Fantasy Football Week 3 Injuries: Saquon Barkley, Malik Nabers, And More
Week 2 was littered with injuries, especially at quarterback. Caleb Williams (hamstring), Jayden Daniels (elbow), and Jaxson Dart (knee) are all expected to miss time, putting many fantasy managers in a tough spot at quarterback. There were also plenty of injuries at other positions, so let’s highlight some of them and decide what action to take in fantasy football. For those who need reinforcements, check out our Week 3 waiver wire targets .
Fantasy Football Week 3 Injuries: Saquon Barkley, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
Barkley suffered an injury during the Eagles’ first offensive drive against the Titans. While he returned at one point, he did not finish the game, ending with nine yards on four carries. The Eagles and Barkley said that he is dealing with a stinger . That’s not the worst news, and the fact that he tried to play through it is encouraging. It would not be a surprise if he took the field for Philadelphia’s Week 3 matchup against the Bears in Chicago.
Week 3 fantasy outlook: If Barkley is cleared to play, he is a must start in fantasy. If he sits, then Tank Bigsby becomes a viable flex play in most fantasy formats.
Fantasy Football Week 3 Injuries: Malik Nabers, WR, New York Giants
Dart wasn’t the only member of the Giants who suffered an injury Sunday night against the Rams, Nabers injured his shoulder while going up for a catch, leaving him in considerable pain. He eventually returned, but finished the game with just one reception for one yard. Nabers said that his shoulder popped out and that he popped it back in. The Giants could do further tests, but there is no indication right now that he will miss Week 3. However, he will have Jameis Winston throwing him passes instead of Dart, who could miss rest of the season .
Week 3 fantasy outlook: Nabers’ upside takes a hit with Dart out, but he should still be started in a favorable matchup against the bad Titans defense.
Fantasy Football Week 3 Injuries: Puka Nacua, WR, Los Angeles Rams
Nacua sat out against the Giants with a groin injury. Rams head coach Sean McVay has since said that he is unsure if Nacua will face the Broncos this week. With him out, Davante Adams torched the Giants for eight receptions, 195 yards, and two touchdowns. The Rams also didn’t have wide receiver Jordan Whittington (quadriceps) available for the matchup.
Week 3 fantasy outlook: If Nacua plays, his upside alone makes him worth starting in all formats. If he sits, Adams has more fantasy appeal, although the Broncos have a much better secondary than the Giants.
Fantasy Football Week 3 Injuries: Alec Pierce, WR, Indianapolis Colts
Pierce had surgery on his left heel/ankle in March, which limited his availability during training camp and in the preseason. He began the season with the team, but injured the same heal again in Week 2’s loss to the Chiefs. He is expected to be out for several weeks , and there is a chance that he could eventually need surgery again. The Colts reacted quickly to the news, signing free agent Darius Slayton .
Week 3 fantasy outlook: Given the number of injuries across the league, many fantasy managers are likely struggling to just field a healthy lineup. Considering that Pierce is expected to miss multiple weeks, and could have surgery if his rehab doesn’t go well, it’s acceptable to drop him if you need a roster spot.
Fantasy Football Week 3 Injuries: Mike Evans, WR, San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers blew the doors off the Dolphins in Week 2, but didn’t emerge from the game unscathed. Evans left early with a hip injury and Demarcus Robinson suffered a high-ankle sprain. Robinson is expected to miss 3-to-6 weeks , but the news is more promising for Evans. While he will be managed during practice , there is no indication that he will miss Week 3 against the Cardinals.
Week 3 fantasy outlook: If he is active, Evans should be started in all fantasy leagues.
Fantasy Football Week 3 Injuries: Dallas Goedert, TE, Philadelphia Eagles
Goedert was excellent in Week 1, posting four receptions for 77 yards and two touchdowns against the Commanders. Following the trade of A.J. Brown to the Patriots, the Eagles were likely to use Goedert as one of their top red zone options this year. However, he suffered a sprained MCL in Week 2 that will force him to miss a few games .
Week 3 fantasy outlook: While it’s difficult to drop Goedert considering his role on the Eagles, it’s probably necessary in most fantasy leagues based on the number of injuries across the league.
Fantasy Football Week 3 Injuries: Jadarian Price, RB, Seattle Seahawks
Price ran 13 times for 52 yards against the Cardinals on Sunday before leaving with a shoulder injury. Head coach Mike Macdonald said the injury doesn’t seem to be serious , so it’s possible that Price doesn’t miss any time. If he does play, he will likely remain in a timeshare with George Holani and Emanuel Wilson, who combined for 25 carries against the Cardinals.
Week 3 fantasy outlook: Given the presence of Wilson and Holani, a healthy Price is nothing more than a viable flex option in 12-team leagues.