Perhaps the most surprising player not on this year's list is San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey. Two years ago, he appeared in just four games sandwiched between two significant injuries: bilateral Achilles tendinitis manifesting before the season even began and a PCL sprain. Who would have thought entering the 2025 season that CMC would be one of the healthiest players when all was said and done, playing every game (19 total if you include the postseason) while touching the ball more than any other nonquarterback in the league?
But alas, it is the quarterback group that touches the ball the most, thereby exposing them to increased injury risk -- a risk that had real consequences in 2025. Over the course of the season, 62 quarterbacks made at least one NFL start. In some cases, a change was made due to performance or rest. Still, the majority of quarterback substitution starts were due to injury.
Quarterbacks bore the brunt of the significant high-visibility player injuries. Some missed multiple weeks but were able to return (Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson) while others saw their seasons end prematurely (Daniel Jones, Patrick Mahomes). Quarterbacks lead the way as we look ahead to 2026, but fear not. Every skill position gets a mention because no NFL athlete is immune to injury.
Quarterback
Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs (left ACL/LCL)
It comes as no surprise that the first shared video clip of Mahomes casually dropping back and throwing a football subliminally messaged his determination to be on the field Week 1. He doesn't have to say it. He simply exudes the confidence of someone who expects to be ready. His well-established work ethic underscores his preparation.
At the spring NFL owners meeting, Chiefs general manager Brett Veach indicated Mahomes was rehabbing daily in the team facility shortly after surgery, noting that when he did travel home to Texas, he took his most trusted physical therapist with him so as not to miss a beat. There are still multiple benchmarks to hit as Mahomes' ramp-up toward a return to play continues, and his timeline remains fluid. When speaking with reporters in January, Mahomes acknowledged he "can't predict what happens throughout the process."
He will be just shy of nine months post-surgery when the season begins, an aggressive timeline even if all goes well. But, if the markers thus far are any indication, nothing is off the table.
Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens (right hamstring)
Jackson was nicked and bruised for much of the season, appearing on the team's weekly injury report more often than not, primarily with lower extremity ailments. However, it was the Week 4 hamstring strain that was most notable, causing him to miss three games and leaving a lingering impact upon his return.
In Week 9, his first game back, Jackson threw for more than 200 yards and four touchdowns, yet had only five carries for 14 yards. In each of the four games prior to straining his hamstring, Jackson averaged at least 5 yards per carry. However, he reached that number just twice in nine games after returning to action. In fact, his rushing volume was substantially down compared to prior seasons, as his 5.2 carries per game was three below his previous career low of 8.2 in 2024. Even in that 2024 season -- Jackson's most prolific passing season by far (4,172 yards) -- he rushed for 915 yards, the third most in his career.
As he enters his ninth season in the league, Jackson will have had ample recovery time, but it's fair to wonder just how much to expect from his legs going forward.
Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders (left elbow/left knee/right hamstring)
After an electric rookie season in which he showcased his dual-threat ability while playing in all 17 games, Daniels' sophomore season was marred by injury and he was limited to just seven games. A sprained left knee in Week 2 as a result of a helmet hit forced him out for two weeks, and a low-grade hamstring strain in the middle of the season sidelined him for one more.
Yet, it was the dislocation of his left elbow on an awkward fall to the ground in Week 9 that essentially cost him the remainder of the season. (He did attempt a return in Week 14 but took a hit to the injured elbow that forced him out early.) Remarkably, Daniels suffered no major ligamentous damage and did not require surgery.
There should be no lingering issues heading into the 2026 season, especially given the injury was to his non-throwing arm. Nonetheless, last season served as a reminder that Daniels' lighter frame is best served by avoiding contact.
Kyler Murray, Minnesota Vikings (left foot)
There are many questions surrounding the status of Murray entering this season, not the least of which is whether he will indeed be named the starter for his new team. Murray was last seen playing competitive football in Week 5 of the 2025 season. During that game, he suffered a midfoot sprain that ultimately became the reason he missed the rest of the season. At one point it appeared there was a chance Murray might return, but neither he nor the organization seemed inclined to push things once he was placed on IR, one month after the original injury.
Murray did not require surgery and the move to the Vikings tells us they were entirely comfortable with how his foot had healed. He is also more than three years removed from tearing his ACL and already proved his return to performance by playing in all 17 games in 2024 while posting the second-most rushing yards of his career (572).
Daniel Jones, Indianapolis Colts (right Achilles)
Jones was enjoying one of the most productive seasons of his career with his new team until it came to an end in Week 14 when he went down untouched with a torn right Achilles tendon. Jones underwent surgery with Dr. Martin O'Malley in New York on Dec. 9, leaving less than eight months before the start of training camp.
Jones -- who has proved his resilience in returning from other significant injuries, including an ACL reconstruction in 2023 -- immediately went to work. He has made enough progress that the Colts believe he will indeed be ready to start the season. At the time of this writing, he had begun dropping back to throw, but there are still some hurdles to cross before he can get football clearance. It's also worth noting that Jones has managed injuries through much of his college and NFL career, ranging from a broken collarbone and a high ankle sprain to hamstring strains, cervical (neck) disc herniation and a fractured fibula, along with the aforementioned ACL and Achilles tears. While he has overcome each challenge thus far and persevered at the highest level, his injury risk cannot be ignored.
Bo Nix, Denver Broncos (right ankle)
Nix had one of the more unusual injuries of the season, because virtually no one saw it happen at the time. But he knew. On the final drive of the divisional round game against the Bills, Nix was initially injured when tackled on a designed run. He stayed in the game to set up the Broncos' game-winning field goal, but in his final kneel-down, the pain worsened and he limped to the sideline, learning through postgame X-rays that he had fractured his ankle. Nix underwent subsequent surgery to place stabilizing hardware and appeared on track to participate in some minicamp activities until reports surfaced that he underwent a second procedure in April.
While the goal remains for Nix to be ready by training camp, his offseason activities will understandably be limited. Given his history of multiple ankle injuries, the Broncos will likely elect to bring him back slowly. Even as he progresses toward no limitations, the key for him will be regaining the mobility critical to his style of play. The good news is he is not attempting to rush back within the seasonal calendar and should be able to work through any residual stiffness as he moves through training camp.
Michael Penix Jr., Falcons (left ACL)
Penix is not new to ACL rehabilitation after having to face it twice for the same knee while still in college (2018, 2020). Still, the trauma of having to face it yet again when he went from a bone bruise in Week 7 (where he likely initially injured his ACL) to a season-ending injury in Week 11 had to be daunting for a player in only his second year in the league. As devastating as it was to learn he had now torn the opposite ACL, Penix pointed out that he knew what to expect and how to attack the rehab.
In November 2025, the same surgeon who performed Penix's revision (second) ACL on his right knee, Dr. Neal ElAttrache, reconstructed his left ACL. Given his prior history, it only makes sense that the Falcons will not want to rush a player in whom they invested so highly and, as if to prove that point, they signed Tua Tagovailoa in the offseason. For his part, Penix says his goal is to be ready by Week 1, which will fall less than 10 months from the date of surgery.
While the time frame is reasonable within the realm of returning from ACL reconstruction, there are multiple unique considerations, including his positional demands and his prior history. Regardless of how well Penix progresses through the various ACL benchmarks, he has made clear that the team will ultimately decide what is in his best interest when it comes to the timing of his return.
Running back
Quinshon Judkins, Cleveland Browns (right ankle)
In Week 16, playing at home against the Bills, the electric rookie dislocated his right ankle and fractured his fibula in the process. He was fortunate to not sustain any knee damage in the tangling of bodies that resulted in his injury. Judkins underwent surgery on Dec. 23. By February, he was out of his walking boot and participated in spring workouts in a limited capacity.
With an original recovery timeline of approximately 4-5 months, Judkins appears to be on pace to participate in training camp. The primary question is whether Judkins, the Browns' leading rusher in 2025, will regain the form he flashed last season. Running backs who are subject to these types of injuries when tackled, often require reacclimation to playing competitive football before their power, agility and balance are fully restored.
Cam Skattebo, New York Giants (right ankle)
The Giants were visiting the Eagles in Week 8 when Skattebo got caught in a pile with his right foot facing the wrong direction, a bone openly visible above his shoe. He underwent emergency surgery in Philadelphia due to the urgent nature of the injury and the immediate goal of mitigating infection risk. He noted the most challenging aspect in his early rehabilitation was regaining his dorsiflexion (upward movement of the ankle) after being in a boot for two months.
Skattebo steadily progressed toward jogging in March and was present at spring workouts. He hopes to be participating fully during training camp, something new coach John Harbaugh has echoed. Skattebo was never a finesse runner and it seems unlikely his style will be altered by this injury, as long as he can demonstrate that both his strength and power are restored.
Zach Charbonnet, Seattle Seahawks (left ACL)
Charbonnet's injury was one of those rare ACL tears that combines a noncontact planting of the foot while decelerating with an upper-body hit that forced him into rotation. The result easily subjected his left ACL to overwhelming force and, in the Seahawks' divisional round win over the 49ers on their way to the Super Bowl, Charbonnet's season ended.
As if it wasn't hard enough to watch his then teammate, Kenneth Walker III, earn MVP honors in their Super Bowl win, the late date of Charbonnet's injury ensured that he would miss the start of the 2026 season. Coach Mike Macdonald -- who at the time of Charbonnet's injury described him as "the epitome of what it means to be a Seahawk" -- said in March that "he's not going to miss the whole year." While that is an encouraging early declaration, late November will mark just nine months post-surgery and Charbonnet's progress at that point could very much dictate whether or not the team opts to activate him in 2026.
With the departure of Walker and the uncertainty around Charbonnet's availability, the Seahawks selected running back Jadarian Price in the first round of the NFL draft.
James Conner, Arizona Cardinals (right foot)
Conner is entering his 10th year in the NFL and is quietly preparing to resume running back duties after his 2025 ended in September. In Week 3 against the 49ers, Conner's leg twisted awkwardly during a tackle, resulting in a foot injury that required surgery. He had entered 2025 coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons, the first time he had done so in his career. His 414 receiving yards in 2024 proved his value as a pass catcher and he was perhaps on his way to another age-defying exceptional season prior to his injury.
The Cardinals added Tyler Allgeier in free agency, drafted Jeremiyah Love with the No. 3 overall pick and restructured Conner's contract, suggesting that Conner's workload demands will be significantly lessened this season. There are certainly unknowns for a 31-year-old running back returning from major foot surgery amidst a running back room with other questions (including the health of Trey Benson) and a new coaching staff under Mike LaFleur.
Wide receiver
Malik Nabers, New York Giants (right ACL/meniscus)
Nabers was injured at home versus the Chargers in Week 4 as he performed one of his signature leaps to catch a deep pass. The severity of the problem was immediately evident, and Nabers ultimately required surgery in late October to repair his meniscus and reconstruct his ACL. He has been rehabbing ever since and was present at April's spring workouts with new coach John Harbaugh, but it was clear everyone was being cautious and avoiding a hard timeline.
While both general manager Joe Schoen and Harbaugh expressed hope that Nabers would be ready when the season begins, they acknowledged it will be hard to know more until he is cleared for football activity. For his part, Nabers has said he won't play before he's ready. On the one hand, it's a refreshing take as it seems so many players, whether it be due to internal or external pressures, prematurely declare a Week 1 return plan.
Everyone's caution seemed to take on new meaning however when it was reported in May that Nabers had undergone a second surgery earlier in the offseason, described as a "cleanup procedure" to remove scar tissue that was causing stiffness. While it is true that there are opportunities to make up ground and still be prepared to start the season, the far more important issue is ensuring that Nabers truly reverses the early baseline deficits (decreased range of motion, discomfort and strength) that led him to require a second surgery. That is far more critical when it comes to not only performing higher level rehab drills but also when returning to pre-injury on-field performance and any risk mitigation of subsequent injury.
Until Nabers is actively participating in camp, the target date for his return to play will be hard to project.
Tight end
George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers (right Achilles)
Prior to 2025, Kittle had missed more than three games in a season just once in his eight-year career (2020, when he missed eight games due to a combination of foot and knee injuries). In his ninth year, injuries punctuated the beginning and the end of Kittle's otherwise solid season. A hamstring injury in Week 1 cost him the next five weeks, but it was the Achilles tear in the team's wild-card game that has him questionable entering 2026.
Kittle offered up several details about why we should be optimistic about his recovery, noting his surgeon, Dr. ElAttrache, did not have to drill into his heel (often the case with tears off the bone) and that the area in which he suffered the tear has a better blood supply. He has been progressing well in his early rehab and the key to continuing along that path is balancing the calf strengthening required with not overstretching the repair by being overly aggressive. A player who relies on explosiveness to make leaping catches and add breakaway yards afterward must maintain that balance during rehab to set up a return to prior level of play.
A Week 1 target is not an impossibility, although it may take a bit of game acclimation for Kittle to attain his pre-injury performance. It's also worth noting the 49ers will begin their season in Australia with a matchup against the Rams. Even if Kittle is ready in time for Week 1, it would not be surprising if the team elected to delay his season debut until the 49ers are back on their home field. He will be one to watch in training camp.
Brock Bowers, Las Vegas Raiders (left PCL)
Bowers exploded out of the gate with five catches for 103 yards in Week 1 of the 2025 season, picking up right where he left off after his rookie season. Unfortunately, late in that game, Bowers landed on the front of his left knee with a force strong enough to sprain his posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), one of the four main stabilizing ligaments of the knee. He also sustained a bone bruise, a common collateral injury associated with cruciate ligament sprains. Although Bowers insisted on trying to play through the injury, it impacted his performance over the subsequent three weeks and he was forced to rest.
After three weeks off plus a bye, Bowers returned in Week 9 and appeared to look like his former self, posting 127 yards and three scores. Alas, that was to be his only game with more than 100 yards for the rest of the season. With the knee issue still clearly a factor, the team placed him on IR in Week 17. Typically, PCL sprains respond best to extended rest, allowing the ligament to scar down while not being subjected to the aggravating forces of football. The offseason should allow Bowers ample recovery time and he should have no limits in training camp.
Tucker Kraft, Green Bay Packers (right ACL)
Kraft was in the middle of the best season of his young career when a torn ACL ended it abruptly. At the time of his injury, he was Green Bay's leading receiver with 32 catches for 489 yards and six scores, showing he could be prolific as a pass catcher in addition to his blocking skills. Many ACL tears happen to pass catchers either on a sharp deceleration and change of direction or while landing from a leaping catch.
In Kraft's case, it was the bad luck of being rolled up on by a teammate while blocking on a run. He noted that, although he also suffered minor meniscus and LCL damage, nothing but the ACL required any major repair and the season opener will mark 10 months post-surgery. With a standard return-to-play timeline hovering around nine to 12 months, Kraft is in a good position to be ready to participate in football activities at some point during training camp, assuming his progress continues without incident.