Road to Recovery: Tracking ACL Rehab and Return-to-Play Timelines for Key NFL Players in 2025

The roar of the crowd, the bone-crushing hits, the gravity-defying catches – these are the moments that define the NFL. But behind the highlight reels lies a harsh reality: injuries. Among the most feared is the dreaded ACL tear, an injury that can sideline even the most elite athletes for extended periods. As we gear up for the 2025 season, several key players are battling back from this significant setback. In 2021, there were 71 ACL injuries in the league. This blog post will serve as your go-to guide for tracking their progress, understanding the recovery process, and assessing their potential impact on their respective teams.

Understanding the ACL and the Road to Recovery

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a crucial ligament in the knee, providing stability and support during movement. In football, ACL injuries typically occur during sudden stops, changes in direction, or awkward landings. These non-contact injuries are frequent when a player’s foot is planted, and the knee twists or hyperextends. Contact injuries can also happen when a player is hit directly on the knee or leg, causing excessive force on the ACL.

When an ACL tears, a player will usually need reconstructive surgery, where the damaged ligament is replaced with a graft, often from the patient’s hamstring or patellar tendon. The typical return to play timeline is 9-10 months following ACL reconstruction (ACLR). Athletes who return to football prior to nine months after surgery are seven times more likely to re-injure their surgically repaired knee. For every month beyond six months post-op, re-injury risk drops by 50%.

Rehabilitation is a critical component of recovery from an ACL injury. The process begins with controlling swelling and pain in the knee and gradually progresses to restoring range of motion and strength in the surrounding muscles. Physical therapy focuses on exercises that improve balance, proprioception (the sense of body position), and agility.

Key Players on the Comeback Trail

Several high-profile players are currently working their way back from ACL injuries sustained during the 2024 season. Here’s a closer look at their situations:

Jaelan Phillips (Miami Dolphins): The Dolphins pass rusher suffered a partially torn ACL in Week 4. Phillips’ injury requires full ACL reconstruction surgery, and if all goes well, he has a chance to be ready for the start of the 2025 season. This is Phillips’ second season-ending lower-body injury in the space of 10 months, as he also suffered a torn Achilles in November 2023. In four games this season, Phillips tallied six tackles, two QB hits, two passes defended, and one sack.
Daniel Jones (New York Giants): Jones tore his right ACL in Week 9 of the 2023 season. Following reconstructive surgery in late November, Jones made significant strides in his recovery, participating in spring practices by May. His goal of being ready for Week 1 seems attainable, given his clearance for practice at the start of training camp.
T.J. Hockenson (Minnesota Vikings): Hockenson’s 2023 season ended in Week 16 when he tore his ACL and MCL in his right knee. The injury required a waiting period for the MCL to heal before Hockenson could undergo ACL reconstructive surgery in late January. His recovery has been positive, but the Vikings are exercising caution, keeping him on the active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.
Mekhi Blackmon (Minnesota Vikings): Blackmon tore his ACL during the Vikings’ first practice of July 2024. In his rookie season, Blackmon played 435 defensive snaps and recorded 41 tackles, three tackles for loss, eight passes defended, an interception, and a fumble recovery over 15 games (three starts).
DeMarvion Overshown (Dallas Cowboys): Overshown is working his way back from a torn ACL in his opposing knee. Overshown expects to return at some point before the 2025 season is complete and wants to be the NFL Comeback Player of the Year.
Tank Dell (Houston Texans): Dell suffered a significant knee injury, including a dislocation, which compromised multiple ligaments.
Jonathan Brooks (Indianapolis Colts): Brooks re-tore his ACL and may miss all of 2025.
Puka Nacua (Los Angeles Rams): Nacua was placed on injured reserve early in the fall of 2024 due to a knee injury.

Factors Influencing Return-to-Play Timelines

While the typical ACL recovery timeline is around 9-10 months, several factors can influence an individual player’s journey back to the field:

Severity of the Tear: The extent of the ACL tear and any additional damage to other knee structures (e.g., MCL, meniscus) can impact the recovery timeline.
Surgical Technique: The type of graft used and the precision of the surgical reconstruction can influence healing and stability.
Rehabilitation Program: A comprehensive and well-executed rehabilitation program is crucial for regaining strength, range of motion, and proprioception.
Individual Healing Response: Each player’s body heals at its own pace. Factors like age, genetics, and overall health can play a role.
Psychological Readiness: Overcoming the fear of re-injury and regaining confidence in the knee is essential for a successful return to play.

The Mental Game: Overcoming the Psychological Hurdle

The physical recovery from an ACL injury is only half the battle. The mental aspect of returning to play can be equally challenging. Players often grapple with fear of re-injury, anxiety about performance, and a loss of confidence in their bodies. A strong support system, including sports psychologists and experienced trainers, can help players navigate these psychological hurdles and return to the field with a renewed sense of confidence.

Impact on Teams and Fantasy Football

ACL injuries can significantly impact NFL teams, forcing them to adjust their rosters and game plans. Losing a key player for an extended period can alter the course of a season, especially for teams that rely heavily on specific positions.

For fantasy football enthusiasts, tracking ACL recoveries is crucial for making informed decisions about player valuations and potential breakout candidates. A player returning from an ACL injury may have a lower ADP (Average Draft Position) due to uncertainty about their performance. However, if they show promising signs during training camp and preseason, they could become a valuable sleeper pick.

The Future of ACL Recovery

The field of sports medicine is constantly evolving, with new advancements in surgical techniques, rehabilitation protocols, and regenerative therapies. Researchers are exploring innovative approaches like stem cell therapy and gene therapy to enhance the healing process and accelerate return-to-play timelines. While these technologies are still in their early stages, they hold the potential to revolutionize ACL recovery in the years to come.

The Road Ahead

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the progress of these players recovering from ACL injuries will be closely monitored. Their journeys will serve as a testament to the resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit of NFL athletes. While the road to recovery is undoubtedly challenging, their stories offer hope and inspiration to fans and fellow players alike.