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Fantasy Football Injuries: Latest Updates on Key Players (Jan 2025)

If you’re like me, you’re bummed about the end of the 2024 fantasy season.

But here’s the good news: There’s never a dull moment in the NFL. There’s always something we can examine to boost our fantasy knowledge.

That’s the ultimate goal here: Take fantasy football injuries, share the latest updates, and apply an actionable takeaway.

*We'll keep adding, updating, and tweaking this info throughout the offseason, so be sure to check back. Jump straight to a particular writeup by clicking a name below:

Fantasy Football Injuries: QBs

Brock Purdy, 49ers

Purdy took a shot to his right elbow and missed the season finale. 

GM John Lynch downplayed any cause for concern, though.

“It’s nothing more than when you hit your funny bone,” Lynch explained. “When you get an NFL helmet in the wrong place, it irritates the nerve.”

Purdy’s one-game absence won’t impact his offseason prep or upcoming contract talks. There’s a chance he pushes for $60 million in average annual value.

• Return Estimate: Offseason program
• 2025 Redraft Fantasy Outlook: Low-end QB1/spot starter.
• Dynasty Outlook: A long-term QB1 at 25 years old.

*Get the full scoop on Brock Purdy's injury history

Deshaun Watson, Browns

Watson tore his right Achilles' tendon in Week 7. He then tore it again and needed a second surgery in January.

The 29-year-old might now miss the entire 2025 season. 

Watson stunk in 2024 before the injury. Among 39 QBs with 250+ dropbacks, he ranked last in yards per attempt, success rate, and EPA per play. He finished as a QB1 only once (QB12).

Even if he’s healthy, the Browns will add a QB this offseason. Cleveland picks second in the draft, giving them a shot at either Colorado's Shedeur Sanders or Miami's Cam Ward.

• Return Estimate: 2026 Offseason
• 2025 Redraft Fantasy Outlook: Undraftable
• Dynasty Outlook: A cut candidate outside of deep superflex formats.

*See the full picture on Deshaun Watson's injury history

Fantasy Football Injuries: RBs

Christian McCaffrey, 49ers

CMC lasted only three full games this past season. In the fourth, he suffered a “likely” partial tear of his right PCL, per The Athletic’s Matt Barrows.

The Week 13 injury proved season-ending, but McCaffrey told reporters he would have played had San Francisco made the postseason. In early January he said he’s “definitely close” to 100%

That jives with the opinion of Dr. Adam Yanke, a sports medicine surgeon:

McCaffrey turns 29 next offseason. He has missed significant time in three of the past five seasons.

• Return Estimate: Offseason program
• 2025 Redraft Fantasy Outlook: Still a high-end RB1 and a potential modest value if he drops to late Round 1.
• Dynasty Outlook: Fantasy managers might only have 1-2 years left of elite production. A potential buy-low for contenders.

*See the rest of Christian McCaffrey's injury history

Alvin Kamara, Saints

Kamara’s season concluded with a Week 14 groin injury. Shortly after, interim HC Darren Rizzi said the injury was “probably a little more significant than we initially thought.”

We haven’t seen a status update since then. Let's hope that means he avoided any surgical procedure.

Either way, the veteran just hit 1,100 total yards for the eighth straight season. Back in October, he signed a two-year extension.

He’ll turn 30 in July.

• Return Estimate: Offseason program
• 2025 Redraft Fantasy Outlook: RB2, with potential to face more backfield competition.
• Dynasty Outlook: Should deliver useful totals in what should be a better environment in 2025. Though he's obviously much closer to the end of his career than the beginning.

*Get the full picture on Alvin Kamara's injury history

James Conner, Cardinals

Conner missed Week 18 with what the Cardinals’ official site called “a lingering” knee injury.

After playing 13 games in 2022 and 2023, the finale marked Conner’s only absence of 2024.

Good news, without a doubt. Plus, Conner set career highs in:

• Touches (283)
• Rushing yards (1,094)
• Yards from scrimmage (1,508)
• Yards after contact per attempt (3.30)

All after Arizona used a Round 3 pick on Florida State RB Trey Benson.

Conner even inked a two-year extension in-season, so he’ll certainly return for 2025. Just note the decline risk that will linger for a 30-year-old with 1,642 career touches.

• Return Estimate: Offseason program
• 2025 Redraft Fantasy Outlook: RB2, but potential for more volatility if Trey Benson improves.
• Dynasty Outlook: A potential sell-high, but savvy managers probably won't pay more than a late- Round 2 rookie pick.

*Get the rest of James Conner's injury history

Jonathon Brooks, Panthers

A Round 2 pick, Brooks initially tore his right ACL at the University of Texas in November 2023. Then, about 13 months later, he suffered the same injury to the same knee.

We didn’t see enough of a sample to really evaluate the rookie: 9 carries and 3 catches in three games. 

Now, it’s tough to see him making an impact in the short-term – especially after Carolina’s show of fath in Chuba Hubbard. He signed a four-year extension in November that calls for $15 million in guarantees.

He certainly earned a raise with a career-best 2024: 250 carries, 1,195 yards, and 11 total TDs.

• Return Estimate: Mid- to late-season, 2025
• 2025 Redraft Fantasy Outlook: Undraftable
• Dynasty Outlook: Once a top-15 RB on promise, Brooks is now without a path to fantasy-friendly volume. We'd hold him, rather than selling for pennies.

*Get the full picture on Jonathon Brooks injury history

Nick Chubb, Browns

Chubb missed all but two games in 2023 with a multi-ligament knee injury. Then left-foot fracture ended his 2024 in Week 15.

A poor supporting cast hurt, but his 102-carry sample turned up only 3.3 yards per carry. Chubb finished as a top-20 RB in two of seven full games.

As for the bull case, RB coach Duce Staley observed momentum from the veteran prior to Week 15. He told the Akron Beacon Journal:

Chubb, set for unrestricted free agency, isn’t a lock to return to Cleveland.

• Return Estimate: May/June minicamp
• 2025 Redraft Fantasy Outlook: Landing-spot dependent. A clear lead back role won't be guaranteed, especially with a talented rookie RB class.
• Dynasty Outlook: Best rostered as an RB4/5. At 29, Chubb's probably not delivering a whole lot more fantasy value.

*See the rest of Nick Chubb's injury history

Fantasy Football Injuries: WRs

CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys

Lamb missed the final two games of the regular season with an AC joint sprain. 

The injury originally popped up in Week 9, so Lamb played through pain for a while. As of January, Lamb expected to avoid surgery. 

On the field, Lamb averaged 6.4 catches, 87.5 yards, and 0.6 TDs with Dak Prescott. He was on a full-season pace of 109-1,448-9.7 with Dak, numbers resembling his 2022.

Lamb finished as the PPR WR6 that season.

Prescott and Lamb will return for 2025, but they’ll break in a new scheme following the departure of HC Mike McCarthy.

• Return Estimate: Offseason program
• 2025 Redraft Fantasy Outlook: Top-5 WR lock; a likely mid-Round 1 pick in 12-teamers.
• Dynasty Outlook: A long-term, high-ceiling WR1; Lamb’s only 26 and locked up through the 2029 season.

*View the complete CeeDee Lamb injury history

Rashee Rice, Chiefs

Rice suffered a torn right LCL and hamstring in Week 4.

In three healthy games, he posted target shares of 33%, 26%, and 39%. With a total line of 24-288-2, the second-year pro was on his way to a massive showing.

Here’s the good news: Rice has dodged setbacks in his rehab. We don’t expect any limitations come training camp.

• Return Estimate: May or June minicamp
• 2025 Redraft Fantasy Outlook: WR1 with enticing reception and TD upside.
• Dynasty Outlook: Only 25, Rice should continue sucking up short-range targets for the forseeable future. Travis Kelce, 35, has shown signs of decline.

*Get the lowdown on Rashee Rice's injury history

Chris Godwin, Buccaneers

Godwin sustained a dislocated left ankle in Week 7. Prior to the injury, he was on pace for 121 catches, 1,398 yards, and 12 TDs.

Each stat would have marked a career high.

Godwin is expected to make a “full recovery” for 2025, per insider Ian Rapoport. What’s unclear: Where he’ll play next fall. The 29-year-old is scheduled for free agency.

• Return Estimate: May or June minicamp
• 2025 Redraft Fantasy Outlook: A return to Tampa Bay would likely supply WR2 value.
• Dynasty Outlook: A potential buy-low, given the lack of clarity on his long-term status. Pre-injury, he performed as one of the NFL’s top WRs.

*See the full picture on Chris Godwin's injury history

Brandon Aiyuk, 49ers

From 2021-2023, Aiyuk missed only one game due to injury.

But in Week 7, he tore his right ACL and MCL in a loss to the Chiefs.

The injury followed lengthy contract talks, which eventually culminated in an August extension (four years, $120 million).

Aiyuk underperformed when healthy (10.7% drop rate, 1.74 yards per route run, 55.6% catch rate). The good news is that his rehab timetable will give him a shot to return for Week 1.

• Return Estimate: Early season
• 2025 Redraft Fantasy Outlook: Given the injury, Aiyuk might not fully rebound until 2026. Consider him a mid-to-late-round stash with the potential to peak late in the season.
• Dynasty Outlook: At 27, Aiyuk should deliver multi-year WR2 totals once healthy. Expect San Francisco to sign Brock Purdy long-term.

*View the complete Brandon Aiyuk injury history

Zay Flowers, Ravens

Flowers suffered a knee injury in Week 18. As a result, he sat out postseason games vs. Pittsburgh and Buffalo.

The second-year pro worked out before the Divisional Round to test his knee. Ultimately, he showed up on the Ravens’ inactive list.

Speaking to the media the next day, Flowers said he thought he had a “better chance” to play had Baltimore advanced. So this doesn’t appear to be an issue that’ll linger deep into the offseason.

The 24-year-old finished as the WR25 in total fantasy points. He tallied six top-24 fantasy finishes; five at WR40 or worse.

• Return Estimate: Offseason program
• 2025 Redraft Fantasy Outlook: The runway looks clear for another 100+ targets, supplying fantasy WR2 appeal.
• Dynasty Outlook: Flowers remains under team control through the 2027 season. Tied to Lamar Jackson, the Boston College product is in a fine spot for multi-year WR2 production.

*Get the full picture on Zay Flowers injury history

Rashid Shaheed, Saints

In only six games, Shaheed tallied three TDs of 20+ air yards. 

He finished as a top-18 WR in four games.

But in October, Shaheed suffered a season-ending meniscus tear. The speedster finished with at least 15.5 yards per catch for the third straight season.

He’ll break in a new HC – and potentially a new QB – this offseason.

• Return Estimate: June minicamp or training camp
• 2025 Redraft Fantasy Outlook: WR3/4, with spike-week upside in best ball leagues.
• Dynasty Outlook: A contract year looms in 2025. A low-floor, high-ceiling trend likely sticks going forward.

*Get the full rundown of Rashid Shaheed's injury history

Jayden Reed, Packers

Reed left the Wild Card Round vs. Philly with a dislocated shoulder. Following the loss, he told the media that he wouldn’t need surgery.

Although Reed set a career high with 857 yards (15.6 yards per catch), his targets and catches per game declined. His production also proved lopsided; 45.5% of his yardage came in only three games.

Reed will return for Year 3 of his four-year rookie deal.

• Return Estimate: May minicamp
• 2025 Redraft Fantasy Outlook: WR3 with a potential early-season boost, as Christian Watson returns from an ACL tear.
• Dynasty Outlook: Hold. Monitor Watson’s ACL rehab and a possible addition at WR.

*View the rest of Jayden Reed's injury history

Christian Watson, Packers

Watson went down with a right ACL tear in Week 18. Previously, he missed two full games with knee and ankle injuries.

“I know he'll attack it the right way," HC Matt LaFleur said of the rehab. "He'll handle the adversity. It'll be a bump in the road for him and I think he'll come back better. That's just how he is built. It's how he's wired. I think there will be good, just be down the road.”

Watson is under contract for one more season, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if Green Bay adds WR talent this spring.

• Return Estimate: Mid-season, 2025
• 2025 Redraft Fantasy Outlook: Undraftable
• Dynasty Outlook: Keep stashed; unappealing as a buy-low target after a frustrating 2024.

*See the remainder of Christian Watson's injury history

Stefon Diggs, Texans

Diggs lasted eight games before suffering a right ACL tear.

Pre-injury, Diggs filled a short-range role for the Texans. He posted just 10.6 yards per catch and a career-low 8.3-yard average depth of target (aDOT).

The former Bill will hit free agency this spring.

• Return Estimate: Week 1
• 2025 Redraft Fantasy Outlook: We’ll see about health and landing spot, but unlikely to extend beyond the range of late-round flier.
• Dynasty Outlook: Year-to-year at 31 years old; not likely to be an impact player in 2025.

*Get the full picture on Stefon Diggs injury history

Tank Dell, Texans

Dell’s rehabbing a torn left ACL, LCL, and MCL from Week 16. Meniscus damage adds a hurdle to 2025 production.

Here’s team insider Aaron Wilson on the outlook for Dell, per KPRC 2:

Look for Houston to bolster the WR corps this offseason.

• Return Estimate: Late 2025 or 2026 Offseason Program
• 2025 Redraft Fantasy Outlook: Undraftable
• Dynasty Outlook: Drop candidate in shallow formats like the FFPC; otherwise, a hold.

*View the full Tank Dell injury history

Christian Kirk, Jaguars

A broken left collarbone ended Kirk’s season in Week 8. In 2023, he suffered a season-ending core muscle injury.

Here’s a look at his fantasy finishes in seven full games this past season:

• WR65
• WR79
• WR22
• WR14
• WR27
• WR47
• WR55

His catch rate: Only 57.4%.

A rumored trade candidate pre-injury, Kirk is scheduled to enter the final year of his contract. 

• Return Estimate: Offseason program
• 2025 Redraft Fantasy Outlook: A WR5ish option. We'll look for clues on Kirk from Jacksonville's new coaching staff.
• Dynasty Outlook: Unlikely to recapture his breakout form of 2022; a limited ceiling if he returns to Jacksonville alongside Brian Thomas Jr.

*Check out the full rundown of Christian Kirk's injury history

Gabe Davis, Jaguars 

Davis landed on IR in November after suffering a left meniscus tear.

When healthy, Davis underwhelmed as a first-year Jag. Among 106 WRs with 40+ targets, Davis ranked 97th in yards per route run, 103rd in catch rate, and 104th in PFF receiving grade.

The Jags moved on from HC Doug Pederson after the season, so Davis will have to learn a new offensive system. 

• Return Estimate: June minicamp
• 2025 Redraft Fantasy Outlook: Late-round flier.
• Dynasty Outlook: Only 25 but unlikely to become a multi-year asset.

*Learn more about Gabe Davis injury history

Fantasy Football Injuries: TEs

Cade Stover, Texans

Stover suffered a broken collarbone in the Wild Card Round, per insider Aaron Wilson. HC Demeco Ryans said Stover will undergo surgery.

A healthy Dalton Schultz and regression from C.J. Stroud helped produce a quiet rookie year for Stover. But the Round 4 pick could push for more playing time in 2025.

Note: Schultz’s contract suggests he’ll stick around for at least one more season.

• Return Estimate: May or June minicamp
• 2025 Redraft Fantasy Outlook: Undraftable
• Dynasty Outlook: Deep-league stash, particularly in TE-premium formats.

*Get the full details on Cade Stover's injury history

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Kevin English, Senior Analyst

Kevin brings 15 years of experience as a fantasy analyst and mid-stakes competitor across various formats (redraft, best ball, dynasty, DFS). His work has been featured on The Mercury News, Rotoworld, and FantasyPros.