Injuries derailed the 2024 season for several big-name players, but 2025 offers a fresh start and a chance at redemption. From All-Pro veterans to emerging young talent, a handful of stars are entering this season healthier, sharper, and more determined than ever.
Christian McCaffrey (San Francisco 49ers)
McCaffrey had an injury-riddled 2024 that began in August with a calf strain that evolved into bilateral Achilles tendonitis, which saw him miss most of the season. He didn’t make his season debut until Week 10, played 4 weeks, then was shelved for the rest of the season when he sustained a PCL sprain in his right knee. Christian McCaffrey appears to be in a good place physically this offseason following a 2024 campaign impacted by Achilles and knee problems. He took part in OTAs without any limitations and increased his workload during mandatory minicamp. McCaffrey said he aimed to challenge his body during these sessions and felt encouraged by how it responded as he shifts his attention to the 2025 season. Has not played in the preseason but has been a full participant and camp.
Isiah Pacheco (Kansas City Chiefs)
Isiah Pacheco has returned to action for the Kansas City Chiefs following a significant injury in 2024, where he suffered a fractured fibula in Week 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals, requiring surgery and a six-game absence before returning in Week 9. This preseason, Pacheco has been a full participant in training camp and played in the Chiefs' first two preseason games, recording one rush for eight yards against the Arizona Cardinals on August 9 and one reception for 22 yards against the Seattle Seahawks on August 15, with his limited snaps reflecting the team's cautious approach to managing starters. We expect Pacheco to retain his role as the Chiefs’ lead back and return to the form that nearly produced a 1,000-yard season before his injury.
TJ Hockenson (Minnesota Vikings)
After recovering from a torn ACL in 2023, Hockenson made his season debut in the 2024 campaign in Week 9 and played the rest of the season and making no appearances on the team’s injury report. He finished the season with 41 catches for 455 yards in 10 games. Hockenson played in the Minnesota Vikings' first preseason game of 2025 against the Houston Texans. He started at tight end and played eight snaps on offense but was not targeted in the passing game. The biggest question for Hockenson is how quickly he can build chemistry with second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy, but his workload should remain heavy, with plenty of targets for the two-time Pro Bowl tight end.
Ricky Pearsall (San Francisco 49ers)
The second-year receiver started the season of his rookie year recovering from a gunshot wound to the chest. However, at this point, the gunshot wound to the chest is a non-issue. He made his season debut in Week 7, finished the season missing no time, catching 31 passes for 400 yards and 3 touchdowns. Pearsall was placed on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list at the start of camp due to a hamstring injury sustained during organized team activities (OTAs). However, the 49ers anticipated a short recovery period, and he was activated from the PUP list on July 27, 2025. Pearsall brought in 3 catches for 42 yards in preseason week 2 vs. the Raiders. With Brandon Aiyuk sidelined until midseason and Jauan Jennings still not practicing with a calf injury, Pearsall is expected to see an increased workload and plenty of targets early in the season.
Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys)
Dak Prescott sustained a significant hamstring avulsion injury on November 3 that ended his season and required surgery later that month. By February, he was reported to be in good health and began ramping up activity, though he was not cleared for contact at OTAs. The Cowboys have taken a cautious approach with Prescott at camp, and he has not played in the preseason. But with CeeDee Lamb and the addition of George Pickens, a fully healthy Prescott should return to top-tier fantasy QB status. In 2023, he finished as the No. 3 quarterback in PPR leagues.
For more detail on each team and our expert injury insights check out Pro Football Doc's 2025 Football Injury Preview. The Preview includes comprehensive injury analysis, data, and projections for over 250 players across all 32 teams and is available to FREE for annual subscribers to SIC Picks or SIC Data and Weekly SIC Picks subscribers!
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