As the regular season winds down, the injuries certainly do not. Even in the heart of the fantasy playoffs, managers are once again being forced to navigate the waiver wire as several major fantasy contributors have been lost. With limited margin for error, understanding injury timelines and next-man-up situations is more critical than ever as championships hang in the balance.
Key: Position Player, Team | Injury | Projected Return to Play
QB Patrick Mahomes II, Kansas City | ACL Tear | Season-Ending
Patrick Mahomes II suffered a non-contact knee injury after his left knee hyperextended. It did not take long for the Chiefs to confirm the worst, as Mahomes was diagnosed with a season-ending ACL tear.
Patrick Mahomes II suffered a torn ACL and is out for the season. pic.twitter.com/XQL44Rvn7G
— NFL (@NFL) December 15, 2025
Depending on the timing of his surgery and subsequent rehabilitation, this injury could also have implications for his availability and performance early in the 2026 season, but it's not a guarantee he misses time next year.
WR Davante Adams, Los Angeles Rams | Hamstring | Projecting Week 18+ Return
Davante Adams has been battling a hamstring injury for several weeks, and it appears that it may have finally caught up to him. Adams aggravated the hamstring on Sunday, raising concern for time missed. Given the quick turnaround to a Thursday night matchup against the Rams, I would not expect Adams to be available this week. There is a strong possibility that fantasy playoff teams will be without Adams during the most critical stretch of the season.
RB Bam Knight, Arizona | Ankle | Timeline TBD
Bam Knight exited Sunday's game early with a left ankle injury. Based on video, a high ankle sprain is a possible concern. Knight was ultimately carted to the locker room, which also raises the possibility of a fracture.
If either diagnosis is confirmed, the severity, combined with the timing of the injury, would make it likely to be season-ending.
