Laiatu Latu Health, Injury Updates & History

After being limited on Wednesday, he was listed as a DNP for the next two days because of a hamstrin...

Laiatu Latu was the first defensive player selected in the 2024 NFL draft. While at Washington, a serious neck injury prompted medical staff to recommend medical retirement, sidelining him for two subsequent years. Latu made a notable comeback at UCLA, providing two straight seasons of double-digit sacks. The reason for apprehension surrounding Latu is his history of neck fusion surgery. Although many players return to play following such a procedure, Latu's case is complicated by the fact that undergoing this surgery a second time could prematurely end his career. According to our panel of Pro Football Docs, while Latu is currently considered draftable, another neck injury—and the resultant potential need for further fusion surgery—would likely force him out of the game permanently.