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.
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.
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.
