Sweet 16's most important injuries (and replacements) that could shape March Madness

The 2026 Men's NCAA Tournament is down to 16 teams and the injury report remains an important part of sifting through the remaining games in the bracket. Nearly one-third of the teams to qualify for the Sweet 16 are dealing with a significant player hobbled by injury, including No. 1 overall seed Duke .

Several played through the pain to advance through the round of 32, while others are attempting to return from injury as fast as possible with the win-or-go-home element of March Madness looming over their recovery. In most cases, their potential replacement has already been thrust into a bigger role after lingering uncertainty through the first weekend of this year's tournament . Here's a look at the injuries that could most affect the Sweet 16 of the 2026 NCAA Tournament , as well as the potential replacements to watch if these injured stars can't play when March Madness resumes: SWEET 16 PREDICTIONS: Experts pick who will advance in March Madness bracket Most important March Madness injuries (and injury replacements) Joshua Jefferson, Iowa State (Nate Heise) The injury status of Iowa State star Joshua Jefferson looms large over the Midwest regional in Chicago, beginning with the Sweet 16 nightcap between the second-seeded Cyclones and No.

6 seed Tennessee on Friday, March 27. The 6-foot-9 NBA prospect suffered a sprained left ankle early in Iowa State's first-round win over No. 15 seed Tennessee State on March 20 and did not play in its round of 32 victory over No.

7 seed Kentucky two days later. Sixth man Nate Heise started in place of Jefferson, who is averaging 16. 4 points, 7.