Injuries cause fantasy football managers to stress whenever they analyze their rosters. So far in 2024, the injury bug has hit every team hard.
A few teams were hit with significant injuries: the San Francisco 49ers with Deebo Samuel Sr., the Green Bay Packers with Jayden Reed, and the Los Angeles Chargers with Joshua Palmer.
Will these players be available for Week 3, or will you have to pivot to other options on your roster/waiver wire? Let’s break down each player with the latest updates to help you identify your next move in your roster construction.
Latest News and Injury Updates Impacting Fantasy
Samuel, Reed, and Palmer all missed practice Wednesday. It’s early in the week, but this is a cause for concern for all fantasy football managers. If this trend continues, we will need to pivot in our lineups.
Deebo Samuel Sr., WR, San Francisco 49ers
Samuel suffered a calf strain during their Week 2 contest against the Minnesota Vikings. Despite the injury, Samuel performed strongly. His eight receptions for 110 receiving yards was one of the week’s top performances. TruMedia has Samuel ranked ninth overall in yardage produced for Week 2.
Multiple reports suggest Samuel is doubtful for this week and possibly missing numerous weeks.
49ers WR Deebo Samuel suffered a calf strain and will miss a few weeks. pic.twitter.com/wQhxBJdjBD
— NFL (@NFL) September 16, 2024
His calf strain would suggest that the Swiss Army Knife that is Samuel would be limited and at a high risk of reinjury/ injuring it worse. The 49ers are playing for a bigger picture in the Super Bowl.
If you need a fantasy replacement, look no further than his own teammate, Jauan Jennings. Jennings was paid to be the first man up if any of the starters went down. Now, Jennings faces a weak Rams defensive back room, allowing us to take advantage and elevate our team in Week 3.
Jayden Reed, WR, Green Bay Packers
Reed missed practice Wednesday with a calf injury of his own. Thankfully, the Packers have multiple wide receivers who can take over in his absence.
Reed could probably miss this game against the Tennessee Titans due to the depth in Green Bay’s receiving room. If he is inactive, look no further than Dontavyion Wicks as his replacement in real life and your fantasy team.
Wicks has only three receptions in two weeks. However, his touches have been limited in this talented offense. TruMedia ranks Wicks’ 25 total routes run as the 105th-highest total for wide receivers in 2024. Expect those numbers to rise in Week 3, in addition to Wicks’ place in our rankings.
Joshua Palmer, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
Palmer’s elbow and calf injuries kept him out of practice on Wednesday. Palmer played only 41% of snaps in Week 2 for the Chargers and was barely noticeable in the game, with only two receptions for 19 yards.
In Week 3, Palmer will face the Steelers, which is a tough enough challenge when healthy.
Justin Herbert has relied on second-year wide receiver Quentin Johnston and rookie Ladd McConkey so far this year. Palmer isn’t the most prominent piece in Herbert’s target share pie.
Palmer could miss the game and the Chargers game plan will barely be affected. If you have Palmer, you should move on to a better option on your waiver wire.
This analysis was last updated at 6:43 p.m. ET on Sept. 18.