Injury Status: Week 3

Thu Sep 22 11:24am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Before we get to the rest of the injury news, we wanted to give you a quick update on the status of Bucs receiver Mike Evans. So the NFL upheld his one-game suspension for his transgressions last week, meaning he will miss the Week 3 game. The Bucs will be awfully shorthanded at receiver once again, so plan accordingly. Now for the injury news of the week. . . . 

Michael Gallup, WR, Cowboys. Gallup is looking good to return to the lineup this week, barring a setback. He is returning from a torn ACL and is ramping up his activity in practice. He might be eased into action his first game back, so keep that in mind if you plan to play him. He could be a little hit or miss. 

Michael Pittman, WR, Colts. Pittman was a late scratch last week after hurting his quad in practice. He is back practicing this week, though, and seems on track to return to the lineup Week 3. He should be good to go, barring some late-week setback. And as long as he is playing, he is a top No. 1 receiver for fantasy teams.  

James Conner, RB, Cardinals. Conner is day-to-day because of a sprained ankle. He has a shot to play this week if he starts ramping up his work in practice. Don’t rule him out just yet but he is out of the practice to start the week. Keep an eye on the practice reports for the latest. If Conner can’t go, Eno Benjamin and Darrel Williams will likely split the work at running back for the Cardinals. 

Rondale Moore, WR, Cardinals. Moore is yet to play this season because of a hamstring injury. He is being called day-to-day for this week. He is iffy to play once again. We might just steer clear of Moore until he returns to action and plays a full game. 

Harrison Butker, K, Chiefs. Butker missed last week because of a sprained ankle and is out of practice to start this week. Butker is up in the air for Week 3. We would just plan on other options. Matt Ammendola would get another start for the Chiefs if Butker is forced to sit once again. 

Alvin Kamara, RB, Saints. Kamara missed the game last week because of a rib injury. He has been limited in practice to start the week. The good news is he is doing some stuff in practice and is trending towards a return. He should be considered questionable to play, but we like his chances right now.  

Jakobi Meyers, WR, Patriots. Meyers suffered some sort of knee injury and had to undergo tests Wednesday, which revealed favorable news. He is dealing with something minor but his status is still in question for the week. He will need to get in some practice before the week is out. Keep an eye on the player notes for the latest. If he plays, Meyers is a solid fantasy start in a favorable matchup. 

Justin Herbert, QB, Chargers. Herbert got beat up in his last game, suffering a rib injury. He is sore and practicing on a limited basis. He is being called day-to-day by the Chargers. It is good to see him practicing some, though. We would expect him to play this week. He might be sore, but it would be a surprise to see him sit the game out. 

Keenan Allen, WR, Chargers. Allen is doing some work in practice on the side. His hamstring is improving some. He still seems likely to miss another week of action, but don’t rule him out just yet. We should have a better idea on his status before the week is out.  

Gabe Davis, WR, Bills. Davis hurt his ankle late in practice last week, but he is practicing some to start the week. His sprained ankle is doing better. He seems on track to play. It is a great sign that he is already practicing this early in the week. 

D'Andre Swift, RB, Lions. Swift played last week on his sprained ankle but was limited to seven touches. He still made some big plays with his limited workload. He claims to be feeling much better this week on his sprained ankle. This is a good sign for Swift to get a bigger workload in Week 3. His health is trending up. 

Chris Godwin, WR, Bucs. Godwin remains out of practice because of a hamstring injury. He has not played since Week 1 and is expected to miss another week of action. He still seems a few weeks away from playing. 

Julio Jones, WR, Bucs. Jones is another Bucs receiver that remains out of practice. He has a knee injury and is not looking great to play once again this week. We would expect him to miss the Week 3 game, barring a big turnaround late in the week.  

Jerry Jeudy, WR, Broncos. Jeudy had to leave the game early last week after hurting his ribs and shoulder. He is out of practice right now. He seemed to avoid something serious, but is not a sure thing to play this week. He should be considered questionable right now, looking like a game-time decision. 

George Kittle, TE, 49ers. Kittle was close to a return last week, so the chances of him playing this week look pretty good. He has been limited in practice to start the week. His groin injury is getting better and the team is optimistic he will play Week 3. 

Dawson Knox, TE, Bills. Knox has popped up on the injury report because of a foot injury. He was unable to practice Wednesday, making him questionable to play this week. We would not rule him out by any means because the Bills played Monday night, so Knox is on short rest. He could be resting as much as anything. Make sure he gets in some practice before the weekend. If that happens, expect Knox to play. 

Devin Duvernay, WR, Ravens. Duvernay suffered a concussion last week and was forced from the game. He is out of practice to start the week and will need to clear concussion protocol to be able to play. At this point, it isn’t looking great for Duvernay to play. 

J.K. Dobbins, RB, Ravens. Dobbins practiced in full last week but was still held out of the game as he tries to recover from his torn ACL. He is practicing full once again this week. We would expect him to make his season debut Week 3, but we aren’t sure his workload in his first game back. He will be a hard player for fantasy teams to trust. 

Hunter Renfrow, WR, Raiders. Renfrow suffered a concussion on the last play of last week’s game. He is out of practice to start the week and needs to clear concussion protocol before he is allowed to play. We wouldn’t rule him out just yet, but get other options ready. It isn’t looking great for Renfrow right now.  

Alec Pierce, WR, Colts. Pierce missed the game last week because of a concussion, but he is right on track to make his return in Week 3. He is practicing already to start the week. Unless he has some sort of setback in the next day or two, expect Pierce to return to his role in the starting lineup in Week 3.  

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.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

First TFC Review

Player Notes
Jim Harbaugh Apr 24 4:00pm CT
Jim Harbaugh

The Los Angeles Chargers are set to undergo a rebuilding phase following the hiring of head coach Jim Harbaugh and the departures of longtime offensive weapons Austin Ekeler, Keenan Allen, and Mike Williams. L.A. has been rumored to be a top landing spot for Ohio State wideout Marvin Harrison or LSU wideout Malik Nabers, but Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report suggests they are likely to pick an offensive tackle if they stay at pick No. 5. Notre Dame's Joe Alt is expected to be the first player at the position off the board. Alt has been mocked to the Tennessee Titans at pick No. 7 for much of the offseason, so the Chargers picking the 2023 first-team All-American would shake things up drastically. The Chargers have a lot of options with teams potentially trying to move up for a quarterback, so they are one of the key teams to monitor in the first round on Thursday.

From RotoBaller

Drake Maye Apr 24 3:40pm CT
Drake Maye

The New York Giants are in an interesting predicament at the quarterback spot. The organization signed Daniel Jones (knee) to a four-year, $160 million deal last offseason, but he didn't play well in 2023, and he is coming off a torn ACL. There has been plenty of buzz surrounding New York selecting a quarterback in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, but Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports that they could pass on a quarterback if North Carolina's Drake Maye isn't available at pick No. 6. "Most teams believe if Maye is off the board, the Giants' most likely scenario is to go wide receiver to land a player who can help an offense that was last in the league in yards after the catch in 2023," Russini wrote. If the reports are true, look for New York to target LSU's Malik Nabers in that draft slot. That said, Washington's Rome Odunze is likely in consideration as well.

From RotoBaller

Michael Penix Jr. Apr 24 3:30pm CT
Michael Penix Jr.

University of Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has seemingly been rising draft boards this offseason, and NFL insider Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports that he could enter the discussion to be one of the first four quarterbacks off the board. "It's been assumed the top four QBs are Williams, Daniels, Maye, and McCarthy," Russini wrote "But don't be surprised if Penix enters the discussion come Thursday." Penix, who will be 24 years old during his rookie season, had a monster two-year stretch with Washington after four injury-riddled campaigns at Indiana. In 2022 and 2023, combined, the lefty posted 9,544 passing yards, 67 passing touchdowns, and 67 interceptions. He ran between a 4.51 and 4.57 forty-yard dash at the Huskies' Pro Day, so his 226 career rushing yards might not demonstrate his full rushing ability.

From RotoBaller

Jared Goff Apr 24 3:20pm CT
Jared Goff

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff had a monster 2023 season, throwing for 4,575 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He led Detroit to the No. 3 seed in the NFC and the organization won two playoff games in a single postseason for the first time since 1957. On Wednesday, the team signed Pro Bowl wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and offensive tackle Penei Sewell to high-dollar four-year contract extensions, but Goff is reportedly not close to agreeing to a new long-term deal. According to Adam Schefter, no new deal is "imminent" as of now. This will be an interesting development to watch play out, as the former Los Angeles Rams No. 1 overall pick is entering the final year of his contract in the Motor City and could become a free agent next offseason.

From RotoBaller

Amon-Ra St. Brown Apr 24 3:13pm CT
Amon-Ra St. Brown

Dynasty | The Lions have signed wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown to a contract extension. Dynasty Analysis: The contract is basically a four-year, $120 million extension with $77 million guaranteed, the most ever for a wide receiver in NFL history. It's a huge haul for St. Brown, who has quickly established himself as one of the best players in the NFL. After his 119/1,515/10 season last year, the Lions were going to either pay him or risk losing him after his rookie deal expired. They've clearly chosen to build around him and he should be firmly cemented as a WR1 in dynasty moving forward. St. Brown is an easy target for any team looking for a premier centerpiece to their dynasty team as the best could truly be yet to come.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Russell Wilson Apr 24 3:13pm CT
Russell Wilson

Dynasty | The Steelers are not expected to pick up the fifth-year option on the contract of Justin Fields. Dynasty Analysis: This isn't much of a surprise as the Steelers would be on the hook for $25 million in his fifth year and don't even know if they want him as their long-term starter at this point. Pittsburgh is likely going to go into the season with Russell Wilson as their starter but also quietly evaluating Fields to be a possible successor. We'll see what happens but Fields looks like a player who could be a sneaky buy in the next few months leading up to the season as his ADP has tanked.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Justin Jefferson Apr 24 3:13pm CT
Justin Jefferson

Dynasty | The Bengals are picking up the fifth year option on the contract of Ja'Marr Chase. Dynasty Analysis: Consider this a placeholder as Cincinnati now needs to prepare to make Chase the highest paid receiver in the league. Amon-Ra St. Brown has set the market with a four-year, $120 million extension ($77 million guaranteed), so the Bengals are going to need to assemble a few armored cars here soon. Chase and Justin Jefferson should both be set to sign historic deals and while the option being picked up buys the Bengals one more season, dynasty managers shouldn't worry about him hitting free agency any time soon. Chase remains a bona fide candidate for the top overall selection in dynasty leagues.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

J.J. McCarthy Apr 24 2:00pm CT
J.J. McCarthy

Former Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning recently talked with Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy and said the Broncos are interested in him with the 2024 NFL draft beginning on Thursday night. "I know Denver is very interested in him and it sounded like a place he'd love to come to but it's a little bit out of his control," Manning told Denver Sports over the air. McCarthy played in a pro-style offense at Michigan and led the Wolverines to the national championship earlier this year. He wasn't allowed to throw the ball that much in college, but he really impressed at his pro day and has been rising up draft boards ever since. McCarthy is a candidate to go in the first five picks on Thursday night, although it seems unlikely that Denver has the ammunition to pull off a trade up into the top five this year to select McCarthy, especially after trading for Zach Wilson on Tuesday.

From RotoBaller

Amon-Ra St. Brown Apr 24 1:40pm CT
Amon-Ra St. Brown

Detroit Lions All-Pro offensive tackle Penei Sewell agreed to terms on a four-year, $112 million contract extension with the Lions on Wednesday that makes him the highest-paid offensive lineman in the NFL. The deal also includes $85 million guaranteed. The Lions were active in keeping several key contributors of their offense around for the long term, as they also gave receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown a four-year extension that makes him the highest-paid wideout in the league for the time being. Sewell, who was drafted seventh overall in 2021 out of Oregon, has made the Pro Bowl each of the last two years and was a first-time All-Pro in 2023. The 23-year-old has been a big reason for the Lions' resurgence in the last two years.

From RotoBaller

Xavien Howard Apr 24 1:40pm CT
Xavien Howard

Free-agent cornerback Xavien Howard (foot) was fully cleared for football activities earlier in April, his doctor informed teams in a letter. Howard is currently a free agent and battled a foot injury last year that limited him to 13 games with the Miami Dolphins. In those 13 games, he had 45 tackles (36 solo), an interception and 12 passes defended. Now that the 30-year-old defensive back appears to be fully healthy, he should be able to sign with another team in advance of the 2024 season this fall. The four-time Pro Bowler was a second-round pick by the Dolphins in 2016 out of Baylor and has a total of 331 tackles (258 solo), two sacks, eight tackles for loss, 29 interceptions (two returned for touchdowns), 95 passes defended, four forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries (two returned for TDs) in his eight years in Miami.

From RotoBaller

Alex Highsmith Apr 24 1:30pm CT
Alex Highsmith

The Pittsburgh Steelers did a simple restructure of the salary of pass-rusher Alex Highsmith's contract on Wednesday to create more than $7 million in salary cap space, according to a source. The Steelers will convert a portion of Highsmith's base salary in 2024 into a signing bonus. The 26-year-old former third-round pick in 2020 out of Charlotte has put up 21.5 sacks in the last two years and had 57 tackles (34 solo), seven sacks, eight tackles for loss, 18 QB hits, two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown) and two forced fumbles in 17 regular-season starts in 2023 in his fourth year in the league. Along with All-Pro pass-rusher T.J. Watt, Highsmith is a key member of the Steelers' defense moving forward.

From RotoBaller

Rashod Bateman Apr 24 1:20pm CT
Rashod Bateman

The Baltimore Ravens signed wide receiver Rashod Bateman to an undisclosed contract extension on Wednesday that ties him to the team through the 2026 season. Bateman was able to stay healthy in 2023, but he was overshadowed by rookie first-rounder Zay Flowers and finished with a disappointing 32 catches for 367 yards and just one touchdown on 56 targets in 16 regular-season games (12 starts) in his third year in the league. The 24-year-old former 27th overall pick in 2021 out of Minnesota hasn't lived up to his first-round billing and has found the end zone just four times in three years. The Ravens continue to say that Bateman is going to have a bigger role in the passing attack in 2024, but fantasy managers will want to see it before they believe it.

From RotoBaller

Justin Fields Apr 24 1:20pm CT
Justin Fields

The Pittsburgh Steelers aren't expected to pick up quarterback Justin Fields' $25 million fifth-year option, according to league sources. The Steelers acquired Fields from the Chicago Bears last month for a conditional 2025 sixth-round pick. Fields and Russell Wilson will now both be entering the last year of their contracts in 2024. Wilson is fully expected to open the 2024 campaign as the starter under center for Pittsburgh, but if he falters, Fields will get a shot to prove that he belongs with the Steelers beyond this season. The 25-year-old showed some improvement late last year with Chicago, but it wasn't enough to keep him as the franchise signal-caller in the eyes of Bears brass. Fields' fantasy stock is obviously way down entering next season, but he could become a high-upside waiver-wire pickup if Wilson is benched.

From RotoBaller

Amon-Ra St. Brown Apr 24 1:10pm CT
Amon-Ra St. Brown

The Detroit Lions agreed to a four-year contract extension with wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown on Wednesday that is worth $120 million with $77 million guaranteed. The deal makes St. Brown the highest-paid receiver in the league and ties him with Miami's Tyreek Hill in average annual value ($30 million). The 24-year-old former fourth-round pick in 2021 out of USC has been an excellent value for Detroit. He's made the Pro Bowl in each of the last two seasons and put up career-highs in catches (119), targets (164), receiving yards (1,515) and touchdowns (10) in 16 regular-season games in his third year in the NFL in 2024. With Quarterback Jared Goff still peppering St. Brown with targets in 2024, he'll continue to serve as a high-end WR1 for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Ja'Marr Chase Apr 24 1:10pm CT
Ja'Marr Chase

The Cincinnati Bengals exercised the fifth-year option for wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase on Wednesday, as expected. Chase is now officially locked up through the 2025 season. The 24-year-old former fifth overall pick in 2021 out of LSU has made the Pro Bowl in each of his three seasons in the NFL and set a career-high with 100 catches on 145 targets for 1,216 yards and seven touchdowns in 16 games in 2023, despite the fact that quarterback Joe Burrow (wrist) missed considerable time with a season-ending injury. Chase's seven touchdowns in 2023 were a career-low, but he should bounce back in that department in 2024 as long as Burrow can stay healthy all year. Chase's fantasy arrow continues to point up and he should be considered a top-tier WR1.

From RotoBaller

Brandon Aiyuk Apr 23 4:00pm CT
Brandon Aiyuk

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has been in trade rumors ever since the team lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII. Although general manager John Lynch has seemingly tried to shut down trade rumors, NFL insider Michael Silver said a potential trade is still "very much in play." "To this point, the 49ers have asked for a 2024 first-round pick," Silver wrote. An executive for another team reportedly said the asking price is too high, while another league general manager said he believes the 49ers might ultimately accept a second-round selection. Aiyuk's camp is reportedly asking for an average salary of around $25 million, a price that San Francisco has been unwilling to offer. The 26-year-old could be a true No. 1 wide receiver for another organization, but the target competition on the 49ers roster has made it more difficult for him to be a consistent producer.

From RotoBaller

Sean Payton Apr 23 3:40pm CT
Sean Payton

The NFL announced on Tuesday that their review into potential tampering from the Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons is ongoing and will not conclude this week. That said, any potential punishments will come after the 2024 NFL Draft and will not affect this year's draft order. The Falcons are being investigated for allegedly making contact with quarterback Kirk Cousins before they were allowed to, while the Eagles are facing similar circumstances with running back Saquon Barkley. The Miami Dolphins lost their 2023 first-round pick over attempts to acquire quarterback Tom Brady and coach Sean Payton in 2019 while they were active members of other organizations. That said, Atlanta and Philadelphia could be handed similar punishments in future drafts if they are found to have engaged in illegal tampering.

From RotoBaller

Logan Woodside Apr 23 3:30pm CT
Logan Woodside

Free-agent quarterback Logan Woodside signed with the Cincinnati Bengals on Tuesday, the team announced on X. The former Toledo signal-caller was selected by the Bengals in the 2018 NFL Draft, but he was waived before his rookie season began. He then signed with the Tennessee Titans but lasted just a few weeks with the organization before spending time with the San Antonio Commanders of the AAF. He made his way back to the NFL with Tennessee for three and half years before one and a half years with the Atlanta Falcons. The 29-year-old has completed just four passes for 34 yards in his professional career, so it'd be a surprise if he beat out Jake Browning for the QB2 job behind Joe Burrow.

From RotoBaller

Patrick Surtain II Apr 23 3:20pm CT
Patrick Surtain II

The Denver Broncos have picked up the fifth-year option on Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Surtain II, meaning he will remain under contract through the 2025 NFL season. Since being selected by Denver with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft out of Alabama, Surtain has earned two trips to the Pro Bowl and one first-team All-Pro honor. In 50 career games, he has racked up 187 tackles (150 solo), one forced fumble, seven interceptions, and 36 pass deflections. The Broncos are in an interesting time for the organization with Sean Payton at the helm, and the roster needs major reinforcements. However, they have their true No. 1 cornerback locked in for at least the next two seasons.

From RotoBaller

Isaiah Rodgers Apr 23 2:00pm CT
Isaiah Rodgers

The NFL reinstated Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Isaiah Rodgers Sr. from his year-long suspension on Tuesday for violating the league's policy on gambling. Rodgers was with the Indianapolis Colts when he was suspended on June 29 but was released by the team later that day and signed with the Eagles in August. Rodgers said bets were made from his account for people who lived in Florida, where online sports betting at that time remained illegal. At the time of his suspension, Rodgers had placed more than 100 bets, including some on Colts' games. In his three seasons in Indy, Rodgers had three interceptions and 10 passes defensed while also playing on special teams as a kick and punt returner. The Eagles are hoping he can provide them with some secondary depth after their defense last year was highly disappointing.

From RotoBaller