Common NFL Injuries and Recovery Times: What Fans (and Athletes) Should Know

The Realities of Football Injuries

Football is one of the most physically demanding sports in the world — and NFL players absorb thousands of hits every season. From ligament tears to nerve “stingers” and turf toe, injuries are part of the game at every level, from youth football to the pros.

Understanding what these injuries are — and how long recovery really takes — can help athletes, parents, and fans alike know what to expect.

1. MCL and ACL Tears

What it is:

These knee ligaments provide stability for sudden cuts, pivots, and tackles. MCL injuries usually occur from a side hit, while ACL tears often result from twisting motions.

Recovery timeline:

• Mild MCL sprain → 2–6 weeks
• Complete MCL rupture → 3–6 months
• ACL tear (surgery + rehab) → 8–12 months

Player examples:

• Nick Chubb (Browns) — multiple ligament tears in 2023, sidelined for the season.
• Odell Beckham Jr. — tore ACL in Super Bowl LVI; returned the next year after ~9 months of rehab.

2. Concussions

What it is:

A mild traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head or whiplash motion. Symptoms can include headache, dizziness, confusion, or light sensitivity.

Recovery timeline:

• Mild concussion → 7–10 days
• Moderate/severe → 2–4 weeks or longer

Player examples:

• Tua Tagovailoa (Dolphins) — multiple concussions in 2022 raised awareness of return-to-play protocols.
• Brock Purdy was evaluated for concussion symptoms in 2025 but cleared within a week.

3. Turf Toe

What it is:

A sprain of the big-toe joint from sudden push-offs on artificial turf. It limits acceleration and cutting ability.

Recovery timeline:

• Mild → 1–2 weeks
• Moderate → 3–6 weeks
• Severe → 6–12 weeks+

Player examples:

• Patrick Mahomes — played through turf toe during the 2021 playoffs before post-season surgery.
• Brock Purdy (49ers) — has battled recurring turf toe in 2025 with no set timetable, showing how unpredictable this injury can be.
• Deion Sanders — chronic turf toe in the 1990s led to surgery.

4. Stingers (Neck Burners)

What it is:

A “stinger” occurs when neck or shoulder nerves stretch or compress during impact, causing instant burning pain or numbness down one arm.

Recovery timeline:

• Mild → minutes to hours
• Moderate → a few days
• Severe/recurrent → weeks to months

Player examples:

• Luke Kuechly (Panthers) retired early after recurrent stingers.
• Joey Bosa (Chargers) has missed time with nerve “burner” symptoms.

Note: Recurrent stingers can signal spinal or nerve root issues requiring imaging and rest.

5. Hamstring Strains

What it is:

Tears or overstretching of the hamstring muscle group, common in receivers and running backs.

Recovery timeline:

• Grade 1 → 1–3 weeks
• Grade 2 → 4–8 weeks
• Grade 3 → 8–12 weeks+

Player examples:

• Cooper Kupp and Tyreek Hill have both missed games due to mid-season hamstring strains.

6. Shoulder and Rotator Cuff Injuries

What it is:

Overhead movement and tackling can cause rotator-cuff tears or labrum injuries.

Recovery timeline:

• Minor strain → 2–6 weeks
• Labrum repair → 4–6 months

Player examples:

• Justin Herbert played through shoulder discomfort in 2024.
• Baker Mayfield underwent surgery for a torn labrum in 2022.

7. Tendinitis and Overuse Injuries

What it is:

Chronic inflammation from repetitive strain — often in knees, Achilles, or elbows.

Recovery timeline:

• Mild flare-up → days to a week
• Chronic cases → ongoing management through therapy and rest

Player examples:

• Christian McCaffrey — managed Achilles and knee tendinitis in 2025, limited at practice but playing through it.
• Aaron Rodgers — tightness and strain warnings prior to his 2023 Achilles rupture.

8. Rib and Core Muscle Strains

What it is:

Blows to the midsection can bruise ribs or strain abdominal muscles, making breathing and rotation painful.

Recovery timeline:

• Minor strain → 1–3 weeks
• Fracture → 6–8 weeks

Player examples:

• Justin Herbert wore protection for rib cartilage injury in 2022.
• Tony Pollard missed snaps with an abdominal strain in 2024.

9. Bone Fractures

Collarbone, hand, or foot fractures remain common despite improved padding.

Recovery timeline:

• Finger/hand → 3–6 weeks
• Collarbone → 6–10 weeks
• Leg/foot → 10–16 weeks

Player examples:

• Derrick Henry (Jones fracture 2021) missed 8 weeks.
• Jimmy Garoppolo suffered a broken foot in 2022, out 6 weeks.

Why NFL Injury Timelines Are So Unpredictable

Unlike broken bones, soft-tissue and tendon injuries vary based on position, workload, and pain tolerance.
Players like McCaffrey may manage symptoms all season, while others like Purdy can appear “day-to-day” for weeks. Recovery is not just about healing — it’s about whether performance and stability have fully returned.

How Everyday Athletes Can Recover Like the Pros

You don’t need to be in the NFL to experience these injuries — weekend athletes, high-school players, and gym enthusiasts face similar risks.

BASS Medical Group offers:

• Orthopedic and Sports Medicine care
• Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
• Injury Prevention and Performance Programs

Early diagnosis and proper rehab can prevent long-term complications and help you return to your sport safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What’s the most common injury in the NFL?

Knee ligament tears and hamstring strains are the most frequent, followed by ankle sprains and concussions.

2. How long does turf toe take to heal?

Anywhere from 1–12 weeks depending on severity; chronic cases can last months if not rested properly.

3. Can players return too soon from injury?

Yes — early return increases the risk of reinjury. NFL teams now rely on MRI imaging and performance tracking before clearing athletes.