Tests at the Combine revealed a cyst on the spine of LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Doctors believe that was the root cause of the oblique pain that Nussmeier dealt with throughout the 2025 season. Nussmeier has been asymptomatic since the Senior Bowl in late January and carries no further short- or long-term risk, per Pelissero.
Pelissero: "The cyst was pressing on a nerve, causing discomfort in Nussmeier’s oblique. He has been asymptomatic since just prior to the Senior Bowl and all throughout the draft process; if that changes down the road, Nussmeier could undergo a minimally invasive procedure and miss just 2-3 weeks while stitches heal."
A poor 2025 season torpedoed Nussmeier's draft stock. He averaged just 6.7 yards per attempt with 12 TDs and 5 INTs in 9 games.
It's fair to place at least some of the blame on the oblique trouble, which started in the preseason and eventually cost him 4 games.
Nussmeier was much better in 2024:
Nussmeier had first-round buzz following that 2024 campaign.
He won't go in the first round later this week -- and might not even go on Day 2.
But Nussmeier is in the running to be the third QB off the board in this weak class, especially if teams believe the oblique issue is behind him.
Nussmeier currently sits 4th in our dynasty rookie QB rankings and 34th overall in the superflex rookie rankings.
You have our personal money-back guarantee: If you’re not happy with our service for any reason, just reach out by December 31, 2026, and we’ll give you 100% of this purchase back. No strings attached. You can cancel with one-click from your account page anytime.
Search
Redraft
Dynasty
Best Ball
