NFL Training Camp Injury Trends in 2025
As NFL training camps enter Week 2, injuries are already piling up—especially multi-week soft-tissue and connective-tissue injuries that could impact team depth in the regular season. Here's a breakdown based on what has been reported in the camps so far.
Achilles Tendon Ruptures
3 confirmed Achilles ruptures have occurred so far during training camp practices.
A recent high‑profile case: Giants WR Bryce Ford‑Wheaton suffered a non-contact Achilles tear that ends his season for a second time (he previously tore his ACL in 2023)
Achilles tears often require surgery and extended rehab—and they're increasing across elite sports.
ACL Tears
6 ACL injuries have been reported so far, including:
Dolphins CB Artie Burns is feared to have torn his ACL during practice and is scheduled for an MRI.
Lions DT Levi Onwuzurike is out for the season after offseason ACL surgery.
ACL tears remain among the most devastating injuries—often requiring 9–12 months of rehab.
Hamstring Strains
The Predictors have tracked 17 hamstring injuries in camp settings so far (also including offseason hamstring issues that have lingered into camp).
Notable cases include Cleveland QB Kenny Pickett, who exited a red-zone drill with a hamstring injury, raising flags in the Browns' QB competition.
Vikings star Justin Jefferson is dealing with a mild hamstring strain, though the team expects him to be ready by Week 1
Hamstring injuries are one of the most common soft‑tissue injuries in training camp due to repetitive sprinting and stretching.
Calf Strains
6 calf strains have sidelined players in early camp practices.
Titans' Jauan Jennings, who suffered a calf injury and left practice early
Cardinals rookie DE Walter Nolen III is already missing the start of camp with a calf strain.
Calf strains are also prevalent during preseason preparation, especially among speed-dependent players.
Low Back Injuries
7 low back injuries reported across teams.
For instance:
Bills' OL Sedrick Van Pran‑Granger and Packers' Aaron Banks have both dealt with back issues in camp so far. Others include Jaguars' Patrick Mekari and Seattle's DE Jonathan Hankins.
A majority of these injuries have been seen in offensive and defensive linemen. However, Rams' QB Matthew Stafford has also been dealing with some back discomfort. This will be vital to monitor as we near the regular season. Stafford has an extensive injury history, and his health will have a significant impact on the Rams' season outlook.
What Teams Are Doing
Many clubs are leaning on depth and cautious rehab protocols. Practice restrictions and PUP/NFI listings have become more common early in camp for injured players.
Some teams are bringing in veteran replacements or being forced to rely on rookies due to injuries—case in point: the Giants leaning more on Chris Board and undrafted players after losing Ford‑Wheaton.
Looking Ahead
As preseason continues—with padded practices and eventual joint sessions—teams will monitor whether these numbers increase. Historically, Achilles injuries have appeared in the early parts of preseason camp, but it will be important to monitor if that trend continues.
Keeping tabs on injury management strategies, recovery timelines, and final roster decisions will be critical for assessing each team's readiness for the regular season.
