It’d be simpler if we could lump TEs in with WRs.

We ask the same of them. Actually, we need even less. Falling into the end zone with the football once a week works just fine. But sometimes, their teams require more. They can be extensions of the offensive line, opening themselves up to more injuries. So, we’ll need to track who’ll be ready to start the new year without any health risks to kick off the season.

Tight End Injuries Heading Into the 2025 Fantasy Football Season

Evan Engram, Shoulder

Evan Engram is the poster child of the fleeting nature of the TE position. In 2022 and ’23, when the Jaguars didn’t have many (read: any) high-end target earners, Engram was at or near the top of the pass-catching pecking order. Add in a first-round WR in Brian Thomas Jr., and his end-zone looks dropped. Take on a short-term injury, and the younger TE starts getting more snaps. Now, with him in Denver, the sooner he gets in sync with Bo Nix, the better. Engram was able to participate in OTAs in early June, making it look like he will have no limitations during training camp. He has a shot to be the second target in the Denver offense behind Courtland Sutton.

David Njoku, Knee

The season for the Browns’ TE should’ve been entitled "David Njoku’s Series of Unfortunate Events." He hurt his ankle in Week 1, forcing a three-game absence. A hamstring strain kept him out against the Chiefs in Week 15. The coup de grace? A knee injury that landed him on IR. Njoku’s MRI didn’t reveal any structural damage, but the team’s record at the time made any offseason prep for ’25 the priority. Accordingly, his rehab should have him ready for offseason workouts. 

Taysom Hill, Knee

The Saints’ hybrid TE/QB underwent surgery for his torn ACL at the end of December. Unfortunately, it’s the same knee he hurt in college, which has a plate and multiple screws in it. Fortunately, Hill was walking on his own by the end of January. Orthopedic surgeons familiar with his surgery estimated his recovery timeline at 9-12 months. It puts his Week 1 availability in jeopardy, but given the status of New Orleans’ pass catchers, once he’s on the field we know who’s getting the ball once they get into the red zone. 

Theo Johnson, Foot

To be fair, it’s not like we were watching the Giants play for their diverse passing game. Malik Nabers stole the show. Wan’Dale Robinson and Tyrone Tracy were serviceable, too. So, Theo Johnson’s 11.1% target share as a rookie went under the radar. The Giants’ QB problems made his broken foot a—well—footnote, but he got clearance in February to return to full activity, which he did during spring OTAs. As of now, he appears to have no restrictions at the start of training camp.

Join Our Newsletter

Trusted by 400,000+ fantasy football players. Get access to Fantasy Life's free award winning newsletter and tools, all in one step.

Email Address

Subscribe

By registering or logging in, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.