Each year, we see plenty of big names who go out with injury. It’s devastating to their teams and to our fantasy teams. But what should we do with them in the future? This week, as we’re waiting to see who plays in the Super Bowl, I’m looking at two big names at each of the fantasy positions to examine whether they are worth a future investment. Let’s dive in.
Quarterbacks
Daniel Jones, Indianapolis Colts
About: Jones was a big question mark heading into 2025, yet he answered all those questions. Through 13 starts, he had the Colts at 8-5 and trending toward the playoffs. He finished with 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. He added 164 yards rushing and five more touchdowns. More importantly, he seemed to solidify the Colts’ quarterback position. He’s 28 and will be coming off an Achilles tear. That’s not ideal. He’s also a free agent, which makes fantasy players nervous.
However, the Colts have given every indication they want him back, and I think Jones will sign a multi-year deal this offseason. He might not be ready at the beginning of the season, but as a QB3 on the roster, I like the potential value. If I have him, I’m holding. If he’s on the wire or out there cheap, I’m taking a shot.
Michael Penix, Jr., Atlanta Falcons
About: Penix and his injury history were a bit of a flag coming into the NFL. And yet, the Atlanta Falcons made him the eighth overall pick. The 2025 season was supposed to be his after ascending to the starting spot at the end of the previous season. But Penix looked uneven at best in the role. He finished with a 3-6 record in nine starts, throwing for 1,982 yards and nine touchdowns. It was fine, but hardly impressive.
Now, he’s coming off his third major knee injury and reconstruction. Early reports suggest he could well miss all of 2026 as well. The Falcons changed coaches and may keep veteran Kirk Cousins this offseason. That leaves plenty of questions for the Falcons, and for Penix. I wasn’t impressed by what I saw, either. Given that there will be a new coach and new general manager who don’t have much invested in him, he’s not a lock to be the long-term plan, especially with his injury history. If I can, I’m moving on this off-season.
Running Backs
Cam Skattebo, New York Giants
About: Skattebo burst onto the scene like a freight train in the 2025 season. He burned brightly then, as so often happens with battering ram players, he burned out quickly. He appeared in eight games, starting five, and rushing for 401 yards and five touchdowns. He added 24 receptions and two more touchdowns. He felt like a bright spot in a dim Giants’ season.
Coming back in 2025, he’s had a new coach and scheme. But John Harbaugh has had plenty of run-friendly offenses in the past. And Skattebo’s style of play would seem to mesh well with his new coach. I suspect some kind of split with Tyrone Tracy, but I’m bullish on his year two production. He’s a hold for me.
Joe Mixon, Houston Texans
About: Few players had as mysterious a 2025 season as Mixon. His injury was never clearly defined or much discussed. He just went from a vital part of the Texans’ backfield in 2024 to missing for all of 2025. That likely left you with a hole on your fantasy roster.
So, what do we expect in 2026? Well, nothing good it seems. We still don’t know much about Mixon’s injury or status, but it seems like the Texans are happy to move on without him. Could that mean a release this off-season? That seems likely. In which case, it’s unclear where he’d land or what he could provide. I doubt you can get anything for Mixon this off-season, but if you find a buyer, I’d move him. He’s an aging player with little positive outlook moving forward.
Wide Receivers
Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers
About: We figured Aiyuk, coming off a knee injury, would miss the start of the 2025 season. Instead, he missed the whole season. Worse yet, despite a big extension last off-season, he seems to have fallen out-of-favor with his team. I expect him to be moved or released this offseason. Either way, he’ll come into 2026 on a new team having missed a full season.
So, what does he have left? We’ve seen Aiyuk be an impact player in the right offense. But he got off to a woeful start in 2024 before being injured. That leaves plenty of questions. But I still believe, which makes Aiyuk an intriguing buy-low candidate this off-season. I’d try to pounce early before he moves to a new team and generates some buzz.
Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins
About: Hill seemed about done with the Dolphins before an injury that ended his season. He had 21 receptions for 265 yards and a touchdown in four games. It’s possible he’s done with football, period. But I won’t believe it until I see it. Hill certainly brings off-field distractions with more court cases and issues in his personal life. He’s also an aging player coming off a major injury.
The Dolphins have a new General Manager and will have a new Head Coach. They also still have questions at quarterback. While Hill seemed done with the Dolphins, looking at his contract, it’s hard to imagine the Dolphins can trade him or would eat the cap hit to release him. So, the most likely outcome is that Hill is a Dolphin. If he’s on my fantasy roster, I’m trying to move him. I think his best days are behind him, and I’d rather be a year too early than stuck with a player who is imploding on and off the field.
Tight Ends
Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions
About: As a rookie, LaPorta was the best tight end in football. In the two years since, he’s been solid at times but never quite reached that height. His third season was cut short by injury. He appeared in just nine games last season, catching 40 passes and three touchdowns.
Now, he’ll return to a new Offensive Coordinator in Drew Petzing. But we saw what Petzing did in featuring Trey McBride in Arizona. That gives me hope. LaPorta needs to stay healthy, but he’s still got talent and pass-catching ability. He scored 17 touchdowns in his first two seasons. The Lions need a healthy LaPorta to bolster the passing game. If someone has lost faith, he’s a buy-low for me this off-season.
George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers
About: Kittle is a great player. When he was on the field, he often looked like the best pass-catcher for the 49ers. But he’s 32 and just tore his Achilles. He’s saying the right things about targeting a return early in the 2026 season, but can we trust it? He’s struggled with injuries for the past few seasons, and it’s clear he’ll have lost some burst when he returns from this latest injury suffered in January. Kittle is still a big name, and I’m looking to move him this offseason. Again, I’d rather be a year too early than too late.
Matthew Fox is a die-hard NFL fan and Broncos’ homer. He’s a member of the FSWA. You can find more from him on Twitter @knighthawk7734 or as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast, a part of the Campus2Canton Network.
