2 min read • June 12, 2025
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As the 2025 NFL preseason approaches, several key players are making headlines for their injury recoveries and medical outlooks. Pro Football Doc, Dr. David Chao, offers expert insight into each situation.
There’s rising concern about Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson and a lingering shoulder issue as training camp nears. While speculation has pointed toward a possible re-aggravation of his AC joint, that’s unlikely since aggravating the AC joint typically requires contact trauma, which hasn’t occurred during offseason work.
Some minor wear and tear in the AC joint can’t be ruled out, but according to Pro Football Doc Dr. David Chao, the bigger worry may lie elsewhere. Many are connecting the issue to his previous injury on the same shoulder, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the same injury. In fact, if it were an AC joint problem, that might be a preferable known, manageable condition.
Instead, more complex concerns like rotator cuff tendinitis, labral damage, or post-surgical scar tissue could be at play. Until more details emerge, the exact nature of Richardson’s injury remains unknown, making his status for camp and preseason worth closely monitoring.
Nick Chubb’s recent one-year, $2.5 million deal with the Houston Texans isn’t generating much excitement, and Pro Football Doc Dr. David Chao explains why. Last season, even when Chubb returned to the field, he averaged just 3.3 yards per carry, a stark drop from his career 5.0 average. That decline reflects the lingering impact of his major knee injury.
Cleveland, a team and city that deeply values Chubb, kept him around last year as a feel-good story and paid him despite the injury. But the Browns letting him walk for just $2.5 million now that he’s available to play is telling. As Dr. Chao often says, NFL teams don’t let healthy and productive players go at bargain prices unless there are deeper medical concerns behind the scenes.
There’s cautious optimism for Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice as he rehabs from offseason knee surgery. According to Dr. Chao, signs point to a surgical repair rather than full reconstruction, which is a key difference that could accelerate his return and improve effectiveness. While no video has emerged of Rice running yet, Dr. Chao notes that a repair generally leads to a shorter recovery time, though he wants to see Rice in motion before offering a confident prognosis.
Dak Prescott hasn’t yet been cleared for contact, but Dr. Chao is not concerned from a medical perspective. The belief is that Jerry Jones is simply being cautious after paying his quarterback. There’s no indication of a setback. The bigger story with Dak lies in the evolving offensive system. The Cowboys added a receiver, adjusted the O-line, and are rolling with Brian Schottenheimer, a coach Dr. Chao worked alongside in the past and who brings a proven offensive mindset. No injury red flags heading into 2025.
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