14 important NFL injuries to know about before drafting in fantasy football in 2023

Murray is still recovering from a torn ACL suffered last year and won’t necessarily be ready for Week 1 of the regular season. Even if he is, expect Murray to look rusty during his first few weeks, especially knowing how bad the rest of the Cardinals’ offense is.

A bona fide shutdown corner and perennial Pro Bowler, a recent foot surgery will keep Humphrey out during the early parts of the season. The Ravens’ defense/special teams aren’t necessarily a must-have (because you can take Justin Tucker independently), but Humphrey’s availability is what would make the unit enticing in the first place.

Miller suffered the second torn ACL of his career last Thanksgiving and will probably be ready for Week 1 this year. I’m not saying you should bet against the future Hall of Famer returning to form but trying to ride with Buffalo’s defense definitely hinges on Miller being a force.

Hines was set to be another versatile weapon for Josh Allen until an unfortunate jet ski accident. This does not mean you should avoid drafting Allen altogether. Just know that he won’t have one of his bigger toys. But hey, maybe someone in that logjam of a backfield (James Cook? Damien Harris?) takes advantage of Hines’ absence.

A vital cog on Chicago’s offensive line, Jenkins will likely miss the start of the regular season with two calf strains. The former second-round pick’s temporary absence isn’t a death sentence for anyone eyeing Bears offensive players (Justin Fields, D.J. Moore, Cole Kmet), but it is something to monitor. That’s because it leaves Chicago’s front in an already potentially precarious position.

Burrow is apparently progressing quite well from a calf strain suffered early in training camp. And if that’s the case, he remains a good pick to be your QB1. But be wary of any potential setbacks in the coming weeks and/or if the Bengals adjust their signal caller’s timeline.

A year after tearing his ACL in training camp, Patrick tore his Achilles tendon … in training camp. Oof. Patrick isn’t Denver’s WR1, but he is a solid safety valve. Exercise caution if you have the courage to roll the dice with Russell Wilson as your quarterback.

The Texans should NOT be one of your fantasy gold mines. Trust me. But on the off chance you need C.J. Stroud as a good backup or Dameon Pierce as an RB1 — Houston’s starting center, Quessenberry, is on injured reserve. Just brutal.

A Super Bowl 57 hero, Toney is projected to have a larger role in the Chiefs’ offense this year. But there’s one problem: he underwent meniscus surgery at the end of July. Now, that Kansas City cupboard of receivers looks pretty bare. Doubt Patrick Mahomes at your own risk, but know it might be more of a struggle for him to get you points for the time being.

A knee injury suffered against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers might put Tippmann’s early season in jeopardy. For a second-round pick who is projected to be Aaron Rodgers’ starting center, this is somewhat alarming. New York already has significant offensive line issues, and it can ill afford to be without an essential building block.

A stress fracture in his wrist will keep Smith-Njigba sidelined for the remainder of his first NFL preseason. And potentially even the start of the regular season. That said, the rookie slot receiver should still be a significant part of Seattle’s offensive plans. It just makes him less of a lock to shine than before. Note: You’re probably still safe to take Geno Smith because of that whole D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett duo thing. I’m just saying.

Burks is Tennesee’s undisputed WR1 (sorry, DeAndre Hopkins), and he’ll be out a little while with a sprained LCL in his knee. Mike Vrabel doesn’t think it’s too serious, but it remains something to watch for a hopeful sophomore breakout player. Burks should be viewed as a mid-level WR2 in fantasy when healthy.