Football is almost here, and with kickoff just days away, every injury could make or break your lineup and draft decisions. This update breaks down three of the latest player health developments so managers can adjust their final ADPs ahead of the busiest weekend for fantasy re-drafts.
Justin Jefferson, WR — Minnesota Vikings
WR Justin Jefferson’s hamstring scare looks more like a temporary detour than a major setback. The superstar wideout missed nearly a month of camp with a mild strain, sitting out 25 days before easing back into individual drills in mid-August. Minnesota’s medical staff wisely prioritized long-term health over immediate reps, and while Jefferson is on track for Week 1, soft-tissue injuries can be tricky and always carry some re-injury risk.
Assuming health is no issue, Jefferson’s ceiling remains sky-high. With WR Jordan Addison suspended for the first three games and WR Adam Thielen only recently rejoining the roster, Jefferson and TE T.J. Hockenson are positioned to soak up a massive target share early. Add in the intrigue of second-year QB J.J. McCarthy stepping into HC Kevin O’Connell’s system, and Jefferson could be headed for one of his most productive stretches yet.
The track record speaks for itself: since entering the league in 2020, Jefferson has averaged 99 receptions, 1,486 yards, and 8 touchdowns per year, never dipping below 17 PPR points per game or outside the top-nine fantasy wideouts. He’s thrived with a carousel of quarterbacks, including QB Kirk Cousins, QB Sam Darnold, and QB Joshua Dobbs, proving he can be productive regardless of who is throwing him the ball.
Bottom line: Jefferson is still worthy of his Top-5 ADP and has a legitimate shot at WR1 overall. Just keep in mind that a hamstring flare-up is always something to monitor throughout the season.
Tyreek Hill, WR — Miami Dolphins
WR Tyreek Hill appears on track to suit up for the Miami Dolphins’ 2025 season opener. The superstar wideout missed nearly three weeks of practice with a lingering oblique injury, but returned to practice in a limited capacity on Thursday. Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel confirmed that Hill “looks great” and expects him to be available against the Indianapolis Colts, but the team has been careful not to rush him back to avoid any setbacks.
Hill’s absence from full practices makes his Week 1 snap count and target share somewhat uncertain. While he’s expected to line up alongside QB Tua Tagovailoa and fellow key starter RB De’Von Achane, fantasy managers should keep an eye on official practice reports in the days leading up to the opener to gauge whether Hill might be eased into action.
That said, when healthy, Hill remains one of the most explosive receivers in the NFL. If he steps onto the field at full strength, he should immediately resume his role as Miami’s primary downfield threat and No. 1 receiving target. The biggest risk is simply the unknown: the oblique injury has sidelined him enough to warrant caution, but there are more reasons to believe he’ll be ready to perform than there aren’t.
De’Von Achane, RB — Miami Dolphins
RB De’Von Achane is expected to be in the backfield for the Miami Dolphins when they open the 2025 season against the Indianapolis Colts. The dynamic running back missed much of the preseason after sustaining a calf injury in the team’s first preseason game. Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel and GM Chris Grier have made it clear that Achane’s absence was precautionary.
“[A]ll indications to us is Achane will be ready by Week 1”, GM Chris Grier told Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald earlier this week.
Achane’s return is especially important given the Dolphins’ depleted backfield. Veteran RB Alexander Mattison suffered a season-ending neck injury, while RB Jaylen Wright will miss some time with a leg injury that required minor surgery. That left sixth-round rookie RB Ollie Gordon II to shoulder the load in preseason, performing admirably but lacking the elite explosiveness Achane brings.
Since being drafted in 2023, Achane has emerged as one of the league’s most electrifying backs. In 2024, he logged 907 rushing yards on 203 carries with six touchdowns, while adding 592 receiving yards and six more scores through the air. His versatility and big-play ability make him an immediate fantasy starter when healthy. While his calf injury is worth monitoring, all signs point to Achane being ready to deliver a full workload in Week 1, making him a high-upside asset in both PPR and standard formats.
