RADIO
Dave Ventresca chronicles the top Injuries from Week 2 fantasy football for QB, RB, WR, and TE as of 9/16 including Cooper Kupp, Justin Jefferson, Isiah Pacheco, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and more.
Two weeks into the season, and we have already lost a handful of players. It’s never fun to lose your studs to injury, but it’s too soon to throw in the towel. Keep working waivers, hitting the grind, and do what you must to stay in the mix.
Some big names went down this week, and they have major fantasy repercussions. We’ve got a lot to get to, so let’s not waste any time with small talk.
Make sure you follow RotoBaller on X and check out RotoBaller.com for all your fantasy football needs. Let’s dive into all the injuries from Week 2.
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Tua Tagovailoa - QB, Miami Dolphins
Tagovailoa did not have his best game Thursday against the Bills. Things got much worse when he sustained a concussion towards the end of the game.
The Thursday night play on which Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa suffered another concussion: pic.twitter.com/q7P5L7LiaK
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 13, 2024
He has a well-documented history of concussions and this is now the third concussion of his career. Tagovailoa is set to meet with neurologists this week, and it’s uncertain when he might return to the field.
His absence will have an impact on Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, De’Von Achane, and Raheem Mostert. Miami has said they plan to roll with backup Skylar Thompson, but they might eventually explore other options.
Free agent quarterback Ryan Tannehill is an intriguing name to watch. He would be an upgrade over Thompson and would have value in superflex leagues should Miami go that route. For now, fantasy gamers should be prepared to be without Miamia’s QB1 for the foreseeable future.
A.J. Brown - WR, Philadelphia Eagles
Brown picked up a hamstring injury in practice on Friday. He logged a limited practice that day but missed practice on Saturday due to the injury. Brown was ultimately downgraded to out before Sunday’s slate of games.
Eagles WR A.J. Brown has been downgraded to out with a hamstring injury for MNF vs. Falcons. pic.twitter.com/wVa3l805du
— NFL (@NFL) September 15, 2024
This is a tough blow for fantasy managers. Luckily, he was ruled out early so gamers did not have to gamble on Brown playing Monday night. His availability for Week 3 is unknown at this time, but soft tissue injuries can take some time to fully heal.
Brown owners should plan to be without him for a few games. It would be wise to consider adding Jahan Dotson as he could see more playing time in the short term.
Evan Engram - TE Jacksonville Jaguars
Man, this was another issue of bad timing or fantasy managers. Engram pulled a hamstring in pregame warmups and subsequently missed yesterday’s game against the Cleveland Browns.
#Jaguars TE Evan Engram suffered a hamstring injury in pregame warmups and has been ruled OUT for today's game vs. the Browns. pic.twitter.com/Ky86WwCW1d
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 15, 2024
Engram’s injury left fantasy gamers scrambling for a replacement just an hour before kickoff. That is not a situation you want to find yourself in. The severity of his injury is currently unknown. As we previously mentioned with A.J. Brown, gamers should plan to be without Engram for the next week or two and be prepared to stream the position.
Rachaad White - RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
White briefly left Tampa Bay’s game against the Detroit Lions due to a groin injury. Luckily, he was able to return to the field. Unfortunately for gamers, White had another dud performance on the ground. He only gained 18 rushing yards on 10 carries and was outperformed by rookie Bucky Irving for the second week in a row.
We would expect White to be fine moving forward, but it's worth monitoring his practice reports during the week. While White’s injury didn’t keep him out of the game, it could force the coaching staff to limit his touches in Week 3 and allow Irving to gain a larger role in the offense.
Tank Bigsby - RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Bigsby picked up a shoulder injury in yesterday’s loss to the Cleveland Browns. He had been very quiet on the day and did not receive a touch before his injury.
It’s a disappointing outcome for Bigsby. He was a popular waiver add this week as it seemed he had carved out a role in Jacksonville’s offense and would some carry stand-alone value after a strong Week 1 performance.
Gamers should monitor his status, but he might be a drop candidate as Jacksonville seemed committed to getting RB1 Travis Etienne more touches. That would leave little room for Bigsby to produce even if he is okay.
Malik Nabers - WR, New York Giants
Nabers briefly left yesterday’s game against the Washington Commanders to be evaluated for a concussion. Thankfully, he cleared concussion protocol and went on to have a career day as he posted a 10-127-1 line against a porous Washington pass defense.
Malik Nabers scores his first NFL TD!
📺: #NYGvsWAS on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/m9EQCgxCRn— NFL (@NFL) September 15, 2024
It looks like Nabers escaped Sunday unscathed. Gamers should still keep an eye on his status this week just in case he experiences any delayed concussion symptoms.
Justin Jefferson WR, Minnesota Vikings
Jefferson sustained a quad injury after taking a hit in Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers. He did not return to the game.
Justin Jefferson needs to be helped off the field in Minnesota. pic.twitter.com/1Dpbhd65gq
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) September 15, 2024
Fortunately for gamers, it does not sound like this is anything serious, and he only sustained a contusion. Jefferson himself said he was fine and was not overly concerned about the injury.
Justin Jefferson on his injury: “Not overly concerned. Just a lil thigh bruise, contusion, whatever you want to call it. Something that happens.” pic.twitter.com/CeDAMtZhT2
— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) September 15, 2024
While that’s good news, gamers will want to keep a close eye on Jefferson’s status during the week. Early indications are that Jefferson is not expected to miss any time.
Minnesota Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson says he is not expecting to miss any games after leaving the team’s 23-17 victory over the San Francisco 49ers because of a bruised right quadriceps.
Story via @SeifertESPN:https://t.co/kmE0irH6O3
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 16, 2024
At the least, we should expect to see some limited practice sessions. Should Jefferson miss Week 3, Jalen Nailor would be an intriguing name to add from waivers as he would be in line for a bigger role.
Taysom Hill - QB/TE, New Orleans Saints
Hill left yesterday’s game after sustaining a chest injury. He had accumulated just 19 yards on four touches before leaving the game. Hill was later taken to a local medical facility for further tests/imaging to determine the full extent of his injury.
Taysom Hill went to the hospital for a chest injury. Dennis Allen wouldn’t elaborate about what exactly that meant. He said it was more precautionary than anything, probably to get more imaging.
— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) September 15, 2024
His status will need to be monitored throughout the week. Should Hill miss any time or be forced to a limited offensive role, he will be off the streaming radar for Week 3.
Tyjae Spears - RB, Tennessee Titans
The Titans sophomore running back left yesterday’s game with an ankle injury and ultimately was not able to return. He wasn’t exactly having a banner game as he had accumulated just 31 yards on eight touches.
It was another disappointing game for Spears. He already was behind Tony Pollard for touches entering this game and any time he misses will only further entrench Pollard as the team's RB1
The severity of Spears’ injury is currently unknown, but either way, it’s not good news for his fantasy value. It’s too soon to outright drop Spears, but things are not heading in the right direction. Monitor his status throughout the week, but after two games, this appears to be Pollard’s backfield.
Justin Herbert - QB, Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles signal-caller briefly left Sunday’s game with a leg injury. He did return to action but told reporters he had x-rays done on his ankle and the team would know more on the extent of his injury later in the week.
Justin Herbert said he “got rolled up” on after fumble in the second half. Got taped up and obviously was able to finish the game. Herbert said he got X-rays and will
“know more in the next couple of days.”— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) September 15, 2024
This is one to keep an eye on. In addition to x-rays, Herbert was spotted limping after the game. At the least, we are likely looking at some kind of ankle sprain. Should Herbert miss any time, it would obviously downgrade all the Chargers skill players.
There’s no reason to panic yet, and it’s a very good sign Herbert was able to finish the game. Still, gamers will want to keep their ears to the wall and be prepared to act on waivers should Herbert miss time.
Amon-Ra St. Brown - WR, Detroit Lions
St. Brown had a strong bounce-back effort in Week 2. He posted 119 yards on 11 receptions but picked up an undisclosed injury in the process.
He was seen limping towards the end of the game, so we are likely looking at some kind of lower-body injury. St. Brown was eventually forced off the field due to his injury, so this is one we need to watch.
Luckily, Detroit does not believe it is anything serious, but he may be forced to miss a game or two. Should that happen, Jameson Williams would further climb fantasy rankings and Sam LaPorta would benefit as well. Gamers will want to closely monitor this situation throughout the week.
Cooper Kupp - WR, Los Angeles Rams
After a banner opening game against the Detroit Lions, Kupp suffered an ankle injury yesterday against the Arizona Cardinals. He did not return to the field and missed the rest of the game.
Kupp’s latest injury Sunday is another in a long line of injuries since his all-world 2021. While he looked like a bargain after a huge Week 1, cautious gamers might have been vindicated in their decision to avoid Kupp in drafts.
Keep an eye on the RotoBaller news feed for updates on his injury, but we should brace for a potentially lengthy absence after Kupp was reportedly seen wearing a walking boot after yesterday’s game.
UPDATE: Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp was reportedly seen wearing a walking boot following Sunday's loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Rams head coach Sean McVay has no update currently on the status of Kupp's ankle injury. Kupp was ruled doubtful out of halftime and… https://t.co/LhcRZNWj0S
— Justin David Kish • Sports Journalist (@JustinDavidKish) September 16, 2024
Tutu Atwell, Tyler Johnson, Jordan Whittington, and Demarcus Robinson should be considered priority adds this week if any of them are still on waivers.
Isiah Pacheco - RB, Kansas City Chiefs
Pacheco picked up an ankle injury late in Kansas City’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Early reports do not shed a positive light on Pacheco’s status moving forward.
An Isiah Pacheco update: https://t.co/DGR7lkiR0J
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 16, 2024
While we will know more about his injury later in the week, gamers should prepare to be without Pacheco for the immediate future. Carson Steele and Samaje Perine will be popular adds on waivers this week. Steele had an impressive preseason and figures to slide in as the early down back. Managers should be ready to unload a hefty clip of their FAAB on him.
Perine should be the preferred option in passing situations and on third downs. He will carry some flex value in PPR formats and deeper leagues.
Update: Pacheco was diagnosed with a fractured fibula and is expected to be out for an extended period of time. Owners should consider Carson Steele and Samaje Perine priority adds on waivers this week.
Joe Mixon - RB, Houston Texans
While Houston picked up a win last night against the Chicago Bears, starting running back Joe Mixon picked up an ankle injury in the process.
Not flagged but injury potential is why #HipDrop is banned#JoeMixon to tent to rule out high ankle sprain pic.twitter.com/7xUqeFElIJ
— David J. Chao - ProFootballDoc (@ProFootballDoc) September 16, 2024
Mixon did return and attempt to soldier on, but he ultimately could not finish the game. We will need to monitor this situation. Gamers should prepare for the possibility of Mixon missing Week 3. Dameon Pierce and Cam Akers would be popular waiver adds this week as Mixon's status could be up in the air.
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