The unfortunate reality of the return of the NFL is when players are allowed to go full speed — injuries are bound to happen. Week 3 of the NFL season was no exception. Now that fantasy football managers are updating their lineups for the coming week, several players have found themselves on the injury report, leaving their status for Week 4 in the air.
For the most recent injury news, make sure to check out our most up-to-date fantasy football injury report.
Fantasy Football Injury Report: QB update
Here is where we currently stand in terms of the fantasy football QB options dealing with an injury.
Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
Nothing grabs the headlines like a star QB on the injury report. But I assure you it is not clickbait — not entirely. According to NFL Network Insider James Palmer, Justin Herbert left the stadium with his hand wrapped and iced after hurting his throwing hand against the Chiefs. There is no concern about this lingering into Week 4.
Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins
Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reported Saturday that Miami placed Tua Tagovailoa on injured reserve, meaning he’ll miss at least three games after fracturing his ribs in Week 2. The soonest he can return is Week 6. Veteran Jacoby Brissett struggled in relief in Week 2 and did not fare much better in Week 3. For now, this is an offense that lacks any explosive upside.
Andy Dalton, Chicago Bears
After sustaining a bone bruise in Week 2, Andy Dalton missed Week 3. There is a chance, however, that he plays in Week 4. Although given the struggles of the offensive line, he might take his time. The Browns sacked Justin Fields 9 times in his first career start. Fields completed just 6 of 20 attempts for 68 yards, adding just 12 yards on 3 carries on the ground.
Fantasy Football Injury Report: RB update
How is the injury bug affecting RB committees heading into Week 4?
James White, New England Patriots
Early in the second quarter, RB James White left Sunday’s game with a hip injury. White went down after he took a handoff to the left for 6 yards for a first down and stayed on the ground. He was carted off the field and quickly ruled out for the remainder of the contest. White has been an integral part of this offense, as Mac Jones continuously checks down to him when going through his progression.
When asked about White’s status, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick gave a lengthy answer.
“We’ll see.”
Based on the way the injury looked, an IR stint could be in the cards. Entering Sunday’s game, White led the Patriots with 12 receptions for 94 yards while adding 9 rushes for 32 yards.
Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders
Josh Jacobs was inactive for a second-straight game in Week 3, but the Raiders hope to have him back for their matchup against the Chargers in Week 4. Peyton Barber actually had a better day than Kenyan Drake in Week 3, recording 26 touches for 142 total yards and a touchdown, with Drake totaling 57 yards on 14 touches.
Darrell Henderson, Los Angeles Rams
As we all expected, Darrell Henderson (ribs) was ruled out for Week 3. Despite hanging 34 points on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Rams could not establish a running game, combining for 76 yards as a team.
Dalvin Cook, Minnesota Vikings
After recording DNPs during the week, Dalvin Cook was ruled out for Week 3, leaving Alexander Mattison to assume RB1 duties. He delivered for fantasy managers that managed to make the right call, recording 23.1 points (RB5) with 171 total yards (32 touches).
WR injury update
News for pass catchers is essential in PPR leagues — let’s break down the WR fallout.
Tyler Lockett, Seattle Seahawks
At the 12:53 mark of the fourth quarter, Lockett hauled in a 6-yard reception. In the process of being taken down, he had his left leg bent at a very awkward angle and suffered what appears to be a knee injury. Lockett was down on the field for quite some time but did walk off the field on his own power, much to the relief of everyone in attendance.
Lockett has been the best receiver on the Seahawks this season and one of the best in the NFL. He was one of just three WRs to have over 100 yards in each of the first two games (Cooper Kupp and Keenan Allen) and was the WR2 in PPR formats (28.9 per game).
A.J. Brown, Tennessee Titans
A.J. Brown was injured in the first quarter of the game against the Colts and was later ruled out with a hamstring injury. Before the injury, Brown had not recorded a reception on just 2 targets. Now, he’ll certainly be questionable for Tennessee’s Week 4 matchup against the Miami Dolphins.
Even if he does miss time, they added Julio Jones in the offseason and have Derrick Henry, who is starting to roll. The offense will chug on, but there’s not a great fantasy option on the team to fill in for Brown.
JuJu Smith-Schuster, Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (rib injury) was ruled out against the Cincinnati Bengals in the third quarter. Smith-Schuster had 3 receptions on 4 targets for 25 yards, which was surprisingly low since the Steelers were already missing Diontae Johnson (knee).
Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton, New York Giants
Week 3 was brutal for the Giants’ offense. Both Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton hobbled off the field after plays in the first half Sunday. They virtually walked into the locker room together, and both were ruled out with hamstring injuries.
While Slayton has been productive this season (6 receptions for 119 yards and 1 TD entering Week 3), Shepard has been the team’s WR1. He came into the game with 16 receptions on 19 targets for 207 yards and a touchdown.
With Kenny Golladay (hip) less than 100%, the passing game could take a serious step backward should both Shepard and Slayton miss time. It’s also worth noting that despite being drafted in the first round and losing two receivers, rookie WR Kadarius Toney saw just 3 targets.
KJ Hamler, Denver Broncos
After exiting late in the second quarter with a knee injury, KJ Hamler was ruled out for the rest of the game. The way he went down was awkward enough for the broadcast crew to decline showing replays, which is a rarity. Hamler had just 1 catch in the game at the time of his injury. According to Mike Klis of 9News, Hamler will undergo an MRI on Monday to determine the severity of the damage.
Elijah Moore, New York Jets
In the Jets’ 26-0 loss to the Broncos, they also lost their promising rookie receiver. Elijah Moore caught 3 passes for 22 yards but left the game after taking a big hit. He was evaluated for a head injury and is now in the NFL’s concussion protocol.
The Jets are already short-handed at the position. Jamison Crowder (groin) has yet to play in 2021, and Denzel Mims is clearly not where the coaches want him to be in regards to the playbook. He’s been a healthy scratch the last two weeks.
Will Fuller, Miami Dolphins
While Will Fuller made his debut on Sunday, it might be short-lived. With the Dolphins and Raiders in overtime, Fuller was targeted on a deep pass and stayed on the ground. Early reports are Fuller is dealing with a calf injury. Fuller was out in Week 1 as he finished his suspension and missed Week 2 with an undisclosed personal issue.
TE injury update for Week 4
Which tight end injuries should we be mindful of when setting our fantasy lineups?
Tyler Kroft, New York Jets
Tyler Kroft was ruled out for the rest of the Jets’ blowout loss to the Broncos with a chest injury. Before exiting, Kroft had 2 catches on 2 targets for 12 yards.