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:
Jacoby Brissett, QB Patriots – Brissett suffered a sprained thumb in last Thursday night’s game against the Texans. The injury won’t require surgery. The third-string quarterback led New England to a win over the Texans but is considered questionable for this week’s game against the Bills.
Jay Cutler, QB Bears – Cutler missed Sunday’s game against the Cowboys with a sprained thumb. The original diagnosis had him out 2-3 weeks. Cutler didn’t practice at all last week, so he should be considered extremely questionable to face the Lions on Sunday. The Bears are a dumpster fire right now. If Cutler can’t play, Brian Hoyer will start at quarterback once again.
Jimmy Garoppolo, QB Patriots – Garoppolo missed last Thursday’s game against the Texans with a sprained AC joint in his shoulder. The Patriots are hopeful Garoppolo will be able to play this Sunday against the Bills. With Jacoby Brissett also questionable and no other quarterback currently on the roster, New England would be down to receiver Julian Edelman if both are out. Edelman played quarterback in college at Kent State. Amazingly with this quarterback carousel, the Patriots are one game away from being 4-0 without Tom Brady.
Cam Newton, QB Panthers – Newton tweaked his ankle in Sunday’s loss to the Vikings. Cam was sacked eight times by the formidable Vikings defense and hit on a number of other occasions. Newton is reportedly fine and ready to face the Falcons in Week 4. Cam has taken a lot of hits in the Panthers first three games.
Russell Wilson, QB Seahawks – Wilson was diagnosed with a sprained MCL. He’s questionable to face the Jets this week. Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said Wilson will wear a brace if he does play. Wilson’s mobility will be limited but he’s expected to try to go against the Jets. If he can’t, undrafted free agent Trevone Boykin will get the call at quarterback.
Jamaal Charles, RB Chiefs – Charles missed his third straight game while recovering from ACL surgery. Chiefs coach Andy Reid said there’s a chance Charles returns for Sunday’s game against the Steelers. Reid has been saying the same thing every week though. If Charles misses another game, Spencer Ware will continue to be the Chiefs lead back versus the Steelers.
Arian Foster, RB Dolphins – Foster missed Sunday’s game against the Browns with a groin injury. Dolphins coach Adam Gase already hinted Foster might not be active Thursday with the Dolphins playing on a short week. Assuming Foster doesn’t play versus the Bengals, look for Miami to go back to the committee of Jay Ajayi, Kenyan Drake, Damien Williams and Isaiah Pead.
Rashad Jennings, RB Giants – Jennings missed Sunday’s game against the Redskins with a thumb injury. He sat out because the Giants were concerned his injured thumb would hinder him in the passing game. Giants coach Ben McAdoo said Jennings will be evaluated throughout the week and there’s optimism that he’ll be able to play Monday night against the Vikings. Now that Shane Vereen is out at least two months, Orleans Darkwa will dominate touches if Jennings can’t play.
Doug Martin, RB Buccaneers – Martin missed Sunday’s game with a hamstring injury. He’s listed as week-to-week but Martin isn’t expected to play Sunday against the Broncos. Charles Sims will once again get the start and handle a majority of touches at running back.
Ryan Mathews, RB Eagles – Mathews injured his ankle early in the Eagles blowout win over the Steelers and didn’t return. He has the Eagles bye week to get healthy. Rookie Wendell Smallwood rushed for 79 yards and a touchdown in Mathews’ absence. Eagles coach Doug Pederson said he’ll continue to rotate running backs moving forward.
Jeremy Langford, RB Bears – Langford sprained his ankle in the first quarter against the Cowboys and didn’t return. He’s expected to miss 4-6 weeks. Rookie Jordan Howard replaced Langford and racked up 92 total yards. Howard will take over as the Bears lead back. He has an opportunity to be an every-down back for the rest of the season. He should be the top waiver wire pickup this week.
Thomas Rawls, RB Seahawks – Rawls has a hairline fracture in his fibula and will miss multiple weeks. Christine Michael got the start against the 49ers. He ran for 106 yards and two touchdowns. Michael is now the clear lead back in Seattle with Rawls out for the foreseeable future.
Jonathan Stewart, RB Panthers – Stewart was inactive on Sunday with a hamstring injury. He’s expected to miss at least another week or two. Cameron-Artis Payne will continue to start in his place, while Fozzy Whittaker sees touches as the pass catching back.
Shane Vereen, RB Giants – Vereen will miss at least two months with a torn triceps. Darkwa now moves up the depth chart with both Vereen and Jennings injured. Bobby Rainey will also see touches in Vereen’s change-of-pace back role.
Dez Bryant, WR Cowboys – Bryant underwent an MRI on his knee Monday. X-rays on Bryant’s knee were negative but the team wanted to get further tests done. We’ll know more once the results come back but Bryant’s injury isn’t believed to be serious.
Josh Doctson, WR Redskins – Doctson was inactive on Sunday with an Achilles’ injury. He was limited in practice all last week. Doctson should be considered questionable to face the Browns on Sunday.
Michael Floyd, WR Cardinals – Floyd is in the league’s concussion protocol. He was checked and cleared for a concussion in Sunday’s game. Floyd then complained of headaches on Monday. John Brown will see more targets if Floyd isn’t cleared to play against the Rams on Sunday.
Willie Snead, WR Saints – Snead missed Monday night’s game versus the Saints with a toe injury. Rookie Michael Thomas will see more targets against the Chargers if Snead is forced to sit out another week.
Sammy Watkins, WR Bills – Watkins was inactive on Sunday because of his nagging foot injury. Watkins had played at less than 100 percent in the first two games, so the Bills decided to rest him against the Cardinals. Watkins should be considered questionable for Week 4 against the Patriots, and probably every game the rest of the season.
Tyler Eifert, TE Bengals – Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said Eifert is close to returning from his ankle injury. Eifert got in limited practice sessions last week. The Bengals play on Thursday, so this week may be tough for Eifert to return but he’s getting close. Expect him to be on a snap count once he does come back.
Zach Ertz, TE Eagles – Ertz missed his second game with a rib injury Sunday. However, Eagles coach Doug Pederson said he expects Ertz to be ready when Philadelphia returns from its bye week. If he can’t go yet, Trey Burton and Brent Celek will continue to pick up the slack at tight end.
Virgil Green, TE Broncos – Green missed Sunday’s game against the Bengals with a strained calf. He’s expected to return this week against the Buccaneers. If Green isn’t ready, John Phillips will get another start at tight end.
Delanie Walker, TE Titans – Walker missed Sunday’s game with a hamstring injury. Walker was reportedly close to playing, so there’s a good chance he returns this week against the Texans. He expected to resume practicing Thursday.
