Early NFL Training Camp Concerns: A Look at Five Teams Facing Preseason Hurdles (August 12, 2025)

As the highly anticipated 2025 NFL season draws near, teams are deep into training camp, and early warning signs are beginning to surface for several top contenders. While preseason challenges don't always dictate regular-season performance, a number of crucial issues—including injuries, suspensions, and unresolved positional battles—are already testing the depth and resilience of five prominent NFL teams. This article will examine the specific preseason hurdles faced by the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Chargers, Cleveland Browns, and Philadelphia Eagles, and explore their potential impact on the upcoming NFL campaign.

Kansas City Chiefs: Injury Woes and Off-Field Distractions

The Kansas City Chiefs, aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl title, are already grappling with significant injury concerns and off-field complications. Cornerback Kristian Fulton and receiver Marquise "Hollywood" Brown have both sustained injuries, raising questions about the team’s depth at vital positions. However, the most pressing issue for the Chiefs is the looming suspension of receiver Rashee Rice, whose potential absence could significantly disrupt Kansas City’s high-powered offense.

Head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes will need to swiftly mitigate these setbacks. If Rice’s suspension is confirmed, the Chiefs may need to rely more heavily on rookie receiver Xavier Worthy or veteran Skyy Moore to fill the void. How the Kansas City Chiefs navigate these challenges—both on and off the field—will be a defining factor in their pursuit of a historic three-peat.

Los Angeles Rams: Stafford’s Health Remains the Biggest Question Mark

The Los Angeles Rams, fresh off a strong playoff run and widely considered a Super Bowl contender, enter the 2025 season with one glaring concern: quarterback Matthew Stafford’s back injury. Stafford, whose durability has been a recurring issue throughout his career, is reportedly nearing a return, but the risk of reinjury remains a serious threat to the team's aspirations.

The Rams’ offense thrives on Stafford’s exceptional arm talent and leadership, and any extended absence could derail their championship hopes. Head coach Sean McVay is expected to carefully manage Stafford’s workload, potentially increasing reps for backup Jimmy Garoppolo as a necessary precaution. If Stafford maintains his health, the Rams’ high-octane offense—featuring star talents like Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, and Kyren Williams—could easily be one of the league’s most potent. If not, their season may very well hinge on Garoppolo’s ability to step in effectively and lead the team.

Los Angeles Chargers: Offensive Line in Crisis After Slater’s Injury

The Los Angeles Chargers suffered a devastating blow to their offensive line when All-Pro left tackle Rashawn Slater tore his patellar tendon, effectively ending his season before it even began. Slater’s absence leaves a gaping hole in the Chargers’ crucial offensive line, forcing the team to scramble for immediate solutions.

Protecting franchise quarterback Justin Herbert is now the absolute top priority. The Chargers may explore options ranging from free-agent signings to internal replacements like Trey Pipkins III or Brenden Jaimes to shore up the line. The loss of Slater also threatens to disrupt the team’s running game, which was expected to be a major strength with J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards in the backfield.

If the Los Angeles Chargers fail to stabilize their offensive line, Herbert—already under immense pressure to prove he can lead the team deep into the playoffs—could face another season of constant pass-rush pressure, significantly undermining their overall offensive potential.

Cleveland Browns: A Four-Way QB Battle with No Clear Answer

The Cleveland Browns are currently embroiled in a high-stakes quarterback competition, with Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and rookie Shedeur Sanders all vying for the coveted starting job. This already complex situation grew even more complicated after Pickett suffered a shoulder injury and Gabriel dealt with a minor setback, while Sanders impressed significantly in his preseason debut, showcasing remarkable poise and playmaking ability.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski faces a difficult and crucial decision: Does he opt for the veteran stability of Flacco, the untapped upside of Pickett or Gabriel, or the long-term potential of Sanders? The longer this quarterback battle drags on, the greater the risk of disrupting offensive chemistry—a critical factor for a team with genuine playoff aspirations.

Cleveland’s elite defense, led by stars like Myles Garrett and Denzel Ward, can certainly keep them competitive, but the quarterback position must be resolved soon to avoid a slow and detrimental start to the season.

Philadelphia Eagles: Offensive Line Vulnerabilities Emerge

The Philadelphia Eagles, fresh off a recent Super Bowl appearance, are confronting an unexpected setback: a knee injury to Pro Bowl guard Landon Dickerson. Dickerson’s status for the season is uncertain, and his potential absence would significantly weaken an offensive line that has historically been the foundation of their success.

Protecting MVP candidate Jalen Hurts and maintaining their dominant rushing attack (featuring formidable talents like Saquon Barkley and D’Andre Swift) will be paramount for the Eagles. The team may need to rely on younger players like Tyler Steen or actively explore trade options to effectively reinforce their offensive line depth.

If Dickerson’s injury lingers, Philadelphia’s high-powered offense—already adjusting to new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore’s system—could face significant inconsistencies early in the season, potentially putting their NFC supremacy at risk.

Conclusion: Overcoming Early Hurdles Will Define the Season

These emerging training camp concerns serve as a powerful reminder of the NFL’s inherent unpredictability and the immediate challenges teams face. While none of these issues are truly insurmountable, they certainly present significant obstacles that could profoundly shape each team’s trajectory throughout the season.

Injuries to key players (Stafford, Slater, Dickerson) threaten to derail championship contenders.

Suspensions and off-field matters (Rashee Rice) could force immediate roster adjustments and strategic changes.

Quarterback uncertainty (for the Browns) may delay critical offensive cohesion and identity.

Offensive line instability (for the Chargers and Eagles) puts star quarterbacks at increased risk and impacts overall offensive flow.

How these teams adapt, recover, and strategize in the crucial coming weeks will ultimately determine whether they overcome these early hurdles or succumb to them. As the preseason unfolds, these specific storylines will be critical to watch, offering invaluable early clues about which teams are true contenders and which may be vulnerable to an early-season slump.