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.
David Montgomery – RB CHI
Montgomery left Sunday’s victory over the Texans after just three carries and eleven yards. Initial reports speculated Montgomery would miss multiple games. However, after the dust settled Coach Matt Eberflus was more optimistic with a day-to-day estimate for their starting running back.
Fantasy Impact: If Montgomery misses time Khalil Herbert is a must-add. Herbert ran for 157 yards and two touchdowns once he took over from Montgomery. This is no fluke as Herbert filled in admirably multiple times for Montgomery last year as well. Herbert had four straight games with over 70 rushing yards last year. Consider Herbert an RB2 in the event he starts.
D’Andre Swift – RB DET
The supremely talented but oft-injured Swift will likely miss games once again. This time it’s a shoulder injury that will likely shelf Swift.
Fantasy Impact: Jamaal Williams becomes a primary free agent add if he is available in your league. He has had stand-alone value this year which has led to high ownership rates for a backup. Last week, in relief of Swift, Williams toted the ball 20 times for 87 yards and two touchdowns.
Sterling Shepard – WR NYG
Another oft-injured player is Shepard who recently returned from a devastating torn Achilles. He now has torn his ACL on this play.
Fantasy Impact: Wan’Dale Robinson has missed the early part of the season with his own injury but stands to be a major beneficiary with Shepard out for the season. Short in stature, but large in talent Robinson’s college production profile matched up with the best in this class. Robinson is a dynamic playmaker. Wan’Dale achieved the maximum possible points available in the model in breakout age (18.7, six points) and conference (SEC, six points). Wan’Dale led all prospects in this class in the key predictive metric of receiving yards per team pass attempt at 3.64.
Mac Jones – QB NE
High ankle sprains can linger especially when they are designated as severe as this one is. Estimates have him missing 4-6 games. He is seeking a second opinion given the potential surgery is needed.
Fantasy Impact: Journeyman Brian Hoyer figures to assume the reigns at quarterback in the likely event Mac Jones misses games. Fourth Round Rookie Bailey Zappe is the other option for the Patriots. Neither are good fantasy options but expect both to be bid on in Superflex dynasty leagues given the rarity of quarterback starters available.
Dalvin Cook – RB MIN
https://twitter.com/numberFire_NFL/status/1044303235475890176?s=20&t=y0wdCNwo69Xca0zi9LM7IA
This is good news on the Dalvin Cook front. The Vikings will monitor Cook closely during the week but it sounds like his hamstring injury won’t cause him to miss any games.
Fantasy Impact: Uber running back handcuff Alexander Mattison is the play if Dalvin Cook misses anytime. Mattison has produced at an RB1 level when Cook misses games averaging over 20 fantasy ppg in those starts.
Other notable players in the prior week’s estimated return to action
Keenan Allen – Week 4
Chris Godwin – Weel 4-6
Michael Gallup – Week 4-5
Dalton Schultz – Week 5
Zach Wilson – Week 5
Dak Prescott – Week 4-6
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
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