As the NFL gears up for the 2026 season, several key players are still navigating challenging recoveries from serious injuries sustained during the 2025 campaign. These athletes, including some of the league's biggest names, face uncertain timelines for returning to full game action. While many have made encouraging progress, none have guaranteed availability for Week 1, making their teams' offseason plans and early-season strategies subject to adjustment. Below is a detailed overview of the most notable injury situations across the league as training camps approach.
One of the highest-profile injuries of last season was suffered by Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who tore both the ACL and LCL in his knee during a Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Such combined ligament injuries typically require a lengthy recovery period, often longer than ACL tears alone. However, Mahomes has reportedly been progressing ahead of schedule throughout the offseason. Although it remains uncertain if he will be ready to start the season opener, the Chiefs have added star running back Kenneth Walker III to share the workload and reduce the pressure on their quarterback's return.
Mahomes' teammate Rashee Rice also dealt with a knee issue last year involving loose bodies that required surgery. Complicating his recovery was an unfortunate legal situation that led to a brief incarceration shortly after his procedure. Despite these challenges, the Chiefs' medical staff devised a rehabilitation plan that Rice could follow while detained, and head coach Andy Reid has expressed optimism that the wide receiver will be prepared for training camp and expected to start Week 1.
On the offensive side, Carolina Panthers quarterback Drake Maye faced shoulder pain stemming from a fall during the AFC Championship Game, which lingered through the Patriots' Super Bowl run. He received a pain-killing injection before the Patriots' loss to the Seattle Seahawks but avoided surgery. Instead, Maye rested early in the offseason and successfully returned to full participation by the start of Organized Team Activities (OTAs), signaling a positive outlook for his 2026 campaign.
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix's season was cut short by a fractured ankle. After undergoing surgery to repair the break, he also required a second procedure to remove bone spurs that caused swelling during his recovery. Nix participated on a limited basis during minicamp and expects to be back at full strength for the start of training camp, indicating he should be ready for the regular season.
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones suffered a fractured fibula during the 2025 season but played through the injury until he sustained a torn Achilles tendon in December. An Achilles tear has historically been a devastating injury for athletes, but recent medical advances have improved recovery outcomes. Jones has returned to the practice field and has stated he is "cleared to do everything," positioning him well for a Week 1 return. The key question is whether he can regain the breakout form he exhibited prior to his injury.
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce underwent ankle surgery to address chronic soreness that worsened during the 2025 season. Despite a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment in January, his condition did not improve sufficiently, prompting the surgery in late March. The expected four-to-six-month recovery period puts him at risk of missing the entire preseason and possibly part of the regular season, casting uncertainty on his availability early in the year.
Green Bay Packers linebacker Micah Parsons, a major offseason acquisition, tore his ACL and damaged his meniscus in December, the same day Mahomes was injured. Parsons will likely miss the start of the season as he is not expected to be cleared for practice until September. His priority is avoiding reinjury and targeting a return for the postseason, meaning he could be sidelined for much of the regular season.
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle suffered a torn Achilles in a January playoff game but is optimistic about being ready for Week 1. His recovery is reportedly ahead of schedule because the tendon tear was clean and occurred relatively high on the tendon. The 49ers' season opener in Australia may complicate his availability, but even if he misses the first game, Kittle's return is expected earlier than initially projected.
Two other key 49ers defenders, Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams, each tore their ACLs during the 2025 season. Bosa's injury occurred in Week 3, giving him nearly a full year for rehabilitation, and he has been working out in preparation for early training camp participation. Williams, who sustained his injury six weeks after Bosa, started all nine games he played as a rookie before going down. Both players are expected to begin the 2026 season ready to contribute, a critical factor for the 49ers as their pass rush struggled without them.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Michael Penix Jr. faces another challenging recovery, having torn his ACL in his left knee during his second NFL season, after two prior ACL tears in college. He aims to be fully cleared for the start of training camp, though there remains uncertainty if he will meet that goal. His absence has given veteran Tua Tagovailoa an opportunity to lead the quarterback competition. Even if Penix returns, he will have to compete vigorously for the starting role.
Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet tore his ACL last season, and while a typical recovery timeline would sideline him until October, coach Mike Macdonald has left open the possibility that Charbonnet could be ready for the Week 1 rematch against the New England Patriots. If he does miss the start of the season, Seattle's running back depth will be tested and rookie Jadarian Price may see increased playing time.
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Malik Nabers suffered a complex knee injury in September involving a torn ACL and damaged meniscus. In addition to surgery in the fall, he required a cleanup procedure this spring to remove scar tissue causing stiffness. While his recovery has been complicated, head coach Jim Harbaugh expressed belief that Nabers will work his way into training camp, potentially missing minimal time at the season's start.
Also with the Jaguars, wide receiver Cam Skattebo endured a severe lower-leg injury-an open tibia fracture and dislocated ankle-during his rookie season. Despite the severity, Skattebo has made significant progress and participated in team drills during minicamp. Harbaugh expects him to fully engage in early training camp activities, and Skattebo appears further along in his recovery than Nabers.
Another promising rookie running back, Quinshon Judkins of the Las Vegas Raiders, suffered a fractured fibula and dislocated ankle late in the 2025 season. The expected four-to-six-month recovery timeline has played out well, with Judkins participating fully in OTAs and minicamp. He is expected to start Week 1 and aims to build on his strong rookie numbers, which included 827 yards and seven touchdowns.
The Detroit Lions face uncertainty with two key defensive backs. Safety Kerby Joseph has a bone bruise and chronic knee issues that first appeared during 2025 training camp. He missed over half the season and remains sidelined from football activities. Head coach Dan Campbell admitted that the team does not know when or if Joseph will return. Similarly, safety Brian Branch is recovering from a torn Achilles suffered in December and is unlikely to return before December. His absence could result in the Lions opening the season with a significantly weakened secondary.
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Travis Hunter missed most of his rookie year due to a torn LCL suffered during practice in October. After surgery and rehab, Hunter has completed his recovery and is expected to participate fully in training camp. The Jaguars plan to primarily use him at cornerback in his second season while also integrating him into their wide receiver rotation.
Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby injured his meniscus in Week 7 last year. Disputes over his placement on injured reserve and a failed trade to the Baltimore Ravens due to health concerns complicated his situation. Crosby has since committed to the Raiders and rehabbed during OTAs. He may be a full participant at training camp and could be ready to play in Week 1.
Finally, Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane underwent minor shoulder surgery related to an injury that sidelined him for the last game of the 2025 season. Although he was limited during OTAs and minicamp, new Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley expects Achane to avoid setbacks and be available at the start of the new season.
In summary, while many star players are making encouraging strides in their recoveries, the 2026 NFL season will begin with several teams uncertain about the availability of key contributors. From torn ACLs and Achilles tendons to complex knee and ankle injuries, the path back to full health remains challenging. Teams have prepared contingency plans, and the early weeks of the season may see adjustments as players continue their rehabilitation journeys. Fans and coaches alike will be watching closely to see which injured stars can return to form and how their comebacks impact their teams' fortunes in the new season.