While rankings and projections are beneficial, nothing is more important in fantasy football than following injuries. A player’s outlook (and team’s context) will change with nearly every occurrence. Here’s an update on some critical injury reports to watch and their fantasy football impact.
Update 09/26/21: Make sure to check out our most up-to-date fantasy football injury report for Week 3.
Fantasy Football Injury Report: QB update
What injuries are currently impacting quarterbacks?
Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson was dealing with an illness, but he participated in Friday’s practice. Jackson is on track to face a Lions defense that has allowed 32 fantasy points per game to QBs over the last five regular-season games.
Carson Wentz, Indianapolis Colts
Carson Wentz practiced on Friday without any limitations, according to Zak Keefer of The Athletic. He is listed as questionable with injuries to both ankles and will be a game-time decision.
Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins
Dolphins head coach Brian Flores confirmed Wednesday that franchise quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will be out for Sunday’s game against the Raiders.
Fantasy Football Injury Report: RB update
How is the injury bug affecting backfields in Week 3?
Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers
Christian McCaffrey suffered a hamstring injury in Thursday’s night game against the Texans and was immediately ruled out. The Panthers have not placed him on injured reserve, however. Still, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that McCaffrey is expected to miss a few weeks. Rookie Chuba Hubbard expects to handle a high percentage of the touches while McCaffrey is out.
D’Andre Swift, Detroit Lions
D’Andre Swift is dealing with a groin injury, and he is questionable for Sunday’s game against the Ravens. It would be a shock if Swift is inactive. He’s accumulated 16 targets so far this season.
Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders
Josh Jacobs continues to deal with an ankle injury and is doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Dolphins. As a result, Kenyan Drake is on the RB2 radar.
Darrell Henderson, Los Angeles Rams
Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reported Friday that head coach Sean McVay expects Darrell Henderson to be a game-time decision. Henderson is dealing with a rib injury, and his availability will come down to his pain tolerance.
Tevin Coleman, New York Jets
Tevin Coleman is dealing with an illness, and on Friday, was ruled out for this week’s game against the Broncos.
Dalvin Cook, Minnesota Vikings
Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that Dalvin Cook did get some work in practice Friday. However, he’s listed as questionable with an ankle injury on the official injury report for Week 3 against Seattle. Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer did mention that Cook could play after not practicing all week.
Elijah Mitchell, Trey Sermon, San Francisco 49ers
Elijah Mitchell is dealing with a shoulder injury but did return to practice on Friday. Still, he is doubtful to play. Trey Sermon (concussion), meanwhile, was able to shed his non-contact jersey for Friday’s practice and is likely to be active. He’s an RB3 with upside. For those in deeper formats, you should consider acquiring Trenton Cannon.
WR injury update
News for pass catchers is essential in PPR leagues — let’s break down the WR injury fallout.
DeAndre Hopkins, Arizona Cardinals
ESPN’s Josh Weinfuss reports that DeAndre Hopkins is questionable for Sunday’s game against the Jaguars. His absence would dramatically impact the Cardinals’ passing game. Hopkins has averaged 9.6 targets and 18.5 PPR fantasy points per game since arriving in Arizona.
Russell Gage, Frank Darby, Atlanta Falcons
Russell Gage and Frank Darby will miss Sunday’s game against the Giants. Olamide Zaccheaus benefits from their absence. He’s someone to keep on your radar in deeper fantasy formats.
Marquise Brown, Baltimore Ravens
The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec reports that Marquise Brown took part in Friday’s practice. This is good news for his availability. Brown has had a 31% target share so far this season.
Darnell Mooney, Marquise Goodwin, Chicago Bears
Darnell Mooney (groin) was questionable on Friday’s injury report for Sunday’s game against the Browns. Marquise Goodwin is also listed as questionable with an ankle injury. Yet, both players are expected to play.
Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals
Tee Higgins is doubtful for Sunday against the Steelers. Ja’Marr Chase and Tyler Boyd will see additional targets if Higgins is inactive.
Kenny Golladay, New York Giants
Kenny Golladay is dealing with a hip injury. He is questionable for Sunday’s game against Atlanta.
Jamison Crowder, New York Jets
On Friday, Jets head coach Robert Saleh mentioned that Crowder (groin) will be a game-time decision against Denver.
Diontae Johnson, Pittsburgh Steelers
After missing practice all week, Diontae Johnson (knee) will miss the Steelers’ Week 3 matchup against the Bengals. His absence is likely to lead to more targets for JuJu Smith-Schuster and Chase Claypool.
Antonio Brown, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Antonio Brown tested positive for COVID-19 and is likely to miss Week 3 against the Rams. Brown’s absence would result in more targets for Chris Godwin, Mike Evans, and Rob Gronkowski.
TE injury update for Week 3
Which fantasy-relevant tight ends are on the injury report?
Evan Engram, New York Giants
Evan Engram has been dealing with a calf injury. Nevertheless, he feels like he’s ready to return this week against the Falcons. The Giants have him listed as questionable on the final injury report.
Zach Ertz, Philadelphia Eagles
Zach Ertz did not practice on Friday, as he is on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
Anthony Firkser, Tennessee Titans
ESPN’s Turron Davenport reports that Titans head coach Mike Vrabel has ruled out Anthony Firkser for Sunday’s game against the Colts.