The 2025 NFL season was marred by injuries that reshaped fantasy football landscapes. From Malik Nabers’ ACL tear to Patrick Mahomes’ knee surgery, these setbacks will have lasting implications for 2026 drafts. Here’s why these injuries matter and how they should influence your fantasy strategy.
The Malik Nabers Factor: A First-Round Gamble or a Second-Round Steal?
Malik Nabers’ ACL and meniscus tear in Week 4 was one of the most devastating injuries for fantasy managers in 2025. Drafted as a first-round pick (12 ADP), Nabers had shown his potential with a 9-167-2 explosion against the Cowboys in Week 2. However, his injury cut short what could have been a historic rookie season.
Nabers will be just 23 years old when the 2026 season starts, and his recovery timeline suggests he should be ready for Week 1. The Giants’ offense, now led by QB Jaxson Dart, will rely heavily on Nabers’ playmaking ability. While drafting him in the first round again might be risky, Nabers should still be a target in the second round. His rookie season stats (109-1,204-7) despite poor QB play indicate his elite potential.
Fantasy managers should monitor Nabers’ progress during the offseason and training camp. If there are no setbacks, he could be a league-winning pick in 2026.
Patrick Mahomes’ Knee Injury: A Fantasy QB Dilemma
Patrick Mahomes’ torn ACL and LCL in Week 15 were a significant blow to fantasy teams. Despite missing Weeks 16 and 17, Mahomes still finished as a top-10 QB in fantasy points, thanks in part to a career-high 422 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns. However, his rushing upside may be limited in 2026 as he recovers from major knee surgery.
The Chiefs’ offense is in flux, and Mahomes’ recovery timeline could impact his availability for Week 1. His ADP, which was around the fourth round in 2025, is likely to drop, making him a potential value pick. Fantasy managers should consider drafting Mahomes alongside another upside QB as insurance. If Mahomes returns early and the Chiefs improve their offense, he could be a steal in 2026 drafts.
Tucker Kraft’s Breakout Season Cut Short
Tucker Kraft was on pace to be the TE2 in fantasy football before his knee injury in Week 9. Despite missing significant time, he finished as a top-20 TE with 489 receiving yards and six touchdowns. Kraft’s breakout season was a major story in 2025, and his injury left fantasy managers scrambling for replacements.
Kraft is still young (25 years old) and entering a contract year, which could motivate him to return stronger in 2026. His ADP, which was around the sixth round in 2025, is likely to rise if his recovery goes well. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on Kraft’s progress during the offseason. If he’s fully healthy by training camp, he could be a top-five tight end in 2026.
Travis Hunter’s Rookie Season Derailed
Travis Hunter’s knee injury in Week 8 cut short his rookie season with the Jaguars. Despite the setback, Hunter showed promise with 28 catches for 298 yards and one touchdown in seven games. The Jaguars’ deep receiver group, including Jakobi Meyers and Parker Washington, makes Hunter’s role uncertain in 2026.
Hunter’s ADP, which was around the sixth round in 2025, is likely to drop due to the competition for targets in Jacksonville. However, the Jaguars invested heavily in Hunter, and head coach Liam Coen will likely find ways to utilize his unique skill set. Fantasy managers should monitor Hunter’s recovery and his role in the offense during the offseason. He could be a late-round sleeper in 2026 drafts.
Cam Skattebo’s Rookie of the Year Campaign Ended Early
Cam Skattebo was a fantasy sensation before his ankle injury in Week 8. He had double-digit fantasy points in every game from Week 2-7 and was on pace to be a top-tier running back. Skattebo’s injury was a major blow to fantasy managers who had drafted him as a potential league-winner.
Skattebo is expected to be 100% by training camp, but the Giants’ backfield could be crowded with Devin Singletary and Tyrone Tracy Jr. Fantasy managers should watch the Giants’ offseason moves closely. If Skattebo is the clear lead back, he could be a third- or fourth-round pick in 2026 drafts. His upside as a receiver makes him a valuable asset, especially if the Giants are playing from behind.
Quinshon Judkins’ Strong Rookie Season Cut Short
Quinshon Judkins was another rookie running back whose season was derailed by injury. He dislocated his ankle and fractured his fibula in Week 16 but still finished as the RB24 in fantasy scoring. Judkins’ strong rookie season makes him an intriguing option for 2026.
Judkins has plenty of time to recover and should be ready for the start of the 2026 season. His ADP, which was around the fourth or fifth round in 2025, could drop due to injury concerns, making him a potential value pick. Fantasy managers should monitor his recovery and the Browns’ offseason moves. If Judkins is fully healthy, he could be a solid RB2 or flex option in 2026.
Other Key Injuries to Monitor
The 2025 NFL season saw several other impactful injuries that fantasy managers should keep an eye on:
- Tyreek Hill (knee) – His recovery will be crucial for the Dolphins’ offense.
- Najee Harris (Achilles) – His availability will impact the Chargers’ backfield.
- Austin Ekeler (Achilles) – His recovery could determine his role with the Commanders.
- James Conner (foot) – His health will be key for the Cardinals’ rushing attack.
- Antonio Gibson (knee) – His recovery could impact the Patriots’ backfield.
- Miles Sanders (knee) – His health will be crucial for the Cowboys’ offense.
- JK Dobbins (foot) – His recovery could determine his role with the Broncos.
- Calvin Ridley (fibula) – His health will be key for the Titans’ passing game.
- Joe Mixon (foot/ankle) – His recovery could impact the Texans’ backfield.
- Michael Penix Jr. (knee) – His health will be crucial for the Falcons’ offense.
- Kyler Murray (foot) – His recovery could determine his role with the Cardinals.
- Daniel Jones (Achilles) – His health will be key for the Colts’ offense.
- Zach Ertz (knee) – His recovery could impact the Commanders’ passing game.
- Trey Benson (knee) – His health will be crucial for the Cardinals’ backfield.
- Brandon Aiyuk (knee) – His recovery could determine his role with the 49ers.
- Sam LaPorta (back) – His health will be key for the Lions’ passing game.
- Garrett Wilson (knee) – His recovery could impact the Jets’ offense.
Final Thoughts: How to Approach 2026 Drafts
The 2025 NFL season was a reminder of how quickly injuries can change the fantasy football landscape. As you prepare for your 2026 drafts, keep these key takeaways in mind:
- Monitor recovery timelines and offseason progress for injured players.
- Consider drafting high-upside players with injury concerns in later rounds.
- Pay attention to offseason moves that could impact player roles and opportunities.
- Don’t overreact to injuries—some players can return stronger than ever.
By staying informed and adapting your strategy, you can turn injury concerns into fantasy football advantages in 2026.
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