While rankings and projections are beneficial, nothing is more important for 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.
Editor’s note — any mentions of “Friday or Friday’s practice” is referring to September 17.
Fantasy Football Injury Report: QB update
Here is where we currently stand on several of the critical fantasy football QBs dealing with injuries.
Deshaun Watson, Houston Texas
Watson will not play Sunday against the Browns. The decision is not injury-related.
Fantasy Football Injury Report: RB update
Let’s see how the injury bug is affecting RB committees.
Jamaal Williams, Detroit Lions
Williams was a limited participant during Friday’s practice with a chest injury. His status is questionable for Week 2. Williams rushed 9 times for 54 yards and a touchdown against the 49ers last week. He also caught 8 of 9 targets for 56 yards. If active, Williams is a high-end RB3 this week against the Green Bay Packers.
D’Andre Swift, Detroit Lions
Swift practiced in a limited capacity on Friday. The second-year running back is dealing with a groin injury. Swift surprisingly was given 19 touches in Week 1. He is an RB2 with upside in the Lions’ Monday Night Football matchup with the Packers.
Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders
Jacobs is dealing with an ankle and toe injury, and on Friday afternoon, head coach Jon Gruden ruled him out for the Raiders’ Week 2 matchup against the Steelers. This sets up Kenyan Drake to lead Las Vegas’ RB committee — he’ll be an RB2 while Jacobs is out.
Rashaad Penny, Seattle Seahawks
John Boyle of the Seahawks’ official site mentioned that Penny is doubtful for this week’s game against the Titans with a calf injury. His absence would elevate DeeJay Dallas to the team’s RB2 role.
WR injury update
News for pass catchers is essential in PPR leagues — let’s break down the WR fallout.
Marquise Brown, Baltimore Ravens
Jonas Shaffer of the Baltimore Sun reported that Brown participated in Friday’s practice but did appear to have some limitations. Brown caught all 6 of his targets for 69 receiving yards and a touchdown against the Raiders last week.
The Ravens face the Chiefs in what many predict to be a high-scoring affair. Over the last five regular-season games, top WR scorers against Kansas City have averaged 7 targets, 5.4 receptions, and 96 receiving yards per game.
Gabriel Davis, Buffalo Bills
Davis remained limited in Friday’s practice with an ankle injury. He is listed as questionable for Sunday’s matchup with the Dolphins. Davis caught 2 of 5 targets for 40 yards and a touchdown against the Steelers in Week 1. However, Emmanuel Sanders is operating as the Bills’ No. 2 receiver. He ran a higher number of routes than Davis last week.
Darnell Mooney, Chicago Bears
SiriusXM NFL Radio’s Adam Caplan mentioned that Mooney (back) is listed as questionable for the Bears’ matchup against the Bengals on Sunday.
Mooney is still a breakout candidate. However, he caught 5 of 7 targets for only 26 yards in Week 1 with Andy Dalton under center. Mooney’s fantasy ceiling would rise considerably with rookie Justin Fields as the starter.
Tyrell Williams, Detroit Lions
Williams remained absent from Friday’s practice, according to Kyle Meinke of MLive.com. He is still in the concussion protocol. If Williams is inactive, tight end T.J. Hockenson would be an immediate beneficiary.
Keelan Cole, New York Jets
Friday was Cole’s third consecutive limited practice. He is questionable for this week’s game against the Patriots, per ESPN’s Rich Cimini.
Jamison Crowder, New York Jets
According to Cimini, Crowder remained limited in Friday’s practice. He is officially questionable for this week’s battle with the Patriots. Crowder’s return could impact rookie Elijah Moore’s snaps and targets.
Parris Campbell, Indianapolis Colts
Campbell is officially listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Rams.
Michael Pittman Jr., Indianapolis Colts
Pittman is dealing with an ankle injury and is questionable for this week’s game. If Pittman or Campbell were to be inactive, Zach Pascal would see additional targets.
Will Fuller, Miami Dolphins
According to Dolphins head coach Brian Flores, Fuller won’t play on Sunday against the Bills due to a personal matter. Miami will enter Sunday’s bout against the Bills with DeVante Parker and Jaylen Waddle as the team’s top two receivers.
Preston Williams, Miami Dolphins
Williams is questionable for the Dolphins’ Week 2 game against the Bills. He is dealing with a foot and knee injury.
D’Wayne Eskridge, Seattle Seahawks
Eskridge is doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Titans due to a concussion. As a result, DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett will continue to hoard targets in Seattle’s offense.
TE injury update
Which fantasy-relevant tight ends are on the injury report?
Pharoah Brown, Houston Texans
Brown is dealing with an ankle and shoulder injury. He is questionable for Sunday’s game against the Browns.
K injury update
Kickers are people too, and their injuries matter just as much.
Quinn Nordin, New England Patriots
Nordin is dealing with an abdomen injury and is likely to end up on IR. Nick Folk will handle the kicker duties for New England.