Injuries continue to reshape NFL training camps as teams prepare for the 2026 season, with several notable players suffering significant setbacks while others take important steps toward returning to the field. This week's biggest developments include a season-ending ACL tear for Falcons edge rusher Jalon Walker, encouraging recovery milestones for Tank Dell and Kenyon Sadiq, and positive return-to-practice updates for Myles Garrett and C.J. Gardner-Johnson. Here's the latest injury news, recovery progress, and expected return timelines from around the NFL.
Friday, August 7th
Patrick Mahomes - Right ACL
Patrick Mahomes is unlikely to play during the preseason as the Chiefs continue to manage his return from the torn right ACL that ended his 2025 season. Head coach Andy Reid said there is a "pretty good chance" Mahomes will be held out and indicated he may not play in any of Kansas City's three preseason games. Mahomes has already been fully cleared for training camp, so the potential preseason absence appears to be a precautionary decision rather than a setback in his recovery.
Alec Pierce - Left Ankle
Alec Pierce remains without a timetable for his return as he continues rehabilitating from left ankle surgery. Colts head coach Shane Steichen praised the wide receiver's progress, saying Pierce is "doing a hell of a job" with his rehab. While Indianapolis has not established a target date for his return to practice, Pierce continues to make progress as the team takes a cautious approach with his recovery.
KC Concepcion - Shoulder
KC Concepcion suffered an AC joint sprain in his shoulder after landing on it during a Browns training camp practice earlier this week. The rookie first-round wide receiver downplayed the injury and said he is doing fine. There is no indication of a significant injury or extended absence at this point, with Concepcion expected to progress back to full activity as the shoulder soreness subsides.
Cyrus Allen - Left Shin
Cyrus Allen returned to practice Friday after missing nearly a week with a left shin injury. The rookie wide receiver had been sidelined since being carted off the field during last Saturday's practice, with subsequent testing revealing a shin bruise and no fractures or ligament damage. Allen participated in drills and caught passes from Patrick Mahomes, an encouraging sign that the injury is behind him. He had earned first-team opportunities before the setback and is expected to resume competing for a role in the Chiefs' receiving corps.
Thursday, August 6th
Jalon Walker, Falcons - Right ACL
Jalon Walker has been diagnosed with a torn ACL in his right knee, confirming the season-ending injury he suffered during Falcons training camp. The promising edge rusher will undergo reconstructive surgery and begin a lengthy rehabilitation process, ending his 2026 season before it began. Walker had been expected to play a major role in Atlanta's pass rush, making his loss a significant blow to the Falcons' defense.
Myles Garrett, Rams - Back
Myles Garrett returned to practice after missing four training camp sessions because of back soreness. The Rams managed his workload cautiously, allowing the veteran pass rusher additional time to recover before bringing him back to the field. Garrett said he feels good and described the soreness as a normal part of training camp, noting the team simply wanted to ensure he was back to full strength.
Coby Bryant, Bears - Left Knee
Coby Bryant is expected to miss eight to 10 weeks after hyperextending his left knee during the Bears' first padded training camp practice. Further evaluation revealed a bone bruise and a small fracture, though Bryant avoided significant ligament damage and is not expected to require surgery. The veteran safety was visibly frustrated after the injury and was carted off the field.
Kenyon Sadiq, Jets - Core Muscle
Kenyon Sadiq continues to progress in his recovery from core muscle surgery performed in May and is expected to return to practice within the next couple of weeks. Jets head coach Aaron Glenn said the team recently received encouraging news regarding Sadiq's recovery and remains confident the rookie tight end will be fully ready well before Week 1. Sadiq played through the injury during his final season at Oregon before undergoing surgery, and Glenn indicated no additional procedures are expected once he completes his rehabilitation.
Josh Jacobs, Packers - Groin
Jacobs missed Thursday's training camp practice because of a groin injury. The Packers do not believe the issue is serious and are treating the absence as a precautionary measure.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Bills - Right Calf
C.J. Gardner-Johnson returned to practice after suffering a right calf strain that forced him off the field on a cart earlier in training camp. The veteran safety participated without issue during Thursday's workout while wearing a protective sleeve on his right calf. His quick return confirms the injury was minor, and Buffalo expects him to continue practicing as he prepares for the start of the regular season.
Tank Dell, Texans - Right Knee
Tank Dell took another significant step in his recovery from the severe right knee injury he suffered in December 2024 by practicing in full pads for the first time since the injury. Although the Texans did not place Dell on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list to begin training camp, they have intentionally managed his workload as he continues his return. His progression to full pads is an encouraging milestone, and Houston is expected to continue ramping up his practice participation before clearing him for full football activities.
Lane Johnson, Eagles - Personal (Non-Injury)
Lane Johnson has missed four consecutive Eagles training camp practices for a non-injury-related reason. The veteran right tackle has been excused from team activities, and there is no indication the absence is health-related. While the Eagles have not provided a specific return date, Johnson is expected to rejoin the team in the near future and is not believed to be in danger of missing regular-season action.
