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The majority of the Week 2 NFL slate is complete, and by no surprise, there are plenty of key injuries to discuss. That said, there could be plenty of tough start-or-sit decisions for fantasy managers next week. Our fantasy football injuries report highlights the banged-up players with fantasy significance and their early status heading into Week 3 as of Monday, September 18, 2023. This article focuses on players who suffered injuries on Sunday of Week 2 games.
Saquon Barkley, Joe Burrow, Anthony Richardson, Odell Beckham Jr., and more picked up injuries in Week 2. It's too early to draw conclusions about Week 3 since these players just picked up ailments, but it's never too early to at least take a look at the group of key guys to prepare for waiver wire Wednesday or Thursday.
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Saquon Barkley Injury Update
X-rays on New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley's (ankle) ankle returned negative following Sunday's 31-28 win over the Arizona Cardinals. The 26-year-old is scheduled for an MRI on Monday to determine the extent of the damage, but the Giants are optimistic he didn't suffer a high-ankle sprain. Even if Monday's MRI reveals a setback of the low-grade variety, Barkley faces a short turnaround with a road date against the San Francisco 49ers looming on Thursday.
Fantasy managers will have to keep their fingers crossed that the two-time Pro Bowler is only dealing with a short absence, considering Barkley's visible frustration following the injury amidst the G-Men's historic comeback. Matt Breida would be in line to lead a committee for any time Barkley potentially needs to miss. Stay tuned.
Joe Burrow Injury Update
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (calf) threw for 222 yards, two touchdowns, and one pick during Sunday's loss to Baltimore. The signal-caller played much better in Week 2 than he did during the opener. However, it wasn't good enough, as the Bengals remain winless on the year. Even worse, according to ESPN's Ben Baby, Burrow re-aggravated his calf injury, which he suffered during training camp.
That said, there should be an update within the next day or so, but it's not unrealistic to assume Burrow could miss time. If that's the case, Jake Browning may be under center for the Monday Night Football meeting with the Los Angeles Rams.
Anthony Richardson Injury Update
Indianapolis Colts rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson (concussion) left the Week 2 game against the Houston Texans to be evaluated for a concussion and was ruled out. Backup Gardner Minshew took his place under center for Indy. Before leaving the game, Richardson went 6-for-10 through the air for 56 yards and ran the ball three times for 35 yards and two touchdowns.
The 21-year-old fourth overall pick's rushing prowess has been on full display in this one, but fantasy managers were robbed of what could have been an absolute huge performance in just his second NFL game. Richardson will now be in the league's concussion protocol next week and should be considered questionable to play on the road in Baltimore against the Ravens.
Odell Beckham Jr. Injury Update
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (ankle) caught three of his four targets for 29 yards during the win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. The expectations for the 30-year-old weren't as high heading into this season as in previous years. However, it's safe to assume fantasy managers had hoped for more production throughout the first two games of the 2023-24 campaign.
But considering Beckham tweaked his ankle in this one, his availability for the Week 3 meeting with the Colts is up in the air, meaning he may not have a chance to make amends. Fortunately, head coach John Harbaugh doesn't believe it is serious, although it's still worth monitoring.
David Montgomery Injury Update
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (thigh) was injured during Sunday's loss to the Seattle Seahawks. The 26-year-old, who had 16 carries for 67 yards and a touchdown, suffered what appeared to be a knee injury. However, according to head coach Dan Campbell, Montgomery may have sustained a thigh bruise, which is better news than expected. Fantasy managers will likely know more about his condition in the next day or two.
Montgomery will probably carry an injury designation heading into Week 3 against the visiting Atlanta Falcons. If he can't suit up, Jahmyr Gibbs should see more touches, with Craig Reynolds the favorite to get the rookie's scraps.
Jaylen Waddle Injury Update
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (concussion) exited Sunday's 24-17 win over the New England Patriots after taking a helmet-to-helmet hit late in the game. The 24-year-old headed to the blue medical tent following his departure and is being evaluated for a concussion. He caught four of his six targets for 86 yards and lost two yards on his lone carry before being declared out for the rest of the game.
Waddle was nursing an oblique issue entering this one, but now he'll have another ailment to be concerned with. The star wideout will have seven days to pass concussion protocol before Week 3's clash with the Denver Broncos next Sunday. Waddle should be considered questionable at this time, and fantasy managers will need to monitor his progress throughout the week.
Davante Adams Injury Update
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (head) was being evaluated for a concussion in the Week 2 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. The good news for fantasy managers is that Adams was productive before his injury, catching six of his eight targets for 84 yards and his first touchdown of the year in the 38-10 loss in Buffalo. However, he'll now enter the league's concussion protocol this week and could be questionable to play in Week 3 at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
It's especially concerning for the Raiders, as fellow wideout Jakobi Meyers missed Sunday's game due to a concussion of his own. If Adams cannot play next week, Hunter Renfrow could be the team's top target. We'll monitor Adams' status closely all of next week.
Darnell Mooney Injury Update
Chicago Bears wide receiver Darnell Mooney's (knee) knee injury he sustained in Sunday's 27-17 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is not considered a serious setback. The 25-year-old was forced from Week 2's meeting during the second half and was not targeted before exiting. Chase Claypool stepped up to haul in a touchdown pass after his Week 1 effort, or lack thereof, was questioned.
It doesn't seem as though Mooney is staring at an extended absence. His practice status will need to be observed throughout the week, though, to clarify his availability for Week 3's road outing against the Kansas City Chiefs. D.J. Moore could be peppered with targets after leading Chicago in receiving in Week 2 if Mooney is unable to play.
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