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Zack Moss Injury Update: The Brutal Broken Neck That Left The Star RB A Free Agent In December 2025

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As of late December 2025, the biggest question mark surrounding running back Zack Moss is not his talent, but the devastating neck injury that has derailed his season and left him as one of the most high-profile free agents on the market. The former Indianapolis Colts and Cincinnati Bengals standout is currently navigating the final stages of recovery from a fractured C6 vertebra, an injury that ended his 2024 campaign and has cast a long shadow over his 2025 return-to-play timeline. This is the definitive, up-to-the-minute update on the running back's status. The information coming out in December 2025 confirms that Moss is fighting to prove he is 100% healthy for a potential mid-season signing or a major contract in the next league year. His injury is far more serious than the typical hamstring or ankle issue, making his free agency status a high-stakes gamble for any potential suitor. The league is holding its breath to see if the powerful runner who broke records at the University of Utah can return to his 2023 form.

Zack Moss: Biography, Career Teams, and Injury History

Before his career was put on hold by a severe neck injury, Zaccheus Malik Moss established himself as a powerful, high-volume running back with a knack for breaking tackles. His journey from a college standout to an NFL contributor has been marked by both incredible production and frustrating injury setbacks.
  • Full Name: Zaccheus Malik Moss
  • Born: December 15, 1997 (Currently 28 years old)
  • Height/Weight: 5'9" / 223 lbs
  • College: University of Utah (Utah Utes)
  • College Records: Finished his career as the all-time leading rusher for the Utes with 4,167 rushing yards and 38 rushing touchdowns, breaking six school records.
  • NFL Draft: 2020 NFL Draft, Round 3, Pick 86 overall (Buffalo Bills)
  • NFL Career Teams:
    • Buffalo Bills (2020–2022)
    • Indianapolis Colts (2022–2023)
    • Cincinnati Bengals (2024)
  • Career Highlight: His breakout 2023 season with the Colts saw him post 764 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns in just 14 games, proving he could be a lead back in the NFL.
  • Major Injuries: Multiple ankle injuries (2020, 2021), a forearm injury (2023), and the most recent, a catastrophic broken neck (fractured C6 vertebra) in 2024.

The Catastrophic Neck Injury: Fractured C6 Vertebra Timeline

The most critical factor in Zack Moss's current status is the severity of his neck injury, which is a rare and terrifying setback for an NFL running back. This was not a minor issue; it was a season-ending, career-threatening trauma.

How the Injury Happened and the Shocking Diagnosis

The injury occurred during the 2024 season while Moss was playing for the Cincinnati Bengals. However, the full extent of the damage was not immediately clear. Moss reportedly continued to play through the pain for a period before seeking further evaluation. It was on November 1, 2024, that the running back learned the devastating truth: his neck was broken in three places. Specifically, he suffered multiple fractures to his C6 vertebra. This diagnosis immediately placed him on injured reserve, ending his 2024 season prematurely.

The Intense Recovery and Return-to-Play Outlook

Moss spent the next two months in a neck brace, undergoing a rigorous recovery regimen to stabilize the critical area of his spine. The timeline for an injury of this magnitude is extensive, and the prognosis for an NFL player returning to a high-contact position like running back is often cautious. Specialists have provided "cautious optimism," suggesting that Moss *may* be ready to return to the field at some point during the 2025 season. While he was reportedly "cleared" for some activities earlier in the year, the late-December 2025 update confirms that he has not yet been signed to a roster, indicating teams are still wary of the long-term risk associated with the injury. His ability to withstand the repeated, high-impact collisions required of a power runner remains the central concern.

Why Zack Moss Remains a High-Profile Free Agent in December 2025

The most recent and definitive update on Zack Moss's status is his placement on the list of top available running backs in the 2025 free agency class. Despite his proven ability to produce, the neck injury has created a significant hurdle in the free agent market.

The Bengals Release and Contract Uncertainty

Moss’s brief tenure with the Bengals ended in uncertainty. While there were initial reports of a re-worked deal, other sources indicate the Bengals ultimately released him from the roster in July 2025 as he continued his recovery. This move solidified his status as a free agent just before the start of the 2025-2026 season. His contract situation, including a 2025 renegotiation for $1.7 million, further highlights the instability surrounding his status. Teams are hesitant to commit a major contract to a player coming off such a severe spinal injury, preferring to wait for definitive proof of his return to form.

Fantasy Football and Roster Impact

For fantasy football managers and NFL front offices, Moss represents a high-risk, high-reward proposition. * Risk: The potential for a re-injury or a lack of the explosive power he demonstrated with the Colts. A neck injury for a running back can fundamentally change their playing style and durability. * Reward: If Moss can regain his 2023 form, he is an immediate RB1/RB2 candidate. His vision, power, and ability to handle a heavy workload are undeniable assets. As of December 2025, the running back is a crucial name to watch as the NFL season winds down. Teams preparing for a playoff push or planning for the next league year will be monitoring every scrap of news regarding his medical clearance. His ability to sign a contract and see the field will depend entirely on the final sign-off from medical specialists, confirming that his fractured C6 vertebra is fully healed and stable for the rigors of professional football.

Key Entities and LSI Keywords:

Zaccheus Malik Moss, fractured C6 vertebra, cervical spine injury, neck brace, Indianapolis Colts, Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Bills, Jonathan Taylor, Ameer Abdullah, Tyler Goodson, Utah Utes, 2020 NFL Draft, free agent running back, return-to-play timeline, fantasy football impact, 2025 NFL season, contract renegotiation, injury reserve, spinal injury, medical clearance.

Zack Moss Injury Update: The Brutal Broken Neck That Left The Star RB A Free Agent in December 2025
zack moss injury update
zack moss injury update

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