2024 NFL Injuries That WILL Impact the 2025 Season: Key Players Facing Tough Comebacks
The NFL is a brutal league where physicality often comes at the cost of longevity. As we shift our focus to the 2025 NFL season, a number of serious injuries sustained during the 2024 campaign are set to leave a lasting impact—not just on the players, but on their teams, fantasy football strategies, and even playoff aspirations. These aren’t just minor setbacks; these are season-altering injuries, many of them involving ACL and Achilles tears that could affect player performance well into the upcoming year.
In this article, we break down the most significant season-ending injuries from 2024 that are expected to influence the 2025 season. From rising stars like Tank Dell and Jonathon Brooks to established veterans like Deshaun Watson and Stefon Diggs, let’s take a look at the players who may not be the same—or even ready—when Week 1 of 2025 kicks off.
Tank Dell (Houston Texans) – Devastating ACL Injury Could Derail a Promising Career
Tank Dell was one of the brightest young stars in the Texans’ offense before disaster struck. The second-year wideout suffered a season-ending ACL tear in Week 16 of the 2024 season. To make matters worse, reports indicated that the injury included a knee dislocation—potentially a career-altering event.
Coming off a strong rookie year, Dell was expected to be a breakout candidate in 2024, especially with Stefon Diggs aging. Now, the Texans are left wondering if their dynamic playmaker will ever regain his explosiveness. Given the timing and severity of the injury, it’s unlikely Dell will be ready for the first half of the 2025 season. In fact, there’s a good chance he will miss most, if not all of the 2025 NFL season.
Jonathon Brooks (Carolina Panthers) – Re-Torn ACL Casts Doubt on Rookie RB’s Future
Jonathon Brooks was one of the most hyped rookie running backs entering the 2024 NFL season. After an ACL tear ended his college career at Texas, the Panthers still saw enough potential to invest in him. Unfortunately, Brooks tore the same ACL again in Week 14 of his rookie season, raising serious red flags about his durability.
Re-tearing an ACL is always a cause for concern, and for a young player whose game is based on burst and agility, it’s even more devastating. Brooks may not only miss the start of the 2025 season but could struggle to earn significant reps even when he returns. The Panthers may have to explore backfield depth in free agency or the draft as insurance.
Deshaun Watson (Cleveland Browns) – Achilles Tear Adds to Long List of Setbacks
Deshaun Watson’s return to form has been nothing short of tumultuous. After multiple injury-plagued seasons, 2024 ended with yet another devastating injury: a torn Achilles in Week 7, followed by a graft retear later in the fall.
An Achilles tear is one of the most difficult injuries for quarterbacks to return from, especially for someone who relies heavily on mobility and off-script playmaking. Watson’s contract ties him to the Browns for the foreseeable future, but his future performance is now in serious doubt. Don’t be surprised if Cleveland starts 2025 with a backup—or newly acquired quarterback—under center while Watson rehabs.
Brandon Aiyuk (San Francisco 49ers) – ACL Tear Adds Major WR Hole for SF
Brandon Aiyuk entered 2024 with contract drama but quickly became a crucial part of the 49ers’ offense once he returned. Sadly, his comeback was short-lived due to a season-ending ACL tear in Week 7.
With both Christian McCaffrey and Aiyuk sidelined by major injuries, San Francisco struggled to keep its offensive firepower intact. While ACL recoveries have improved over the years, wide receivers often take longer to regain top-end speed and route precision. Aiyuk’s absence, or limited capacity in 2025, could force the 49ers to lean more heavily on Jauan Jennings, Ricky Pearsall and George Kittle—assuming they can stay healthy themselves.
Stefon Diggs (New England Patriots) – Veteran WR Faces Uncertain Recovery from ACL Injury
Stefon Diggs may have played his final elite-level season in 2024. After a strong start in his new role with the Houston Texans, Diggs suffered a torn ACL in Week 8, ending his season and putting his future in question.
At 32 years old, Diggs faces a tough road back. Aging receivers returning from major knee injuries rarely perform at their previous level. He will likely serve as the Patriots WR1, but won’t be near pre-injury levels on the field until around Week 5; despite being ahead of schedule after working with Dr. Reef.
Christian Watson (Green Bay Packers) – Injury-Plagued Career Hits Another Setback
After multiple soft tissue injuries early in his career, Christian Watson added another major chapter to his injury history with an ACL tear in Week 18. Once projected as a future WR1 for the Packers, Watson has yet to put together a full season.
An ACL tear that late in the season will likely lead to Watson beginning the year on the PUP. Don’t be surprised if the Packers draft another wide receiver in the Draft. Dr. Morse is not very optimistic regarding Watson’s availability and effectiveness in 2025.
Taysom Hill (New Orleans Saints) – ACL Tear at Age 34 Could Mark End of an Era
Taysom Hill’s versatility made him a fan favorite and a nightmare for opposing defenses. At 34 years old, however, a torn ACL in Week 13 may have ended his unique career.
Hill’s recovery timeline will likely stretch into the 2025 season, and even if he does return, it’s hard to see him playing the same physical, hybrid role. The Saints may need to redefine their offense without him, particularly in red zone packages where Hill often thrived. His absence also impacts special teams and depth at tight end.
Final Thoughts: Injuries That Will Shape the 2025 NFL Season
The 2024 season didn’t just claim victories and records—it also claimed a host of key players whose futures are now uncertain. From rookies like Jonathon Brooks to seasoned stars like Stefon Diggs and Deshaun Watson, these injuries are more than just bad luck—they’re pivotal moments that will shape team strategies, draft plans, and fantasy football drafts for 2025.
In a league where every player’s window of opportunity is narrow, these setbacks are stark reminders of the NFL’s physical toll. As fans, analysts, and fantasy players prepare for the new season, it’s crucial to consider these long-term injuries in any 2025 predictions or roster decisions.
