Zack Moss

Zack Moss, born December 15, 1997, in Hialeah Gardens, Florida, has been a notable force in the NFL since his debut. Moss grew up in a family that valued athleticism, and it became clear early on that he had the potential to excel on the football field. Standing at 5’9″ and weighing around 205 pounds, Moss developed a running style that combined power with surprising agility, making him a tough player to bring down. After a successful high school career at Hallandale High School, where he was one of the top running backs in the state, Moss received multiple scholarship offers from major colleges. He eventually chose to attend the University of Utah, where he would leave an indelible mark on the program. This page focuses on Zack Moss’ Injury History & the recent updates on his health. 

At Utah, Moss quickly established himself as one of the top running backs in the country. Over his four-year college career, he broke multiple school records, including the all-time rushing yards record. Moss was known for his bruising running style, often plowing through defenders with a blend of strength and finesse. His performances earned him first-team All-Pac-12 honors and put him on the radar of NFL scouts. Despite dealing with injuries during his college career, Moss’s potential was undeniable, and he declared for the 2020 NFL Draft.

The Buffalo Bills selected Moss in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, and he quickly became a key contributor to their offense. In his rookie season, Moss demonstrated the physicality and vision that made him a star at Utah. He complemented fellow running back Devin Singletary and became a reliable option in both the running and passing game for the Bills. Moss’s ability to break tackles and find holes in the defense made him an essential part of the Bills’ offensive strategy. However, like many NFL players, Moss’s career has been impacted by injuries, which have forced him to miss games and undergo rehabilitation. Despite these setbacks, Moss has shown resilience and a determination to return stronger after each injury, continuing to be a significant player in the league.

Zack Moss’s NFL Journey

Zack Moss’s NFL journey began when he was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Coming out of the University of Utah, Moss was known for his powerful running style and ability to break tackles. The Bills saw Moss as a perfect complement to their existing backfield, and he quickly earned a role in the team’s offensive rotation. Moss’s rookie season showcased his potential, as he demonstrated the ability to contribute in both the running and passing game. His physicality, combined with his vision and burst, made him a valuable asset to the Bills’ offense.

Despite flashes of brilliance, Moss’s NFL career has been marred by injuries. His ability to stay on the field has been a concern for both the Bills and his next team, the Indianapolis Colts. The NFL is a physically demanding league, and players like Moss, who rely on power running, are often at higher risk for injuries. While Moss has shown resilience and an ability to return from injury, the long-term impact of these injuries remains a question mark. Nevertheless, when healthy, Moss has proven that he can be a productive and effective player in the NFL. His journey continues to be one of perseverance and determination as he seeks to fulfill his potential as a dominant running back in the league.

Zack Moss’ Injury History

Let’s take a look at Zack Moss’ Injury History throughout his American football history. 

Zack Moss Knee Injury – November 7, 2018

On November 7, 2018, Zack Moss suffered a knee injury that would mark the beginning of his battle with injuries throughout his career. The injury occurred in an unusual manner, as Moss reportedly tore his meniscus while climbing into bed. This incident sidelined him for the remainder of the 2018 season at the University of Utah, where he was already making a name for himself as one of the top running backs in college football. The meniscus is a critical component of knee stability and function, and a tear can significantly impact an athlete’s ability to perform at a high level.

For a running back like Moss, who relies on his powerful legs to drive through defenders and gain extra yards, a knee injury is particularly concerning. The recovery process typically involves surgery to repair the meniscus, followed by extensive rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility in the knee. Moss’s ability to return to the field after this injury demonstrated his resilience and determination, but the knee injury remained a potential source of concern as he transitioned to the NFL. The long-term implications of a meniscus tear can include a higher risk of arthritis and recurring knee issues, making this injury a significant moment in Zack Moss’s injury history.

Zack Moss Shoulder Injury – September 20, 2019

On September 20, 2019, Zack Moss sustained a shoulder injury while playing for the University of Utah. The injury was identified as a left AC joint sprain, likely a Type I sprain. The AC (acromioclavicular) joint is located at the top of the shoulder, where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade. A sprain in this area can cause significant pain and limit a player’s ability to lift their arm or extend it fully, which is crucial for a running back who needs to protect the ball and fend off defenders.

Although Moss only missed one game due to this shoulder injury, it was a concerning development given the physical nature of his playing style. Running backs often absorb significant contact, and a shoulder injury can make it difficult to maintain the aggressive running that makes players like Moss successful. A Type I sprain is considered mild, but if not properly managed, it can lead to more severe injuries or lingering issues. Moss’s ability to recover and continue playing at a high level was a testament to his toughness, but the injury added another layer of complexity to his medical history.

Zack Moss Toe Injury – September 23, 2020

On September 23, 2020, during his rookie season with the Buffalo Bills, Zack Moss sustained a toe injury, commonly referred to as “turf toe.” Turf toe is a sprain of the main joint of the big toe, and it occurs when the toe is forcefully bent upwards, often as a result of pushing off the ground with significant force. This injury can range from mild to severe, and for a running back like Moss, who relies heavily on his ability to cut and change direction, it can be debilitating.

Moss missed three games due to this turf toe injury, which highlighted the challenges of maintaining peak performance in the physically demanding environment of the NFL. Turf toe can be particularly tricky to manage, as it often requires a delicate balance between rest and rehabilitation. If not fully healed, the injury can linger and potentially lead to more severe complications. Moss’s ability to return to the field after three games was encouraging, but turf toe is an injury that can reoccur, especially for players who put significant stress on their feet and lower body during play. The injury underscored the physical risks that come with playing at the highest level of football.

Zack Moss Ankle Injury – January 9, 2021

On January 9, 2021, during the Buffalo Bills’ Wild Card playoff game, Zack Moss sustained a high-ankle injury. High-ankle sprains are particularly concerning for athletes, as they involve the ligaments above the ankle that connect the two bones of the lower leg, the tibia, and fibula. This type of injury is more severe than a typical ankle sprain and often requires a longer recovery period. Moss’s high-ankle injury was significant enough to sideline him for the remainder of the Bills’ playoff run, forcing him to miss the Divisional Round and beyond.

The timing of this injury was especially frustrating for Moss, as it occurred during a critical point in the season when the Bills were competing for a Super Bowl berth. High-ankle sprains are known for their tendency to linger, and even after the initial recovery period, players often continue to experience pain and discomfort. Moss’s injury required extensive rehabilitation during the offseason to ensure that he could return to full strength for the following season. However, the risk of re-injury remained a concern, particularly given the physical demands placed on a running back’s ankles in the NFL. 

Zack Moss Hamstring Injury – August 10, 2021

On August 10, 2021, during training camp, Zack Moss sustained a hamstring injury. Hamstring injuries are common among athletes, particularly those who rely on speed and explosive movements like Moss. The hamstring is a group of muscles located at the back of the thigh, and a strain or tear in this area can significantly impact a player’s ability to accelerate and maintain top speed. While Moss did not miss any regular-season games due to this injury, it was a concerning development as it occurred during a critical period of preparation for the upcoming season.

Hamstring injuries can be particularly tricky to manage, as they have a high rate of recurrence if not fully healed. The Dolphins’ medical staff likely implemented a cautious approach to ensure that Moss recovered properly before returning to full participation in practices and games. However, the risk of re-injury loomed large, as hamstring issues can become a chronic problem for athletes. Moss’s ability to overcome this injury and return to the field was encouraging, but the possibility of future hamstring problems remained a consideration moving forward.

Zack Moss Concussion – November 7, 2021

On November 7, 2021, Zack Moss sustained a concussion, a traumatic brain injury that can have serious long-term effects if not properly managed. Concussions are a significant concern in the NFL, as repeated head injuries have been linked to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and other neurological disorders. Moss’s concussion required careful monitoring and adherence to the NFL’s concussion protocol, which mandates that players undergo a series of evaluations before being cleared to return to play.

Although Moss did not miss any games due to this concussion, the injury underscored the risks associated with playing professional football. Concussions can have both immediate and long-term consequences, including headaches, dizziness, memory problems, and mood changes. For running backs like Moss, who frequently engage in high-impact collisions, the risk of future concussions is a serious concern. The Bills’ medical staff likely took a cautious approach to Moss’s recovery, ensuring that he was fully healed before allowing him to return to the field. However, the potential for future head injuries remains a concern for any player in the NFL.

“For the most up-to-date player injuries info, please see their injury history tables”