The Latest Injury Updates Impacting Fantasy Football Quarterbacks

Fantasy football managers already have plenty of quarterback injury situations to monitor before 2026 drafting heats up. Patrick Mahomes’ knee recovery carries the biggest ripple effect, but Jayden Daniels, Kyler Murray, Daniel Jones, Cam Ward, Bo Nix, Michael Penix Jr. and Deshaun Watson also enter the offseason with health questions or recent rehab timelines.

Let's examine how these updates can affect draft cost, mobility, job security and early-season expectations.

Quarterback Injury Updates

Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs

Mahomes suffered torn anterior cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments in Week 15. As of early May, he's reportedly well ahead of schedule, but mobility to keep plays alive is what makes Mahomes special, so cautious optimism ought to override any hype as he may not be himself before midseason. Doing light work while wearing a brace in unpadded practice is much different than escaping the NFL's best pass rushers in September. The acquisition of Justin Fields gives KC a fallback plan if Mahomes' knee doesn't respond accordingly during the summer.

Bo Nix, Denver Broncos

Nix is considered ahead of schedule after right ankle surgery to fix a fracture suffered in the playoffs. Even though the third-year pro may run slightly less in 2026, he's fully on pace for training camp and should be in the mix for another midrange QB1 finish with an upgraded receiving corps at his disposal.

Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders

Daniels’ 2025 season was derailed by multiple injuries, but the most important one was a dislocated left elbow suffered in early November. Washington later shut him down for the rest of the season, though reporting at the time indicated there was no ligament damage and no surgery was needed. He should be expected back for 2026 work, but Daniels' thin frame makes it impossible to ignore the likelihood of future durability issues.

Kyler Murray, Minnesota Vikings

Murray’s 2025 season was cut down to five appearances after a midfoot sprain. If he played better before and/or Jacoby Brissett had struggled, there was a chance Murray would have returned. He's on track for training camp and is expected take over as the QB1 after the failed J.J. McCarthy experience, though a competition will be held.