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For more in-depth analysis and discussion of these injury scenarios, tune in to the Fantasy Finish Line Podcast, Week 3 Preview: The Replacements

QUARTERBACK

Ben Roethlisberger (elbow) – Big Ben will be out for the season after undergoing surgery on his elbow this week. This elevates Mason Rudolph to a permanent starting position for the Steelers offense which has been struggling over the first two weeks of the season. Strangely, Rudolph was able to spark the offense against Seattle more than Ben had earlier in the game. Whispers that this elbow issue had been going on with Roethlisberger since before the season even started would make some sense of that. The Steelers just traded for a new safety to bolster their secondary and Rudolph and the offense are being undervalued right now. They all make for good ‘buy’ targets.

Drew Brees (thumb) – Brees had thumb surgery today, and according to Ed Werder from ESPN the target date for a return will be Week 10, after the Saints bye. Teddy Bridgewater becomes the starter in New Orleans and immediately puts a damper on the offense there. Michael Thomas still received plenty of targets with Teddy under center, but surprisingly Alvin Kamara (13 for 45 on the ground, 1-of-3 for 15 yards receiving) did not. This will lower Kamara’s ceiling and push Latavius Murray off the radar. One interesting note, Sean Payton today was very ambiguous when asked about the starting QB going forward – maybe we’ll see Taysom Hill take over, or possibly even QBBC?

Cam Newton (foot) – This could be the end of an era for the Panthers’ QB. He looks beat up, is apparently nursing a foot (left, same as in preseason), and hasn’t been able to throw the ball downfield consistently and accurately since his shoulder issues. If Cam can’t run, and can’t throw.. it makes sense that someone else should step up in Carolina. But Christian McCaffrey can’t also be the Quarterback. Newton’s primary backup is Kyle Allen and they also drafted rookie QB Will Grier in the third-round this year, but neither seems primed to be a difference-maker or take the mantle from Cam. It just looks rough out there in Charlotte. (update via Ian Rappaport: Cam is in a walking boot)

Jets QBs are unusable (Sam Darnold w/ Mono out until Week 5 at the earliest, Trevor Siemian (leg), only Luke Falk left so no hope for Jets fans until October. This also decreases the fantasy viability of Jamison Crowder based on his usage in Week 2. It does look like Robby Anderson (4-of-6 for 81 yards) and Le’Veon Bell (21 for 68 on the ground, 10 for 61 in the air) will still be forced the ball, so while Falk being under center is certainly not a long-term positive change for them, both players should still be considered for your starting lineup.)

RUNNING BACK

James Conner (knee) – All signs point to Conner playing against the 49ers this week, but we’ll likely see a little more of Jaylen Samuels. Of course, the Steelers tend to just pepper the starting RB with carries as long as they’re playing so I ultimately wouldn’t start anyone but Conner as long as he’s active and starting.

Damien Williams (knee) – and LeSean McCoy (ankle). It could be Darwin Thompson time somewhat soon. He will certainly be getting more snaps in the coming weeks with both starting RBs on the Chiefs already showing up on the injury list.

Josh Jacobs (groin) – Interesting that Jacobs isn’t being used in the passing game (zero targets last week) currently, but that may be completely because of his injury. Something to monitor, but if he’s only rushing and getting no passes in the backfield, his value is slightly depressed (and so will you be while watching the game!)

Devin Singletary (hamstring) – Devin played well last week (6 rushes for 57 yards and 1 TD) but was ruled out late in the game with a hamstring injury. Clearly the best RB in Buffalo right now, this is another situation to monitor. Frank Gore (19 for 68 and 1TD on the ground, 2 receptions for 15 yards) is still chugging along and is startable this week, especially if Singletary is limited or out.

Marlon Mack (calf) missed practice Wednesday – Nyheim Hines gets a boost if Mack can’t go.

WIDE RECEIVER

Alshon Jeffery (calf) – The Eagles canceled practice on Wednesday since their entire team is injured. At this point, it’s not likely that Jeffery plays in Week 3 and that may work in Nelson Agholor’s favor (8-of-11 for 107 yards and 1 TD). Agholor and Ertz (8-of-16 for 72 yards) are going to have a fantasy field day in Week 3 against the Lions. Lock n’ load!

DeSean Jackson (groin) – Jackson is getting old. He’s been injured in every game so far, and Tom Pelissero from NFL.com reports that he will not play in weeks 3 or 4.

Michael Gallup (knee) – Gallup has been killin’ it on the Cowboys (6-of-8 for 68 yards last week after 7-of-7 for 168 yards in week 1) and would surely have been an excellent play against the hapless Dolphins this week, but he’s dealing with a meniscus tear that will sideline him for 2-4 weeks. Perhaps Devin Smith will take some of those targets, and Jason Witten will be getting a few extra as well.

Tyrell Williams (hip) – It’s a hip pointer! Not horrible news, but still questionable for Week 3. He’ll also be going up against Xavier Rhodes this week, so it was already a bad matchup. May be a player to avoid starting against the Vikings, knowing that he has a bit of an injury going into the week. Darren Waller might be sucking up even more targets than usual.

Tre’Quan Smith (ankle) – Didn’t practice, probably won’t matter anyway with Bridgewater in.

TIGHT END

David Njoku (concussion, wrist) – Not only did Njoku suffer a concussion during the crazy fall to the head/neck that happened at the beginning of Monday Night Football in Week 2, he has also been confirmed to have broken his wrist. This will leave Njoku on the sidelines for several weeks, and early speculation from beat reporters has him coming back in Week 8 – one week after the Browns’ bye. At least he’ll have enough time to get over his concussion, yipes!

For more in-depth analysis and discussion of these injury scenarios, tune in to the Fantasy Finish Line Podcast, Week 4 Preview: Say-Say, What?

QUARTERBACKS

Case Keenum (foot) – Keenum did not practice today, and according to ESPN beat reporter John Keim, he is in a walking boot for precautionary measures. The expectation ‘as of now’ is that he will play but that is clearly questionable. Whether or not Dwayne Haskins (2% owned) ends up making his first NFL start this week, Keenum is banged up and coming off of his worst game of the season against the Bears, who managed 5 forced turnovers including 2 fumbles from Keenum. It’s looking rough in Washington.

RUNNING BACKS

LeSean McCoy (ankle) & Damien Williams (knee) – Darrel Williams (109-total-yards) led the Chiefs’ backfield in touches Week 3 against the Ravens, but McCoy was still out there and productive (80-total-yards, 38% of the snaps, 2 TDs). The info to know for now is that Darrel Williams (40% owned) is definitely in front of Darwin Thompson (19% owned) on the depth chart, which is why he was a big waiver pickup this week with all of the prolonged injury concerns with Damien Williams (who is still not practicing and doesn’t figure to suit up in Week 4), and that LeSean McCoy tweaked his injured ankle in that game, and didn’t touch the ball in the 4^th quarter – he is currently limited in practice. Williams will continue to have an impact.

Devin Singletary (hamstring) – According to the humorously named website ‘Buffalo Rumblings’, Singletary (78% owned) is still not practicing after suffering a hamstring injury in Week 2. There is not much indicating that things will change for the Bills’ backfield – leaving Frank Gore (57% owned) to continue as the unchallenged starter. In Week 3, Gore put up 76 yards on 14 rushes and 1 TD.

Ito Smith (concussion) – Smith’s (15% owned) absence after leaving in Week 3 because of a concussion only helps the underperforming Devonta Freeman. We’re finally able to look at trends, and here we see Freeman’s carries going up from 8 to 11 to 16 from Weeks 1 to 3 and putting up 88-yards on 16 rushes and 7 yards on 3 receptions in the game last week was a good sign. Not explosive, but enough work to be an every-week starter if this pattern continues. This guy needs a TD!

Rashaad Penny (hamstring) – Penny (60% owned) injured his hamstring during the walkthrough before the game last week, but the word from Pete Carroll is that he should be ok to practice on Thursday. With Chris Carson having already lost 3 fumbles this year, it’s possible that Seattle could start to give Penny the majority of the carries but all of the talk from Carroll has continued to back up Carson as the starter so I wouldn’t count on anything changing just yet in that backfield. C. J. Prosise (1% owned) is also a RB on the Seattle Seahawks.

Saquon Barkley (high-ankle sprain) – Oh gosh. Big news for fantasy football team managers, and every year you have one of the top guys go down – this year it’s Saquon. Although he’s getting a second opinion on the ankle, these kinds of sprains don’t fully heal for months. It’s my opinion that we don’t get Barkley back as himself for the remainder of the fantasy season. The interesting thing here is that some other opportunities may arise for fantasy points in New York, either from backup Wayne Gallman (71% owned), or from elsewhere (Kenyan Drake (58% owned), or free agents like Jay Ajayi (2% owned), CJ Anderson (5% owned), and Spencer Ware (0% owned)). Although Gallman was arguably at the top of waiver wire adds this week, I just don’t see the upside. He’s never averaged more than 4.3-yards per rush, and never scored more than 1 TD in a season. I think the Giants must obtain someone else, at least for short yardage.

WIDE RECEIVERS

T.Y Hilton (quad) – Hilton was already nursing a quad injury when he suited up and played in Week 3 (8 receptions for 65 yards and 1 TD), and he had to leave the game after aggravating the same injury before halftime. He’s not practicing this week and looks to be a game-time decision against the Raiders in Week 4. Not good for the Colts but look at Deon Cain (0% owned) and Parris Campbell (4% owned) to start getting a little more spotlight if Hilton has an extended absence.

Desean Jackson (abdomen) – Already ruled out as of today, Jackson is not ready to get back into the game just yet on this short week (Thursday night game against the Packers). Although most of the experts thought that J.J. Arcega Whiteside (4% owned, 1 catch for 10 yards) would benefit from Jackson being off the field, it turns out that Mack Hollins (1% owned, 3^rd year receiver, 4 catches for 62-yards) ended up being the guy in the stat book last weekend.

Julian Edelman (ribs) – After coming off the field in week 3, Edelman was taken for chest X-rays in the locker room, but everything came back negative. Both Edelman and Josh Gordon (hip/finger) should be good to go in a match-up against the Bills this week, but it’s a situation to monitor. In the meantime, Phillip Dorsett (50% owned) is again on the radar with Antonio Brown outta town, and he made the most of his playing time last week with 6 catches for 53 yards and 1 TD. He also rushed twice for 12 yards.

TIGHT ENDS

Vance McDonald (shoulder) – Earlier in the week it looked like McDonald (84% owned) may have suffered a major injury and some were reporting that Nick Vannett was traded to the Steelers from the Seahawks because of those injury concerns. Turns out, though, that it’s Xavier Grimble (calf) that has been put on injured reserve – the Steelers were just looking for another big-bodied blocking tight end to replace Grimble’s production. It’s not 100%, but there’s a good chance that McDonald ends up playing against the Bengals for Monday Night Football.

For more in-depth analysis and discussion of these injury scenarios, tune in to the Fantasy Finish Line Podcast, Week 5 Preview: Moving right along..

QUARTERBACKS

Mitchell Trubisky (shoulder) – Yes, I’m calling him Mitchell. It’s the least I can do for a guy that is being outplayed by his backup Chase Daniel and is clearly not living up to expectations so far in 2019. The injury was to the left (non-throwing) shoulder and happened early in the game against the Vikings in Week 4. He was stretched out trying to recover a fumble with his left arm in front of him as a player from the opposing team landed on top of him with all their weight. The resulting injury to labrum was confirmed by an MRI and shouldn’t cause Trubisky to miss much more time but may force him to wear a shoulder brace for the rest of this season. Adam Schefter suggests that we’ll see Trubisky in Week 7, following the Bears’ week 6 bye. So far this year, Trubisky has thrown 3 TDs, all in the same game and all to Taylor Gabriel. He’s had 2 interceptions in that same time period. Trubisky provides an athletic element that Chase Daniel does not have, but he is performing at a very low level this year. Based on Daniel’s ability to run the Bears’ offense, Neither Trubisky’s absence nor his return should greatly affect the performance of skill-position players over the next few weeks.

Josh Allen (concussion) – The helmet-to-helmet hit that knocked Allen out of the game against the Patriots looked rough. Going up against the Titans on Sunday, Allen should have enough time to get healthy for the game, but it’s a situation to monitor. Otherwise, it’s Matt Barkley time against Tennessee and that’s not good for anyone in Buffalo.

Gardner Minshew (knee) – Minshew was limited in practice (Wednesday) with a knee injury but there’s currently no reason to think that will affect him suiting up against the Panthers on Sunday. Minshew mania is still alive and kicking.

RUNNING BACKS

Jamaal Williams (concussion) – Williams was hit violently last Thursday and taken off the field on a spine board. He did not practice today (Wednesday) and it’s likely that Aaron Jones will get the lion’s share of work whether or not Williams is able to practice later this week. It’s nice that he’ll get some extra time to go through the concussion protocol since he was injured on Thursday Night Football in Week 4, but there aren’t any other RBs on the depth chart currently that are worth discussion.

Marlon Mack (ankle) – Mack had an ankle injury in Week 4 but was able to return to the game for snaps still after originally coming off the field. After the game he said that he would play in Week 5 vs. Kansas City, but newsflash: it’s not up to Mack. He did not practice today (Wednesday), so he’ll need to practice sometime later this week in order to suit up. Jordan Wilkins (3% owned) has been more than serviceable in short yardage situations in the past (averaging 5.6 YPC in 2018), and Nyheim Hines (20% owned) has proven that he can be a PPR asset as long as he is out there for enough snaps (63 receptions for 425 yards on 81 targets last year). Especially going up against Kansas City, there could be fantasy value available on the wire here for teams with injury problems or bye-week issues if Mack can’t get healthy.

Tevin Coleman (ankle) – Coleman (70% owned) has been trucking around in a walking boot for a few weeks now, but it appears that he’ll practice this week and so he may suit up as early as Week 5 against the Browns on Monday Night Football. A high-ankle sprain carries a usual timetable of 2-6 weeks depending on severity, so this is all within the realm of possibility. During his absence, we’ve seen all of the 49ers running backs (Matt Brieda (82% owned), Raheem Mostert (29% owned), Jeff Wilson (6% owned)) putting up yards and touchdowns, but it’s likely that some clarity will return to the backfield situation with both Coleman and Breida healthy.  

WIDE RECEIVERS

Davante Adams (toe) – 10 passes for 180 yards, what a spectacular night for Adams against the Eagles. He did, however, injure his right big toe quite severely by getting it caught in the turf. Turf toe has several grades of severity and according to the reports that I’ve read from experts in the medical field as well as beat reporters close to the team, we’re looking at an absence of 2-4 weeks. That may put Adams back in play in Week 8 or 9 if recovery goes well. In the meantime, Marquez Valdes-Scantling (70% owned) and Geronimo Allison (32% owned) will certainly see more snaps, but neither is particularly exciting. Way under-the-radar is Jake Kumerow (0% owned), who just started practicing in full after an injury earlier this season, has only logged 9 receptions in the NFL, but has shown a lot of chemistry with Rodgers and is technically Adams’ direct backup. Hey, if you want to throw caution to the wind...

Christian Kirk (ankle) – A right ankle sprain has sidelined Kirk which is not great news for fantasy owners after enjoying a considerable number of targets consistently from QB Kyler Murray. As Kirk will likely miss at least 1-2 weeks for a low-grade ankle sprain and Damiere Byrd (hamstring) is also not likely to suit up against the Bengals, it looks like Larry Fitzgerald and Keesean Johnson (1% owned) will see their targets increase so both will be viable fantasy players this week along with David Johnson, of course. Look out for Andy Isabella (1% owned) who has been pushed down the depth chart so far this year but has the tools and talent to show up as soon as he becomes a major part of the offense. Could be soon.

Jarvis Landry (concussion) – Landry had his biggest day ever last week but went out with a concussion in the second half. Keep watch to see if he’ll be able to play or not, the Browns play on Monday Night Football and they could certainly use another sure-handed receiver.

Kenny Stills (hamstring) – Stills was becoming one of Watson’s favorite targets after being traded to the Texans from Miami earlier this year. Soft tissue injuries like these will sometimes take a while to heal, and although he did eclipse Keke Coutee (17% owned) on the depth chart while Coutee was battling injury, the reverse may happen now as Coutee is healthy. Don’t sleep on a guy that was a standout for some of last year and has shown great chemistry with Deshaun Watson. Going up against the Falcons, Coutee could have 100+ yards if Stills sits this one out.

TIGHT ENDS

T.J. Hockenson (concussion) – Hockenson looked great last week as he pulled in a TD and 27 yards early in the game against the Chiefs, but he later fell hard on his head and shoulder after attempting to leap over an opponent and suffered a concussion. The latest news from Adam Schefter is that he won’t be put on the IR, but there’s no estimate on his return to the practice field. I’d count him out, possibly for a few weeks. We’ll know more after the Lions’ bye week.

For more in-depth analysis and discussion of these injury scenarios, tune in to the Fantasy Finish Line Podcast, Week 8 Preview: The Deadline Looms...

QUARTERBACKS

Patrick Mahomes (knee) – Although originally the news of Mahomes’ injury and subsequent chatter from the team carried with it a more conservative amount of time off the field (3-6 weeks), the latest reports have been much more optimistic. A limited practice today has some people crying for a miracle (which is only being compounded by Andy Reid refusing to rule him out for Sunday against the Packers), but let’s be honest with ourselves… Mahomes won’t play this week, but will likely suit up for Week 9 or 10, well before their bye in Week 12. In the meantime, Matt Moore (4% owned) will fill in under center. Matt Moore seems like a nice guy, but he is a veteran backup that has always been below the Andy Dalton line when filling in as a starter. Don’t expect him to perform anywhere near the level of a QB1 over the next couple of weeks. The rest of the offense needs to be downgraded as well, except perhaps for Travis Kelce. He’s cool.

Sam Darnold (toenail) – After facing too many ‘ghosts’ in the blowout loss against New England, Darnold had a toenail removed but should be on track to play against the Jaguars this week. Hopefully his confidence has not been completely broken by Belichick’s Patriot Death Squad, because Darnold has been shaping up to be a great young QB in an up-and-coming offense. We’ll see!

Matt Ryan (ankle) – Ryan has thrown for over 300 yards in every game this year except for last week’s performance when he sprained his ankle and was taken out.  Dan Quinn is not being very specific about the timetable for this injury, but Ryan is tentatively expected to start practicing soon and be available for Week 8. This is a situation worth monitoring, as its possible with 5 straight losses that they may let him sit for longer as not to risk a longer-term injury by playing when he’s not at 100%.

Cam Newton (foot) – Still out, the undefeated Kyle Allen (8% owned) will keep the reins to the Carolina Panthers’ offense (read: Christian McCaffrey) for a little while longer. The 49ers defense has been playing lights out this year, and if Allen can pull off another win, we may not see Newton back for even longer, if this season at all. That said, a loss could put Newton right back in the driver’s seat if he can prove to be healthy once more after a week’s worth of practices.

Mason Rudolph (concussion) – Rudolph will start against everyone’s favorite team to start players against in fantasy this year... the Dolphins! He cleared the concussion protocol last week and should be doing a lot of handing the ball off to James Conner and trying to get JuJu going in the offense. If there is any game to start Rudolph in this year, it’s this one.

RUNNING BACKS

David Johnson (back/ankle) – Fantasy owners of David Johnson around the world could be heard swearing in front of their TVs in Week 7, after Johnson started the game but immediately afterwards ceded his snaps to backup Chase Edmonds (75% owned). Edmonds then played the game of his life, putting up 126 yards on the ground for 3 TDs and adding 24 yards through the air on top of that. The biggest waiver wire pickup of the week (along with Ty Johnson and Kenny Stills), it remains to be seen whether David Johnson will practice this week, but I feel confident not playing him in this kind of fluid situation after last week’s debacle and the Cardinals signing Alfred Morris and Zach Zenner to back up Edmonds.

Kerryon Johnson (knee) – Johnson has just 5 carries for 23 yards before exiting the game against the Vikings last week – but hey, that’s better than David Johnson, right? What’s that? You started both? Ouuuuuch. There were certainly some bad starting scenarios out there this week with some major players getting injured early. It looked like Johnson may be out for a few weeks, but he ended up requiring surgery on his right knee that put him on injured reserve. The earliest return possible would be Week 16 against the Broncos, so he should be dropped in all redraft leagues at this point. Ty Johnson (65% owned) will slot in immediately as the starter, but it may end up being more of a committee with J.D. McKissic (21% owned) also involved. Remember as well, that Jay Ajayi, CJ Anderson, Spencer Ware, and Kenyan Drake are all still viable options to be signed (or traded, in Drake’s case) to the team. I think Drake is the most likely, as he’s clearly healthy, talented, and available – and also just the type of running back that the Lions seem to like.

Ito Smith (concussion) – Already ruled out for Week 8, Brian Hill (0% owned) will back up Devonta Freeman against Seattle. I expect Freeman to handle the majority of snaps in what could be a decent game for him. Perhaps his first rushing TD? No, I don’t own him anywhere – I swear!

Adrian Peterson (ankle) – Getting over a high-ankle sprain, and with Chris Thompson (turf toe) also sidelined, we may see Wendell Smallwood (1% owned) suck up some snaps like a Dyson. I would not put any faith in Peterson’s ability to get the job done. That said, I also don’t have any faith in the Washington Redskins, so this is probably all a situation to be avoided if possible.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Will Fuller (hamstring) – Out with a hamstring.. soft tissue injuries often plague the fast, downfield wide receivers in the NFL and Fuller is certainly no stranger to injuries that can keep you off the field for weeks at a time. The word on the street is that this is a “significant” hamstring pull, which is a big reason why Kenny Stills (47% owned) was a top waiver pick this week. Stills can play a similar role to Fuller and has already shown chemistry with Watson. Look for both Stills and Keke Coutee (18% owned) to have larger roles going forward in this offense with Fuller sidelined for a few weeks.

Adam Thielen (hamstring) – It’s that time of year… couldn’t have happened at a worse time for Thielen either, as Cousins has been reading too many internet forums about his poor performance and inability to pass the ball downfield so he has gone the opposite direction over the past few weeks. This injury doesn’t seem as long-term or serious as Will Fuller’s, but in the meantime 7^th round rookie WR Olabisi Johnson (4% owned) has been catching on as the WR3 in Minnesota and will have more opportunities this week with Thielen out. A sneaky play, starting Johnson will carry a lot of risk.

Christian Kirk (ankle) – Kirk has been limited in practice for the past two weeks and will likely be a game-time decision against the Saints in Week 8. Yeah, just what every fantasy team manager wants to hear, right? I think he’ll play but any setbacks will have him sitting out once more which puts a big strain on the Cardinals’ passing offense.

A.J. Green (ankle) – The latest is that Green will return after the bye week, although quite a few industry insiders have him pegged for a trade before the deadline next week. The Bengals certainly don’t want to do anything to interfere with their draft position next year.

Davante Adams (toe) – Another game-time decision is in the works here for Adams, and since he plays on Sunday night it’s probably not something that you want any part of unless you have another option also going in that game or on Monday. At this point a return for Week 9 is most likely for Adams.

Sammy Watkins (hamstring) – Chairman of the mid-season pulled hamstring club is Sammy Watkins, but he has been practicing and should start this week against the Packers. He’s always an option to blow up, but Watkins is not a recommended play this week.

Tyrell Williams (foot) – Back at practice, Williams has been missing since Week 4 but there has not been a game he played in where he didn’t score a TD. Against Houston this week, look for Williams to rise in the WR rankings a bit before kickoff on Sunday.

TIGHT ENDS

Delanie Walker (ankle) – Basically playing injured last week, Walker had to exit the game after halftime and wasn’t even targeted in the passing game. Jonnu Smith (4% owned) is going to be the starting tight end there for the foreseeable future and there is a clear case here to consider dropping Walker entirely, when considering his age and injury history.

Jared Cook (ankle) – Cook and Bridgewater have finally started to show some chemistry over the past few weeks, and the Saints go up against the leaky Cardinals’ defense in Week 8… unfortunately, Cook was sidelined last week with an ankle injury and has not yet practiced this week. Look for him to practice on Friday because he would be a great option at TE if available.