Fantasy football waiver wire: Injuries heading into Week 4

This NFL season has been weird. Usually, it’s running backs and receivers going down with injuries, but it’s been the quarterbacks lately. Fantasy owners are going to have to go on for 4-6 weeks without Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who had a magnificent Week 2. This news will also really hurt receiver Antonio Brown, as well as Martavis Bryant upon his return from suspension.

Meanwhile, we didn’t see many backs or receivers go down. In fact, there really weren’t any significant injuries to receivers in Week 2 and it wasn’t bad this week either, which is nice to see after Dallas Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant went down in Week 1.

Running backs weren’t too badly damaged, but Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch could miss some time. A number of others are also trending down with their health. Here’s a look at the injuries from last week followed by the injuries in the first two weeks of the season:

What: Knee sprain, could miss 4-6 weeks

Analysis: As said in the intro, the receivers could lose touches. Michael Vick is worth a look if you’re desperate.

What: Hamstring strain, could miss time

Analysis: He had a calf injury heading into Week 3, and now he might be out for a game or two. Thomas Rawls is a must-own player.

What: Quad injury kept him from playing in Week 3

Analysis: He is expected to play in Week 4 and should be a strong play against the Miami Dolphins.

What: Should be ready for Week 4

Analysis: He’s been a massive bust. Plain and simple.

What: Hamstring strain, missed two weeks

Analysis: Fantasy owners can’t trust him right now with Jay Cutler out. He should obviously be owned, though.

What: Rib injury, should be ready to go for Week 4

Analysis: He’s been a letdown due to the low volume of passes going to receivers. Bench him for now.

What: Calf injury could cost him Week 4

Analysis: Robert Woods would be a sneaky WR3 and the same goes for Percy Harvin.

What: Suffered a minor setback in pregame warmups

Analysis: The rookie receiver likely needs more time off and isn’t worth owning.

What: Knee injury, could miss Week 4

Analysis: The 49ers are a mess anyway. He’s not worth owning.

What: Broken collarbone, expected to miss around eight weeks

Analysis: It’ll be Brandon Weeden handling the offense. If you have a Cowboys receiver, this is not good news.

What: Shoulder injury

Analysis: It sounds like he’s going to play in Week 4, but his owners will want to have a backup plan.

What: Suffered a hamstring injury and did not return

Analysis: Jimmy Clausen was awful in Week 3. Downgrade all your Bears.

What: Suffered a rib injury and did not return; expected to miss two games

Analysis: Devonta Freeman may pull a Wally Pipp on Coleman here. Freeman was fantasy football’s best running back in Week 3 against a Dallas Cowboys defense that shut down DeMarco Murray.

What: Groin injury, could be back soon

Analysis: We might see him for Week 5 and maybe even Week 4. He’s the only Texans back worth owning even after Alfred Blue went off. If you really need help this week, give Blue a look.

What: Grade 1 PCL sprain, out 2-3 weeks

Analysis: Chris Johnson was wonderful and should be owned in most leagues.

What: Broken fifth metatarsal in foot, out 10-12 weeks

Analysis: He might be out until the playoffs, so the Dallas passing attack is in trouble. Terrance Williams benefits, but not much with Weeden behind center; Williams didn’t factor into the game much at all in Week 3.

What: Hamstring strain, out 1-3 weeks

Analysis: Pierre Garcon stepped up a lot and should be owned in most leagues now. Jordan Reed is also a must-start player.

What: ACL tear from last year

Analysis: Said he’ll play in Week 4, but he’s still not worth owning.