2026 NFL Offseason Surgery Tracker: Star Players, Procedures and Return Timelines

As NFL teams move through offseason programs and prepare for training camp, several notable players are still working back from surgeries that could affect the start of the 2026 season. Here is a running tracker of the biggest offseason procedures and the latest return timelines to know. This tracker will be updated as more offseason surgery news emerges around the NFL.

Rashee Rice - Kansas City Chiefs

Surgery

Rice underwent a clean-up procedure on his right knee to remove loose debris that had been causing inflammation, but reportedly did not suffer any new structural damage. The discomfort stemmed from the season-ending injury he suffered in October 2024, when Rice tore his LCL and damaged his PLC and hamstring tendon in a collision with Patrick Mahomes.

Recovery

On the same day it was announced that Rice underwent the surgery, he was ordered to begin serving 30 days in jail in conjunction with a probation violation, meaning he would need to rehab while incarcerated. Reports say he is still on track to return for training camp. Pro Football Doc says he expects Rice to be available for Week 1, but training camp remains uncertain due to the jail sentence.

Alec Pierce - Indianapolis Colts

Surgery

Pierce underwent ankle surgery in April after playing through a lingering ankle injury in 2025. He had initially planned to push through it again in 2026, but after consulting with the team, Pierce opted to have surgery to correct the issue.

Recovery

Pierce will miss the Colts’ offseason program. According to team general manager Chris Ballard, his estimated recovery timeline is three months, and the team expects him to be fully recovered by training camp in July.

Bo Nix - Denver Broncos

Surgery

Nix suffered a fractured right ankle during the team’s divisional-round playoff win over the Buffalo Bills on Jan. 17, 2026, and underwent successful surgery shortly after. In late April, it was revealed that Nix had a second procedure on his ankle earlier in the month.

Recovery

The Broncos and Nix have both expressed optimism that he will be ready for the start of training camp. His participation in the team’s offseason program is still to be determined.

Malik Nabers - New York Giants

Surgery

Nabers underwent a second surgery on his right knee to remove scar tissue that was causing stiffness. The report described it as a "clean up." Nabers' first surgery was on October 28 to repair a torn ACL and meniscus.

Recovery

The Giants are hopeful that Nabers will be ready to play Week 1, although that is still to be determined. Pro Football Doc tweeted: Not necessarily a disaster but certainly not good news. Indicates potential stiffness or loss of motion post ACL. Certainly something to watch. Doc has previously stated that he does not expect Nabers to be ready for the start of the season.

Nnamdi Madubuike - Baltimore Ravens

Surgery

Madubuike underwent neck surgery in mid-April after suffering a potentially career-threatening neck injury in Week 2 last season.

Recovery

According to reports, doctors believe Madubuike will be able to return this season after the surgery. While there is no specific timetable yet for his full return, the Ravens said he is participating in the team’s offseason workout program and is “in great shape.”

Zach Tom - Green Bay Packers

Surgery

Tom underwent surgery to repair a partially torn patellar tendon he suffered in Week 15.

Recovery

The Packers hope to have him ready for the start of training camp. Tom said after the season that the surgery would carry an expected recovery timeline of about six months.

DeForest Buckner - Indianapolis Colts

Surgery

He underwent neck surgery in early January for an injury he sustained in November. Buckner returned in Week 16 but was later placed on injured reserve after re-aggravating the injury.

Recovery

Buckner told reporters he resumed running in mid-April and believes being ready for training camp in July is a possibility.

Darius Slayton - New York Giants

Surgery

Slayton recently underwent core muscle surgery after the 2025 season. In 2025, he played in 14 games with 12 starts and caught 37 passes for 538 yards.