Injuries are inevitable in fantasy football. How you prepare and react to them is what can make or break your fantasy team. Did you build a bench with sufficient depth to withstand the running back carousel? How do you pivot if a key player goes on injured reserve? Each week we will look at the most impactful injuries in the fantasy world and what players will step up their fantasy production as a result. In Week 2 here were the injuries you need to be aware of.
Trey Lance
A popular strategy in redraft leagues this year was to punt the early quarterbacks and wait for Trey Lance. He was supposed to be the next big thing in Konami code QBs with immense rushing upside and great weapons in the passing game. Then this happened:
The unfortunate result was a broken ankle. Lance is now out for the season and loses a crucial year of development.
Fantasy Impact: The obvious beneficiary is Jimmy Garoppolo. You can also make an argument this is an upgrade at least for this season for the pass-catching trio of Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, and George Kittle.
Justin Herbert
Herbert was in major pain after a 4th quarter shot into his rib cage. As you can see below he was barely able to throw the ball after the hit. He went in for X-Rays after the game.
https://twitter.com/RealNBAExpert/status/1570611341987315712?s=20&t=OWsMh2r4HjLvdEtqF4W4owThere has not been a lot of information available regarding Herbert’s injury. It appears it is fractured rib cartilage. This can be extremely painful but given the silence from the Chargers organization, it makes me feel like Herbert might be trying to convince the team he can play through it. If he does do not expect the same Herbert until he is healthy.
Fantasy Impact: If Herbert misses the game this is a huge blow to any team that owns him. Journeyman Chase Daniel is his backup if you need a desperate play in dynasty. In redraft players such as Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston are widely available. Keenan Allen and Mike Williams both need to be knocked down several spots in your weekly rankings.
James Conner
Conner left the Cardinal’s 29-23 win over the Raiders in the third quarter. Although fully dressed in uniform on the sidelines Conner did not return to the game. It was ruled an ankle injury without great detail as to the specifics or severity.
Fantasy Impact: In his stead, Eno Benjamin and Darrel Williams split work. Benjamin had five carries and four targets while Darrel Williams saw eight carries and three targets. This is something to monitor through the week but as of now, it doesn’t appear Conner will miss time so it’s not imperative to grab one of the backups.
Jerry Jeudy
Fantasy Impact: It seems like he might be ok but if Jeudy misses a game look for KJ Hamler to step up into the vacated slot role. Russell Wilson makes good use of his slot receiver which could make Hamler a viable flex.
Dalton Schultz
Another meaningful injury to the Dallas offense. Schultz joins Dak Prescott and Tyron Smith in the injury room for the depleted Cowboys offense. Schultz is likely to miss at least a game perhaps more depending on the severity of the injury.
Fantasy Impact: Cooper Rush loses another reliable weapon here. Hopefully, you weren’t starting him anyways. Look for more targets to be funneled CeeDee Lamb’s way.
Mike Evans
Evans was not injured but you need to make plans for him being out if you have him on your fantasy teams.
Fantasy Impact: Tom Brady has lost all of his critical weapons with Julio Jones, Chris Godwin, and now Mike Evans out. I am sitting Brady next week in the dynasty league I own him in. Some may not have that luxury but look for him to be a QB2 next week. Russell Gage had five catches last week and looks to take on an even more significant role next week.
Other notable players in the prior week’s estimated return to action.
Keenan Allen – Week 3
George Kittle – Week 3-4
Alvin Kamara – Week 3
Chris Godwin – Weel 3-5
Michael Gallup – Week 3-5
Zach Wilson – Week 5
Dak Prescott – Week 7-8
Michael Pittman – Week 3-4
DeAndre Hopkins (Suspension) – Week 7
I hope you enjoyed reading my article. My goal is to provide actionable advice you can utilize to improve your dynasty team. You can follow me on Twitter @force_fantasy. #DFFArmy #FantasyFootball #AlwaysBeBuilding #NFL #NFLDraft #NFLTransactions #NFLTrades #AlwaysBeScouting
Click here for a 12-month DFF Membership.
