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Aidin Ebrahimi looks at key fantasy football injuries and injury updates to watch for Week 2 of the 2024 season Including Rome Odunze, DeAndre Hopkins, Jordan Love, and more.
After months of waiting, we finally got to see the first week of the 2024 NFL season, and it was worth the wait. We saw some great action, and although some fans complained about the lack of passing touchdowns, it was a fun opening week overall.
Unfortunately, as is the case in every week of NFL action, there were some injuries. Seeing which players are dealing with injuries and which ones aren't quite at 100% yet will go a long way if you're looking to win your fantasy leagues.
Without further ado, let's look at some injuries to watch and consider heading into Week 2. Don't forget to bookmark our fantasy football player news page, or download the free RotoBaller fantasy football mobile app with push notification alerts to stay notified.
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Jordan Love, QB, Green Bay Packers
After a monster contract extension, Jordan Love wanted to make a statement with a big win against one of the best teams in the league in Brazil. Love had a fine game, but got hurt near the end of the game and sent fantasy managers into a frenzy.
Despite initial fears of an ACL tear, Love was diagnosed with a much less severe MCL sprain of his left knee. He is still expected to miss three to six weeks of action and could be rusty for the rest of the season.
Packers QB Jordan Love's initial timetable for return is 3-6 weeks. (via @tompelissero) pic.twitter.com/FdcIynUAR9
— NFL (@NFL) September 7, 2024
The Packers now need to decide between sticking with their new acquisition Malik Willis, or going for a veteran free agent like Ryan Tannehill.
Regardless, Love's injury is not good news for Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks, and Christian Watson. But it could mean an expanded role for Josh Jacobs.
Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze, WR, Chicago Bears
After missing practice last week due to a foot injury, Keenan Allen was cleared to play in Week 1 but had a terrible performance that had fans questioning whether he had fully recovered.
He dropped a potential touchdown and averaged just 7.3 yards per catch. This issue could be persistent, as he missed the last four games of 2023 due to a heel injury.
Rookie wideout Rome Odunze is also set to undergo an MRI on his knee. HC Matt Eberflus mentioned Odunze was hurt on a blocking play.
This is bad news for Caleb Williams, as he had a poor game despite getting the win against the Titans in his NFL debut. DJ Moore will be his only real weapon if Allen and Odunze miss time or come back hobbled.
DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Tennessee Titans
After tearing the MCL in his knee in the summer, DeAndre Hopkins revealed a few days ago that he wanted to play through the injury. He said the recovery from his injury would "last for a year" and is experiencing pain, but wants to play for the team.
Unfortunately, playing with a torn MCL isn't the best idea, and Hopkins only had one catch for eight yards. After the game, Titans HC Brian Callahan told reporters that Hopkins' role "will increase as he feels better".
Not only is DeAndre Hopkins playing with an MCL tear, but he’s playing with an MCL tear in his LEFT knee.
Hopkins lines up MOSTLY on the left side, meaning that a whopping 59% of his routes ran last season utilized the left knee as the “pivot” foot. It’s hard to do that with an… pic.twitter.com/TjYQsJxStd
— Jake Knows Ball 🐻⬇️ (@DaBears_26) September 8, 2024
He might not feel better for the rest of the season, which will certainly hurt Will Levis' fantasy stock. Due to Hopkins' injury, Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd are the only real fantasy-relevant receivers in Tennessee right now.
Puka Nacua, WR, Los Angeles Rams
Puka Nacua set the fantasy world alight as a rookie, but his quest for a dominant sophomore season didn't get off to the best start. During the second quarter, Nacua went down and injured his knee after making a catch.
He got treatment and returned, but couldn't continue and was taken off the field for the rest of the game. Nacua also injured his knee in training camp, which could mean he wasn't 100% heading into the first game of the season.
The fully healthy Cooper Kupp shined in Nacua's absence and showed some of his 2021 and early 2022 form. Until Nacua comes back, Kupp is a great WR1 option and could remain a WR1 even after Nacua makes his return.
Jordan Addison, WR, Minnesota Vikings
Jordan Addison suffered an injury during training camp, and although he "avoided major injury" according to Kevin O'Connell, Vikings beat reporter Darren Wolfson claimed Addison's injury wouldn't heal completely before Week 1.
Regardless, Addison played and got hurt again during Week 1 against the Giants, but O'Connell said this new injury was to his right ankle and that he’d injured his left ankle in training camp.
Jordan Addison has "pretty significant soreness" in his injured ankle, per Kevin O'Connell. Vikings will be "smart" with Addison, he said, but also know he healed quickly from his previous ankle injury during training camp.
— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) September 9, 2024
Jalen Nailor looked solid in Week 1 and could be a solid fantasy option if Addison misses time.
David Njoku, TE, Cleveland Browns
David Njoku finally broke out and had the best season of his career in 2023, becoming a Pro Bowler for the first time. But his start to the 2024 season was far from ideal. He hurt his ankle during Cleveland's embarrassing loss to Dallas.
After the game, he was spotted wearing a walking boot. On Monday, Browns HC Kevin Stefanski said he's dealing with an ankle injury and is week-to-week. With Njoku likely to miss some time, Jordan Akins will get more touches as the only active TE on the roster.
Jake Ferguson, TE, Dallas Cowboys
David Njoku wasn't the only tight end who got hurt in that game, as Jake Ferguson also suffered a scary injury and many feared the worst for the third-year star. Fortunately, after tests, it was revealed that he only suffered a bone bruise and an MCL sprain.
#Cowboys TE Jake Ferguson's tests reveal he suffered a bone bruise and an MCL sprain vs Browns. Ferguson is considered week to week ✭ pic.twitter.com/W0bOkqE3Nv
— The Cowboys Network (@TheCowboysNet) September 9, 2024
Ferguson is listed as week-to-week, and could miss some time. Sophomore TE Luke Schoonmaker might be worth adding in deep leagues, as he might be the best candidate to replace Ferguson if he misses any games.
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