The first full Sunday of the 2026 NFL season has arrived, but several major fantasy contributors enter Week 1 with questions surrounding their availability or expected workload. Below are the most important injuries to monitor before setting your lineup, including each player's practice progression, current game status, and the teammates positioned to benefit if they are unavailable or limited.

Quarterbacks

Patrick Mahomes — Left ACL and LCL Reconstruction

Injury

Mahomes tore the ACL and LCL in his left knee on December 14, 2025, and underwent surgical reconstruction. 

Practice Status

FP/FP/FP

Expected Time Missed

Mahomes is expected to start Monday night against Denver.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed

Garrett Nussmeier would be the next quarterback in line if Mahomes experiences a setback.

Analysis

Mahomes is fully expected to take the field Monday night, approximately nine months after undergoing left ACL and LCL reconstruction. Because this is his left knee, it is not the leg he primarily drives off when throwing, so I do not expect the injury to affect his arm strength.

However, the left ACL and LCL absorb tremendous force during the follow-through for a right-handed passer. Any residual weakness or instability could compromise his plant stability and show up as an accuracy issue. We have not seen or heard any indication of that throughout camp, and I do not expect it to be a problem Monday night.

The more likely residual limitation is his mobility. Mahomes generated a significant portion of his fantasy value with his legs last season, and that rushing upside may be reduced as he continues working back toward 100%. Still, he remains one of the most gifted passers to ever play the position and can provide tremendous fantasy value with his arm alone.

Tua Tagovailoa — Right Oblique Injury

Injury

Tagovailoa injured his right oblique during Atlanta’s Thursday practice after winning the starting quarterback job during training camp. He was unable to practice Friday and has been ruled out against Pittsburgh.

Practice Status

FP/LP/DNP

Expected Time Missed

Tagovailoa will miss Week 1. Atlanta is expecting Tua to be week-to-week.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed

Cooper Rush will start against Pittsburgh. Atlanta’s pass catchers may face a lower offensive ceiling with its third quarterback option starting the opener.

Analysis

The obliques are powerful torso rotators and, as such, are critically involved in the throwing motion.  Oblique injuries will impact the ability to generate power and maintain accuracy.  Oblique injuries usually heal well without much residual negative impact on performance. One may wonder if this absence will allow Michael Penix time to earn back the job. 

Michael Penix Jr. — Left ACL Reconstruction

Injury

Penix sustained a partial tear of his left ACL on November 16, 2025, and subsequently underwent reconstruction. Although he participated fully in Atlanta’s Week 1 practices, the Falcons have ruled him out as he continues his recovery from surgery.

Practice Status

FP/FP/FP

Expected Time Missed

Penix will miss Week 1. His next opportunity to return will be Week 2, although Atlanta has not committed to that timeline.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed

Cooper Rush will start with both Penix and Tagovailoa unavailable. Rookie Jack Strand is expected to serve as the backup quarterback.

Analysis

There's always risk and uncertainty when coming off an ACL tear.  Penix has admitted that he does not feel ready yet, and we can only speculate if it is a physical or mental barrier that remains, or both.

With this being Penix's left ACL, he needs full strength, stability, and trust to push off for throwing power.  Quarterbacks typically do not see a major year one dip in fantasy production after an ACL, and I would expect Penix to win back his job eventually. 

Running Backs

Breece Hall — Right Groin Strain

Injury

Hall sustained a noncontact right groin strain during an August 17 practice. He returned to unrestricted work ahead of Week 1 and said he will be available against Tennessee.

Practice Status

FP/FP/FP

Expected Time Missed

Hall carries no game designation and is expected to handle his normal role.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed

Braelon Allen would receive the largest increase in carries, with Isaiah Davis also positioned for additional work.

Analysis

Groin injuries typically have minimal negative carryover for running backs once they return to play. Historically, ball carriers show no decline in fantasy production during their first game back, and Hall has had nearly a full month to recover.

The primary concern is recurrence rather than performance. Groin injuries carry a relatively high reinjury rate, but Hall’s extended rehabilitation period and full practice participation lower that risk. I expect him to perform well and handle his usual role. Hall is a solid Week 1 start.

Ashton Jeanty — Right Ankle Sprain

Injury

Jeanty sprained his right ankle during an August 23 practice. He returned to full participation throughout Week 1 preparation and said he will play against Miami.

Practice Status

FP/FP/FP

Expected Time Missed

Jeanty carries no game designation and is expected to start Sunday.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed

Mike Washington Jr. would be positioned for a larger rushing role if Jeanty experiences a setback or has his workload managed.

Analysis

Jeanty is a full go after practicing without limitations throughout the week. Available videos show him planting quickly and confidently off the injured ankle without any visible mechanical compensations or residual deficits.

Running backs historically experience minimal to no decline in fantasy production after returning from a lateral ankle sprain, and I expect Jeanty to look excellent. The larger concern is recurrence, as lateral ankle sprains carry a high reinjury rate. Repeated sprains can eventually lead to chronic ankle instability, but that is a long-term concern rather than an expected Week 1 limitation.

For now, Jeanty is a strong start who should not experience any meaningful decline in performance.

Alvin Kamara — MCL Sprain

Injury

Kamara injured his knee during an August joint practice when another player was blocked into his leg. 

Practice Status

LP/LP/LP

Expected Time Missed

Kamara is listed as questionable and has been described as a game-time decision. It is expected that if Kamara does play, it will be on a limited basis.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed

Travis Etienne Jr. would be positioned to lead the Saints’ backfield.

Analysis

Kamara has a chance to play after sustaining an MCL sprain in August. He is no stranger to MCL sprains or other lower-body injuries, and the cumulative demands of a long, productive career appear to be taking a toll.

The MCL generally heals well, but the rehabilitation process can be difficult. The resulting pain, swelling and stiffness can rapidly reduce quadriceps strength and knee stability, all of which must be restored before a running back can return and perform effectively.

Running backs have historically struggled for several weeks after an MCL sprain. Considering Kamara’s age, extensive injury history and diminishing offensive role, I would not expect him to provide reliable fantasy value if he plays this week.

Jeremiyah Love — Left High Ankle Sprain

Injury

Love sustained a high ankle sprain during Arizona’s August 13 preseason game against Las Vegas. 

Practice Status

LP/LP/LP

Expected Time Missed

Love is questionable and will be a game-time decision against the Chargers. Arizona is hopeful that he will be ready to play.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed

Tyler Allgeier would be positioned to lead Arizona’s backfield if Love cannot play or is significantly limited.

Analysis

Love is trending toward playing after suffering a left high ankle sprain during Arizona’s first preseason game. Extensive practice footage provides several encouraging signs regarding the progress of his rehabilitation.

Videos show Love achieving more than 20 degrees of left ankle dorsiflexion, which falls within a normal functional range. Restoring dorsiflexion is a critical milestone because high ankle sprains commonly produce persistent stiffness and loss of motion. Limited dorsiflexion can alter lower-extremity mechanics and increase the risk of subsequent injury, so Love’s restored mobility meaningfully reduces my concern.

He has also been seen planting, accelerating and cutting quickly and powerfully without hesitation or visible compensation. Those movements suggest that he has regained the stability and confidence needed to handle football-specific demands.

Arizona may gradually integrate Love into the offense as he rebuilds his workload, but the injury itself does not appear likely to limit his performance. Based on the movement quality shown in practice, Love looks positioned to play well when given the opportunity.

Jonathon Brooks — Groin Injury

Injury

Brooks entered Week 1 managing a groin injury sustained during the final portion of the preseason. 

Practice Status

LP/LP/FP

Expected Time Missed

Brooks carries no game designation and is cleared to play against Chicago.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed

Chuba Hubbard would be positioned for additional carries and passing-down work if Brooks experiences a setback or plays a reduced role.

Analysis

Brooks is off the injury report and ready to return to NFL action. All available reporting suggests that his groin injury was mild, and there is no indication that it will limit his workload or performance.

The groin muscles are important stabilizers that also contribute to sprinting, cutting, and changing direction, but they are not the primary drivers of those movements. Historically, running backs average no decline in fantasy production after returning from a groin injury.

Brooks remains an intriguing fantasy option for Week 1 and could provide significant value throughout the season.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt — Groin Injury

Injury

Croskey-Merritt was limited Wednesday and Thursday by a groin injury. 

Practice Status

LP/LP/LP

Expected Time Missed

Washington did not assign Croskey-Merritt a game designation, indicating that he is expected to be available against Philadelphia. 

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed

Rachaad White and Kaytron Allen would be positioned for more work if Croskey-Merritt is unavailable or limited.

Analysis

Croskey-Merritt is expected to play after dealing with a groin injury during the week. He carries no game designation, suggesting the injury is no longer a meaningful concern.

As with Brooks above, groin injuries generally have little negative effect on running back production once the player returns. Croskey-Merritt is a fringe flex option based on his expected role, but the injury itself should not limit his performance.

Wide Receivers

Malik Nabers — Right ACL and Meniscus Reconstruction

Injury

Nabers tore the ACL in his right knee and sustained an associated meniscus injury on September 28, 2025. His recovery required two procedures. He practiced fully throughout Week 1 but has publicly expressed uncertainty about whether returning Sunday is the right decision for his long-term health.

Practice Status

FP/FP/FP

Expected Time Missed

Nabers is questionable against Dallas. He has received medical clearance, but his Week 1 availability remains uncertain and could be decided close to kickoff.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed

Malachi Fields and Darnell Mooney project as the primary beneficiaries of targets if Nabers does not play.

Analysis

Nabers' Week 1 status remains uncertain despite practicing in full throughout the week and looking impressive for much of training camp. Complicating matters, New York plays Sunday night, so fantasy managers planning to start Nabers need a late-game replacement in case he is ruled out.

Nabers has verbalized he is not quite fully confident in his knee.  This is a common and overlooked situation coming off a major surgery, and it takes time to overcome this barrier.  If Nabers plays, expectations should still be measured. Wide receivers historically average more than a 20% decline in fantasy production during their first season after an ACL tear. However, Nabers possesses the traits most commonly associated with outperforming those historical trends: elite playmaking ability and youth, as he is still only 23 years old.

Fantasy managers invested significant draft capital in Nabers, and he should be started if active. Still, expecting a massive performance in his first game back from ACL reconstruction would be aggressive. Keep a viable pivot available until his status is officially confirmed.

Ja’Marr Chase — Left Knee Hyperextension

Injury

Chase hyperextended his left knee after landing awkwardly while attempting to catch a deep pass during an August 25 practice. 

Practice Status

FP/FP/FP

Expected Time Missed

Chase is expected to play against Tampa Bay. 

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed

Tee Higgins would become Cincinnati’s clear top receiving option if Chase experiences an unexpected setback.

Analysis

Chase is off the injury report after practicing in full throughout the week. As discussed when the injury occurred, the hyperextension mechanism likely caused a bone bruise and associated swelling without any lasting structural damage.

As the swelling resolves, normal function should return completely. With Chase practicing without limitations and carrying no game designation, there is no reason to expect any lingering performance deficits or increased injury risk. He can be started with confidence in Week 1.

Rome Odunze — Calf Injury

Injury

Odunze sustained a calf injury during a September 3 practice. This is separate from the foot injury he managed last season.

Practice Status

LP/LP/LP

Expected Time Missed

Odunze is questionable against Carolina but has expressed confidence that he will play. His workload has not been confirmed.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed

Luther Burden III would be positioned for additional routes and targets if Odunze is unavailable or limited.

Analysis

Odunze will attempt to play through a calf injury, but this is one of the most difficult injuries for a wide receiver to overcome without an initial decline in performance. The calf is essential for acceleration, sprinting, changing direction and jumping, all of which are fundamental to playing the position effectively.

Among non-surgical injuries, calf strains have historically produced the largest immediate decline in fantasy production. Wide receivers routinely average more than a 20% decrease during their first one or two games after returning. Encouragingly, production typically returns to baseline after that initial period, so Odunze's season-long outlook remains strong.

Recurrence is also a legitimate concern, as calf injuries carry an approximately 15% to 20% reinjury rate. Given the potential for reduced performance, an uncertain workload and an elevated risk of aggravation, sitting Odunze this week should be strongly considered if you have a viable replacement.

Emeka Egbuka — Toe Sprain

Injury

Egbuka sustained a toe sprain after another player rolled into his leg during an August 12 joint practice. 

Practice Status

FP/FP/FP

Expected Time Missed

Egbuka has been described as a full go and is expected to play against Cincinnati without a game designation.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed

Chris Godwin or Ted Hurst would be positioned for additional targets, while Tampa Bay could also increase the roles of its remaining healthy receivers.

Analysis

Egbuka generated considerable discussion within the fantasy community while recovering from his toe injury. These injuries generally follow one of two paths. A significant toe injury can sideline a player for an extended period and cause substantial performance limitations upon return. Persistent irritation and lost range of motion may force the player to turn the foot outward to avoid loading the injured toe, reducing speed and potentially creating problems elsewhere in the kinetic chain.

The alternative is a mild injury that does not cause meaningful stiffness, mechanical compensation or loss of function. All available practice footage suggests Egbuka falls into this category. He has completed three consecutive full practices and has not displayed any visible mechanical changes, which are extremely encouraging signs.

Fantasy managers who drafted later may have secured Egbuka at a discount because of the uncertainty surrounding his injury. Based on his full participation and movement quality, he should be started with confidence in Week 1.

Zay Flower – Hamstring Injury

Injury

Flowers had been dealing with a mild hamstring issue over the past few weeks but is now off of the injury report.

Practice Status

LP/FP/FP

Expected Time Missed

Flowers is expected to play this week.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed

Rashod Bateman and rookie Ja’Kobi Lane would present as the primary options in the passing game if Flowers were to miss time.

Analysis

Flowers' hamstring injury is not considered significant, making it unlikely to meaningfully affect his acceleration or top-end speed.

Wide receivers historically average a modest decline in fantasy production during their first game after a hamstring injury, but those numbers are influenced by more severe strains. Given the mild nature of Flowers' injury, there is little reason to expect a notable performance limitation. He should look good in Week 1 as he begins what could be a breakout season.

Jalen McMillan — Knee Contusion

Injury

McMillan suffered a knee contusion during the preseason and remained limited throughout the first two official practices of Week 1. .

Practice Status

LP/LP/LP

Expected Time Missed

Head coach Todd Bowles described McMillan as doubtful for the opener. His official Friday participation and final designation should be added once confirmed.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed

Ted Hurst III would be positioned for additional routes, while Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin could absorb more targets.

Analysis

McMillan is doubtful as he continues to rehab a knee injury. Contusions usually don’t take this long to resolve, and it is unclear if McMillan has any additional knee issues he is working through. We will check back in next week.

Tee Higgins — Heel Injury

Injury

Higgins dealt with a heel injury during training camp.  He has since returned to unrestricted practice ahead of Week 1.

Practice Status

FP/FP/FP

Expected Time Missed

Higgins carries no game designation and is expected to play in Week 1 without a reported workload restriction.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed

Ja'Marr Chase would be positioned for additional targets, while Cincinnati's other healthy pass catchers could also see expanded roles.

Analysis

Higgins had plenty of time to rehabilitate his heel injury and enters Week 1 after practicing fully throughout the week. With no reported limitations or concerning mechanical changes, there is no reason to expect the injury to affect his acceleration, route running or ability to create separation.

Heel injuries can become problematic when persistent pain alters how a player loads the foot, but there is no indication that Higgins is currently experiencing those issues. His full practice participation and absence of a game designation are both encouraging.

I do not expect the heel injury to negatively affect Higgins' Week 1 fantasy production. His value should be determined by his normal role and target volume rather than any lingering physical limitation.

Luther Burden III — Groin Injury

Injury

Burden sustained a groin injury in mid-August.  He has since returned to unrestricted practice ahead of Week 1.

Practice Status

FP/FP/FP

Expected Time Missed

Burden carries no game designation and is expected to play in Week 1 without a reported workload restriction.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed

Rome Odunze and Chicago’s other healthy pass catchers would be positioned for additional routes and targets if Burden experiences a setback.

Analysis

Burden has had several weeks to rehabilitate his groin injury and enters Week 1 after practicing without limitations. That combination strongly suggests the injury has resolved and should not restrict his workload or performance.

The groin muscles contribute to lower-body stability, acceleration and changing direction, but running backs and receivers generally return from mild groin injuries without a meaningful decline in fantasy production. Recurrence is always possible, but Burden’s extended rehabilitation period and full practice participation reduce that concern.

I do not expect the injury to negatively affect Burden’s fantasy production in Week 1. His value should be determined by his role and target volume rather than any lingering physical limitation.

Alec Pierce — Left Ankle and Heel Injury Following Surgery

Injury

Pierce underwent left ankle surgery in late March after experiencing ankle and heel symptoms during the 2025 season. Indianapolis has not disclosed the exact procedure or tissue involved. He returned to practice but was limited Wednesday and Thursday.

Practice Status

LP/LP/LP

Expected Time Missed

Indianapolis expects Pierce to play against Baltimore.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed

Keenan Allen and Josh Downs would be positioned for additional routes and targets, with Tyler Warren also potentially receiving a larger passing-game role.

Analysis

Pierce is off the injury report and will play after missing the entire offseason and most of training camp following an undisclosed foot and heel procedure.

Interestingly, Pierce appears to move better while running than he does while walking. However, his affected calf still appears visibly smaller than the opposite side, suggesting that some strength deficits remain. This could limit his acceleration and top-end speed, at least initially. Because Pierce's game is heavily dependent on stretching the field, I would not be surprised if his effectiveness on deep routes is diminished early in the season.

Although the exact procedure was never confirmed, Pierce appeared to be regaining full ankle dorsiflexion during his rehabilitation, which is an essential milestone. Still, any significant ankle surgery introduces additional uncertainty and may increase his risk of future injury.

Pierce's overall 2026 outlook remains difficult to project, but a slow start is a reasonable expectation. When possible, fantasy managers should keep him on the bench in Week 1 until we see how he moves and performs in game action.

Jakobi Meyers — Right Thumb Injury

Injury

Meyers jammed his right thumb during an August 19 practice.

Practice Status

LP/LP/FP

Expected Time Missed

Meyers is expected to play in week one.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed

Parker Washington or Brian Thomas Jr. would be positioned for additional targets and a larger passing-game role if Meyers is unavailable or limited.

Analysis

Meyers is no longer listed on the injury report, suggesting that his jammed thumb produced temporary soreness and irritation rather than a significant ligament injury or dislocation. With no game designation and no apparent practice limitations, the injury is unlikely to affect his ability to catch the football or create any meaningful increase in injury risk. Meyers can be started without concern related to his thumb.

Tight Ends

Brock Bowers — Knee Meniscus Injury

Injury

Bowers underwent a procedure on September 8 to trim damaged meniscus tissue in his left knee.

Practice Status

DNP/DNP/DNP

Expected Time Missed

Bowers has been ruled out against Miami. Current reporting indicates that he could miss one or two games.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed

Michael Mayer will be positioned for increased snaps, routes, and targets in Bowers’ absence.

Analysis

Missing only two games would represent an aggressive return timeline for Bowers. A meniscus trim commonly produces postoperative swelling and stiffness, which can quickly contribute to quadriceps weakness and atrophy. These deficits must be adequately restored before he can safely and effectively return to football. The incision must also heal, while pain with weight-bearing, running,  and cutting must resolve.

Some athletes recover from this procedure remarkably quickly, but timelines vary significantly from person to person and depend partly on how each individual's body responds to surgery and healing. I would prepare to be without Bowers, or at least without a full-speed, full-snap version of him, for closer to four weeks. Once he returns healthy and regains his normal workload, he should resume being one of fantasy football's most dominant tight ends.

Kenyon Sadiq — Core Muscle Injury Following Surgery

Injury

Sadiq underwent surgery in May for an injury reported as a hernia and experienced a setback during his recovery. He returned to unrestricted practice ahead of Week 1.

Practice Status

FP/FP/FP

Expected Time Missed

Sadiq carries no game designation and is expected to play against Tennessee.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed

Mason Taylor would be positioned for additional tight-end snaps and routes if Sadiq experiences a setback.

Analysis

Sadiq's current production should not be meaningfully affected by the recurrence of his hernia symptoms. However, the possibility that this issue persists or resurfaces throughout the season remains a legitimate concern.

Hernia repairs are generally durable, so experiencing a setback after surgery is not an encouraging development. Conservatively managed hernias frequently remain symptomatic and may eventually require surgery, but Sadiq has already undergone a repair. While he appears ready to play now, fantasy managers should continue monitoring him throughout the season in case the symptoms return or he ultimately requires another procedure.

​Conclusion​

Week 1 presents a mix of confirmed absences, game-time decisions and players returning from significant injuries. Final inactive lists will provide clarity for several situations, but availability alone will not answer every question surrounding workload or performance.

Continue checking @fantasyinjuryteam before kickoff for the latest injury updates and evidence-based analysis to help finalize your Week 1 lineup.