Studs and Duds: Week 3

Mon Sep 23 9:14am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Jennings comes up big Week 3


Now that was a strange week of fantasy football. Many of the top scoring fantasy players, especially at quarterback, were players that most fantasy teams didn’t use. And the top scorer for the week, Jauan Jennings, was started in just 25.4 percent of leagues on our site. Needless to say, this caused a lot of low-scoring fantasy games. Hopefully, you were able to get some points this week and squeak out a win.

Jets 24, Patriots 3

Fantasy Stud: Jets defense. The Jets defense completely dominated this game, allowing just three points and 139 total yards of offense. New York also had seven sacks and a fumble recovery. The Jets are quickly putting behind a poor Week 1 defensive performance, showing their teeth in recent weeks. This unit can produce big for fantasy teams

Fantasy Dud: Rhamondre Stevenson. Stevenson had a hugely disappointing performance, rushing six times for just 23 yards. He also lost a fumble and didn’t catch a single pass. His lack of work in the passing game was the biggest disappointment, really hurting his fantasy floor. Stevenson had at least 17 fantasy points each of his first two games, so don’t get down on him too much over this one. He can rebound.

Game Notes: Rookie Braelon Allen continues to get his chances in the Jets offense. He ran 11 times for 54 yards while Breece Hall had 16 carries for 54 yards. Allen has at least nine touches two straight games.

Aaron Rodgers had his best game as a Jet. He was 27-of-35 for 281 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover. He topped 20 fantasy points for the first time all season

Steelers 20, Chargers 10

Fantasy Stud: Steelers defense. The Steelers defense has been on quite a tear lately. This unit is looking very stout, holding the Chargers to just 168 total yards and 10 points. The Steelers had five sacks in the game. This unit is one of the best in the game right now.

Fantasy Dud: JK Dobbins. Dobbins didn’t do much for the first time this season. He ran 15 times for just 44 yards, averaging just 2.9 yards per carry. Dobbins failed to top double-digit fantasy points for the first time this season. He also broke a streak of two straight 100-yard games. Dobbins is getting a ton of work as the lead back in this run-first offense, which is a big positive despite his down showing in Week 3.

Game Notes: Justin Herbert started but did not finish the game because of his ankle injury. He was 12-of-18 for 125 yards and a touchdown without a turnover before leaving the game.

Calvin Austin was the surprise leading receiver for the Steelers. He had four receptions for 95 yards and a touchdown.

Broncos 26, Bucs 7

Fantasy Stud: Chris Godwin. Godwin continued his great start to the season despite the Bucs struggling in this one. He had six receptions for 53 yards and a touchdown. Godwin has touchdowns each of his first three games and at least 17 points all of those games. He is a must start and elite receiver right now

Fantasy Dud: Rachaad White. White really struggled, rushing six times for just 17 yards. He averaged just 2.8 yards per carry. He did catch five passes but had just 18-receiving yards. So despite the catches, White scored just 8.5 fantasy points. Rookie Bucky Irving outplayed White, rushing nine times for 70 yards.

Game Notes: Tyler Badie is third on the depth chart but led the Broncos in rushing. He had nine carries for 70 yards. He could be getting more play going forward.

Courtland Sutton had seven receptions for 68 yards. Sutton was targeted 11 times, giving him double-digit targets two of three games.

Packers 30, Titans 14

Fantasy Stud: Malik Willis. Willis got another start for the Packers and played a great game. He was 13-of-19 for 202 yards and a touchdown without an interception. He led the team in rushing, running six times for 73 yards and another score. Willis scored 27.4 fantasy points, showing he can be a fantasy factor in a starting role.
   
Fantasy Dud: Calvin Ridley. Ridley was a bust in this one, catching just a pass for nine yards. He was targeted just three times after having 13 targets his first two games. It was an unexpected showing for the Titans No. 1 receiver.

Game Notes: DeAndre Hopkins finally got going, having six receptions for 73 yards and a touchdown. Hopkins had just a catch each of his first two games before this showing.

Will Levis turned the ball over three more times. He was 26-of-34 for 260 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions. He also lost a fumble. Levis has eight turnovers in three games.

Eagles 15, Saints 12

Fantasy Stud: Saquon Barkley. Barkley carried the offense much of the game, having another huge game. He rushed 17 times for 147 yards and two touchdowns. He also had four receptions for nine yards and converted a two-point try. Barkley had 33.6 fantasy points. He has more than 30-fantasy points two of three games. He could end up leading all fantasy running backs in scoring at his current pace

Fantasy Dud: Jalen Hurts. Hurts was not a help to fantasy teams this week. He did hit the 300-yard mark passing but didn’t score a touchdown and turned the ball over twice. Hurts scored just 16.05 fantasy points. It was his first game this season with fewer than 20 fantasy points.

Game Notes: Dallas Goedert had a monster game, catching 10 passes for 170 yards. He did not top 40 yards in a game before this one.

Devonta Smith was knocked from this game because of a concussion. He took a huge hit and had to leave the game. He had seven receptions for 79 yards before leaving.

Giants 21, Browns 15

Fantasy Stud: Malik Nabers. Nabers continues to emerge as an elite fantasy receiver. He finished with eight receptions for 78 yards and two touchdowns. He also had two carries for four yards. Nabers has 28-plus fantasy points two straight games. He is the real deal.
   

Fantasy Dud: Jerome Ford. Ford was held in check, scoring just 10 fantasy points. He ran 10 times for just 37 yards and caught three passes for 33 yards. Ford has 10 or fewer fantasy points two straight games. He isn’t producing quite as big as fantasy teams hoped with Nick Chubb out of the lineup.

Game Notes: Daniel Jones played a good game, going 24-of-34 for 234 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover. He did this against a good Browns defense.

Amari Cooper caught seven passes for 86 yards and two touchdowns. Cooper did next to nothing his first two games, having fewer than five fantasy points each of his first two games. He scored 27.6 fantasy points this week.

Vikings 34, Texans 7

Fantasy Stud: Sam Darnold. Darnold just keeps getting it done. He was even banged up in this game and left for a brief time before returning. He scored four more touchdowns and didn’t turn the ball over. He was 17-of-28 for 181 yards and four touchdowns. Darnold has eight touchdowns in three games, having multiple scores each game

Fantasy Dud: C.J. Stroud. Stroud had a down game for his standards. He was 20-of-31 for 215 yards and a touchdown with two interceptions. Stroud had a season-low 13.95 fantasy points. He has fewer than 20 fantasy points each of his last two games. He has four touchdowns to two interceptions in three games, getting off to a slow start.

Game Notes: Aaron Jones had his first 100-yard game of the season. He had 19 carries for 102 yards. Jones also caught five passes for 46 yards and a touchdown.

Cam Akers started at running back and did very little outside of a receiving touchdown. Akers ran nine times for 21 yards and caught a pass for eight yards.

Colts 21, Bears 16

Fantasy Stud: Cole Kmet. There were three monster performances in this game, but Kmet gets our stud honors. He had 10 receptions for 97 yards and a touchdown. Kmet scored 25.7 fantasy points. He had just five receptions for 31 yards coming into this game. Maybe this huge performance will get him going for the rest of the season

Fantasy Dud: Anthony Richardson. Richardson had his struggles throwing the ball once again. He was 10-of-20 for 167 yards without a touchdown and two interceptions. He rushed eight times for just 24 yards, which didn’t help his fantasy numbers. Richardson scored just 8.75 fantasy points. His fantasy numbers have gone down every game since the start of the season. 

Game Notes: Jonathan Taylor had his second straight 100-yard game and found the end zone two times. Taylor rushed 23 times for 110 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught a pass for 25 yards.

Rome Odunze had his first 100-yard game as a pro. Odunze had six receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown.

Panthers 36, Raiders 22

Fantasy Stud: Andy Dalton. Dalton gave the Panthers offense a huge spark, playing a great game in his first start of the season. He was 26-of-37 for 319 yards and three touchdowns without a turnover. Dalton was about perfect, leading the offense to a ton of yards and points. He is going to keep starting as long as he keeps playing like this. 

Fantasy Dud: Davante Adams. There were a lot of Raiders duds, but we’ll give it to Adams. He was held in check by a defense that has been pretty bad all season. Adams caught four passes for 40 yards. This was the first time all season he failed to hit double-digit fantasy points in a game.

Game Notes: Like many Panthers, Chuba Hubbard had his best game of the season. He ran 21 times for 114 yards and caught five passes for 55 yards and a touchdown. Hubbard had 169 total yards and a score.

Diontae Johnson sure enjoyed having Dalton as his quarterback. He had eight receptions for 122 yards. Johnson was targeted 14 times. He had just 12 targets in two games before this.

Seahawks 24, Dolphins 3

Fantasy Stud: Zach Charbonnet, Charbonnet had his showing in a starting role this season, rushing 18 times for 91 yards and two touchdowns. He also had three receptions for 16 yards, giving him 107 total yards. He is about a must start as long as Kenneth Walker is sidelined for the Seahawks.  

Fantasy Dud: Devon Achane. Achane was held in check after a huge game last week. He ran 11 times for just 30 yards. Achane caught three passes for 28 yards. He had just 8.8 fantasy points, which was his first game all season with fewer than 20 fantasy points.

Game Notes: Skylar Thompson was just alright in a starting role, going 13-of-19 for 107 yards without a touchdown or interception. He left the game early hurt because of a rib injury.

DK Metcalf enjoyed his second straight 100-yard game. He had four receptions for 104 yards and a touchdown on six targets.

Lions 20, Cardinals 13

Fantasy Stud: David Montgomery. Montgomery had his first 100-yard rushing game of the season. He had 23 carries for 106 yards and a touchdown. He has touchdowns all three games this season. Montgomery has at least 16 fantasy points every game

Fantasy Dud: Kyler Murray. Murray was not much of a help to fantasy teams this week, going 21-of-34 for 205 yards and a touchdown with an interception. He scored 17.75 fantasy points. He has fewer than 18 fantasy points two of three games this season. Murray looks a lot better this year but still hasn’t been awesome for fantasy teams just yet. 

Game Notes: Sam LaPorta had two receptions for 38 yards but suffered an ankle injury. He had to leave the game early. He tried to return but was unable to last long.

Marvin Harrison Jr. found the end zone for the second straight week. He had five receptions for 64 yards and a touchdown on 11 targets.

Rams 27, 49ers 24

Fantasy Stud: Jauan Jennings. Jennings had a career game, catching 11 passes for 175 yards and three touchdowns. He had a game-winning performance for all the fantasy teams that took a chance on him this week. As long as George Kittle and Deebo Samuel are out, Jennings had legit value for fantasy teams. 

Fantasy Dud: Demarcus Robinson. Many thought Robinson might be the guy the Rams lean on in the passing game with all their injuries. Well, that wasn’t the case this week. He had just a catch for 32 yards. It is going to be hard to trust any of these Rams receivers right now. It could be a different one that leads the way any given week. 

Game Notes: Kyren Williams provided much of the offense for the Rams in this one. He had 24 carries for 89 yards and two touchdowns. Williams also had two receptions for 27 yards and another touchdown, giving him three total scores.

Tutu Atwell was the leading receiver for the Rams. He had four receptions for 93 yards.

Ravens 28, Cowboys 25

Fantasy Stud: Derrick Henry. Henry had his best game as a Raven, rushing 25 times for 151 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught a pass for 23 yards, giving him 174 total yards. Henry scored 30.4 fantasy points. Henry has touchdowns all three games this season.
   

Fantasy Dud: Ezekiel Elliott. Elliott is proving to be a big-time touchdown-dependent fantasy player. He ran three times for six yards. Elliott has 19 carries for 62 yards on the season. The only week he reached double-digit fantasy points was Week 1, the only week he has scored this year.

Game Notes: CeeDee Lamb left the game with some sort of injury. He had four receptions for 67 yards before getting hurt.

Jake Ferguson led the way in the passing game, catching six passes for 95 yards. He returned from his knee injury and looked just fine.

Chiefs 22, Falcons 17

Fantasy Stud: Rashee Rice. If you haven’t figured it out, Rice is a legit No. 1 fantasy receiver. He just keeps getting it done every week, including this week. He had a monster game, finishing with 12 receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown. Rice scored a season-high 29.10 fantasy points. He has 17-plus fantasy points every game this season

Fantasy Dud: Travis Kelce. Kelce continues to do next to nothing for fantasy teams. He had four receptions for 30 yards, which were both season highs for him. For the season, Kelce has eight receptions for 69 yards on 12 targets. Kelce has been a huge bust for fantasy teams to date. There is time to get it going but his start is a concern.

Game Notes: Carson Steele got the most work in the Chiefs backfield. He had 17 carriers for 72 yards and caught a pass for two yards. Samaje Perine ran six times for 25 yards.

Darnell Mooney caught eight passes for 66 yards. He has 14-plus fantasy points two straight games and seems to be becoming a favorite target of Kirk Cousins.

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Player Notes
Austin Ekeler Sep 23 9:10pm CT
Austin Ekeler

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler (head) is uncertain to return to Monday's Week 3 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. The veteran back is currently being elevated for a concussion after hitting his head during the third quarter of Monday's game. It wouldn't be shocking to see the Commanders play it safe and hold out Ekeler for the rest of the game. Before exiting, Ekeler rushed three times for 35 yards with a touchdown on the ground. He also hauled in both his targets for 22 yards in the receiving game. His absence should mean more playing time for fellow back Brian Robinson Jr. during the second half of this game.

From RotoBaller

Dre Greenlaw Sep 23 8:50pm CT
Dre Greenlaw

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw (Achilles) is hopeful to get back on the field around mid-season, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. Greenlaw is still recovering from a torn Achilles that he suffered during the Super Bowl in February. The organization hasn't given a solid timetable on his return and said he's still a ways away. His return will be an immediate boost to this defensive unit, but until then De'Vondre Campbell figures to continue starting in his place.

From RotoBaller

Gardner Minshew II Sep 23 8:40pm CT
Gardner Minshew II

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II will remain the team's starter heading into the Week 4 matchup against the Cleveland Browns. There were some rumors going around that the Raiders would shake it up at QB after Aidan O'Connell was called upon to take over under center during Sunday's blowout loss to the Carolina Panthers. For now, the Raiders are sticking with Minshew, but head coach Antonio Pierce hinted that a change could be on the horizon. O'Connell looked decent as he completed 9-of-12 passing attempts for 82 yards and one touchdown in the fourth quarter of Sunday's game. Neither quarterback is going to be a viable fantasy option for managers right now.

From RotoBaller

Ventrell Miller Sep 23 8:20pm CT
Ventrell Miller

Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Foyesade Oluokun (foot) is currently considered questionable to return to Monday's Week 3 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. This is a tough break for the Jaguars who are already without multiple key defenders. First, defensive back Jarrian Jones (shoulder) left during the first drive of the game, now Oluokun exits during the first half as well. His absence will probably mean that Ventrell Miller or De'Antre Prince gets more time if he can't return. The Jaguars cannot afford to have anymore defensive injuries, so hopefully Jones and Oluokun can return during this game.

From RotoBaller

Christian Braswell Sep 23 8:10pm CT
Christian Braswell

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive back Jarrian Jones (shoulder) is considered as questionable to return to Monday's Week 3 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Jones was forced to exit during the first drive of the game due to a shoulder injury. The loss of Jones is a big hit with the Jaguars secondary already banged up. This secondary is already without Tyson Campbell, Andrew Wingard, Darnell Savage, and now possibly Jones. It's going to tough for the Jaguars to slow down Bills' quarterback Josh Allen with a handful of key defenders sidelined. Christian Braswell figures to see increased playing time with Jones sidelined.

From RotoBaller

Foyesade Oluokun Sep 23 7:53pm CT
Foyesade Oluokun

Jacksonville Jaguars LB Foyesade Oluokun (foot) suffered a foot injury during the Week 3 game and is considered questionable to return.

From TheHuddle

David Njoku Sep 23 7:43pm CT
David Njoku

Cleveland Browns TE David Njoku's (ankle) status for Week 4 is uncertain at this point, according to head coach Kevin Stefanski. Stefanski said the team will have a better idea later in the week.

Fantasy Spin: Fantasy players will need to monitor Njoku's practice participation during the week to see if he will be able to play against the Las Vegas Raiders. He is a big part of the passing game when healthy and can be a No. 1 tight end if he plays in Week 4.

From TheHuddle

Tank Dell Sep 23 7:20pm CT
Tank Dell

Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (ribs) was dealing with soreness on Monday after taking a hit to his ribs in the Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Dell isn't dealing with any structural damage, though, according to a league source. In addition to taking a hard hit to his ribs, Dell injured his hand/wrist late in the blowout loss to the Vikings. The 24-year-old could very well find himself on this week's injury report, but none of his injuries seem to be serious enough to keep him from playing in Week 4 versus the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars. Despite the injuries on Sunday, Dell had his best game of the year, catching five of six targets for 62 yards after going for four catches for just 37 receiving yards in the first two weeks of 2024. Dell proved last year that he has high-end playmaking ability, but so far this year, he's been more bust than boom while sharing targets with Stefon Diggs and Nico Collins.

From RotoBaller

Najee Harris Sep 23 7:10pm CT
Najee Harris

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (arm) suffered an apparent right-arm injury in the team's Week 3 win over the visiting Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday and was seen in the locker room on Monday with his right elbow in a sling. Harris wasn't removed from the game early, but Cordarrelle Patterson saw increased usage late in the contest against the Chargers with Harris ailing. Harris' final carry of the game went for a game-high 21 yards, and he finished with 18 carries for 70 yards and no touchdowns, adding a season-high five catches for 16 yards. It's something to watch going into Week 4 against the Indianapolis Colts, but it doesn't appear that Harris' injury is very serious. The 26-year-old has 55 carries for 209 yards and seven catches for 30 yards through the first three games, and he could see more touches if Jaylen Warren (knee) ends up missing time.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Warren Sep 23 7:10pm CT
Jaylen Warren

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (knee) was set to undergo an MRI exam on his knee on Monday. Warren was apparently injured in the team's Week 3 win over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, but the severity of his injury is unknown at the time. Najee Harris (arm) was also banged up on Sunday and was seen with his right arm in a sling on Monday. Harris' injury doesn't appear to be too serious, but the two RBs injuries help explain why Cordarrelle Patterson got some late-game run against the Chargers. Warren had only three carries for five yards and caught his only target for a four-yard loss before leaving. After serving as a solid RB3/flex for most of last year for fantasy managers, Warren has been unplayable in fantasy lineups through three weeks in 2024 with only 14 carries for 54 yards while catching five passes for 28 yards.

From RotoBaller

Justin Herbert Sep 23 7:00pm CT
Justin Herbert

Los Angeles Chargers stellar rookie offensive tackle Joe Alt (knee) suffered an MCL sprain in the Week 3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steeler on Sunday and is expected to miss time, according to sources. The good news is Alt isn't expected to need surgery on his knee. In addition to Alt being injured, left tackle Rashawn Slater (pectoral) strained his pectoral muscle against Pittsburgh, and quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle) aggravated his high-ankle sprain. The Chargers have their bye in Week 5, so there's a good chance Alt won't be out there for a big divisional clash against the Kansas City Chiefs this weekend. If Slater also sits out this Sunday, the Chiefs defense could have their way with LA's offensive line. We'll have a better idea of whether the 21-year-old Alt is able to play based on his practice status later this week.

From RotoBaller

Derwin James Sep 23 6:50pm CT
Derwin James

The NFL suspended Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. for one game on Monday for repeated violations of playing rules intended to protect the health and safety of players, including during the Week 3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. It's not ideal in any situation for the Bolts defense to lose one of their best playmakers, but it comes at an inopportune time with the team facing the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4. However, the 28-year-old defensive back is expected to appeal the ruling. If the suspension holds up, James won't be able to return to action until Oct. 13 versus the division-rival Denver Broncos following LA's Week 5 bye. Fantasy managers must have a backup plan in place for their starting DB spot this week if James' suspension holds up. The three-time Pro Bowler has 21 tackles (15 solo) already through three games while also recording a sack.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Reagor Sep 23 6:50pm CT
Jalen Reagor

The Los Angeles Chargers signed free-agent wide receiver Jalen Reagor to their practice squad on Monday, according to a source. The Chargers are adding some depth at the receiver position with DJ Chark (hip) currently on Injured Reserve and after Joshua Palmer (calf, elbow) missed the Week 3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Reagor, a former first-round pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2020 out of TCU, has not lived up to his draft stock in the NFL and failed to catch on with the New England Patriots out of training camp after catching only seven passes for 138 yards and no touchdowns in 11 games for the Pats in 2023. Even if Reagor joins the active roster for the Week 4 contest against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs, he won't be a realistic fantasy option in his first game with LA. For now, he'll be WR depth behind Quentin Johnston and rookies Ladd McConkey and Brenden Rice.

From RotoBaller

Sterling Shepard Sep 23 6:43pm CT
Sterling Shepard

Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Sterling Shepard reverted back to the practice squad Monday, Sept. 23, after being on the active roster for the Week 3 game.

From TheHuddle

George Kittle Sep 23 6:30pm CT
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said the team hopes to get tight end George Kittle (hamstring) back at practice this week. Kittle tweaked his hamstring at practice last week and was forced to sit out of the team's Week 3 loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. We'll have a better idea of the 30-year-old's status for a Week 4 tilt against the New England Patriots once the Niners resume practicing on Wednesday, but as of right now, it sounds as though he has a realistic shot to play this weekend if he can get on the practice field. It would be great news for a team hit hard by injuries to key players early in 2024. Running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles, calf) is on IR and receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (calf) could miss more time. Kittle will be a must-start TE1 in fantasy if he's able to return against the Pats.

From RotoBaller

Trenton Irwin Sep 23 6:30pm CT
Trenton Irwin

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Trenton Irwin is inactive as a healthy scratch in Week 3 on Monday night against the visiting Washington Commanders. Irwin becomes the odd man out in Cincy's receiving corps with Tee Higgins (hamstring) making his 2024 debut. In the first two weeks of the season in losses to the New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs, Irwin caught just two of his eight targets for 11 yards, so he really wasn't on the fantasy radar to begin with. With Higgins back in the fold, quarterback Joe Burrow's fantasy upside as a QB1 will go up, although it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Bengals ease Higgins into a full workload in terms of offensive snaps. Ja'Marr Chase, Higgins and Andrei Iosivas figure to start in three-receiver sets moving forward, with rookie Jermaine Burton, Charlie Jones and Irwin serving as depth.

From RotoBaller

Allen Robinson Sep 23 6:23pm CT
Allen Robinson

Detroit Lions WR Tim Patrick and WR Allen Robinson reverted back to the practice squad Monday, Sept. 23, after being on the active roster for the Week 3 game.

From TheHuddle

Christian McCaffrey Sep 23 6:20pm CT
Christian McCaffrey

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles, calf) traveled to Germany over the weekend to visit with a specialist, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. McCaffrey is expected to spend a few days in Europe this week to get help for his injured Achilles. CMC injured his Achilles/calf in training camp back in August and was placed on Injured Reserve, meaning he cannot return until at least Week 6 against the Seattle Seahawks. However, there's a good chance the 28-year-old All-Pro will be out beyond that, depending on how quickly he recovers over the next several weeks. Fantasy managers obviously need to continue stashing last year's rushing champion in an IR spot while hoping for a speedy recovery. With the Niners' offense banged up, RB Jordan Mason will continue to be heavily involved and will be a weekly RB1 for fantasy managers until McCaffrey comes off IR.

From RotoBaller

Javon Hargrave Sep 23 6:20pm CT
Javon Hargrave

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said that defensive tackle Javon Hargrave (triceps) needs surgery and there's a chance he could return if the 49ers make a deep playoff run. Hargrave suffered a partially torn triceps in the Week 3 loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Rams on Sunday and will most likely miss all of the rest of the season. The 49ers continue to be dealt blow after injury blow in the early going, with Hargrave the latest to fall. It's a big loss for the Niners' defense moving forward, as Hargrave made his second Pro Bowl in 2023, when he picked up 44 tackles (25 solo), seven sacks, eight tackles for loss and 14 QB hits in 16 regular-season games. Hargrave had three tackles and his first sack of the season in the loss to the Rams in Week 3. The 31-year-old can now be safely dropped if he was being stashed in deep IDP leagues.

From RotoBaller

Christian McCaffrey Sep 23 6:13pm CT
Christian McCaffrey

San Francisco 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey (Achilles, calf) is scheduled to meet with a specialist in Germany to have his Achilles injury examined.

Fantasy Spin: McCaffrey is currently on the Reserve/Injured list because of the injuries and does not have a timetable for his return. Fantasy players should keep an eye on the situation to see if he receives a timetable after the visit. Jordan Mason will continue to be the starter while McCaffrey is sidelined and should be a weekly starting fantasy option.

From TheHuddle