5 Season-Ending Injuries This Week in 2025 That Upend Playoff Paths

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By: Jessica Morrison

Shock rippled through Week 4 as five key players in 2025 suffered season-ending injuries. Timing matters: these losses came during a critical early stretch, forcing immediate depth-chart and play-calling changes. Each case – from a dislocated knee to confirmed torn ligaments and an Achilles – changes playoff math and fantasy value. Which teams survive the shock, and which must scramble to stay competitive?

Why These 5 season-ending injuries matter to division races in 2025

Tyreek Hill carted off Sept. 29; team fears dislocated knee and torn ligaments.

Malik Nabers MRI confirmed torn ACL Sept. 29; Giants lose top receiver.

Najee Harris carted off Sept. 21; Chargers ruled out with torn Achilles.

Nick Bosa knee scare turned into a torn ACL; 49ers defensive plan disrupted.

Justin Herron placed on IR after an in-practice ACL tear; offensive line depth hit.

The 5 picks that redefine NFL rosters after Week 4 injuries

1 – Tyreek Hill: The Dolphins Lose Their Game-Breaker

Miami saw Tyreek Hill carted off Sept. 29 with a dislocated left knee and multiple torn ligaments, according to team and league reporting. Surgery followed quickly; the team called the damage season-ending. If you had Hill in fantasy, expect immediate waiver-wire grabs and a dramatic dip in Miami’s vertical threat.

2 – Malik Nabers: Giants’ Rookie Star Out After MRI Confirmation

An MRI on Sept. 29 confirmed Malik Nabers tore his ACL, ending his 2025 breakout season with the Giants. New York must shift targets and accelerate other receivers into larger roles. Fans and bettors should ask: can Jaxson Dart maintain momentum without Nabers?

3 – Najee Harris: Chargers Running Game Loses Workhorse

Chargers RB Najee Harris was carted off Sept. 21 and later diagnosed with a torn Achilles, costing him the year. Los Angeles must rework its run plans and backup usage immediately. Short sentence for scanning. Depth matters now.

4 – Nick Bosa: 49ers Defense Faces A Major Test Without Its Edge

The 49ers announced a knee injury that resulted in Nick Bosa suffering a torn ACL, removing a foundational pass-rush piece. San Francisco’s defensive approach will need younger hands and schematic tweaks. If you follow defenses, this changes matchup thinking for months.

5 – Justin Herron: Offensive Line Stability Takes A Hit

Raiders/line reports show Justin Herron suffered an in-practice ACL tear and was placed on injured reserve, creating immediate backup needs. Offensive-line continuity is fragile; teams must protect quarterbacks through depth or scheme changes. If you own affected QBs in fantasy, monitor protection metrics.

The numbers behind the Week 4 injury wave in 2025

Metric Value + Unit Impact
Confirmed season-ending injuries 5 players Immediate roster holes
Teams affected 5 teams Depth chart reshuffle
High-profile primetime exits 3 stars Betting and fantasy shocks

What Will These 5 losses Mean For Playoff Races And Fan Plans In 2025?

Expect short-term chaos: depth charts will shuffle, play-calling will adapt, and fantasy owners face bitter trade decisions. Coaches who pivot quickly gain advantage. Which teams will turn these losses into opportunity, and who collapses under the pressure?

Sources

  • https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/46427941/dolphins-tyreek-hill-carted-vs-jets-left-knee-injury
  • https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/46421654/source-mri-confirms-torn-acl-giants-malik-nabers
  • https://www.si.com/nfl/chargers-najee-harris-carted-off-field-after-sustaining-concerning-leg-injury

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