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As if there wasn’t enough going on in the NFL last week with the Ray Rice video, Roger Goodell’s buffoonery, and Adrian Peterson’s arrest, fantasy GM’s also endured one of the most brutal weeks in recent memory in terms of injuries.  The injuries started early in the 1:00 games and continued on for the rest of the day.  These weren’t just run of the mill injuries either as several impact players were knocked out of games.  The waiver wire will be on fire heading into Week 3, so make sure you have your FAAB wallets open and be prepared to spend.  

Jamaal Charles (RB-KC)

Jamaal Charles was a consensus top three pick in any draft format coming into 2014.  After an abysmal Week 1 performance, Charles looked to rebound last Sunday but instead suffered a high ankle sprain.  The Chiefs do not consider it a “severe” high ankle sprain, but that won’t make fantasy GM’s feel any better about the situation.  You can expect to be without Charles for at least several weeks which is a devastating loss.  Run to the waiver wire and get Knile Davis if he is still available.  If picking up backup running backs off the waiver wire is considered cool, then consider me Knile Davis (thanks Billy Madison).

A.J. Green (WR-CIN)

Heading into Week 2, A.J. Green was projected to have a monster game going up against the awful Atlanta defense.  Instead, Green suffered a toe injury early on and was removed from the game without catching a pass.  It was diagnosed as a ligament strain which could keep him out until after the Bengals’ bye in Week 4.  He has not been officially ruled out for Week 3, but you should be prepared to field a lineup without him.  Keep checking his status later in the week but also be aggressive on the waiver wire as you will need someone to try and compensate for his loss.  Remember, you cannot replace an elite player like Green. 

Roddy White (WR-ATL)

The once durable Roddy White has been battling a variety of leg injuries since last year.  Now you can add a hamstring injury to the list which raises some serious concerns about his availability for this week’s game on Thursday night.  Atlanta has a short week and White has not practiced since Sunday.  That isn’t necessarily a big deal for a veteran like White, and the Falcons do expect him to suit up.  However, there is some concern that he may play only to serve as a decoy.  I would recommend sitting him this week only if you have at least three other solid options at wide receiver.  If White as a decoy is still better than your WR3, then put him in your lineup.

Vernon Davis (TE-SF)

Vernon Davis suffered an ankle injury late in the Sunday night game against the Bears and was seen on crutches on the sideline.  An MRI revealed bruising without any structural damage which is great news.  This means he at least has a chance of playing in Week 3.  You should continue to follow his progress and any updates coming from the 49ers before making a decision about Davis in your lineup.  If he cannot play, don’t bother picking up San Francisco’s backups.  There should still be several viable options on the waiver wire for you such as Larry Donnell or Dwayne Allen.

Doug Martin (RB-TB)

Doug Martin missed Sunday’s game against St. Louis but appears on track to return this Thursday night against Atlanta.  This would be a huge boost for fantasy GM’s because the Falcons run defense has been awful thus far.  Martin returned to practice on Tuesday but could see his workload somewhat limited in order to protect him.  Bobby Rainey is coming off a big game against the Rams so he should still see a fair amount of carries. 

Knowshon Moreno (RB-MIA)

Knowshon Moreno’s fantasy value has been a rollercoaster since last season.  He had a monster year with the Broncos in their historic offense which put him near the top of the running back rankings.  Then he signed with the Dolphins and appeared out of shape and banged up in camp.  His draft value then started spiking up when he got healthy and was anointed the starter coming into the season.  Then he had a huge game in Week 1 which provided incredible value for GM’s who drafted him after the 8th round.  Unfortunately, Moreno sustained a dislocated elbow in the Dolphins’ Week 2 loss to Buffalo.  He will miss between 4-8 weeks which means Lamar Miller reclaims the starting job.  Stash Moreno on your bench or IR assuming you have roster space.

DeSean Jackson (WR-WAS)

DeSean Jackson left Sunday’s game with a shoulder injury after catching only one pass.  The injury looked very serious at the time, but Jackson said he intends on playing next Sunday against the Eagles.  You have to assume that unless his arm was falling off Jackson will be on the field for his first game against his former team.  Put him in your lineup and expect a big game from a motivated D-Jax who will benefit from Kirk Cousins playing quarterback.

Robert Griffin III (QB-WAS)

The saga of Robert Griffin III took a major turn for the worse after he dislocated his ankle early in the game against Jacksonville on Sunday.  The injury occurred without contact and immediately looked extremely serious.  There is no timetable for his return, but Washington expects RGIII to be back at some point this season.  The question is whether he will have an opportunity to reclaim his starting job because Kirk Cousins came in and led the Redskins to a blowout victory.  Cousins should be added if you need a replacement for Griffin or an upgrade at QB2.

Ryan Mathews (RB-SD)

Ryan Mathews is more fragile than a 15-year old girl with daddy issues.  It is amazing to think he actually played in all 16 games in 2013.  In just the second game of this season, he has suffered a sprained MCL in his knee which could keep him out for several weeks.  The initial timetable for his return was between 4-5 weeks, but that could change given how well he recovers.  In either case, Donald Brown now becomes the starter and should be added off the waiver wire if he is available. 

Mark Ingram (RB-NO)

Mark Ingram has sustained a broken hand and will be out at least a month.  The timing could not be any worse for fantasy GM’s because Ingram has finally started showing why he was a 1st round pick a few years ago by the Saints.  He has gotten off to a red hot start to the season rushing for 124 yards and three touchdowns.  Now Khiry Robinson will get a chance for an expanded role to supplement Pierre Thomas.  Stash Ingram on your bench or IR as he will be back by the middle to end of October.

Carson Palmer (QB-ARZ)

The news is not good for Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer who is dealing with a bruised nerve in his shoulder.  He missed Sunday’s game against the Giants and his status for Week 3 is very questionable.  Palmer is no more than a backup or a second quarterback in SuperFlex leagues when healthy, but the pickings are slim on the waiver wire.  Don’t drop him just yet, but be ready to make a move if you starter is on a bye and Palmer still isn’t back by then.

Michael A. Stein, Esq. is the Chief Justice of Fantasy Judgment, the industry's premier dispute resolution service, and is also the co-host of the Fantasy Alarm podcast. You can contact him at michael.stein@fantasyjudgment.com or on Facebook and Twitter (@FantasyJudgment),