARLINGTON, TEXAS » From the season-altering to the bizarre, injuries are playing their traditionally significant role in the NFL.

Dak Prescott’s Dallas Cowboys are on the verge of a lost year when they hoped to contend after a broken ankle ended the quarterback’s season. One of their NFC East rivals, the New York Giants, barely saw their offense fully stocked, with running back Saquon Barkley tearing an ACL in Week 2.

Tyrod Taylor lost his starting job with the Los Angeles Chargers after a team doctor accidentally punctured a lung while giving the quarterback an injection. Rookie QB Justin Herbert has exceeded expectations since replacing Taylor and kept the job.

Las Vegas Raiders right tackle Trent Brown ended up in a hospital, reportedly because an IV pushed air into his bloodstream.

Brown also recently went back on the COVID-19 list, a newcomer among potential ailments with the NFL playing during a pandemic.

Some players opted out before the season started because of the coronavirus.

Star pass rusher Von Miller was poised for a big year in Denver before injuring his left ankle days before the opener and eventually needing surgery. The outside linebacker is hoping to beat the odds and return in December.

Few teams have had the volume of injuries that have hit defending NFC champion San Francisco. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and running back Raheem Mostert have sprained ankles, and tight end George

Kittle broke a foot.

Defensive end Nick Bosa (knee) and cornerback Richard Sherman (calf) are on injured reserve as the 49ers try to keep pace in the difficult NFC West with only eight players who have started every game.

San Francisco is the only team in the division with a losing record, at times playing without its top three cornerbacks, both starting safeties, three of the four best defensive ends, the top two receivers, three of the top four running backs and the top two tight ends, not to mention Garoppolo.