Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet has reportedly suffered a torn ACL. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania on Monday, the one-time All-Star might miss the entire 2025-26 season as a result of the injury.This report is a big blow to the Rockets, who have been tipped to have a huge season, especially with the acquisition of star forward Kevin Durant. He helped turn the Rockets from a struggling team to a playoff contender since moving from the Toronto Raptors in 2023.According to Yahoo! Sports' Kelly Iko, VanVleet tore his ACL while participating in the Rockets' minicamp in the Bahamas. The former champion with the Raptors is expected to undergo surgery this week.Fred VanVleet averaged 14.1 points, 5.6 assists and 1.6 steals last season. He helped Houston reach the NBA playoffs for the first time in four seasons, where they lost to the Golden State Warriors in seven games in the first round.What’s next for Fred VanVleet and the Houston Rockets?Fred VanVleet’s injury comes at a time when the Rockets are gearing up for the new season. He recently signed a two-year, $50 million extension with Houston, which included a player option for the 2026-27 season.Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5) and forward Amen Thompson (1) react after a play during the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn ImagesIn his absence, guards like sophomore Reed Sheppard, Amen Thompson and Aaron Holiday will likely take on larger roles. They’ll need to step up not just in scoring or shooting but in leadership and playmaking.Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard (15) looks to shoot against Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn ImagesHouston will likely seek a Disabled Player Exception (DPE) to add a roster player. However, they are constrained financially and by salary-cap rules are reportedly only about $1.25 million below the first apron, a hard ceiling under the NBA CBA.The Rockets open preseason on Oct. 6, at home against the Atlanta Hawks. Their first regular season game is on Oct. 21, on the road against the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder.