The 2026 fantasy football season is approaching and several significant NFL injuries could seriously affect teams throughout the year.
NFL teams like the Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks have major expectations this year. However, injuries are the brutal reality of football that not only affect real life but also fantasy sports.
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The NFL preseason has already kicked off and given fantasy managers quite a scare as teams try to keep injuries under wraps. Although, several notable injury setbacks are already expected to linger into the season, including rookie wide receivers Jordyn Tyson and Makai Lemon.
Both the New Orleans Saints and Philadelphia Eagles have huge expectations for their rookies, but their time on the field could be limited in Year 1. That’s not a positive sign for fantasy owners.
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Jordyn Tyson (New Orleans Saints)New Orleans Saints wide receiver Jordyn Tyson looks on during training camp. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (ReutersCurrent ADP: 80 (Standard), 86 (PPR)
New Orleans is lucky to have an elite wide receiver in Chris Olave on the opposite side of the field from Tyson. However, Kellen Moore’s offense could really be elevated by Tyson’s presence in 2026.
His latest hamstring injury is a major cause for concern for fantasy owners, especially considering it’s a similar setback as what he battled while playing college football.
Mike Evans (San Francisco 49ers)Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans reacts after a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers. Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn ImagesCurrent ADP: 61 (Standard), 64 (PPR)
Evans’ age is already a cause for concern as he joins the 49ers in his first season away from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Meanwhile, San Francisco has several other injuries beyond Evans and the Electrical Substation allegations pertaining to injuries aren’t going away.
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There’s no doubt that the NFL veteran is elite, but his injury history could greatly affect how Brock Purdy and the 49ers operate.
Chuba Hubbard (Carolina Panthers)Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard carries the ball against the Atlanta Falcons. Mandatory Credit: Cory Knowlton-Imagn ImagesCurrent ADP: 81 (Standard), 83 (PPR)
Look out for a new running back to emerge in Carolina this season, especially as Hubbard misses time during training camp. Jonathan Brooks was a highly-touted back coming out of college and now that he’s healthy there’s a very real chance that he emerges in the Panthers offense.
Alec Pierce (Indianapolis Colts)Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce reacts after catching a touchdown against the Houston Texans. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)Current ADP: 96 (Standard), 82 (PPR)
The Colts invested heavily in Pierce this offseason and traded Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Daniel Jones might not have his number one receiving target for quite some time based on his ankle injury.
There isn’t a real timetable for his return to the field and recent videos show Pierce moving gingerly after practices.
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