The NFL is back – to being injured.
We’re not even a week into the regular season and there are already a bunch of wounded players to monitor going foward. It doesn’t matter if you’re a star or a player just signed off the practice squad, the injury bug comes for all – and no repellent will prevent it.
Some big names were forced out of action in Week 1, with varying degrees of severity.
For some, like Brock Bowers, fantasy managers can breathe a sigh of relief. For others, like Xavier Worthy, there is more concern.
Injuries are inevitable in the NFL but managing them successfully can make your fantasy team a championship contender. Here’s a look at the key injuries that are threatening to impact Week 2 in fantasy football.
Fantasy football injury updates: Week 1
WR Xavier Worthy, Kansas City Chiefs
Worthy suffered a dislocated shoulder in the Chiefs’ Week 1 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. It only took three plays before the second-year receiver collided with Travis Kelce, forcing him out. The receiver is still undergoing tests and it’s unclear how much time he’ll miss.
Initial reports have indicated that Worthy could be sidelined for weeks, or potentially the remainder of the season if surgery becomes necessary. The most likely scenario is for Worthy to wear a brace on his shoulder and return this season, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The Chiefs’ receiver room takes a major hit without Worthy, leaving JuJu Smith-Schuster and Tyquan Thornton to step up alongside Hollywood Brown. Rashee Rice’s future fantasy stock gets a huge boost if Worthy is gone for an extended period, however. Rice is suspended for the first six games but instantly jumps to WR1 status upon his return.
WR Drake London, Atlanta Falcons
London was diagnosed with a shoulder sprain after exiting in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s contest. The receiver landed hard on his shoulder with 2:28 remaining in the game and did not return, but London appears to have avoided a serious injury.
He is officially listed as day-to-day, meaning there is a chance he suits up for ‘Sunday Night Football’ against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2. The 24-year-old remains Atlanta’s top receiving option and hauled in a team-high eight catches for 55 yards in Week 1.
WR Jauan Jennings, San Francisco 49ers
Jennings departed Sunday’s contest with a shoulder injury and did not return. There isn’t a clear moment when the receiver suffered the injury, but he was having his left arm worked on by the medical staff while on the sidelines.
He is slated to have an MRI, according to ESPN’s Nick Wagoner. The 49ers are already without George Kittle, who suffered a hamstring injury earlier in the game, and Brandon Aiyuk, who is recovering from a torn ACL. San Francisco is no stranger to injuries, but their depth is being tested early.
TE Brock Bowers, Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders star exited Sunday’s contest against the New England Patriots with a knee injury in the fourth quarter and did not return. However, the tight end did deliver some good news after the game.
TE George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers
Kittle was forced out of action in the first half on Sunday in Seattle and ultimately ruled out with a hamstring injury. The star tight end was off to a good start in the 2025 season, hauling in four catches for 25 yards and a touchdown in his limited action.
He is slated for an MRI, per ESPN’s Nick Wagoner, shifting the focus to how long a potential absence could last. Luke Farrell and Jake Tonges are the two remaining healthy tight ends, meaning they likely would split Kittle’s workload. Tonges recorded his first career catch after Kittle’s departure. The 2022 undrafted free agent hauled in three catches for 15 yards and the game-winning touchdown. Out of the two, Tonges appears to be the preferable fantasy option if Kittle misses time.
TE Evan Engram, Denver Broncos
Engram left Sunday’s game with a calf injury and was listed as questionable to return. However, he did not return to game action as the Broncos avoided a Week 1 upset to the Tennessee Titans.
It’s unclear when the injury occurred and the extent of it, meaning Engram will be one to monitor as the week goes along.