Navigating the Injury Hayes

Week 2 is in the books, and the injuries in the NFL continue to stack up, with over 200 players being listed on the IR according to “The Football Database”.  First off, apologies if you got bit by the Puka bug last week.  It’s tough to find replacements for those last minute Out designations, so hopefully you played it safe and went another direction.  This is also a great time to remind everyone to put your latest playing players in the Flex to allow yourself lineup flexibility in case of last minute injuries. 

Going into Week 3, we already have some clarity on the status of some big names, though most of it is bad news.  On top of that, we’ll be checking in on some guys fantasy managers have been monitoring over the last few weeks.  Let’s get into some of the notable injuries, and look at some actionable advice on how to handle them going into this week, as well as further into the season if they are more long-term injuries.  

Before we proceed further, I’d like to preface everything with this: I am by no means a medical expert.  I am simply reporting the news and providing my best guess on each situation.  The main goal is to bring awareness to major injury situations, and provide actionable advice for how to navigate the murky injury waters and prepare you for the worst case scenario.

Brock Bowers: Who Even Knows At This Point

Brock has missed the first two weeks of the season recovering from a meniscus clean-up surgery.  The coaching staff initially said he would miss “one or two games”, which would put him on track to play in Week 3.  I’m no medical expert, but I’m not buying it, even if he has been a limited participant this week in practice.  If he does happen to play, I worry he’ll be on a pitch count.  

As it stands now, I’m waiting another week to play him if I can afford it.  If you’re someone who has rostered Dalton Schultz in Brock’s absence, I’m comfortable rolling him out until I see Brock has returned to form.  He was a target hog with Nico out, and at a minimum would be the second option in the Texans passing attack should Nico return. Other options I like in a pinch are Oronde Gadsden, Terrance Ferguson (especially if Puka is out), Pat Freiermuth, or Hunter Henry if you need a waiver wire hero.

Bottom Line:

Even if he plays, I don’t feel great about him in lineups.  If he’s your only option, just plug your nose and hope he’s not on a pitch count.  Otherwise, seek out other waiver options.

Puka Nacua: Not Making Great Progress

Puka missed Week 2 against the Giants with a hip and groin injury, and things aren’t progressing in a positive way.  Sean McVay was quoted as saying “He’s not making great progress”. Obviously, we’ll wait until closer to game time to make a decision on Puka, but in the leagues I have Puka, I’m preparing for him to not be available. 

This opens up opportunities to roll with Davante Adams and Terrance Ferguson in your lineups if you have them.  Adams went nuclear in Week 2, boasting a statline of 8 catches for 195 yards and 2 TDs. He’ll be in line for another massive workload, though I’d temper expectations a bit; the Broncos defense is a slight improvement over a shorthanded Giants secondary. Ferguson also had a nice night, catching 6 balls for 54 yards and 1 TD on 9 targets.

If you’re looking for an alternative to Puka off your waiver wire, look to guys like Adonai Mitchell (who is questionable, but if he plays, he has a great matchup), Xavier Hutchinson (if Nico Collins is Out), or Rashod Bateman. If Devaugh Vele is still available, though unlikely, he would be my top option.  

Bottom Line:

If Puka plays, he’s going in your lineup.  However, prepare an emergency plan sooner rather than later in case he misses this week’s game.

Zay Flowers: Things Aren’t Looking Good

Zay has missed both Wednesday and Thursday practices due to a hamstring injury sustained in Week 1.  According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, Zay did at least make the trip to Brazil for this week’s bout against the Cowboys, so there is still a chance he plays.  However, given that he hasn’t practiced in two weeks, it’s looking like a slim chance.  

In his absence, I have confidence playing Rashod Bateman, who saw 9 targets last week with Zay out of the lineup.  He brought in 7 balls for 88 yards and a touchdown, and saw 93% of snaps.  He projects to be the WR1 in the Ravens offense if Zay is out, and considering the chance for fireworks in this week’s game, I wouldn’t second guess having him in my lineup.  If you don’t have Rashod, the other players mentioned in the Puka section are viable replacements, though I wouldn’t prefer any of them over Bateman, except Vele.

Bottom Line:

Start looking for replacements now.  Given that he didn’t practice, I doubt he’ll be playing.  I expect the Ravens to play it safe with this injury.  It’s only Week 3, so there is no need to risk it. 

Nico Collins: Seek Other Options

Like Zay, Nico has also been a non-participant at practice this week due to a hamstring injury.  This’ll be another situation to monitor as we head into Sunday. But like Zay, I would be surprised if Nico suits up.

With Nico out, Xavier Hutchinson and Kayshon Boutte both benefitted from the vacated targets, though neither did a lot with them.  Off volume alone, Hutchinson would be my pick if I had to choose a Texans receiver to play, but there’s better options out there.  It’s safe to assume that a replacement is already on your roster from last week; if not, refer back to the Puka section for replacements.

Bottom Line:

Expect to be without Nico again  

Jayden Daniels: Arms Don’t Bend That Way Naturally

I’m sure you’ve seen the Jayden injury by now. And if you haven’t, just trust me when I say: arms aren’t supposed to bend that way.  He’s already been ruled out for Week 3, and I’d expect him to miss a lot more time.  

You’ll likely need to stream QBs going forward if you don’t have a QB2 on your roster.  For this week, I’d look at Tyler Shough and Bryce Young as my top options, both of which sit in the Top 5 for QB points through two weeks.  They can both serve as long-term options, though I’m still a little iffy on Bryce Young; he is still a matchup dependent option in my estimation.  If they’re gone, Geno Smith has a tasty matchup against the Lions.  It’s gross, but it’s an exploitable matchup against a bad secondary.  

In Dynasty formats, Jayden is a great buy-low for a rebuilding team.  If a team with championship aspirations rosters Jayden, I would slide into those DMs and get a price check on the young Commanders QB.

Bottom Line:

He’s going to miss time.  Best of luck finding a weekly replacement.

Caleb Williams: Give This Man An Oscar

Bears’ fans and Caleb managers alike both held their collective breaths as they watched Caleb collapse due to a non-contact injury.  The way Caleb reacted, it looked like he got smoked by a trained sniper, or at least like he tore something.  He was stretchered off, and the worry began to set in.  Come to find out, it was just a pulled hamstring, and it’s looking like he won’t miss much time at all.  He’s doubtful for this week, but he could see himself back at the helm for Week 4.  Crisis averted!

In the meantime, Houston Cougars legend Case Keenum will likely lead the Bears into battle Monday night in the absence of both Caleb Williams and Tyson Bagent (concussion).  For those in superflex formats, he may be your only replacement.  If you’re in single QB formats, Tyler Shough, Bryce Young, and Geno Smith are guys I’m looking at for Week 3.

Bottom Line:

He appears to have avoided a long-term injury. Get a streaming option for this week, and hopefully Caleb will be ready for Week 4

Jaxson Dart: A Great Buy For Dynasty

If you’re only in redraft, you can skip past this section.  Dart is done for the year, and you need a replacement.  However, if you’re in a dynasty format, similar to the Jayden situation, a buy window has now opened for Dart.  He’s a great trade target for a rebuilder; not only do you shed points that can help your draft stock, but you also get a 23-year-old QB that has shown an ability to produce.  Knock on the Dart owner’s door and see what it’ll take to pry him from their team.

Bottom Line:

Useless for redraft, but a perfect target for rebuilding teams.

Sam Darnold:  Set To Return?

Darnold missed Week 2 after sustaining a glute injury in Week 1.  According to Brady Henderson of ESPN.com, Sam is “on a good track” to play this week.  Sam is only relevant in superflex formats, or if you’re a Jayden Daniels, Caleb Williams, or Jaxson Dart owner looking for a replacement option.  If he doesn’t play this week, Drew Lock will get the start for the Seahawks. 

If Sam plays this week, I don’t mind rolling him out as my QB2 in superflex, or as a weekly flyer in single QB formats if I can’t get Bryce Young or Tyler Shough to replace an injured QB.

Bottom Line:

If he plays: play him if you need him.

Devonta Smith: Surprise Non-Participant Thursday

After lighting up the Titans to the tune of 10 catches, 117 yards, and a TD, Smith owners were feeling on top of the world.  A slight concern has crept in after Thursday’s practice report though, as Smith made a surprise appearance as a non-participant due to a hamstring injury.  If this was something he picked up in Sunday’s game, it certainly didn’t hamper him in any way.  I’d keep an eye on how this one develops.  

With the Eagles playing on Monday, this situation becomes tricky.  Currently, I’m not too worried about his availability this week.  However, if we see him miss another practice, that’ll make my ears perk up a bit.  If he misses time, Dontavion Wicks and Makai Lemon could see a huge uptick in usage, and should absolutely be rostered in the event Devonta is ruled out come Monday.  For those in deeper leagues, Darius Cooper and Hollywood Brown can also be last-minute options, though neither provide me much confidence.  

Bottom Line:

I’m not too concerned yet, but add an Eagles receiver if you have the roster space just in case things don’t progress positively.  I’m starting him with no reservations if he plays Monday.

Saquon Barkley: Expected To Be Back

Saquon left Sunday’s game with a stinger, but fully expects to play Monday.  He logged a limited practice Thursday, which is a good sign going forward.  In the event he misses again, hopefully you picked up Tank Bigsby, who saw an increase in touches in Saquon’s absence last week.  Again, with him playing Monday, he leaves owners with limited options should he be a Monday night scratch.  If you’re planning on riding with Barkley, I would roster Tank and/or Will Shipley as a “break glass in case of emergency” option should he get marked out Monday.

Bottom Line:

I expect him to play, and if he does, start him.  Have an Eagles running back on the bench to protect yourself.

Jonathon Brooks: Injured….Again

In a shocking turn of events, the oft-injured Jonathon Brooks will miss time once again. This time due to a core muscle injury.  Brooks underwent surgery and is expected to miss 6-8 weeks.  While he didn’t play a major role through two weeks, he did still garner a lot of hype during the offseason, so he’s worth noting here. 

Chuba Hubbard will continue to see the bulk of the work.  For those in extremely deep leagues, AJ Dillon becomes a waiver target.  He is now the only RB in Carolina behind Chuba, and will likely see a few touches here and there, though it likely won’t be enough to be relevant.  

For those that want to roll the dice on Brooks in dynasty and acquire him, his value will likely plummet from this injury news.  I’m staying away, but if you’re a believer, yet another buy window has been opened.  The sooner you make a move, the better if you’re looking to acquire him.

Final Thoughts

Injuries to our star players can derail even the strongest of fantasy teams.  While we can’t prevent them, we can do our best to give ourselves multiple options to prepare for the worst case scenario.  In fantasy, it is better to be proactive and not reactive.  If you’re reacting after players are marked OUT, you’re likely going to be too late in acquiring the best possible replacements for your lineup.  Be diligent: roster your handcuffs so you’re prepared for any situation, collect depth pieces throughout the year, and stay in the know by taking in all the amazing content found on angleranks.com.

May your players stay healthy and be showered with touchdowns!  If you enjoyed this, be sure to follow @TheDynastyCafe on X for more fantasy related content.  Also, feel free to reach out for any roster related questions as the season goes on!