7 most injured NFL teams before league’s 53-man roster cut deadline

NFL teams face many tough decisions before the league forces them to cut their rosters from 90 to 53 players for the 2026 season.

Many franchises are in difficult positions considering position battles, but injuries are a major factor as well. In fact, one NFL team currently has more than 25 percent of its 90-man roster on the injured list heading into the final week of preseason games.

NFL analyst and statistician Warren Sharp is actively keeping track of the teams facing the most pressing injury concerns before the new season.

However, the San Francisco 49ers stand out the most with several notable names sidelined. New wide receiver Mike Evans has battled countless injury setbacks, while George Kittle is also returning from a playoff injury last season.

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7 most injured NFL teams entering 2026 seasonSan Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans watches from the sideline during a game against the Tennessee Titans. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

The regular season is close enough now that fans and teams are getting fed up with the number of training camp injuries. Significant rookie setbacks have plagued franchises like the New Orleans Saints and their first-year wideout Jordyn Tyson.

Meanwhile, veterans like Ja’Marr Chase and others are being watched extra closely with every passing practice.

These are the franchises with the most current injuries, according to Sharp’s analysis.

1. San Francisco 49ers (25)
2. New Orleans Saints (16)
3. Green Bay Packers (15)
4. Philadelphia Eagles (15)
5. Chicago Bears (13)
6. Detroit Lions (12)
7. Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, New York Giants, New York Jets, Washington Commanders (12)

NFL teams must trim their rosters down from 90 to 53 players on Aug. 30. That leaves a very small window for last-minute changes prior to the 2026 NFL season kicking off next month.

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Who are the healthiest teams in training camp?Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza on the sideline during the game against the Houston Texans. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

The Las Vegas Raiders are banking on Fernando Mendoza’s progression after being drafted number one overall. Meanwhile, the Raiders actually have just one injury on their roster before preseason Week 3.

Other teams like the Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Chargers, and Cleveland Browns all boast three or less injuries before the 2026 campaign.

The NFL certainly changes instantly though, so injuries will certainly need to be monitored throughout the year.

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