The 2026 NFL season arrives with a wave of injury news that will shape fantasy lineups across Week 1. Several stars have been cleared, others have been ruled out, and a handful of teams will enter Sunday with unexpected depth‑chart changes. Below is a full breakdown of the most important injury updates heading into opening weekend and what each means for fantasy managers.
Players like Zay Flowers (Ravens), Alec Pierce and Josh Downs (Colts), Jeremiyah Love (Cardinals), Tucker Kraft (Packers), Emeka Egbuka (Bucs), Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins (Bengals), D.K. Metcalf and Michael Pittman (Steelers), Jacory Croskey-Merritt (Commanders), Jonathon Brooks and Chuba Hubbard (Panthers), along with D’Andre Swift, Kyle Monangai, and Luther Burden (Bears) all seem to be on track to play.
Both Sean Tucker and Jalen McMillan for Tampa are doubtful. Running backs that might not start for you in fantasy but could be good stashes since they will likely be active sooner rather than later include Alvin Kamara (Saints) and Keaton Mitchell (Chargers).
Let’s recap the rest of the injury news so far heading into Week 1.
*Update: Rome Odunze (Bears) might be a game-time decision, so like Nabers, I would wait till Sunday morning or have another pivot option on your bench to go to for the 1 pm. games Sunday. Although he said he is playing, Ben Johnson said it is a long season, and he hasn’t gotten medical clearance. Chicago also elevated a wide receiver from their practice squad today.
Jets: Breece Hall Good to Go
The Jets received excellent news as Breece Hall has been cleared for Sunday’s opener against Tennessee. Hall’s offseason workload was monitored closely, but he enters Week 1 without restrictions. He remains a locked‑in RB1 with elite upside, especially in PPR formats where his receiving role is secure.
Rookie TE Kenyon Sadiq is also active. While not yet a fantasy starter, his athletic profile makes him a name to monitor in deeper formats.
Fantasy impact: Hall is a must‑start. Sadiq is a stash and not a start.
Giants: Malik Nabers Questionable
The Giants listed rookie WR Malik Nabers as questionable for Sunday night’s matchup against Dallas. Nabers has been dealing with a minor issue but is trending toward playing. If active, he immediately steps in as the Giants’ top receiving option. I would still consider a pivot in case he can’t go on Sunday night.
Fantasy impact: Nabers is a volatile WR3 with WR2 upside if he’s active. If he sits, Darnell Mooney or Malachi Fields become deeper‑league flex options.
Raiders: Ashton Jeanty Cleared
Rookie RB Ashton Jeanty is officially off the injury report and ready for Sunday against Miami. Jeanty’s explosive preseason makes him a potential breakout candidate, though the Raiders may still rotate backs early in the season with rookie Mike Washington.
Fantasy impact: Jeanty is a flex option with upside in PPR formats.
Major Star Ruled Out: Brock Bowers
The biggest headline of the week: Brock Bowers has been ruled out for Sunday. The star tight end was expected to be a major part of the Raiders’ offense, and his absence forces Las Vegas to lean more heavily on Michael Mayer and their running game.
Fantasy impact: Mayer becomes a fringe TE1 streamer. Bowers managers should pivot immediately and not expect him for the next month.
Cowboys: Malik Davis OUT
Dallas RB Malik Davis suffered a hip injury in Friday’s practice and has been ruled out. With Davis sidelined, the Cowboys’ backfield becomes more concentrated, giving Javonte Williams and Emeri Demercado the clear one-two role.
Fantasy impact: Slight bump for Javonte, potentially stash Demercado in deep leagues.
Falcons: Cooper Rush to Start
After weeks of debate between Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr., the Falcons will start Cooper Rush in Week 1 against Pittsburgh. Both Tagovailoa and Penix have been ruled out, leaving Atlanta with a veteran game‑manager under center.
Fantasy impact: Drake London and Kyle Pitts take a hit in ceiling but remain startable. Bijan Robinson may get more fed in this scenario.
Patriots: A.J. Brown to IR
New England suffered a major blow, placing WR A.J. Brown on injured reserve due to a high ankle sprain. Brown will miss at least four games, leaving the Patriots without their top receiving threat.
Fantasy impact: Demario Douglas becomes a priority waiver add next week, as well as Romeo Doubs in shallow leagues if you forget that he played on Wednesday night. The Patriots’ passing game with Drake Maye takes a significant downgrade.
49ers: De’Zhaun Stribling’s Achilles Intact
49ers rookie WR De’Zhaun Stribling injured his ankle, but Kyle Shanahan confirmed his Achilles is intact, a crucial piece of good news. Stribling will miss Week 1 but avoids a season‑ending injury.
Fantasy impact: No immediate fantasy relevance, but dynasty managers can exhale.
Seahawks: Sam Darnold Out Next Week, Questionable Beyond
Seattle QB Sam Darnold received “really, really good news” regarding his hip injury, but he is expected to miss next week’s game at Arizona. He underwent an MRI Friday, and team doctors are still determining his timeline. For now, Seattle believes it “dodged a bullet.”
Fantasy impact: For Week 2, Drew Lock becomes a likely streamer. I wouldn’t start Darnold even if he came back after Weeks 3-4 or longer.
