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NFL Injury Lists and Fantasy Impact

Jul 29, 2025

Overview

This episode covers the distinctions between NFL PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) and NFI (Non-Football Injury) lists, explains their impact on player availability for the season, and highlights key players currently affected—crucial information for upcoming fantasy football drafts.

Injury Designations Explained

  • Players on IR, reserve PUP, or reserve NFI before training camp are out for the entire season and only count against the salary cap.
  • PUP applies to injuries from NFL-sanctioned activities, while NFI applies to injuries outside team events.
  • Active list players can return during camp; only players starting on active lists may be moved to reserve lists.
  • Reserve lists free up a roster spot on the 53-man roster, but active lists count toward the 90-man camp roster.
  • Players on these lists can participate in some team drills, unlike those on IR.

Notable Fantasy-Relevant Injuries and Statuses

  • Jonathan Brooks (Panthers) tore his ACL again and is ruled out for the year.
  • Will Levis (Titans) opted for shoulder surgery and will miss the entire season.
  • Tank Dell (Texans) suffered a severe knee injury; likely to start the year on the reserve PUP list and miss multiple games.
  • Joe Mixon (Texans) has an ankle injury but is expected to return by week one despite limited camp activity.
  • Najee Harris (Chargers) on the NFI list after a fireworks accident; eye injury status is uncertain.
  • Amarian Hampton (Chargers) impressing in camp and may secure the RB1 role due to Harris’s absence.
  • Brandon Aiyuk (49ers) ACL/MCL issues; unlikely to play early and may start on the reserve list.
  • Ricky Pearsall (49ers) recovering from hamstring injury but is expected to return soon.
  • Chris Godwin (Buccaneers) still limited after last year’s ankle dislocation; week one status uncertain.
  • Tristan Wirfs (Buccaneers OT) expected to miss the start of the season with a knee injury.
  • Stefon Diggs (Patriots) not placed on the active PUP list, suggesting high confidence in his week one readiness.

Fantasy Draft Implications

  • Avoid drafting Tank Dell and Brandon Aiyuk due to injury uncertainty.
  • Amarian Hampton’s draft stock is rising with potential RB1 opportunity.
  • Joe Mixon and Chris Godwin should be monitored for health updates closer to drafts.
  • Stefon Diggs may be undervalued given his positive recovery progress.

Recommendations / Advice

  • Monitor reserve list designations as final preseason cuts approach to gauge early-season player availability.
  • Consult the Fantasy Headliners draft guide for up-to-date rankings and injury risk assessments.
  • Prioritize players with clear recovery timelines for early fantasy drafts.

Full transcript