Not only do you need to concentrate on healthy players when managing your fantasy football team, but you cannot forget about the players on IR. Most leagues have at least one IR roster spot, and the managers who use the spot most effectively are often greatly rewarded later in the year. Here is the latest on the fantasy-relevant players currently on IR.
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What Players Are on IR in Week 3?
Diontae Johnson, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
Diontae Johnson was placed on the IR on Monday. He injured his hamstring in Week 1 and looked to be writhing in pain at one point against the Niners. The Steelers had ruled him out of Monday’s game against Cleveland, and now he will have to miss at least four games.
The Steelers have a bye in Week 6, so he could be back on the field in Week 7. They play the Rams that week. George Pickens will continue to see his lion’s share of targets, but in Johnson’s absence, you could see more balls headed in Allen Robinson or Calvin Austin’s direction.
Kyler Murray, QB, Arizona Cardinals
Murray remains on the PUP list, and the Cardinals continue to lose with Josh Dobbs under center. The team does look better than anticipated, almost holding on to beat the Giants in Week 2. But there seems to be an unspoken “Crash For Caleb” vibe. It is unclear whether Murray will play a snap for Arizona this season, but he is an excellent stash in case he does.
Jeff Wilson Jr., RB, Miami Dolphins
Everyone wants a piece of the Miami Dolphins’ offense at this point. The Dolphins are firing on all cylinders, and if you managed to snag RB Jeff Wilson Jr. in the draft, you are patiently waiting for him to be activated from the IR. He was placed there due to a midsection and finger issue.
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He contributed almost 900 yards on the ground for Miami last year, so if he happens to be on waivers, grab and stash.
Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts
Taylor has two more weeks on the PUP after being sent there by Colts leadership due to an ankle issue. He also wanted to be traded, and the Colts were not having it. He recently posted a workout video of himself running routes at the Colts’ practice facility with the caption “loading.”
Taylor clearly looks ready to play, and if you drafted him at a value and he is living on your bench, you are hoping desperately he comes back quickly. He could be a league winner, depending on how far he dropped in your draft.
From Jonathan Taylor’s Instagram story (@jayt23): pic.twitter.com/DEzeIRPpY8
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) September 15, 2023
Cooper Kupp, WR, Los Angeles Rams
The Rams’ offense looks much better than anticipated, especially after they sent Kupp to IR after he experienced a setback with his hamstring. He is eligible to return in two weeks, and with the success of rookie Puka Nacua, Kupp could have a solid pass catcher across the field from him once again. Iron sharpens iron, and Kupp would enjoy the coverage that Nacua would still demand.