Next-Man-Up: NFL Backups Who Could Shine After Star Players’ Injuries
By Jason Bolton August 13, 2025 09:30
The 2025 NFL training camp and preseason period have already seen their share of injuries to key starters, creating fertile ground for backups to seize the moment and make an impact. Across the league, teams are forced to rely on their depth charts as corners get filled, offensive lines shuffled, and skill position players step into bigger roles. While injuries are unfortunate, they can open the door for promising players to spark a breakout or at least solidify their place on the roster. Here’s a look at some NFL backups who stand poised to shine as next men up this season.
The San Francisco 49ers exemplify this transition. With wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk sidelined from a lingering ACL injury and fellow top receiver Jauan Jennings out with a calf strain, veteran Amari Cooper emerges as a key target in the passing game. Cooper, an expert route runner with a history of solid production despite inconsistent quarterback play in recent years, could provide the steady perimeter threat the 49ers need to jump-start their offense. General manager John Lynch highlighted the lingering challenges of calf injuries but expressed optimism about Cooper’s readiness to ‘aid San Francisco as a perimeter target.’ Cooper’s presence could stabilize the receiver room until Aiyuk returns, making him one of the most intriguing backups to watch.
Across the league, the Buffalo Bills are dealing with high-ankle sprain woes to Khalil Shakir, a vital receiving piece for Josh Allen’s dynamic offense. While Shakir aims for a Week 1 return, his availability in the early season is uncertain, opening opportunities for receivers like Gabe Davis to take on larger roles. Davis, a former Bill now with the Jacksonville Jaguars, brings experience and big-play ability to a team in need of reliable targets, and could be targeted for a midseason acquisition or push for a roster spot to bolster Buffalo’s depth.
On the offensive line front, the Los Angeles Chargers suffered a major blow when Pro Bowl left tackle Rashawn Slater ruptured his patellar tendon, ending his 2025 campaign. This injury thrusts young first-round pick Joe Alt into the left tackle role while veteran George Fant, known for his versatility at tackle spots, is expected to compete for playing time on the right side. The Chargers’ line shuffling impacts both pass protection for quarterback Justin Herbert and run blocking schemes, making Fant a critical backup who could step up to stabilize the offensive front during this transition.
Injuries on defense have also created opportunities. The Detroit Lions’ linebacker Derrick Barnes missed substantial time last year due to MCL and PCL damage, but he is poised for a comeback in 2025. Barnes, a solid starter when healthy, could reclaim a significant role in the Lions’ defense. Likewise, edge rusher Za'Darius Smith, who has deep playoff experience and spent time with multiple teams, remains a potential depth addition for teams like the 49ers and Lions, filling gaps created by injuries to impact defensive rotations early on.
Backup quarterbacks also come into focus as starters nurse injuries. Los Angeles Rams veteran Matthew Stafford, recovering from a back issue, is expected to make his practice debut soon, keeping the spotlight on backup Jimmy Garoppolo who must be ready to lead if needed. McCarthy-esque backups like J.J. McCarthy (Vikings) and Stetson Bennett (Rams) have also shown promise in preseason action, exemplifying how backups must seize their chance to impress amidst uncertainties at the position.
Injuries inevitably test NFL teams’ depth and resilience, but they also set the stage for backups across the league to shine. Whether it’s a veteran returning from years of ups and downs like Amari Cooper or young players eager to solidify their roles like Gabe Davis and George Fant, the 2025 season promises storylines of unexpected heroics and breakout performances.
As teams recalibrate their lineups, coaching staffs will lean heavily on these backups to carry the load and keep their squads competitive. For fans and analysts, tracking these next men up offers an exciting glimpse into how NFL rosters adapt and evolve when stars go down. The backups ready to step into larger roles this year could quickly become household names as the regular season unfolds.
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