Tom Christ, PT, DPT, OCS • August 23, 2026
2026 Fantasy Football Training Camp Injury Updates
Track the latest 2026 NFL training camp injuries, recovery timelines, Week 1 outlooks and fantasy football impact before your draft.
2026 Fantasy Football Training Camp Injury Tracker: 17 Players to Monitor Before You Draft
The latest injury updates, expected recovery timelines, and fantasy beneficiaries from NFL training camps and preseason games.
Last updated: August 23, 2026
NFL training camps and preseason games continue to reshape fantasy football draft boards. Several prominent players are now managing injuries that could affect their Week 1 availability, early-season workloads or average draft positions.
This week’s update focuses primarily on new injuries, meaningful changes to previously reported conditions and players who are only now approaching a return from major injuries suffered last season.
Timelines remain subject to change as teams complete imaging, increase practice workloads and make decisions regarding injured reserve or the physically unable to perform list.
For complete injury profiles, historical risk factors and recovery outlooks for more than 150 players, download the 2026 Fantasy Football Draft Injury Guide.
Quarterbacks
Michael Penix Jr. — Left ACL Reconstruction
Injury
Penix underwent surgery after sustaining a partial tear of his left ACL last season. Atlanta announced on August 22 that he had been medically cleared to participate in 11-on-11 drills and full-team work.
This represents an important transition from individual rehabilitation into football-specific activity, but medical clearance does not necessarily mean Penix has completed a full, unrestricted practice or is ready for game action.
Expected Time Missed
Penix is progressing toward a return, but Atlanta has not announced when he will participate without restrictions or play in a preseason game. His response to full-team work will be the next meaningful benchmark.
Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed
Tua Tagovailoa would remain Atlanta’s starter and gain additional job security if Penix experiences a setback or needs more time before he is ready to compete.
Analysis
Penix has been cleared for full 11-on-11 work, a major milestone as he attempts to return from the third ACL tear of his career. He now has an opportunity to compete with Tua Tagovailoa for Atlanta’s starting job.
This recovery carries additional importance because Penix tore the ACL in his left knee, the leg he uses to drive through throws and step forward in the pocket. Any lingering limitations in strength, confidence or force production could affect his passing mechanics, but quarterbacks typically experience little long-term functional decline once fully recovered from an isolated ACL injury.
Penix still has to prove that he can become a reliable fantasy starter, but the supporting cast gives him considerable upside. Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts have already demonstrated that they can produce with Penix under center, making this quarterback competition one of the most important situations to monitor over the remainder of camp. See Michael Penix entire injury profile here.
Running Backs
Ashton Jeanty — Knee Injury
Injury
Jeanty collided with a teammate while diving to the ground during practice today and reportedly could not bear weight through his leg. As of this writing, there are no updates.
Expected Time Missed
To be determined.
Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed
Mike Washington Jr., who has played well this preseason, would presumably assume the lion's share of backfield touches if Jeanty is to miss time.
Analysis
As of this writing, we are in wait-and-see mode with Jeanty. The inability to bear weight is not a good sign and often means a fracture or significant ligament injury is present. Sometimes, however, a major bruise, which can happen when colliding with another player, can lead to a temporary inability to bear weight. Let's hope for the best. Ashton Jeanty's entire injury risk profile can be found here.
Alvin Kamara — Knee MCL Sprain
Injury
Kamara sustained an MCL sprain during an August 18 joint practice with Dallas. The injury reportedly occurred underneath a pile, and the Saints have not publicly confirmed the injured side or grade of the sprain.
MCL injuries can limit cutting, lateral movement, and the ability to absorb contact through the outside of the knee.
Expected Time Missed
Kamara is reportedly expected to miss approximately four to six weeks. That timeline places his availability for the beginning of the regular season in question and could keep him out for multiple games.
Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed
Travis Etienne Jr. would be positioned to handle the largest share of New Orleans’ rushing and receiving work. Devin Neal also exited the August 22 preseason game with an undisclosed issue, further strengthening Etienne’s short-term opportunity if Neal remains unavailable.
Analysis
Kamara has dealt with a ton of injuries in his career, and this is the third time he has experienced an MCL injury. MCL sprains generally heal well; however, running backs see a significant decline in fantasy stats for 3 weeks upon returning from injury. For Kamara, whose timeline suggests he may miss the start of the season, this means he likely won't be valuable until several weeks into the season. Kamara was already considered high risk for injury, and this just adds another risk factor.
Kyle Monangai — Right-Knee Hyperextension
Injury
Monangai hyperextended his right knee after becoming tangled with defensive tackle Grady Jarrett during an August 16 practice.
The Bears reportedly received encouraging MRI results, and surgery is not expected. However, the team has not confirmed the exact injured tissue.
Expected Time Missed
Monangai is considered week-to-week and is expected to miss multiple weeks. His availability for Week 1 remains uncertain.
Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed
D’Andre Swift would face less competition for early-down and red-zone work. Swift is the clear fantasy beneficiary.
Analysis
A knee hyperextension is not a medical diagnosis; it describes the action that occurred at the knee. Hyperextension moments put ligaments like the ACL and PCL at risk; however, MRI reports did not show any major injury, leaving hope that these structures are spared. Meniscus injury can happen as well, which can cause missed time, but there has been no official indication that Monangai has any issue with his meniscus. Hyperextensions often cause bone bruises, which is the most likely issue Monangai is dealing with. If true, as soon as the swelling subsides, function should return. For now, I am buying the injury dip on Monangai. See Kyle Monangai's full injury profile here.
Breece Hall — Groin Injury
Injury
Hall sustained a noncontact groin injury after making a catch during an August 17 practice.
Expected Time Missed
The Jets expect Hall to miss approximately two to three weeks but believe he will be available for Week 1. His workload upon returning remains worth monitoring.
Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed
Braelon Allen would be positioned to lead the backfield if Hall is unavailable or initially limited.
Analysis
Hall was expected to miss 2-3 weeks with the groin injury, a strong indication this is not a significant strain. The groin muscle is a critical single-leg stabilizer and has its role in hip flexion and extension, making it a valuable participant in running and cutting, but it is not the primary mover for these actions. Running backs historically see no fantasy decline upon returning from a groin injury. The re-injury risk is real (18%), but not enough for me to fade Hall even a little. Breece Hall's entire injury risk profile can be found here.
Official Jets practice report
Week 1 outlook
Jeremiyah Love — High Ankle Sprain
Injury
Love sustained a high ankle sprain during Arizona’s preseason game against Las Vegas. The injury occurred after he had accumulated 14 first-half touches and produced an encouraging professional debut.
High ankle sprains affect the structures connecting the tibia and fibula above the ankle. They generally require more time than typical lateral ankle sprains and can temporarily limit cutting, acceleration, and power.
Expected Time Missed
Love is expected to miss the remainder of the preseason. Arizona remains hopeful he will return for its September 13 regular-season opener, but his workload and movement quality will need to be monitored if he returns on that timeline.
Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed
Tyler Allgeier would be positioned to handle the largest share of Arizona’s backfield work.
Analysis
Love has a left high ankle sprain that will sideline him at least the rest of the preseason. Many in the fantasy community are freaking out about this, and rightfully so; high ankle sprains suck and can have long-term consequences.
Re-injury rates are around 8-11%, but the bigger issue is the potential for mechanical changes, like stiffness or laxity, that can influence injury elsewhere.
It's not all bad, though. Surprisingly, since 2017, running backs average no drop-off in fantasy points when they return from a high ankle sprain. This doesn't make sense on the surface, because high ankle sprains truly are a big issue. The answer most likely has to do with time missed. Running backs average missing 2.5 games, which is far more time compared to most injuries. This time to rehab allows them to get closer to 100% than the short duration of time missed for low ankle sprains, hamstring injuries, and many others.
Love is also only 21 years old; healing is very efficient. I have no reservations against drafting Jeremiyah Love this season, and expect him to be a force for fantasy.
Chuba Hubbard — Right Hamstring Injury
Injury
Hubbard sustained a right hamstring injury during an August 12 practice. Carolina described him as week-to-week rather than day-to-day.
Hamstring injuries carry meaningful recurrence risk for running backs because the position requires repeated acceleration and rapid changes of direction.
Expected Time Missed
Carolina has expressed confidence that Hubbard will be ready for Week 1, but he has not yet established a confirmed unrestricted return benchmark.
Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed
Jonathon Brooks would receive the clearest opportunity to lead Carolina’s backfield. He started the team’s latest preseason game while Hubbard remained unavailable.
Analysis
Hubbard has missed most of camp with a hamstring injury but is expected to be ready by week one. Likely a grade 2 strain, this leads to true muscle damage, strength, and ROM loss that need to be restored before playing well again. This will put Hubbard at a 5x increased risk for a recurrent hamstring strain this season, adding risk to an already not very attractive fantasy asset. Jonathan Brooks has ample opportunity to eat into Hubbard's snap rate. Chuba Hubbard's entire injury risk profile can be found here.
Rachaad White — Hamstring Injury
Injury
White sustained what Washington described as a minor hamstring injury during a joint practice with Miami. The team has not confirmed the injured side or grade.
Expected Time Missed
The injury is not considered serious or long-term, but Washington has not provided a firm return date. White’s first full practice will be the key benchmark.
Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed
Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Kaytron Allen would be the expected beneficiaries.
Analysis
This does sound like a mild hamstring injury and would not lead to much muscle damage or strength loss. A mild hamstring injury can still be a recurrence issue, but obviously less so than a more severe injury. White is also not particularly fast, and we don't often see him breaking long runs, which puts less stress on the hamstring. White is fully entrenched in a committee, which also reduces his total exposure and therefore reduces the risk for re-injury. White should be ready for week one, and may have some value as a pass-catching back this year.
Quinshon Judkins — Undisclosed Injury
Injury
Judkins has missed consecutive practices and Cleveland’s August 22 preseason game with what has been described as a minor or nagging injury.
The Browns have not disclosed the body region, diagnosis, laterality, or mechanism. Until those details emerge, it is not possible to estimate his recovery or recurrence risk responsibly.
Expected Time Missed
Cleveland reportedly does not consider the issue serious, but no return date has been announced. His status should be reassessed when he resumes full practice.
Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed
Dylan Sampson would receive additional first-team work and strengthen his path toward a meaningful early-season role.
Analysis
With no intel to go off of, it's impossible to make much of an analysis here. I do have Judkins ranked "high risk" for injury coming off the ankle dislocation and fibula fracture. However, there is no way to know yet if this injury is related. Quinshon Judkins' entire injury risk profile can be found here.
Wide Receivers
Puka Nacua — Psoas Soreness
Injury
Nacua exited an August 11 joint practice with groin discomfort that Sean McVay later identified as soreness in the psoas, a deep hip-flexor muscle.
The Rams initially expected Nacua to return the following week, but his absence lasted longer than originally anticipated. The team continues to characterize the issue as minor and is proceeding cautiously.
Expected Time Missed
Nacua is expected to be ready for Week 1.
Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed
Davante Adams would become the unquestioned focal point of the Rams’ passing game and could command one of the league’s highest target shares.
Analysis
Puka still has not returned to practice but was seen working with trainers, and from the videos I saw, there was no reason for major concern. As I wrote last week, the psoas is a powerful hip flexor which is critical for sprinting. A psoas injury can cause discomfort with running but oftentimes athletes can compensate and make up for any lost function through other hip flexors. Additionally, the psoas is one of the most common muscles I work on clinically, and it responds fantastically to good treatment. I am not concerned here. Puka Nacua's entire injury risk profile can be found here.
DeVonta Smith — Hamstring Injury
Injury
Smith injured his hamstring during the same August 3 practice in which teammate Makai Lemon was hurt. Philadelphia characterized the injury as minor, but Smith missed nearly two weeks of practice.
He has since resumed individual work, representing an encouraging step without yet confirming that he is ready for an unrestricted workload.
Expected Time Missed
Smith appears on track for Week 1, but his status should remain monitored until he participates fully in team drills on consecutive days.
Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed
Dontayvian Wicks is the immediate primary beneficiary if Smith misses time.
Analysis
Smith has returned to limited practices and appears on track to play in week one. With Devonta practicing over two weeks ahead of week one, his production likely won't be affected if he is able to suit up; the concern is re-injury. Smitty now has four recorded hamstring injuries in his career, which will absolutely increase his risk for another hamstring injury this season. Still, Devonta Smith is a hot pick to have a breakout season. While injury risk is elevated due to this most recent hamstring injury, his ceiling remains very high. Devonta Smith's entire injury risk profile can be found here.
Makai Lemon — Right Hamstring Injury
Injury
Lemon injured his hamstring during an August 3 practice after also missing time with a hamstring issue to the same right side during the spring.
Lemon returned to practice on August 20 but participated on a limited basis rather than immediately resuming a full team workload.
Expected Time Missed
Lemon is progressing toward Week 1 availability, but he may have limited time to prepare for an immediate full-time role. His first unrestricted practice and ability to handle consecutive high-speed sessions will be important benchmarks.
Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed
Dontayvion Wicks has received a large share of the additional practice opportunities and would be positioned for an expanded early-season role.
Analysis
Two hamstring injuries to the same side is not the best way for a wide receiver to start his career. The hamstring is a critical power and speed muscle for sprinting, which is why it affects receivers more than any other position. With Lemon injuring the same hamstring twice within just a few months, his risk for aggravating the right hamstring again this season is much higher. While he may be ready for week one, I am concerned from a re-injury standpoint, and that he has missed most of the offseason and preseason and is likely behind in acclimating to the NFL and learning Philly's offense. I'm sure Philly wants Lemon to have a big role this year, it might just take some time to develop. Makai Lemon's entire injury risk profile can be found here.
Jordyn Tyson — Right Hamstring Injury
Injury
Tyson sustained a right hamstring injury during an August 13 joint practice. New Orleans reportedly does not believe the injury is related to the hamstring problems he experienced before entering the NFL, although the team has not released a specific grade.
Expected Time Missed
Tyson could miss approximately two months, potentially sidelining him for the first several games of the regular season.
Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed
Chris Olave should command a larger share of the passing game; Devaughn Vele and Bryce Lance should get more work, but I see Juwan Johnson as the real beneficiary.
Analysis
Tyson is expected to miss up to TWO MONTHS with his latest hamstring injury. This timeframe suggests a grade II injury with considerable muscle damage, strength and ROM loss. The timeline is also likely extended due to his history, with this being his 4th hamstring injury in 10 months.
The team mentions it was not the same part of the muscle that was previously injured, but that does not matter. What's better, having one spot in the muscle that has been injured four times and is extremely compromised, or one spot that's been injured three times and another that's been injured once? There's no difference; both are bad situations. Also, mechanically, the entire hamstring contracts together at the same time.
At this point, there is little question that the tissue integrity in Tyson's hamstrings is not what they used to be. He needs to spend extensive time working on regaining normal range of motion, strength, neural mobility, and mechanics to reduce the likelihood of another injury.
This latest injury is reason to fade Tyson. Jordyn Tyson's entire injury risk profile can be found here.
Jayden Higgins — Torn ACL
Injury
Higgins tore his ACL during an August 18 joint practice with Las Vegas. He fell awkwardly while attempting to make a catch in the end zone, and Houston subsequently placed him on injured reserve.
The Texans signed veterans Zay Jones and Sterling Shepard after confirming Higgins’ season-ending injury.
Expected Time Missed
Higgins will miss the entire 2026 season. His rehabilitation will extend into the 2027 offseason.
Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed
Tank Dell and Xavier Hutchinson gain clearer paths to playing time behind Nico Collins. Jones and Shepard will compete for rotational work after joining the roster.
Analysis
This one is a big blow for the second-year wide receiver whom many had as a breakout candidate. Higgins will miss the entire season, but if there is a silver lining, it's that he will have an entire year to rehab. At just 23 years old, Higgins' body is in its prime for healing and restoring his full athletic ability. Present reports have only mentioned an ACL tear, with no associated tissues that need to be repaired. Sometimes teams simply withhold information, but for now we can hope that Higgins only needs the ACL repaired.
Receivers historically struggle in year one after an ACL, averaging a >20% decline in fantasy points per game. This returns to baseline in year two, and every now and then we see a receiver far outpace historical trends and dominate in year one. In the past, every receiver to excel in year one post-ACL was a dominant force before injury, which Higgins was not yet. It's hard to project Higgins ' 2027 value at this time, but from the information we have, I'd expect him to be ready to participate in camp with an opportunity to play decently in 2027.
NFL diagnosis report
Houston’s subsequent signings
Keon Coleman — Right Foot and Toe Sprain
Injury
Coleman sustained a sprain involving his right foot and toe during Buffalo’s preseason opener. He was subsequently seen wearing a walking boot.
The exact joint, ligament, and severity have not been disclosed.
Expected Time Missed
Buffalo has not announced a firm return timeline. Coleman’s progression out of the walking boot and back into unrestricted practice will provide more useful information than the initial “sprain” label alone.
Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed
Joshua Palmer would have an opportunity to earn additional outside-receiver snaps. Khalil Shakir is also sidelined, potentially creating more work throughout Buffalo’s receiving corps.
Analysis
Coleman is dealing with a sprain to either his foot, toe, or both. We don't yet know the severity, but either injury can impact a receiver's ability to get in and out of routes and hit top speed. For a player who has struggled to emerge in the NFL, this is plenty of reason to fade him.
Khalil Shakir — Undisclosed Injury
Injury
Shakir missed Buffalo’s joint practice and preseason game against Cleveland with an undisclosed injury.
Buffalo has not publicly identified the body region, diagnosis, side or expected timeline. His situation deserves additional attention because Coleman is also unavailable.
Expected Time Missed
No timeline has been announced. Shakir should remain on the tracker until the Bills clarify the injury or he returns to unrestricted practice.
Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed
Joshua Palmer would have an opportunity to earn additional targets and first-team work. DJ Moore could also see his role expand if both Shakir and Coleman remain sidelined.
Analysis
Shakir continues to miss practice with an undisclosed injury. As more information emerges, I'll be sure to provide analysis.
Tight Ends
Sam LaPorta — Hip Injury
Injury
LaPorta is dealing with a hip injury that occurred after absorbing a hit. Detroit has not disclosed the injured side, exact tissue, or severity.
The Lions have expressed optimism regarding his overall recovery, but his availability for Week 1 remains uncertain.
Expected Time Missed
No firm timeline has been announced. LaPorta could be available for the opener, but his participation over the next two weeks will determine whether that remains realistic.
Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed
Brock Wright would receive the largest increase in tight-end snaps. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Detroit’s other receivers would be more likely to absorb LaPorta’s vacated targets.
Analysis
Right now there's not a lot of intel to go off of, but we know this was a contact injury. The hope is this is a hip pointer (bruise), in which case after the bruising subsides, function fully restores. Expect more information to emerge in the coming week that will paint a better picture.
Sam LaPorta's entire injury risk profile can be found here.
Tyler Warren — Groin Injury
Injury
Warren sustained a groin injury during an August 19 joint practice. Subsequent reporting described it as a relatively minor strain, with Indianapolis receiving encouraging initial news.
Expected Time Missed
Warren is expected to miss approximately one week, and his Week 1 availability is not believed to be in jeopardy.
Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed
Mo Alie-Cox would receive additional tight-end snaps. Alec Pierce, Josh Downs and the other Indianapolis receivers could absorb more targets if Warren were unexpectedly limited.
Analysis
Warren has a mild groin injury, which is usually not a big deal. With two weeks until week one, Warren should have no issue being ready to play. Groin injuries historically do not lead to any performance decline for tight ends, and Warren remains a high-upside play in 2026.
George Kittle — Right Achilles Reconstruction
Injury
Kittle tore his right Achilles tendon during San Francisco’s playoff loss on January 11 and underwent surgical repair.
Expected Time Missed
Week 1 remains possible but is not guaranteed. If not week one, week two is likely.
Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed
Jake Tonges would have an opportunity to handle more tight-end snaps, although Christian McCaffrey and San Francisco’s wide receivers would be more likely to absorb Kittle’s fantasy-relevant targets.
Analysis
Kittle was just cleared for full-contact 11-on-11 activity. Sure, it was an injury to a more vascular location of the Achilles, but this is still a major injury to come back from. Kittle's large body and reliable hands will provide a fantasy floor, but it would be naive to expect him to look as explosive as we have become accustomed to.
Final Thoughts
Ashton Jeanty's injury is potentially serious and would be a huge blow to the Raiders and fantasy football. Let's hope the emerging news is positive. Otherwise, several key names are dealing with injuries that may linger into the season, or at least add notable risk for future injury.
For complete injury profiles, historical risk factors and recovery outlooks for more than 150 players, purchase the 2026 Fantasy Football Draft Injury Guide.