There were more big injuries in Week 3. As always, injuries play a crucial role when it comes to constructing our fantasy lineups. Here’s the status of players with the most interest to the fantasy community after the second weekend of NFL games:
Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans Saints – Brees missed Sunday’s game with a bruised rotator cuff. Brees said he’s “very optimistic” that he’ll play Sunday night versus Dallas. However, Brees cautioned that he won’t play until he gets the strength back in his shoulder. Luke McCown will get his second straight start if Brees is out.
Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers – Roethlisberger sprained his MCL and suffered a bone bruise against the Rams. He’s expected to miss 4-6 weeks. Most reports have him missing closer to six weeks. The Steelers have a bye in Week 11, so it’s possible Big Ben will be held out until then. Mike Vick takes over as Pittsburgh’s starting quarterback until Roethlisberger returns.
Arian Foster, RB, Houston Texans – Texans head coach Bill O’ Brien said Foster is “close” to playing. Foster has returned to practice on a limited basis and there’s a chance he could be active against the Falcons on Sunday.
Marshawn Lynch, RB, Seattle Seahawks – Lynch was active Sunday but his hamstring injury forced him out of the game in the first quarter. The team said the injury isn’t severe but Lynch had an MRI on Monday. He’ll be re-evaluated later in the week. The Seahawks play on Monday night but if Lynch can’t go, Thomas Rawls will get a majority of the carries with Fred Jackson coming in on passing downs.
DeMarco Murray, RB, Philadelphia Eagles – Murray missed Sunday’s game against the Jets with a hamstring injury. In his absence, Ryan Mathews ran for 108 yards on 25 carries. Murray should be back this week but it’s unclear how Chip Kelly will use his running backs going forward.
Reggie Bush, RB, San Francisco 49ers – Bush was inactive for Sunday’s game against Arizona. He’s still nursing a calf injury. Bush is hoping to return this Sunday versus Green Bay. Bush should make a fantasy impact when healthy, especially if the 49ers continue to play from behind a lot this season.
Tevin Coleman, RB, Atlanta Falcons – Coleman missed Sunday’s game against Dallas with a broken rib. In his place, Devonta Freeman rushed the ball 30 times for 141 yards and three touchdowns. Coleman is expected to miss multiple games but it’s going to be difficult for him to get his job back if Freeman keeps playing like he did on Sunday.
Chris Ivory, RB, New York Jets – Ivory suited up but didn’t get a carry against the Eagles Sunday. Jets head coach Todd Bowles said Ivory is “good to go” for Sunday’s game versus Miami. Bilal Powell will take on a bigger role if Ivory isn’t 100 percent.
Alshon Jeffery, WR, Chicago Bears – Jeffery missed his second straight game on Sunday with a hamstring injury. A report from ESPN said Jeffery is expected to play Sunday against the Raiders. However, Bears head coach John Fox didn’t update Jeffery’s status on Monday. It looks like he has a good chance of suiting up this week.
DeSean Jackson, WR, Washington Redskins – Jackson is ahead of schedule in his rehab from a hamstring injury. He could return this week against the Eagles. Jackson was originally expected to miss 3-4 weeks but he has a shot to play on Sunday versus his old team.
Victor Cruz, WR, New York Giants – Cruz said he’s going to play this week against the Bills. Giants head coach Tom Coughlin also said Cruz will make his 2015 debut versus Buffalo. Fantasy owners should expect Cruz to play barring a setback.
Eric Decker, WR, New York Jets – Decker is dealing with a PCL sprain and missed Sunday’s game against the Eagles. The original reports had Decker missing just one game, so he could be back in the lineup on Sunday versus Miami.
Sammy Watkins, WR, Buffalo Bills – Watkins suffered a calf strain against the Dolphins and missed the second half of the game. The team is calling the injury “mild” but Bills head coach Rex Ryan said Watkins could be out for Week 4. Percy Harvin and Robert Woods will see more targets if Watkins can’t play.
Ladarius Green, TE, San Diego Chargers – Green missed Sunday’s game against the Vikings with a concussion. It was Green’s second concussion in two weeks. He should be considered questionable for this week’s game versus Cleveland.
Dwayne Allen, TE, Indianapolis Colts – Allen was inactive Sunday with an ankle injury. His status for this week’s game isn’t known yet but if Allen can’t play, Coby Fleener will see more targets against Jacksonville.
Cody Parkey, PK, Philadelphia Eagles – Parkey was placed on injured reserve with a groin injury, ending his season. Caleb Sturgis will take over as the Eagles kicker.
