Fantasy football is all about drafting in a way that mitigates risk and maximizes opportunity for reward. Injuries are one of the biggest factors to consider when deciding where to invest come draft season. Year after year we see “minor injuries” turn into season-long headaches. Here are a few notable injuries that may come to haunt owners all season long.

Kenneth Walker III

Kenneth Walker III has been limited at OTA’s with a “minor” ankle injury. While pre-season injuries aren’t worth completely disregarding a player over, they’re worth keeping an eye on. His lack of participation in scrimmages this early in the year is no reason to slam the panic button. Still, it would be wise for managers to keep their distance until we get irrefutable evidence that Walker is 100% ready to go.

This injury is of particular concern because it’s the same injury that landed Walker on the injured reserve last season. The fact that he’s still struggling with the same ankle indicates he’s struggling to make a full recovery. To make matters worse, Mike Macdonald has been quoted saying “He’s working through an ankle, but he should be fine”. A head coach addressing an injury as “he should be fine” should not instill any fantasy managers with any confidence. 

There is still plenty of time for the back to make a full recovery before the season starts, but hearing news of an injury-prone running back having issues this early in the year is reason for concern. Although his explosiveness makes him a tempting asset to take on the third round of drafts this year, fantasy managers would be wise to go in a different direction. Here are a couple of suggestions for players in the same range that offer higher upside, while simultaneously avoiding the floor of Walker.

Amon-Ra St. Brown

The Detroit Lions have done a great job making mild news of Amon-Ra St. Brown’s offseason knee surgery. Very little headlines have hit the streets as the First Team All-Pro receiver has been recovering from the “clean-up” operation he received on his knee over the offseason. 

Although the reports have yet to indicate any reason for concern, the knee is an area of concern for any receiver. One is sure to have a better understanding the closer we get to regular season kickoff, but it’s worth keeping an eye on considering he’ll be going in the first round of most fantasy drafts this year. 

If the injury concerns fail to fade as the offseason progresses, look for Jameson Williams, WR, ADP to skyrocket. The Lions will put up points this year, Sam LaPorta, TE, and Williams could be steals in 2025 fantasy football drafts if St. Brown fails to recover alongside the projected timetable. 

Anthony Richardson

Anthony Richardson was once a hypnotic fantasy wildcard. Unfortunately, his injuries have failed to give him the reps he needs to statistically flourish at the pro level. Having only 393 pass attempts at the collegiate level, scouts were acknowledging the fact Richardson would need some time to flourish into his own.

The former No. 4 overall pick has reaggravated the right AC joint in his shoulder.

In the offseason, The Indianapolis Colts signed Daniel Jones, QB, to bring in some much-needed quarterback competition. Many predict Jones will win the starting job, but Richardson’s freakish arm strength and rushing upside are sure to tempt fantasy managers regardless. At this point, there is no timetable for Richardson’s return to action. There is a legitimate chance he doesn’t even get to join the quarterback battle in Indy.

It’s worth noting that regardless of who plays quarterback, Jonathan Taylor serves as the heartbeat of this team’s offensive production. There’s no reason for fantasy managers to roll the dice on Richardson this year, especially considering his ongoing shoulder problems.

End Of The Fantasy Injury Rant

These “minor” injuries are ticking time bombs for fantasy football managers in 2025. Though each of the players carries upside, it’s important to recognize the bottomless floor they also possess. If one plans on winning their fantasy football league in 2025, dodging traps like these early in the draft. If these injury storylines don’t dissipate, it would be wise to simply avoid them come draft season.

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