Week 3 Injury Roundup. Updates on Key Fantasy Football Injuries.

Injuries objectively suck. To this day it’s unclear why God hasn’t turned them off. Anyone who plays Madden of NCAA Football and does NOT turn off injuries is a monster (in my humble opinion).

Of course, injuries continue to be a rather large part of fantasy football analysis, which is why Fantasy Life will continue to grind each and every fantasy-relevant issue throughout the season.

What follows is a breakdown of every fantasy-relevant injury ahead of Week 3.

Check out the late Friday edition of The Fantasy Life Podcast for a full breakdown of the issues from myself and lead Fantasy Life betting analyst Matthew Freedman.

Quarterback

Joe Burrow (calf), Bengals

Burrow got in a limited session on Friday and appears to have a real shot of suiting up Monday night against the Rams. Still, his rushing floor is non-existent while playing through the pain, and the issue has clearly limited his upside as a passer as well.

I’ll be answering close-ish start/sit questions involving Burrow and a fellow top-15 QB with the other guy.

Gambling-minded managers can look to stash fellow MNF options Matthew Stafford or (more likely) Baker Mayfield as their QB2 if willing to wait until the final bell.

Anthony Richardson (concussion, out), Colts

Richardson didn’t practice all week and will miss Week 3’s matchup against the Ravens.

Sep 10, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) passes the ball in the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

His absence would seemingly lead to more of a pass-first approach with Gardner Minshew under center, although the weather radar isn’t looking great for Sunday.

Ultimately, Zack Moss and Michael Pittman are the only options in this offense who should be started in more lineups than not. Even then, feel free to go with the better offense playing in superior weather if you get down to tiebreakers.

C.J. Stroud (shoulder, not listed), Texans

Stroud didn’t appear to be hindered by the shoulder issue after being added to the injury report late last week.

He’s slowly but surely working his way up the QB2 ladder, although the 2023 NFL Draft’s No. 2 overall pick still isn’t someone you should feel overly confident about firing up ahead of Sunday’s matchup against the Jaguars.

Bryce Young (ankle, out), Panthers

Andy Dalton AKA “The Red Rocket” will be under center for Sunday’s matchup against the Seahawks.

This passing game doesn’t really have anywhere to go but up, that said: It’s better to not trust ANYONE involved here if you can help it due to the reality that Dalton is hardly a guarantee to right this sinking ship.

Running Back

James Cook (personal, not listed), Bills

A Thursday DNP initially sprung some panic in the fantasy masses, but Cook was just busy attending the birth of his daughter. Congrats, James!

Fire up the Bills’ lead RB as an upside RB2 ahead of Sunday’s matchup with the Commanders.

Breece Hall (knee, not listed), Jets

Hall practiced in full on Friday and won’t even carry a questionable tag into Sunday. It’s great news for his potential to ramp up sooner rather than later, but the team’s current three-back rotation continues to keep the talented second-year back as more of a meh RB3 option than someone managers need to get in starting lineups.

This is especially true with the Zach Wilson experience having produced just 16, 17, 20, 3, 17, 3, 22 and 10 points in his last eight starts.

Aaron Jones (hamstring, questionable), Packers

It would’ve been a lot cooler if A-aron had a full practice this week, but that wasn’t the case.

If active, Jones will be his usual PPR-friendly RB2 self, although this matchup against the Saints’ rather loaded defense isn’t ideal.

If inactive, A.J. Dillon would once again be a recommended start despite last week’s meh performance thanks to the reality that Quadzilla posted some awesome underlying utilization numbers with Jones sidelined in Week 2.

Justice Hill (foot, out), Ravens

Gus Edwards is suddenly locked into a likely 15-plus touch role (at least) as a big-time home favorite vs. a Colts defense that was a bottom-eight unit in PPR points per game allowed to the position one year ago.

Guys like Melvin Gordon and Kenyan Drake will see some usage as well; just realize Edwards profiles as a volume-based RB2 ahead of this rather great spot.

Derrick Henry (toe/rest, not listed), Titans

Fire up Henry as his usual upside RB1 self, just understand that this toe issue is enough of a red flag for fantasy managers to REALLY give a long look at backup RB Tyjae Spears if available.

The rookie is one injury to the Titans’ workhorse back away from being on the cover of every waiver wire article out there.

Isiah Pacheco (hamstring, questionable), Chiefs

Sunday’s home spot as massive favorites against the lowly Bears is exactly the sort of game when managers should trust Pacheco the most, but alas. He’s shaping up as a thin RB3 play due to the potential for limited snaps.

Head coach Andy Reid has already kept Jerick McKinnon and Clyde Edwards-Helaire plenty involved as well this season; both would be viable RB3 options should Pacheco ultimately be ruled out.

Austin Ekeler (ankle, out), Chargers

Joshua Kelley will once again take the majority of the backfield’s snaps. His underlying usage was more than enough to again warrant RB2 consideration:

• Snaps: 78%
• Rush attempt share: 62%
• Route participation rate: 66%
• Short down and distance snaps: 83%
• Long down and distance snaps: 77%
• Two-minute snaps: 100%

Dec 11, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (30) runs the ball against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Don’t expect Kelley to get peppered with targets like he’s Austin Ekeler (ankle), but 15-plus combined carries and targets should still go a long way inside of a Chargers offense presently implied to score 26.75 points – the sixth-highest mark of Week 2.

This Vikings run defense had absolutely no answers for D’Andre Swift (28-175-1) last week.

Kelley doesn’t need to be forced into every starting lineup – just don’t let last week’s dud overly impact this week’s start/sit decision.

Jamaal Williams (hamstring, out), Kendre Miller (hamstring, not listed), Saints

Miller is a solid waiver wire pickup for rosters struggling to fill out their FLEX spots in deeper leagues.

The likes of Tony Jones Jr. and Taysom Hill will also be involved in the run game, but Miller profiles as the lead pass-down back with the potential for more.

There's not enough guaranteed usage for RB2 recommended start treatment, although beggars can’t be choosers in fantasy land when the going gets especially tough.

Miles Sanders (pec, not listed), Panthers

While it’s pretty concerning how close Sanders (19.5 PPR points) is with Chuba Hubbard (18.9) when it comes to season-long fantasy production, the former back remains a fine enough low-end RB2 thanks to the likelihood that he racks up 15-plus combined carries and targets more weeks than not.

Unfortunately, the lack of scoring upside in this offense will make it tough to produce many upside RB1 spike weeks.

Kenneth Gainwell (ribs), Boston Scott (concussion), Eagles

Both have a chance to suit up on Monday night after practicing Friday.

Gainwell in particular looks good after getting in a full session. Still, D’Andre Swift’s brilliant Week 2 performance should lend to more usage alongside Gainwell, who was the backfield’s de facto bell cow back in Week 1.

Swift and (to a lesser extent) Gainwell are in the RB3 conversation this week, but if possible fantasy managers should look elsewhere with this pecking order still very much murky.

David Montgomery (thigh, doubtful), Lions

You had better be absolutely LOADED to find a good reason to leave Jahmyr Gibbs on the bench this week with Montgomery likely sidelined.

The rookie currently ranks sixth among all RBs in missed tackles forced per touch (0.3) among all backs with at least 15 combined carries and targets.

Craig Reynolds will be involved as well, but don’t be surprised if the Alabama product breaks out in a major way on Sunday.

Cordarrelle Patterson (thigh, questionable), Falcons

He wasn’t listed on the injury report on Wednesday, didn’t practice Thursday, and was limited on Friday.

Head coach Arthur Smith’s plan for the NFL’s all-time leader in kick return TDs is a mystery at this point, with possibilities ranging from “healthy scratch” to “legit part of a three-back committee.”

C-Patt’s presence would be worse news for Tyler Allgeier than Bijan Robinson, who saw his overall utilization take a nice step forward in Week 2.

Salvon Ahmed (groin, doubtful), Dolphins

Ahmed’s absence pushes rookie DeVon Achane into the No. 2 role; just realize Raheem Mostert remains the clear-cut lead option of the group.

Mostert has now posted the following PPR fantasy finishes and snap rates in his last eight games as the Dolphins’ lead back with Jeff Wilson (finger/midsection, IR) out of the picture:

• PPR RB18, 73% snap rate
• RB13, 76%
• RB38, 65%
• RB7, 71%
• RB37, 62%
• RB15, 69%
• RB30, 72%
• RB5, 73%

Brian Robinson (18-87-2) just proved that this Broncos front-seven isn’t one to be overly concerned with in fantasy land; fire up Mostert as a legit borderline RB1 as long as the position remains so banged up as a whole and Wilson remains on the sideline.

Wide Receiver

Jaylen Waddle (concussion, questionable) and Tyreek Hill (ankle, not listed), Dolphins

Waddle did manage to return to a limited practice on Friday, meaning there’s a chance he’s good to go for Sunday’s matchup against the Broncos. We should know more by Saturday afternoon.

If active, Waddle should continue to be jammed into lineups of all shapes and sizes thanks to his status as the 1B pass-game option in what has been the league’s most-lethal passing attack through 120 minutes of action.

Puka Nacua (oblique), Rams

He didn't practice on Thursday, which lines up with last week. Nacua sure didn’t look limited on his way to another massive performance.

He’s unironically a top-10 option at the position ahead of Monday night’s matchup against the Bengals.

Amari Cooper (groin/shoulder), Browns

He's expected to play through the pain once again.

Cooper’s groin injury was thought to be far more of an issue last week, and he wound up playing a full-time role and emerged as pretty much the only consistent sign of life inside of this underwhelming Deshaun Watson-led passing attack.

Fire up Cooper as a rock-solid WR2 against the Titans’ pass-funnel defense.

Amon-Ra St. Brown (toe, questionable), Josh Reynolds (groin, questionable), Lions

The Sun God is expected to play through his toe issue on Sunday, while Reynolds doesn’t seem like a lock to suit up after failing to get in a full practice all week.

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) makes a catch against Green Bay Packers safety Darnell Savage (26) during their first 2022 matchup on Nov. 6. Syndication Detroit Free Press

Any sort of limited snaps for either would lead to more usage for Kalif Raymond and Marvin Jones.

If active, St. Brown is his usual WR1 self, while Reynolds has also earned WR3 consideration while Jameson Williams serves his suspension.

Christian Watson (hamstring, questionable), Packers

While Watson’s Thursday DNP was explained away as a pre-planned rest day, his failure to get a full practice in this week doesn’t exactly paint the picture of someone who we should absolutely expect to play.

If active, treat Watson as more of a boom-or-bust WR4 option than his usual upside WR2 self. Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed will both receive slight downgrades if Watson is able to suit up.

DK Metcalf (ribs, questionable), Seahawks

Tentatively expected to play through the pain against the Panthers on Sunday.

While targets continue to be split more evenly between Metcalf and Tyler Lockett than fantasy managers might prefer, they continue to lock in the gargantuan-sized pass-catcher as an upside WR2 as long as Geno Smith continues to prove that 2022 was not a fluke.

Jakobi Meyers (concussion, not listed), Raiders

Meyers surprisingly outperformed Davante Adams in Week 1 before going down with a concussion. Don’t expect that reality to persist every week, but clearly, the ex-Patriots talent is locked in as this offense’s No. 2 pass-game option.

Meyers is on the WR3 borderline and in play as a FLEX option in deeper leagues against a Steelers secondary that looked absolutely lost against the 49ers in Week 1 before rebounding nicely against Deshaun Watson and company in Week 2.

Zay Jones (knee, out), Jagaurs

Jones’ absence cements Christian Kirk into two-WR sets ahead of Sunday’s matchup against the Texans.

Both Kirk and (obviously) Calvin Ridley should be started in lineups of all shapes and sizes ahead of this brilliant get-right spot, which is made even better by the reality that Texans No. 1 CB Derek Stingley Jr. (hamstring) is out.

DeAndre Hopkins (ankle, questionable), Titans

Nuk went from a full practice on Wednesday, to limited on Thursday, and finally a DNP on Friday

Not ideal, but the veteran also played last week after not practicing at all. If active, fire up Hopkins as a low-ceiling WR3 in this run-first attack. There’s a reason why he landed on Matthew Berry’s hate list.

DeVonta Smith (hamstring/thigh), Quez Watkins (hamstring), Eagles

Smith has practiced in a limited fashion all week, while Watkins’ expected absence will lead to Olamide Zaccheaus taking over the low-volume No. 3 WR spot.

Fire up Smith as his usual upside WR2 self against the Buccaneers on Monday night.

Brandin Cooks (knee, not listed), Cowboys

Cooks is good to go after missing Week 2’s beatdown over the Jets. He’ll likely be Dak Prescott’s No. 2 pass-game option, although that role isn’t guaranteed to offer much volume with Dallas heavy favorites against the feisty, albeit lowly, Cardinals.

Cooks is more of a boom-or-bust WR4 in this spot as opposed to someone who needs to be jammed into lineups.

Odell Beckham Jr. (ankle, out), Ravens

Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman and Nelson Agholor will work inside of three-WR sets ahead of Sunday’s potentially weather-infected matchup against the Colts.

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. returns to MetLife Stadium for the first time since being traded by the New York Giants. The New York Jets face the Cleveland Browns in NFL Week 2 on Monday, Sept. 16, 2019, in East Rutherford. Nyj Vs Cle Week 2

The potential game script and elements make everyone other than Flowers and TE Mark Andrews thin plays in this passing game.

Fire up Flowers in particular as a rock-solid WR3; he ranks as a top-16 WR in PFF receiving grade, yards per route run, and yards after the catch per reception alike after two weeks of action.

DeVante Parker (knee, not listed), Patriots

Parker is good to go for Sunday’s matchup against the Jets.

He was a full-time WR on his way to catching six of eight targets for 57 scoreless yards in his Week 2 debut; just realize the going will be a lot tougher against this Sauce Gardner-led secondary.

Mac Jones posted pedestrian 194-1-1 and 246-0-0 passing lines in two games against the Jets last year; none of these Patriots WRs are recommended starts ahead of this tough spot.

Tank Dell (thigh, not listed), Texans

Dell is locked in as a full-time starter with Noah Brown on IR.

Rookie QB C.J. Stroud has exceeded expectations through two weeks while being asked to throw the ball plenty; don’t be surprised if Dell continues to rack up sneaky solid production in fantasy land, even if much of it comes after the game is already decided. He’s in the WR4 conversation – particularly in full-PPR formats.

Kadarius Toney (toe, questionable), Richie James (knee, out), Chiefs

Toney got in a limited session on Friday after not practicing on Wednesday or Thursday.

He’s not a recommended start even if healthy enough to suit up inside of a passing attack content to keep six parties heavily involved in the WR rotation.

Darnell Mooney (knee, not listed), Bears

Will continue to play through the pain inside of this floundering passing “attack.” Mooney is only a FLEX option in deep leagues, and even then: You aren’t going to feel good about having the No. 2 WR inside of quite possibly the NFL’s single worst passing game in your starting lineup.

Curtis Samuel (hip/illness, questionable), Commanders

Practiced in full until missing Friday’s session. Samuel isn’t really in play outside of very deep leagues anyway, although his absence would condense targets for Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson.

Dyami Brown would take over Samuel’s No. 3 WR role if the Ohio State product is ultimately sidelined.

Tight End

Dawson Knox (back, not listed), Bills

Knox missed Wednesday and Thursday’s practice, but got in a full session on Friday and isn’t even listed on the final injury report.

It’s a slight downgrade to TE Dalton Kincaid’s boom potential, although the rookie still has been playing enough of a full-time role that it’s a matter of when, not if, the fantasy points really start rolling in. 

Foster Moreau (ankle, doubtful), Taysom Hill (knee, not listed), Saints

The absence of Moreau and RB Jamaal Williams could lead to more wildcat usage than normal for Hill, who made the most out of his opportunities on the ground last Monday night against the Panthers.

Even then, the jack of all trades, master of none, is little more than a TD-dependent TE2 dart throw.

Logan Thomas (concussion, out), Commanders

Cole Turner and John Bates get bumps, but neither are anything more than low-cost DFS dart throws if that.

Expect this passing game to continue to flow through its talented WRs first and foremost.

Will Dissly (shoulder, doubtful), Seahawks

Don’t expect Noah Fant to get a full-time role in Dissly’s absence; the Seahawks turned more so to Colby Parkinson when the longtime option missed time down the stretch of 2022.

No Seahawks TEs are recommended fantasy options this week.

Other Injuries to Monitor

Dolphins LT Terron Armstead (back/ankle/knee, questionable)

Tua Tagovailoa has countered Armstead’s absence by getting the football out of his hands quicker than any QB in the league, but he’s managed to keep attacking defenses downfield anyway.

Not a bad combo with two of the league’s most dangerous WRs at his disposal; this offense is fully expected to keep on putting up big-time point numbers with or without their stud tackle in the lineup.

Patriots CB Jonathan Jones (ankle, questionable) and Marcus Jones (shoulder, IR)

Obviously, it’s not ideal to potentially be down your two top corners, but when you’re facing Zach Wilson: It’s probably fine.

Best wishes to anyone expecting consistent fantasy goodness from anyone involved in an offense that has produced just 16, 17, 20, 3, 17, 3, 22 and 10 points in Wilson’s last eight starts.

Ravens CB Marlon Humphrey (foot, out) and FS Marcus Williams (pec, out)

Good news for Michael Pittman and company in this Gardner Minshew-led attack; just realize this matchup still isn’t a cakewalk, and Mother Nature might have something to say about both teams attempting to throw the ball on Sunday.

Ravens C Tyler Linderbaum (ankle, out), LT Ronnie Stanley (knee, out)

This offense kept on keeping on last week without the services of arguably their top-two offensive linemen last week; just realize their continued absence is hardly ideal for Lamar Jackson and company.

Texans CB Derek Stigley Jr. (hamstring, out)

The absence of the 2022 NFL Draft’s No. 3 overall pick is hardly ideal for a unit that hasn’t exactly been locking up opposing passing games anyway to start the 2023 season.

Stingley’s absence is yet another reason to believe Trevor Lawrence and company could break out of their mini-slump in a major way this Sunday.

Chargers DE Joey Bosa (hamstring, questionable)

Bosa played through the issue last week and didn’t look too hindered.

Sep 17, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Joey Bosa (97) lines up before the snap during the second half against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

His presence would be bad news for Kirk Cousins and the entire Vikings offense, particularly a rushing game that still stands as the NFL’s only unit without a single run of 10-plus yards this season

Buccaneers CB Carlton Davis (toe)

The return of Tampa Bay’s No. 1 CB certainly wouldn’t be ideal for an Eagles passing game that has yet to truly catch its stride this season, but c’mon people: You are starting Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith no matter what either way – even if there’s a fire.

Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs (knee, IR)

The Cowboys’ standing as the league’s best overall defense certainly takes a hit here, although Joshua Dobbs’ life figures to still be very miserable come Sunday afternoon due to the presence of Micah Parsons and the NFL’s single-best pass rush in pressure rate.

Cowboys G Zack Martin (ankle, questionable), C Tyler Biadasz (hamstring, questionable), OT Tyler Smith (hamstring, not listed)

It’s great the Cowboys are getting Smith back, but losing two of their interior starters would hardly be ideal for anyone involved.

Of course, they are playing the Cardinals after all, but the best-case ceiling outcomes for the entire offense are better with the league’s best guard and the team’s starting center healthy and ready to go.

Falcons CB Jeffrey Okudah (foot, questionable)

Practiced in full all week, so Okudah should presumably be good to go for this #RevengeGame matchup.

His presence doesn’t exactly result in major ranking adjustments, but who doesn’t love a good revenge game?

Packers OT David Bakhtiar (knee, questionable), G Elgton Jenkin (knee, out)

Potentially missing two key offensive linemen is hardly ideal ahead of Sunday’s matchup against a Saints defense that has allowed just one TD through eight quarters of action.

Packers CB Jaire Alexander (back, questionable)

Friday additions to the injury report are never good, especially when it’s your No. 1 corner.

The potential for Alexander to either be sidelined or hobbled is objectively great news for each of Chris Olave, Michael Thomas and Rashid Shaheed, who collectively boast the second-largest combined yards per route run rate in the NFL among every team’s top-three WRs.