Pro Football Injury Report: NFL Stars Return to Minicamps as CFL and UFL Navigate Mid-Season Losses

June represents a unique crossroads in the global American football calendar. While National Football League (NFL) franchises are utilizing mandatory minicamps to ease recovering stars back onto the grass, active leagues like the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the United Football League (UFL) are battling the mid-season war of attrition.

In Cleveland, the Browns received a massive boost as running back Quinshon Judkins made a triumphant return to the practice field. Judkins had been sidelined since Week 16 of the 2025 season after suffering a dislocated ankle and a fractured fibula that required surgery.[1]

Hitting his four-to-six-month recovery timeline perfectly, Judkins participated in 11-on-11 team drills, showcasing the explosiveness that made him a standout rookie. "I know the work that I put in, so I'm prepared to just go out there and just put it on the field," Judkins noted, signaling his readiness for the upcoming training camp.[1][3]

Meanwhile, in Denver, the Broncos are carefully managing the return of franchise quarterback Bo Nix. Nix suffered a fractured right ankle during the penultimate play of overtime in Denver's January 2026 playoff victory over the Buffalo Bills, an injury that ultimately cost him a start in the AFC Championship Game.[2]

Nix underwent surgery in January and a subsequent cleanup procedure in April. While head coach Sean Payton has expressed optimism that Nix will be a "full go" for training camp in late July, the medical staff is closely monitoring his pre-practice throwing sessions and limiting his reps during June's mandatory minicamp to protect his long-term mobility.[2]

Across the NFL landscape, other notable players are making strides. New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones recently participated in 7-on-7 drills, marking a significant milestone nearly six months removed from right Achilles surgery.[3]

North of the border, the CFL is already in the thick of its regular season, and the physical toll is becoming apparent. The Saskatchewan Roughriders are currently monitoring a serious shoulder injury to all-star defensive back Rolan Milligan Jr.[5]

Milligan's potential absence casts a shadow over the Roughriders' upcoming road game against the Calgary Stampeders. Calgary remains the only team Saskatchewan failed to defeat during their run to the 2025 Grey Cup, making Milligan's availability a critical factor for the defense.[5]

The broader CFL injury report for Week 3 highlights the grueling nature of the early season. Teams across the league, including the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Winnipeg Blue Bombers, are shuffling their depth charts to account for soft-tissue injuries and practice limitations.[4]

In the United Football League, the injury bug has struck at the worst possible time: the postseason. The Dallas Renegades were forced to place explosive running back Dae Dae Hunter on injured reserve just as the playoffs commenced, ending his 2026 campaign.[7]

Hunter had been a bright spot for the Renegades' offense, amassing 296 yards on 53 carries and providing a much-needed spark to a stagnant backfield. His absence forces Dallas to completely restructure their ground game in a win-or-go-home scenario.[7]

The DC Defenders are also reeling from late-season casualties. Offensive tackle Yasir Durant, a 2025 All-UFL honoree, went down with a severe injury against Orlando, dealing a brutal blow to the Defenders' offensive line.[7]

Furthermore, quarterback Jason Bean exited the United Bowl with an injury after completing three passes and rushing for 43 yards, adding to the quarterback carousel that has defined the latter half of the UFL season.[6]

Ultimately, the contrast in June's football landscape is stark. For NFL rosters, the month is characterized by controlled optimism and carefully managed rehabilitation. For the CFL and UFL, it is a test of depth, resilience, and next-man-up preparation as championships hang in the balance.