No NFL team has made it through a season unscathed when it comes to injuries, and 2022 was no different. There were 69 starting quarterbacks last season — the San Francisco 49ers alone went through three different multi-week starts — and several other skill position players have been rotating in and out of NFL lineups. The cycle of injury often left fantasy directors scrambling to find viable replacements each week. Fortunately, the offseason provides time for most players to recover and do it again; But not everyone’s schedule aligns with the seasonal calendar. Among the players affected by injury last season, here are the key names we’re considering heading into the 2023 campaign.
Cooper Cobb, WR, Los Angeles Rams
Cobb was on his way to another stellar season for being the Rams’ biggest offensive weapon when he suffered a sprained right ankle in Week 10 that was severe enough to require surgery. Cobb underwent a narrow cord implant with internal augmentation. TightRope stabilizes the joint and restores its natural alignment, while the InternalBrace provides strengthening strength for healing ligaments. The procedure has become more popular in recent years, and the success rate of returning to a previous level of functioning is exceptionally high. Not only do these athletes succeed upon returning from the procedure, but it has so far proven to hold up over time. Kupp has participated in parts of OTAs and minicamps, and his workload is expected to continue to progress into boot camp. The wide receiver in 2019 proved he could perform after suffering a major injury when the season returned following the ACL rebuild and he played in all 16 matches.
Tony Pollard, RB, Dallas Cowboys
Pollard looked like a player with something to prove last season, storming the field with an explosiveness and agility this team hasn’t seen lately on such a consistent footing. Accumulating 1,007 yards on the ground on 5.2 yards per carry, Pollard set himself up for a big payday—until he suffered a severely sprained left ankle and a fractured fibula in the Cowboys’ divisional round loss to the 49ers. He underwent TightRope surgery in January to stabilize his ankle and was quickly franchised by his team. Pollard has participated in parts of the OTAs and has indicated that he will be fully ready to practice by the time the Cowboys report to training camp. His early progress indicators and plan to fully participate in training camp bode well for him to be up to speed by the time the regular season begins. How quickly he returns to pre-injury form and how much work he can handle will be the biggest questions fantasy directors want answered.
Bryce Hall, RB, New York Jets
Hall was on course to be named Offensive Rookie of the Year with his preseason performance in 2022. Proving effective in both the running game and passing game, Hall had over 600 yards from scrimmage in just seven games, before tearing his left ACL. Fortunately for Hall, he has the youth and limited wear and tear of half a pro season on his side, and is said to be making stellar progress in the offseason. Until he can display his skills – which could happen during training camp – there will be no sign he is ready to start the season, but all indications so far point in that direction. It’s worth noting that no matter when his season starts, there will likely be an acclimatization period for Hall to get up to speed, both in terms of performance and workload.
Javonte Williams, right linebacker, Denver Broncos
Williams fell into a heap in Week 4 with the knee injury that all athletes dread – a torn ACL. Unfortunately for Williams, his injury scope also included a lateral collateral ligament (LCL) tear and posterior lateral corner damage, all of which translate into a multi-ligament injury that makes his right knee less stable and recovery more complicated. While early words from Broncos management indicated that Williams would be ready to start the season, the immediate signing of Samaji Perrin in free agency suggested otherwise. Since then, there has been little pullback from Williams’ schedule to reflect the uncertainty about his status. This uncertainty may lead to boot camp. For his part, Williams indicated in early July that he felt “ready to go” and hoped for camp clearance, but conceded that it would be up to the medical staff to decide. Even if he is able to participate, it will likely be a gradual progression with constant monitoring of how his knee responds. While all signs are encouraging regarding his recovery up to this point, it is not clear if he will be fit to play when the season begins. After all, Williams is only 23 and in the prime of his career, and he’d better make a full recovery before returning to action. No doubt fantasy directors would agree.
Kyle Bates, TE, Atlanta Falcons
Bates is an undeniable talent, but his use of it was disappointing to fantasy directors who were looking for big things in his second season. Just when it looked like he might turn a corner in that regard, Bates suffered a right MCL tear that required surgery, halting his season. The Falcons hope he’ll be ready to go when the 2023 campaign gets underway, but it’s worth noting that Bates hasn’t participated in any offseason workouts, including June’s mini-camp. Given the procedure he’d undergone, it was a bit surprising to see him completely resilient. Atlanta coach Arthur Smith said at the time he expected “everyone” to be ready for the inaugural season, but didn’t offer much in terms of the Bates’ schedule. Even if Bates participated in camp, the increase was gradual and he saw little or no action for the preseason, his return to his previous level of performance could be a longer road back than just his return to playing. The Falcons added depth in the tight end position, which can be seen as either an insurance or a luxury. Training camp could be the testing ground for Bates in his recovery.
Kyler Murray, QB, Arizona Cardinals
During his first four seasons in the league, Murray showed his physicality on the field as a true dual threat quarterback. Now he will have to prove he can be the player he was before he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. The injury came late in the 2022 campaign (Week 14), and Murray did not have surgery until January. While Cardinals owner Michael Bidwell expressed optimism in February that Murray could return before the midseason, he also noted that there should be no set schedule. Meanwhile, Murray has indicated that his goal is to be back by the first week, just eight months after surgery. The complex work of a mobile quarterback returning from this injury involves more than just the ability to run and throw. He must be comfortable as a constant target for defenses knowing he can count on his knee for an escape, yet still have confidence that his knee will survive the inevitable sacks. This component takes time and may be the biggest factor in determining when Murray will actually be ready to return to action.
Brock Purdy, QB, San Francisco 49ers
Purdy tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his (right) arm in the NFC Championship Game and underwent surgical repair using an internal augmentation. He’s progressed well through the rehabilitation program and back to pitching, but training camp will determine if he’s ready to resume managing offense in San Francisco.
Trey Lance, QB, 49ers
The 49ers have had more than one quarterback injury in 2022 — and Lance’s first of the season. After playing the monsoon season opener in Chicago, Lance went 15 home runs in Week 2 before suffering a fractured right ankle that required surgery. The good news is that he appears to have made a full recovery; The unknown is exactly what the future holds for him in San Francisco. The training camp is going to be a lot of fun in the Bay Area.
Zach Ertz, TE, Cardinals
Ertz experienced a career resurgence of sorts when he joined the Cardinals, but his first full season with the team was derailed when he tore his left ACL and MCL in November. Early this year, Ertz set his goal to get ready when the season begins, but the tight end also said he wouldn’t jeopardize the team by trying to come back early. Training camp will provide the first real indications of his progress and a better hint as to when he’ll be back playing.
Jonathan Taylor, right linebacker, Indianapolis Colts
Taylor struggled after spraining his right ankle early in the season, and a subsequent injury to the same ankle in Week 15 ended his season for good. In January, Taylor underwent an arthroscopy of the ankle, which he later considered an “exemplary success”. He should be in shape for training camp and ready to go when the season starts.
Keenan Allen, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
In 2022, Allen was a case study in how difficult it can be to fully resolve a hamstring injury during the season. He initially hurt his left hamstring in week one. He sat out until Week 7 and then promptly aggravated the injury, not returning until Week 11. Allen played the remainder of the campaign – and after the season, he’s healthy for 2023. Yes, there’s an increased risk of a hamstring injury after a major strain, but considering Allen only missed two games in his previous best five seasons.
Justin Herbert, QB, Chargers
Herbert suffered major injuries last season – including a broken rib cartilage – but managed to play in every game despite struggling at times. The cartilage has had plenty of time to heal, and Herbert had his non-drop (left) shoulder repaired in January. He must have no restrictions with the opening of the training camp.