10 Key Injuries to Monitor Ahead of the 2026 NFL Season

In just three weeks' time, rookies will be reporting to NFL training camps throughout the country. And in the blink of an eye, teams will be on the field for preseason action. 

In other words, the 2026 campaign is no longer in the distant future. 

With that in mind, here are 10 injuries to key NFL players that are worth monitoring entering July, as they could deeply impact how the upcoming season plays out.

Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes

AP Photo/Charlie Riedel

The Injury: Left ACL and LCL tears suffered on Dec. 14

The Latest: He's been making throws in practice. And in June, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler said "the team and Mahomes are both leaning into" the possibility that the 30-year-old future Hall of Famer returns in time for Week 1. 

Why It Matters: The Chiefs are trying to rebound from a 6-11 campaign in a very competitive division, and they face a tone-setter in Week 1 against the defending AFC West champion Denver Broncos at Arrowhead.

It's hard to see them surviving first-half-of-the-season matchups with the Broncos (twice), Colts, Chargers and Seahawks if they're forced to use Justin Fields for all or any of those games. 

Denver Broncos QB Bo Nix

AP Photo/Jack Dempsey

The Injury: Broken bone in right ankle suffered on Jan. 17, leading to immediate surgery as well as a follow-up clean-up procedure in the spring.

The Latest: When asked during OTAs if he will be ready for training camp, the third-year former first-round pick said he "could be a full go right now if I wanted to."

Why It Matters: The Broncos are updating the offense with new coordinator Davis Webb, and the margin for error is expected to be small in that division. As mentioned, they play a critical season opener in Kansas City, but beyond that the first six games are a potential nightmare that takes them from K.C. to matchups with the Jaguars, Rams, 49ers, Chargers and then Seahawks. It'll be a baptism by fire. 

Indianapolis Colts QB Daniel Jones

AP Photo/Michael Conroy

The Injury: Torn right Achilles tendon suffered on Dec. 7

The Latest: He participated in 7-on-7 drills during OTAs, with a targeted Week 1 return. According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, the 29-year-old 2019 first-rounder is now on track to begin "working in team drills at the start of camp."

Why It Matters: The Colts signed Jones to a two-year, $88 million contract this offseason, banking on his strong early‑2025 run as evidence he can become a legit franchise quarterback moving forward.

Regardless, Indy could really use him early, as it opens the season against Baltimore, Kansas City, Houston, Washington and Pittsburgh. 

Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. 

AP Photo/Mike Stewart

The Injury: Partially torn left ACL suffered on Nov. 16

The Latest: He's yet to be cleared for 11-on-11 work, but the third-year former first-round pick expects to be a full go for training camp. 

Why It Matters: Penix is expected to battle newcomer Tua Tagovailoa for the starting job in Atlanta. It benefits the Falcons if they have two healthy guys competing for that gig, both in terms of the odds and motivation. This lost offseason work could absolutely make a difference come camp and the preseason. 

Seattle Seahawks RB Zach Charbonnet

AP Photo/Scot Tucker

The Injury: Torn left ACL suffered on Jan. 17

The Latest: Following some light work from Charbonnet in OTAs, Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said "everything's possible," regarding a potential Week 1 return for the 25-year-old. 

Why It Matters: Kenneth Walker III is gone, and Charbonnet is the best bet to help fill some of that production. Even with Walker on the roster, he scored 12 touchdowns in 2025. There are also major fantasy implications here as Charbonnet is expected to battle this summer with first-round rookie Jadarian Price among others. 

New York Giants RB Cam Skattebo

AP Photo/Seth Wenig

The Injury: Severely dislocated right ankle suffered on Oct. 26

The Latest: Skattebo declared in May that he'd be ready for Week 1, and the short-lived rookie sensation from 2025 did participate in 11-on-11 work during the team's minicamp last month. 

Why It Matters: Skattebo was a force for a small stretch in his rookie campaign, and he, Jaxson Dart and Malik Nabers could become something special together as part of this young Giants offense. But that injury was no joke, and he's starting from behind in a new offense while attempting to fend off veterans Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary. 

New York Giants WR Malik Nabers 

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

The Injury: Right ACL and meniscus tear suffered Sept. 28, leading to surgery as well as a second clean-up procedure in the spring.

The Latest: Nabers' status remains up in the air for training camp, but Giants general manager Joe Schoen told Jori Epstein of Yahoo Sports in June that he remains optimistic the third-year former first-round pick can return by Week 1. 

Why It Matters: Nabers has hardly worked at all with Dart, and the idea is that those two are the future of this franchise. If the team is going to take a major step forward in 2026, it needs a relatively full and productive campaign from a guy who went over 1,200 yards as a rookie in 2024. 

San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle

AP Photo/Jeff Chiu

The Injury: Right Achilles tear suffered on Jan. 11

The Latest: Kittle recently stated that he's "definitely on track" and has "a chance" at suiting up Week 1 against the Rams in Melbourne, Australia. 

Why It Matters: San Francisco really needs a healthy season—something it seemingly has never experienced in franchise history. Kittle's presence is critical for that offense, as he's Brock Purdy's experienced and reliable safety valve. 

San Francisco 49ers Edge Nick Bosa

AP Photo/Jeff Chiu

The Injury: Right ACL tear suffered on Sept. 21

The Latest: Speaking to the media earlier this spring, the 28-year-old five-time Pro Bowler expressed optimism about a return to action early in training camp. 

Why It Matters: Again, the 49ers need better fortunes in the injury department, and that starts with the return of some of their key vets. In this case, they'll want to count on Bosa to play a major role as soon as possible. Keep in mind that this defense produced a league-low 20 sacks last season, and 2025 first-round edge Mykel Williams is also rehabbing a November ACL tear. 

Green Bay Packers Edge Micah Parsons

AP Photo/David Dermer

The Injury: Left ACL and meniscus tear suffered on Dec. 14, leading to surgery as well as a clean-up procedure later on.

The Latest: Parsons has already stated he won't be back until at least October. 

Why It Matters: A first-team All-Pro with 12.5 sacks in 14 games is the type of player who can make or break a team's season. It's becoming apparent the Packers won't get anything close to a full campaign with Parsons, who could have trouble getting up to speed until late in the year if at all. It's a shame, because he's not remotely replaceable.