Like Philadelphia Eagles coach Chip Kelly said back in March, “The injury rate in the NFL is 100 percent.” Most fantasy teams don’t have a 53-man roster, so using your roster to fill the void can be a tough task because you have to make some tough cuts.
Fantasy football waiver wire: Injuries heading into Week 2
In fantasy football, knowing who is hurt is important on all levels. Here’s a look at who came out of Week 1 with some injuries and what it means.
Every fantasy owner will need to know which players are hurt on Sunday. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are the most important days for waiver wire additions.
With that, let’s go over which players are hurt for fantasy owners.
Quarterbacks
Derek Carr, Oakland Raiders
What: Hand injury, status unclear for Week 2
Analysis: Matt McGloin would start against the Ravens. Yes, the Ravens will be the top defense this week and you’ll want to downgrade all your Raiders like Latavius Murray and Amari Cooper.
Josh McCown, Cleveland Browns
What: Suffered a concussion and could miss Week 2
Analysis: Johnny Football time! Johnny Manziel is worth a look in all two-QB leagues. Travis Benjamin also benefits.
Running backs
Andre Ellington, Arizona Cardinals
What: Grade 1 PCL sprain, out 2-3 weeks
Analysis: The Cardinals got some good news on Monday, with Ellington likely back within the next month. If you wanna pick up David Johnson or Chris Johnson, go for it. David is more likely to help you beyond October while CJ?K is your guy if you need help now.
C.J. Anderson, Denver Broncos
What: Unconfirmed reports of turf toe, while some say he’s fine
Analysis: It doesn’t sound serious, but fantasy owners have to pick up Ronnie Hillman right now.
Wide receivers
Dez Bryant, Dallas Cowboys
What: Broken fifth metatarsal in foot, out 4-8 weeks
Analysis: He’s going to be out for a long time, but hopefully he’ll hit the ground running in Week 8. If you’re in a shallow league, it makes sense to try and trade for him to stash. Meanwhile, Terrance Williams, Lance Dunbar, Jason Witten and Gavin Escobar all benefit.
DeSean Jackson, Washington
What: Hamstring strain, out 2-4 weeks
Analysis: He’s going miss some time and should be back sometime in October. The biggest winner here is Jordan Reed, who should be owned in all leagues. Pierre Garcon is also a WR3 against a solid Rams defense.
T.Y. Hilton, Indianapolis Colts
What: Bruised knee, week-to-week
Analysis: There were some reports Hilton would be out for a while, but it looks like he’s avoided serious injury. Still, Donte Moncrief should be added in most leagues.
Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
What: Hamstring issue, missed Week 1
Analysis: He was almost able to go against the Tennessee Titans, but was ruled out fairly early on Sunday. The Bucs need him badly and his owners probably aren’t feeling great. Evans is still a high-end WR2. If he’s out, expect Vincent Jackson to have a good game against the Saints.
Tight ends
Delanie Walker, Tennessee Titans
What: Hand injury, could miss time
Analysis: He had to leave the stadium with a cast, so that doesn’t bode well. This would mean Kendall Wright is a must-start PPR guy against the Cleveland Browns.
