2 min read • July 15, 2025
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As NFL training camps ramp up ahead of the 2025 season, several key players are already under the injury spotlight. @ProFootballDoc, Dr. David Chao, offers expert medical insight on notable names like Tank Dell, Kirk Cousins, Tristan Wirfs, and Najee Harris, all of whom carry varying levels of concern into the season.
Netflix’s Quarterback series confirmed what @ProFootballDoc had long suspected, Kirk Cousins suffered a significant shoulder and elbow injury to his throwing arm just before halftime in Week 10 against the Saints. Prior to that hit, Cousins had a stellar stat line with 17 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. Afterward, the numbers plummeted to just 1 touchdown and 9 interceptions.
Dr. Chao emphasized that while the injury wasn’t season-ending, it clearly hampered Cousins’ mechanics and overall performance. Compounded by previous injuries, including his Achilles and ankle on the push-off leg, Cousins was far from 100%. The steep drop-off in production wasn't due to decline, but rather to a quarterback trying to play through multiple significant injuries.
The Bucs' star tackle Tristan Wirfs is another name on @ProFootballDoc’s concern list heading into 2025. Wirfs underwent a reported knee scope in early July, but the timeline suggests it might have been more serious than publicly disclosed. Wirfs was placed on the PUP list last week by the Bucs.
Dr. Chao pointed out that in his NFL experience, players often return just a couple weeks after a basic knee scope. So when teams are projecting a 2-month absence, it raises questions about the actual severity of the procedure. With the injury lingering from last season and the late timing of the surgery, Wirfs' status should be monitored closely.
Najee Harris’ eye injury has lowered his fantasy stock, but @ProFootballDoc doesn’t consider him undraftable. Injured players can offer value later in drafts, it’s just a matter of timing and risk tolerance. If Harris slides far enough, he could become a worthwhile stash depending on the league format.
Dr. Chao also noted that the Chargers' early training camp start, due to their Hall of Fame Game appearance honoring Antonio Gates, could be skewing early evaluations. Rookie Omarion Hampton appears to be making a case for RB1, but it's still early. The extended camp schedule opens the door for more injuries, overreactions, and opportunity shifts. For now, fantasy managers should monitor the backfield competition while adjusting expectations based on Harris’ health and Hampton’s role.
Tank Dell is dealing with a ligament knee injury that raises red flags, especially given his smaller, quick-twitch frame. According to @ProFootballDoc, players with Dell’s skillset often rely heavily on lower-body explosiveness, making this type of injury particularly limiting.
Realistically, anything fantasy managers get from Dell in 2025 should be considered a bonus. While he's unlikely to be a contributor early in the season, Dr. Chao sees value in stashing Dell in deeper formats like the Scott Fish Bowl. In rounds 20 and beyond, he’s a speculative play for those eyeing upside around the fantasy playoffs in Week 15.
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