Notable NFL Injuries to Monitor as Training Camps Open
A few stars who missed time last year with torn ligaments and broken bones still face uphill battles to get back on the field for 2026. Big names like Patrick Mahomes and Malik Nabers are among those on recovery watch, as it is no guarantee that they are ready to suit up in Week 1.
Players on the mend offered updates on their situations earlier this summer at OTAs and minicamp, though, so in many cases their rehabilitation timelines are already roughly defined.
Here is the latest on all of the most notable injuries across the NFL heading into training camp.
Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes, the star quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs, suffered a torn ACL and LCL in Week 15 of the 2025 season. The injury was a significant setback for the team, as Mahomes was a key player in their postseason hopes.
Despite the severity of the injury, Mahomes has been on or ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation. He has been working hard to regain his strength and mobility, and the Chiefs’ medical staff is optimistic about his chances of returning to the field in Week 1.
The arrival of star running back Kenneth Walker III will take some of the pressure off Mahomes in the backfield, and the team is hopeful that he will be able to return to his usual form.
Rashee Rice, WR, Chiefs
Rashee Rice, a wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs, suffered from loose bodies in his knee. The timing of his surgery to remove the loose bodies could not have been much worse, as he was jailed days later for violating his probation.
Despite the setback, the Chiefs’ medical staff constructed a recovery plan that allowed Rice to rehabilitate his knee as well as possible during his month behind bars. Coach Andy Reid is optimistic about Rice’s chances of returning to the field in Week 1.
Drake Maye, QB, Patriots
Drake Maye, the quarterback of the New England Patriots, suffered from shoulder pain after landing on his throwing shoulder on a run in the AFC Championship Game. The result was an injury that lasted through the Super Bowl.
Maye received a pain-killing injection ahead of the 29-13 loss to the Seahawks but did not require surgery after the Patriots’ postseason run. He instead rested in the early part of the offseason and was back to full strength by the start of OTAs.
Bo Nix, QB, Broncos
Bo Nix, the quarterback of the Denver Broncos, suffered a fractured ankle and bone spurs. The broken ankle cut his 2025 season short and contributed to the Broncos falling short of the Super Bowl.
Nix underwent a procedure to repair the ankle and a second surgery in April to remove bone spurs, which caused swelling during his recovery from the initial injury. He was a limited participant in minicamp and said he will be back to full speed for the start of training camp.
Other Notable Injuries
Other notable injuries across the NFL include:
- Malik Nabers, WR, Giants: Suffered an ACL reconstruction and meniscus surgery in late October and required a cleanup procedure in the spring to remove scar tissue that caused stiffness in his knee.
- George Kittle, TE, 49ers: Tore his Achilles in a January playoff game and is ahead of schedule in his recovery, thanks to the fact that he suffered a clean tear relatively high up the tendon.
- Cam Skattebo, RB, Giants: Suffered a gruesome lower-leg injury that cut his thrilling rookie season short in October.
- Mykel Williams, EDGE, 49ers: Suffered a torn ACL six weeks after Nick Bosa tore his ACL and is expected to be available early in training camp, if not for the start.
