Injuries don’t just impact offensive stars; they reshape defensive depth charts and IDP fantasy value as well. Here’s the latest on some key defensive players heading into the 2025 NFL season with injury insights from Dr. David Chao, Pro Football Doc.
Bradley Chubb, EDGE, Dolphins
Chubb tore his ACL, meniscus, and patellar tendon on Dec. 31, 2023. The devastating injury required nearly five hours of surgery and cost him all of 2024. Pro Football Doc notes this combination of injuries is often career-altering, and Chubb is unlikely to return to prior form.
Fantasy IDP Takeaway: Even if Chubb returns to the field, expectations should be significantly lowered. Best left undrafted outside of very deep IDP formats.
Jaire Alexander, CB, Ravens
Head Coach John Harbaugh expects Alexander (knee) to return to practice next week, ahead of Week 1, after missing time since Aug. 9. The former All-Pro underwent surgery Dec. 31, 2024, and Baltimore has been cautious with his ramp-up. Harbaugh believes there’s still enough time for Alexander to be ready for Week 1 vs. the Bills.
Fantasy IDP Takeaway: Alexander is a shutdown corner when healthy, but his ball production has been inconsistent in past seasons. Draft him as a CB2 in IDP formats with upside, but monitor practice participation closely before Week 1.
Jaylon Johnson, CB, Bears
Johnson suffered a quad injury late in the 2024 season but still played all 17 games. He landed on the NFI list this summer with a separate leg injury, keeping him out of practices and preseason. Despite the missed time, GM Ryan Poles says Johnson will be on the 53-man roster and is aiming to return Week 1 vs. Minnesota.
Fantasy IDP Takeaway: Johnson is a stable, high-snap corner, but his recent injuries raise durability questions. He’s a streaming CB option in leagues that heavily reward passes defended.
Trevon Diggs, CB, Cowboys
Diggs’ injury trajectory is concerning. After a groin/knee issue cost him time in 2024, he required season-ending knee surgery in Week 15. The procedure was an advanced variation of microfracture surgery. Diggs was activated from PUP this week and practiced for the first time, but admits he needs more reps before knowing if he’ll play Week 1 vs. Philadelphia.
Fantasy IDP Takeaway: Diggs has elite ballhawk upside, but repeated lower-body injuries make him risky. His ceiling is DB1 when healthy, but expect volatility. Draft as a boom-bust option with injury risk baked in.
Jaelan Phillips, EDGE, Dolphins
Phillips is coming off back-to-back devastating injuries: a torn Achilles in 2023 followed by a torn ACL in Week 4 of 2024. Multiple consecutive season-ending injuries make his recovery even tougher. His projected SIC Score entering 2025 sits in the low 80s.
Fantasy IDP Takeaway: Phillips has talent, but back-to-back major lower-body injuries create long-term durability questions. He’s a deep sleeper with stash value only in dynasty or deep redraft leagues.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson, S, Texans
Gardner-Johnson was carted off with a knee injury in camp, but avoided ACL damage. While he won’t play in the preseason, GM Nick Caserio says he’s “in a good spot” and making progress, though his Week 1 availability remains uncertain.
Fantasy IDP Takeaway: If healthy, Gardner-Johnson offers solid tackle floor and turnover potential in Houston’s secondary. He’s a DB2/DB3 candidate, but monitor practice reports leading into the opener vs. the Rams.
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