The hope is that this doesn’t impact you, but we have been around long enough to know that no one is immune to injuries. If only we could have nice things. Instead, the NFL injury updates for Week 3 now feature Saquon Barkley, Joe Burrow, Anthony Richardson, Davante Adams, Brandon Aiyuk, and David Montgomery. As news breaks, be sure to update your Week 3 fantasy football rankings and NFL projections either way. This information can also help to focus on important Week 3 start/sit lineup decisions and fantasy football waiver wire pickups surrounding some injured players. The first step, though, is the NFL injury report as you set Week 3 fantasy football lineups. Let's jump into the latest NFL injury news and fantasy football advice for those players. 

 

Fantasy Football Injury Report

Week 3 NFL Injury Report for Quarterbacks

Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals (Calf)

While the Cincinnati Bengals did look a little better this week, they still came up short for the second straight week. Not only is Joe Burrow still shaking off some rust, but it seems as if he is dealing with a calf injury as well. Burrow did say that he would have returned to the game, but it seems like this is something we need to monitor as it is not a new injury. The fact that Burrow only threw for 222 yards and two touchdowns is not a great sign either. Seeing Burrow not practice on Thursday is concerning, but playing on Monday means the Bengals have an extra day. Prepare contingency plan to unfortunately pivot on Sunday based on the news. 

Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts (Concussion)

It is unfortunate, but it seems as if Anthony Richardson is going to take up permanent residence here. This week it is because he was forced out of action due to a concussion. While it came after Richardson rushed for two touchdowns, it is still a concern both for Week 3 and for his long-term outlook based on his playing style. As we monitor his progress, I would have an alternative option at the ready. With Richardson not practicing on Thursday, his time is getting shorter and we should get ready for Gardner Minshew under center on Sunday against the Ravens. 

Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers (Ankle)

After missing practice Wednesday and Thursday with an ankle injury, all signs point to Bryce Young being out this week. That means Andy Dalton will get the start, and this is not a fantasy situation for the faint of heart. 

C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans (Shoulder)

While C.J. Stroud has been dealing with shoulder soreness, he did practice in full on Thursday. To this point in the season, it hasn’t affected him in games, and that trend should continue. 

Week 3 NFL Injury Report for Running Backs

Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns (knee)

We have yet to get the full diagnosis, but anyone who saw the Nick Chubb injury video knows that it's bad. Like real bad. We won't even link to it, it was so bad, but go look through Twitter….er….I mean X…and see it for yourself. It is the same knee in which he tore ligaments back in 2014 which means that this has the potential of being career-threatening. Jerome Ford will be the guy you want to go after on the fantasy football waiver wire, but check out this piece from Andrew Cooper who breaks down the running back options in Cleveland.

Saquon Barkley, New York Giants (Ankle)

Whenever we see an ankle injury, there is always going to be concern. It is now being reported as a high ankle sprain for Saquon Barkley, but at least for now, there is still a chance he will play next Monday. Based on what we saw Thursday, it is hard to trust Matt Brieda or Gary Brightwell in his absence, so it’s likely best to look elsewhere. 

David Montgomery, Detroit Lions (Thigh)

This is not ideal, but this could be how we see more of Jahmyr Gibbs after he gained 56 yards on 14 touches in Week 2. The majority of that came after David Montgomery exited with a bruised thigh. Prior to that, Montgomery had 16 carries for 67 yards and a touchdown. At the moment, things are not looking great for Montgomery. This obviously elevates Gibbs, but you should prepare to be without Montgomery for at least Week 3. The fact that he didn’t practice Wednesday and Thursday only proves that point. 

Travis Etienne, Jacksonville Jaguars (Cramps)

Especially heading into Week 3’s matchup against Houston, the news surrounding Travis Etienne is all positive. He has dominated the workload in the Jaguars’ backfield so far this year, and considering his fourth-quarter exit was related to cramping, there is nothing to worry about. The fact that Etienne is not on the Injury Report only proves that point.  

Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers (Ankle)

While Joshua Kelley was less than inspiring in his place, there is the possibility we see Austin Ekeler return to action in Week 3. This will be a situation to watch in practice throughout the week, but after seeing Ekeler miss the first two practices, it is looking like another week of Kelley at the top of the depth chart.

Aaron Jones, Green Bay Packers (Hamstring)

As expected, Aaron Jones was out this week with a hamstring injury. In his increased role, AJ Dillon was a disappointment as we now begin to monitor Jones’ practice reports heading into Week 3. Not only did Jones return to practice, albeit on a limited basis, Thursday, but he looked pretty good while doing it. We need to closely watch Jones throughout the weekend, with the good news being that we might be able to fire him up on Sunday.

Salvon Ahmed, Miami Dolphins (Groin)

Salvon Ahmed has done well in a supporting role so far this season, but he was forced out of action early with a groin injury. Prior to that, Ahmed gained a total of 41 yards on six touches (three receptions). If he is sidelined for Week 3, then we could see rookie De’Von Achane take on a larger role. 

Chase Edmonds, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Knee)

With Rachaad White taking control of the Tampa Bay backfield, there is limited fantasy impact in Chase Edmonds exciting with a knee injury. At this point, it seemed as if Sean Tucker had already overtaken him as well. 

Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans (Toe)

After he was limited in practice on Wednesday, Derrick Henry sat out of practice on Thursday. Both rest and his toe were given as reasons, and there is no reason for the Titans not to manage his workload. Unless something changes, there is no reason to expect Henry to take the field as normal on Sunday, but if not, then Tajae Spears will be busy and should be our your radar. 

Breece Hall, New York Jets (Knee)

Once again, Breece Hall was limited in practice on Thursday coming off knee surgery. It doesn’t appear that anything has changed and it is simply part of his practice plan. The only issue here is that Hall needs to get more than four carries this week. 

Miles Sanders, Carolina Panthers (Pectoral)

Miles Sanders got a pectoral injury for his efforts on Monday, and so far, this week it has kept him limited in practice. With that being said, it doesn’t appear to be anything that will impact his status for Sunday, although for better or worse, it will be Andy Dalton under center and not Bryce Young. 

Justice Hill, Baltimore Ravens (Toe)

With Justice Hill not practicing as he deals with turf toe, Gus Edwards appears to be the last man standing in Baltimore’s backfield. Hill did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday, so unless there is a drastic change, things are not trending in the right direction. 

Kendre Miller, New Orleans Saints (Hamstring)

After practicing in full on Thursday, it doesn’t appear that health will hold Kendre Miller back from making his debut this week. With Alvin Kamara still suspended and Jamaal Williams injured, there is the potential for a large role. 

Jamaal Williams, New Orleans Saints (Hamstring)

Speaking of Jamall Williams and the Saints, the veteran did not practice on Thursday after exiting Monday’s game with a hamstring injury. Things are trending in the wrong direction here and it’s looking like we will see Miller, Tony Jones, and Taysom Hill as the ball carriers for New Orleans on Sunday. 

Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs (Hamstring)

After not practicing on Wednesday, Isiah Pacheco was back in practice on a limited basis Thursday. This leads me to believe that he will be taking the field on Sunday in his normal role. The only issue, is that through two weeks he has just 20 carries for 93 yards while failing to reach the end zone. 

Kenneth Gainwell, Philadelphia Eagles (Ribs)

After a strong Week 1 in which he picked up 74 yards on 18 carries, Kenneth Gainwell missed last Thursday’s game with a rib injury. The Eagles again have an extra day as they don’t return to action until Monday, but after returning to practice on Thursday, it appears Gainwell will be ready to take the field. After D’Andre Swift went nuts last week, the only question is if it will be in a supporting role. 

Boston Scott, Philadelphia Eagles (Concussion)

Staying in Philadelphia, Gainwell could continue to receive a decent workload as Boston Scott has yet to return to practice due to being in the concussion protocol. At this point, I would proceed without him for Week 2.

 

Week 3 NFL Injury Report for Wide Receivers

DK Metcalf, Seattle Seahawks (Ribs)

While DK Metcalf has not practiced Wednesday and Thursday, this might be the odd situation where there is nothing to worry about. It could be a pain management situation, but it is too early to count Metcalf out for Sunday. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be preparing a contingency plan. 

Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins (Concussion)

After a solid game, four catches for 86 yards, Jaylen Waddle exited with a concussion. Now that Waddle is in the protocol, this bears watching throughout the week. Considering that he has yet to practice through Thursday, things are not trending in the right direction for Waddle.

Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions (Cramps)

After Amon-Ra St. Brown caught six passes for 102 yards, it was a good sign that he exited simply due to cramping on Sunday. There should be no limitations moving forward on this one. The problem though is that he now appears to be dealing with a toe injury, but at this point, it shouldn’t limit him heading into Week 3. 

Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins (Ankle)

Taking the above regarding Waddle into account, it is a great sign that Tyreek Hill was not limited in practice on Thursday. At this point, it appears that Hill will receive as much volume as he can handle in Week 3, and maybe a little more. 

DeVonta Smith, Philadelphia Eagles (Hamstring/Thigh)

With two strong weeks under his belt, it was not a good sign to see Devonta Smith pop up on the Injury Report as he was limited in practice on Thursday. As the Eagles don’t play until Monday, Smith does have an extra day to work with, but your pivots are also reduced for that reason. At this point, I’m not sure his status is in question, but this is something to watch. 

Davante Adams, Las Vegas Raiders (Concussion)

The status of the game was already decided, and Davante Adams did have six catches for 84 yards and a touchdown, but we do have to keep an eye on his suspected concussion although nothing has come up yet regarding it this week. 

Jakobi Meyers, Las Vegas Raiders (Concussion)

After he missed last week’s game, it was a great sign to see Jakobi Meyers fully participating in practice on Thursday. While it is unclear whether he has fully cleared concussion protocol, this is still a great sign and positive development. 

Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams (Oblique)

To say that Puka Nacua has been insane to begin the season would be an understatement. Just like last week, Nacua didn’t practice on Thursday prior to having another monster game. I’m not sure that there is anything to see here. 

Amari Cooper, Cleveland Browns (Groin)

This is the same groin injury that Amari Cooper dealt with heading into last week before he played 74% of the snaps. Cooper did practice on a limited basis on Thursday, and we should expect something similar this week. 

DeAndre Hopkins, Tennessee Titans (Ankle)

Before playing 59% of the snaps last week, DeAndre Hopkins didn’t practice at all. So, the fact that Hopkins practiced on a limited basis on Thursday is a good sign. The only problem is that Hopkins was a full participant on Wednesday so this is something we have to continue to watch to see whether or not it was setback or maintenance-related. 

Christian Watson, Green Bay Packers (Hamstring)

The fact that Christian Watson didn’t practice on Thursday shouldn’t be concerning as it was part of the plan. However, we do need to follow the news on the weekend to see if Watson makes his debut this week. 

Tank Dell, Houston Texans (Thigh)

After Tank Dell caught seven passes for 72 yards and a touchdown in Week 2, it was a great sign to see him fully participating in practice on Thursday. With that being said, we should have similar expectations for Week 3 as Houston will continue to be playing from behind. 

Zay Jones, Jacksonville Jaguars (Knee)

It is not a good sign that Zay Jones has yet to practice this week. That means Calvin Ridley and Christian Kirk should be even busier while Jamal Agnew gets a boost. 

Kadarius Toney, Kansas City Chiefs (Toe)

Kadarius Toney has missed the last two days of practice with a toe injury so his status for Sunday is truly in doubt. After catching five passes for just 35 yards last week, I’m not sure how much it will really matter though. 

 

Odell Beckham, Baltimore Ravens (Ankle)

After Odell Beckham caught three passes for 29 yards, it was a good sign to hear his ankle injury being downplayed. With that being said, it is still something to monitor this week.

Devin Duvernay, Baltimore Ravens (Shoulder)

With Beckham likely sidelined on Sunday, it is good news for Devin Duvernay that he practiced in full on Thursday. With just three targets this year he has yet to make an impact, but in deep leagues, that could come on Sunday. 

Darnell Mooney, Chicago Bears (Knee)

Before exiting with a knee injury, Darnell Mooney picked up 53 yards and a touchdown. The good news is that the injury doesn’t appear to be too serious, but that remains to be seen throughout the week. He continues to practice on a limited basis, so there should be no change. 

Brandin Cooks, Dallas Cowboys (Knee)

After he didn’t practice last week, it wasn’t surprising to see Brandin Cooks out for Week 2. We will have to monitor his practice schedule this week to see if he will be active for Week 3. Cooks did practice in full on Thursday, so things are moving in the right direction for a favorable matchup against Arizona. 

DeVante Parker, New England Patriots (Knee)

I am taking the fact that DeVante Parker was limited in practice on Thursday as more of a workload management issue than anything else. After all, Parker was on the field for all 74 offensive snaps on Sunday and caught six passes for 57 yards. 

Josh Reynolds, Detroit Lions (Groin)

Josh Reynolds has gotten off to a strong start to the season, but it is unclear how much (if at all) his groin will limit him on Sunday. Currently, Reynolds has been limited in practice, so this is something to monitor heading into the weekend. 

Week 3 NFL Injury Report for Tight Ends

Dawson Knox, Buffalo Bills (Back)

We are now at two straight days with no practice for Dawson Knox. While we need to monitor his status, a Knox absence could mean we see a breakout week from rookie Dalton Kincaid. After not practicing on Thursday, things are not looking good and John Bates could have some sneaky deep league and DFS value. 

Logan Thomas, Washington Commanders (Concussion)

After he caught three passes for 22 yards, Logan Thomas exited with a concussion. While there is not a large fantasy impact, it will be something to monitor throughout the week as he works through the protocol.

Dissly, Seattle Seahawks (Shoulder)

No one is relying on Will Dissly and his five receptions for 52 yards to begin the season, but after he didn’t practice the last two days, it could mean increased volume for Noah Fant on Sunday. 

 

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