Former NFL first-round draft pick Paxton Lynch has suffered a season-ending knee injury while attempting a professional comeback in arena football, dealing another setback to his football career. Lynch, who was selected by the Denver Broncos in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft, was playing for the Colorado Spartans in the National Arena League ahead of the 2026 season when he sustained a torn lateral collateral ligament (LCL).

The injury occurred during his third game with the Spartans, where Lynch had been working to rebuild his career after limited opportunities in the NFL. He previously appeared in five NFL games and last spent time on a roster with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2020. Despite the challenging path, Lynch entered the arena league season with renewed confidence and a determination to prove himself.

Speaking about the setback, Lynch expressed frustration but also reflected on the value of returning to the field. He said he approached the opportunity with full confidence, focusing on playing freely and rediscovering his form as a quarterback. In three games, he recorded three touchdown passes before the injury ended his season.

Following Lynch’s absence, quarterback Javin Kilgo stepped in as the starter for Colorado. The Spartans hold a 2-3 record through five games. While the injury halts his immediate comeback effort, Lynch indicated that being able to compete again, even in a different league, was a meaningful experience in his ongoing football journey.