This article will recap all fantasy-relevant injuries. Remember, we are operating with limited information, and as the week progresses, situations will become clearer.
Joe Burrow - Calf
Burrow’s calf injury is now officially a problem. With reports that he may sit out Week 3, fantasy gamers have a decision to make short and long-term. Most leagues have some sort of waiver wire guy who is feasible, but you likely used a top 4 pick on Burrow, and him being out for 2-3 weeks is in the realm of possibilities. Given the Bengals are now 0-2 staring down the barrel of the Rams, Titans, and Seahawks in 3 of their next 4 games prior to the bye week, they have a choice to make: allow Burrow to sit the next 2-3 weeks or push through it.
Okay, after reading that, prepare yourself for another possibility.
Zac Taylor has already cast doubt over Week 3, but Taylor is on record legitimately contradicting what ends up happening with his players. It goes without saying, you’ll need to monitor this situation like a hawk.
Anthony Richardson - Concussion
Anthony Richardson had a concussion in 2021 while in college, making this officially his second documented concussion. Week 3 is a legitimate question, as only 50% of QBs return to game action the following week after a concussion. Gamers should make plans to be without Richardson.
Nick Chubb - ACL+++
It’s dangerous to make assumptions based solely on video but the injury Chubb sustained in Week 2 is one of the worst I’ve seen since doing this. In fact, Kevin Stefanski called it a “very significant knee injury.” Send Nick Chubb good vibes as he won’t be back this year.
Saquon Barkley - Ankle
Saquon injured his right ankle in Week 2, and this is, according to Adam Schefter, “an ordinary sprain.” Based on video, this is difficult to believe, but without a definitive angle, there’s no way to disprove the report. Schefter is also reporting Barkley will miss 3 weeks. An additional layer to consider is Saquon’s history with right leg injuries. Another concern is in 2021 when reports (also from Schefter) said his X-rays were negative, Barkley went on to miss 5 weeks. In a worst-case scenario world, Saquon’s injury turns into a 2022 Jonathan Taylor situation because of that history. Still, don’t panic about Saquon long term quite yet. This is certainly one to monitor closely, though, as Ian Rapoport is calling Barkley “week to week.”
David Montgomery - Thigh Bruise
Montgomery laughably discounted Dan Campbell’s label of “day to day” and says his injury will take weeks, not days. Realistically, based on video, it appears that Montgomery has a deep bruise which is much, much more debilitating than it sounds. As of today, anticipate just a 1-2 week absence (max) for Montgomery with little to no recurrence concern. However, this could be the time for Jahmyr Gibbs to show what he can do.
Davante Adams - Concussion
Adams was in concussion protocol after the game in Week 2. It’s been a while, but this is Adams’ 4th concussion since entering the league. He’ll probably be fine, but given the state of that team, this is enough of an excuse for me to try and move him. This is probably a tall task, but any WR or RB north of Tee Higgins in terms of rest of season projection is worth an offer.
Jaylen Waddle - Concussion
Waddle is in the concussion protocol. What you need to know is that since 2018 52% of WRs return to game action the first week after a concussion. However, given the Dolphins’ history with the protocol in 2022, it will be interesting to see how they play it with Waddle. If he returns in Week 3, he’s highly volatile due to an 8% recurrence rate and a 36% dip in production.
Brandon Aiyuk - Shoulders
Aiyuk landed on his left shoulder (which is apparently the issue at hand despite appearing to injure both shoulders at some point), but Kyle Shanahan didn’t sound concerned. This was Monday morning, though, so there could still be an update on the wideout relatively soon. Gamers should prepare to be without Aiyuk and understand that he is highly volatile in Week 3 if active at all — the 49ers play on Thursday night, complicating manners. This is due to the 16% recurrence rate from week to week and the 21% recurrence rate on the year on top of an 18% YAC dip. It bears repeating — if Aiyuk plays, he’s volatile.
Amon-Ra St. Brown - Toe/Foot
ARSB went down in the 3rd quarter with what appeared to be either a toe injury or a midfoot injury. The broadcast mentioned that the athletic training staff inserted a steel plate into his shoe and taped his big toe. Overall, the injury is not much to be concerned about yet, as he returned and the team did not address it. For now, plan on having ARSB in your Week 3 lineups.
Odell Beckham Jr. - Ankle
OBJ has a “relatively minor” ankle injury, according to John Harbaugh. Since 2018 these injuries haven’t led to missed time 79% of the time. A WR's performance after this injury is minimally impacted, as well. As of today, his Week 3 availability is not in question.
Players to Monitor
Zay Jones is dealing with a vague knee injury but was able to return in Week2 . Salvon Ahmed has a groin injury which usually requires a 1-2 week layoff. Logan Thomas Iis in concussion protocol. As usual, these are unpredictable injuries, and as of today, he’s a coin toss to be active.
Below is a table of all major injuries with my personal associated recommendation:
Expect updates throughout the week, and make sure to subscribe to my YouTube Channel here dedicated to up-to-the-minute updates and breakdowns.
