2026 NFL Offseason Injury Tracker: The Complete Start/Sit Prep Guide
A comprehensive NFL offseason injury tracker for the 2026 cycle — franchise QB recovery timelines, skill-position buy-low & avoid calls, draft-pick medical red flags, and a fantasy draft decision matrix (Buy/Selective/Fade tiers) spanning 25+ players across 20 teams.
The regular season is five months away, but the injury news cycle never stops. This tracker consolidates everything that matters for your 2026 fantasy draft — franchise QBs rehabbing major surgeries, skill-position players recovering from procedures, defensive starters facing uncertain timelines, and the draft-pick medicals that caused ADP chaos last month. The window below covers February through mid-May 2026: the post-Super Bowl surgery rush, NFL Combine medicals, the April 24–26 Draft, and the first OTA reports.
Bottom line up front: two franchise QBs are racing the clock on major knee and ankle reconstructions, three first-round picks are rehabbing fractures or torn ligaments from their draft workouts, and at least a half-dozen fantasy-relevant skill-position players represent genuine buy-low opportunities for patient managers.
Franchise QB recoveries
Patrick Mahomes — torn ACL/LCL, Kansas City Chiefs
The most consequential injury on this tracker. Mahomes tore the ACL and LCL in his left knee during a Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on December 14, 2025, and had reconstructive surgery in Dallas with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Dan Cooper shortly after. 1
Three months post-surgery he was already dropping back and throwing, and he abandoned crutches ahead of schedule. 2 Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said Mahomes "is continuing to progress well in his rehab" at a media availability one month before OTAs. 3 Fox Sports insider Jay Glazer reported Mahomes is on track to start Week 1 of the 2026 season, with first OTA participation (May 26–28) confirmed by ESPN. 4
Fantasy implication: Mahomes is currently sitting at QB12 in early ADP. The discount exists because managers are worried about a missed game or two early in the season, not because his long-term output is in question. Under offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, Mahomes finished as fantasy QB1 in 2018, QB7 in 2019, QB2 in 2020, QB5 in 2021, and QB2 in 2022. Pairing him in a late round with backup Justin Fields — who signed with Kansas City — is a hedge worth taking. 5
Bo Nix — fractured ankle (two surgeries), Denver Broncos
Nix fractured his right ankle in overtime of Denver's 33–30 AFC Divisional Round win over Buffalo in January 2026 and had his first surgery on January 19. A second, planned cleanup procedure followed around April 22–28. 6 Head coach Sean Payton said there's a "good" chance Nix participates in OTAs and called him "doing great," adding that Nix will be limited in June minicamp but a full participant by training camp. 7
The concern for fantasy purposes is mobility. In 2025 Nix posted 356 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns — scrambling accounted for a meaningful share of his value against a 63.4% completion rate and 6.5 yards per attempt. If the rebuilt ankle limits his ability to extend plays, his fantasy floor collapses. 8 Only draft Nix if training camp reports in late July confirm unrestricted mobility.
Michael Penix Jr. — third ACL surgery, Atlanta Falcons
Penix tore his ACL on November 16, 2025 against the Panthers — his third such surgery across two knees spanning eight years. At roughly six months post-operation, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported in February 2026 that Penix is "where he should be" in his recovery, though the Falcons have made clear the starting job is not guaranteed. 9 Three ACL surgeries before age 26 is a legitimate long-term durability flag, not just a 2026 concern.
Other QBs: cleared or minor issues
Cam Ward (Tennessee Titans) sprained his right AC joint in Week 18 of the 2025 season, but the diagnosis did not require surgery. ESPN confirmed in April 2026 that Ward is on track for Tennessee's June minicamp. 10 Drake Maye (New England Patriots) played through a shoulder injury in the AFC Championship and Super Bowl but needed no surgery; he has since returned to unrestricted throwing. 2
Skill-position recoveries
Running backs
Bucky Irving (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) had shoulder surgery in February 2026 and as of May 14 had not been cleared for any team activities. General manager Jason Licht said Irving is "right on target with that surgery" and will be "introduced into limited action here in the summer, in June," with a full training camp expected. 11 Offensive coordinator Zac Robinson added: "We're missing him right now, but once he gets out there, it's going to be great to see him and Kenny go hand-in-hand" — a reference to Kenneth Gainwell, signed this offseason as a complement. Irving's 2025 yards-per-carry dropped to 3.4 (from 5.4 in 2024) while he played through both foot and shoulder issues. Shoulder injuries carry meaningful reinjury risk for running backs who absorb contact on every carry. At current ADP, Irving is a trap.
Quinshon Judkins (Cleveland Browns) suffered a dislocated ankle and fractured fibula in December 2025 and was spotted out of his walking boot at Cleveland's voluntary minicamp on April 22, 2026. 12 No official team timeline has been provided; he should be monitored through July.
Zach Charbonnet (Seattle Seahawks) tore his ACL in the Divisional playoff game on January 17, 2026. Surgery was delayed roughly five weeks to allow swelling to subside. Coach Mike Macdonald said the team is "more optimistic than it was initially" about the timeline but confirmed Charbonnet "is not going to do anything in the spring or anything like that." 13 With Kenneth Walker III scheduled for free agency, whoever earns Seattle's RB2 role carries contingent starter value if Charbonnet misses significant regular-season time.
Tyrell Shavers (Buffalo Bills) tore his ACL in the wild-card win over Jacksonville in January 2026 — and remarkably returned to finish that game. Bills GM Brandon Beane said: "He is rehabbing. Dude is here every day… it's going to take a little time." ACL reconstruction typically requires 9–12 months; Shavers could open the 2026 season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, which places players on a 4-week mandatory absence at the start of the regular season. 14
Wide receivers
Malik Nabers (New York Giants) tore his ACL in September 2025, had his first surgery in October, then underwent a second procedure this offseason to remove scar tissue causing knee stiffness. Giants GM Joe Schoen said: "Malik is trending to hopefully be ready for training camp. Things can change … but that's the hope." 5 The timeline has been pushed back from an earlier optimistic projection. As a 2024 Pro Bowl receiver with 1,204 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in his rookie season, the talent is not in question. But two knee procedures and expected snap management in training camp mean drafting Nabers at a WR1 price is a real risk; at WR2 range, the math shifts. 15
Alec Pierce (Indianapolis Colts) had ankle cleanup surgery in April 2026 after playing through pain all of 2025, during which he posted his first 1,000-yard season (47 receptions, 1,003 yards, six touchdowns in 15 games). Colts GM Chris Ballard said: "It's a three-month recovery, but we don't expect any long-term implications here. We expect Pierce to be available for the start of training camp." 16 Pierce also signed a four-year, $114 million extension this spring. With Michael Pittman Jr. traded to the Steelers, Pierce enters 2026 as the Colts' unquestioned WR1. This is the cleaner buy-low situation on this list.
Tank Dell (Houston Texans) suffered a gruesome leg injury in late December 2024 and missed the entire 2025 season, undergoing two surgeries. As of May 2026, he is running routes and cutting, and head coach DeMeco Ryans said his return "is going to lift our team." 17 He is a WR depth addition to monitor — not a top-10 pick yet — but 2025 gave other Texans receivers the opportunity to establish roles, which complicates his immediate target share.
Tight ends
George Kittle (San Francisco 49ers) tore his Achilles in the Wild Card win over Philadelphia on January 11, 2026. At roughly four months post-surgery, he is out of his walking boot and working in the weight room, with recovery described as ahead of schedule. 2 Kittle's optimism about a Week 1 return is noted — Achilles recoveries typically require 8–12 months, meaning a Week 1 return (approximately 7.5 months post-surgery) would be at the aggressive end. The 49ers are preparing contingency options. The FantasyLife assessment is accurate here: drafting Kittle at a discounted ADP is the correct move if he's available in the third to fourth round range. 5
Erick All Jr. (Cincinnati Bengals, tight end, picked in the fourth round from Iowa) underwent a second ACL surgery after complications from his initial procedure and missed all of 2025. He posted an encouraging recovery update in March 2026. 18 Given Cincinnati's depth at tight end, he is a wait-and-see.
Notable defensive and offensive line injuries
Broderick Jones (Pittsburgh Steelers, left tackle) had neck fusion surgery in December 2025 and suffered a setback in his recovery around April 20, 2026. The Steelers declined his fifth-year option — worth approximately $19.1 million — on April 30, a signal that the team is uncertain about his 2026 availability. 19 Behind Jones, Pittsburgh's tackle depth is currently Dylan Cook and Jack Driscoll — a concern heading into a season with Patrick Mahomes and Bo Nix healthy for the division.
Tershawn Wharton (Carolina Panthers, defensive tackle) had neck surgery in May 2026 after reporting discomfort during the start of the offseason program. Multiple league sources confirmed to The Athletic that he is expected to begin training camp on the active/PUP list, though the Panthers expect him to play at some point during the 2026 season. 20 Carolina drafted defensive tackle Lee Hunter from Texas Tech in the second round of the 2026 Draft as a potential replacement.
Nnamdi Madubuike (Baltimore Ravens, defensive tackle) suffered a career-threatening neck injury in Week 2 of the 2025 season and missed nearly the entire year. He underwent neck surgery during the week of April 14–21, 2026, and the operating physicians expressed optimism that he can resume playing this season. 21 A healthy Madubuike would meaningfully boost Baltimore's defensive interior.
Maxx Crosby (Las Vegas Raiders, defensive end) played through a knee injury during the 2025 season, had surgery on his left knee on January 7, 2026, and posted a video on February 27 showing himself shooting baskets: "No crutches anymore. We're walking, we're moving." 22 Trade rumors surfaced during the offseason — the Ravens were reported to have backed away from a deal partially due to knee concerns — but Raiders GM John Spytek said: "Maxx and I have a great relationship. He's in the building every day getting healthy… Maxx is an elite player."
Micah Parsons (Green Bay Packers, defensive end, acquired from the Dallas Cowboys in the 2025–26 offseason) tore his ACL in Week 15 against the Broncos. Parsons said: "I think lofty, I'd be saying Week 1, but realistically, probably like Week 3, Week 4, just to make sure and just getting back into football." 23 He also said he does not expect to start the season on the PUP list. Green Bay also has tight end Tucker Kraft (torn ACL November 2, 2025) and defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt (broken fibula and torn ankle ligament on Thanksgiving) likely to begin training camp on the PUP list; Kraft estimated his return by Week 1, noting "I'll be 10 months post-surgery" at that point.
2026 draft picks with medical red flags
| Player | Team | Pick | Injury | Current status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caleb Banks | Minnesota Vikings | #18 (Round 1) | 2nd left foot fracture (4th metatarsal) at NFL Combine | Spring surgery; not practicing; targeting late-July training camp |
| Jermod McCoy | Las Vegas Raiders | #101 (Round 4) | Torn ACL (Jan 2025); bone plug concern | Attended rookie minicamp; Raiders optimistic he can play in 2026 |
| Jordyn Tyson | New Orleans Saints | 1st round | Hamstring issue (pre-draft) | Absent one session at rookie minicamp; coach says "maintenance," not new injury |
| Keionte Scott | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | #116 (Round 4) | Wrist plate removal (offseason) | Cast removal ~May 18; expects to be ready for training camp |
Caleb Banks is the one to watch most closely. He broke the same foot twice in 12 months — the second time at the NFL Combine, where stakes are lowest and physical stress should be minimal. Coach Kevin O'Connell said: "Caleb is doing great… we want to have our eyes on that end-of-July date so he can hopefully have a seamless transition into training camp." 24 High-upside rookie if the foot holds; significant draft-day gamble if it doesn't.
Jermod McCoy (corner, Raiders) had his ACL torn in January 2025 and slid to the fourth round at pick 101. The concern is not just the ACL itself but a bone plug used to repair a cartilage defect — that plug may need eventual replacement. Multiple teams removed McCoy from their boards entirely; Las Vegas was willing to bet on his upside. 25
Jordyn Tyson (wide receiver, Saints) was absent from one rookie minicamp practice. Head coach Kellen Moore clarified: "It was part of a maintenance plan for several players" related to his pre-draft hamstring issue, not a new injury. 26 The pre-draft hamstring flag remains a flag, but Moore's calm response is credible on its face.
2026 fantasy draft decision matrix
The offseason injury cycle has created a set of well-defined buy-low and avoid signals. Here is where the actionable calls land today:
Buy the dip
- Patrick Mahomes (QB, Chiefs) at QB12 ADP. Trading a QB1 talent at a QB12 price, with the Bieniemy-era reunion formula well established. Pair with Justin Fields in the final round for insurance. 5 FantasyLife analyst Jake Trowbridge put it plainly: "Some folks like their rosters to look all shiny and unblemished, so they won't touch a player coming off an injury… I'm a 'function over form' guy. So if you're gonna give me a perfectly functional new vehicle at a 30% discount, I'm gonna snatch that up."
- Alec Pierce (WR, Colts) at current WR30–35 range. Ankle cleanup with a clear three-month recovery, a $114M contract, and a WR1 role secured by the Pittman trade. Rotoballer assessed Pierce's dynasty stock as "rising after his promising 2025 campaign" with the surgery a short-term overhang. 27
Selective buy — high risk, high reward
- Malik Nabers (WR, Giants) only at WR2 price or lower. Two knee procedures plus expected snap management through the early season is a real risk, not cosmetic. Giants GM Schoen's "hopefully" language is notable. 1528
- Bo Nix (QB, Broncos) only at QB16+ if training camp reports in late July show full mobility. Two surgeries on the same ankle, combined with a fantasy profile that depends heavily on scrambling, make this a wait-and-verify situation. 8
Fade / avoid
- Bucky Irving (RB, Buccaneers) at current RB20–25 range. Shoulder not healed, Gainwell on the roster, and 2025 production declining even before the surgery. 29 Kenneth Gainwell has "viable flex value in PPR leagues even as a pass-catching backup, and will usurp the starting role if Irving continues to slump or gets injured." 30 Draft Gainwell late instead.
Waiver/sleeper tier to monitor
- Justin Fields (QB, Chiefs): Mahomes insurance. Immediate streaming QB1 with rushing upside if Mahomes misses games.
- Kenneth Gainwell (RB, Buccaneers): Direct Irving hedge; flex value even as backup.
- Josh Downs (WR, Colts): With Pittman traded and Pierce as the new WR1, Downs' role expands. Colts HC Shane Steichen indicated Downs' usage will grow.
- 49ers RB2 winner: Christian McCaffrey comes off a 450-touch season at age 29. Whoever wins the RB2 competition carries substantial contingent value.
Tracking window: February 17 – May 17, 2026. OTA participation reports (late May–June) and training camp PUP designations (July) will be the next major inflection points for all players on this list.
References
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- 2NFL Players On Injured List Heading Into 2026 Training Camp — LastWordOnSports
lastwordonsports.com
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- 147 Bills players not fully cleared after offseason surgeries — Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
democratandchronicle.com
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- 19Broderick Jones has setback after neck surgery — Steel Curtain Network
steelcurtainnetwork.com
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- 21Reports: Nnamdi Madubuike expected to play this season — BaltimoreRavens.com
baltimoreravens.com
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- 24Vikings Reveal Their Plan for Caleb Banks — Vikings Territory
vikingsterritory.com
- 25Raiders Optimistic CB Jermod McCoy Can Play In 2026 — Pro Football Rumors
profootballrumors.com
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