The NFL season always brings excitement across America. Living rooms and sports bars are full every Sunday, and fans spend days — sometimes weeks — perfecting their fantasy football teams.
This year, everyone — whether they play fantasy or root for their hometown team — is seeing their rosters disrupted by a wave of major injuries. Below are the top five most impactful NFL injuries, along with a few honorable mentions.
Honorable Mentions
Nick Bosa
The star defensive end suffered a torn ACL in his right knee during Week 3 in the San Francisco 49ers’ game against the Arizona Cardinals. He was able to walk off the field and will undergo surgery to repair the tear, ending his season. He is expected to return for the 2026 season.
Joe Burrow
Burrow sustained a Grade 3 turf toe injury during the Cincinnati Bengals’ Week 2 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was ruled out for a minimum of three months, with a possible mid- to late-December return. The latest update indicates Burrow is now walking without a boot.
Top 5 Most Impactful Injuries
No. 5 — Malik Nabers
Nabers tore his ACL in his right knee during the New York Giants’ game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sept. 28. As the team’s star wide receiver, this is a major loss for the Giants’ offense. He underwent surgery on Oct. 28 and is expected to return for the 2026 season.
No. 4 — Jayden Daniels
Daniels suffered a dislocated left elbow following the Washington Commanders’ Week 9 game against the Seattle Seahawks. An MRI confirmed no ligament damage, and surgery will not be required. Earlier this season, Daniels missed three games due to a left knee sprain and a right hamstring strain. He will be reevaluated during the team’s Week 12 bye and could return before season’s end.
No. 3 — Fred Warner
Warner, another 49ers defender, sustained a season-ending right ankle dislocation and fracture during their Week 6 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He underwent surgery on Oct. 15 and is expected to return for the 2026 season.
No. 2 — Tyreek Hill
Hill suffered a dislocated left knee and multiple torn ligaments, including his ACL, during the Miami Dolphins’ Week 4 matchup against the New York Jets. He underwent successful surgery, but his future in football remains uncertain. The Dolphins will finish the season without their star receiver, and Hill is currently discussing a possible retirement with his family. If he returns, the goal is to be ready for the 2026 season.
No. 1 — Austin Ekeler
Ekeler suffered a devastating, potentially career-ending right Achilles tendon tear — a non-contact injury that occurred during the Commanders’ game against the Green Bay Packers. He will undergo surgery and months of physical therapy, but given that he is already a 30-year-old running back, this could mark the end of his career.
Injuries are an unfortunate but unavoidable part of football, and this season has been especially harsh for both players and fans.
With these stars — and several others not listed — sidelined, fantasy teams and franchises alike are facing major challenges. As the season continues, all eyes will be on recovery, with hope that next year brings healthier rosters and fewer heartbreaking injuries.