Injury Status: Week 2

Wed Sep 16 9:26pm ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Yeah, we can stop with all the injuries. Holy cow. Not sure there has ever been a Week 1 with so many injuries. It was terrible. Hopefully, things cool down this coming week. In the meantime, below is what we are dealing with right now. Buckle up.

Here is the latest injury news heading into Week 2. Keep checking the player notes throughout the week for the latest updates.

Brock Bowers, TE, Raiders — Questionable

Bowers is out of practice to start the week but is not being ruled out just yet. He has a chance to return from his knee injury if he gets in some practice before the week is out. Don’t rule him out just yet. The Raiders are likely to be cautious with their star tight end, but if he is ready to play, he will be out there. Michael Mayer starts if Bowers is unable to play again.

Kyler Murray, QB, Vikings — Expected to sit

Murray was a surprising limited participant in practice this week. He suffered a scary concussion last week early in the game and did not return. The fact that he is practicing already is pretty remarkable. We would be shocked if he played, though. His return to the lineup could be sooner than expected, looking like a Week 3 return. Carson Wentz should get the start this week.

Jalen McMillan, WR, Bucs — Trending toward playing

McMillan practiced on a limited basis last week but was held out of the game because of a knee injury. He is following a similar pattern this week, working out on a limited basis. It would seem he is getting closer to a return, though, so don’t be surprised if he is able to make his season debut this week. McMillan was close to playing last week.

Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Falcons — Trending toward sitting

Tagovailoa was banged up late last week, hurting his oblique. He had to miss the Week 1 game. He is out of practice to begin the week and seems likely to miss another week of action. Cooper Rush or Michael Penix will get the start for the Falcons this week.

De'Zhaun Stribling, WR, 49ers — Out

Stribling underwent ankle surgery Wednesday and is expected to miss around 10 weeks. He might not be much of a help to fantasy teams at all this season, having a lost rookie year. It is a shame because big things were expected from him.

Chig Okonkwo, TE, Commanders — Trending toward sitting

Okonkwo had to leave last week’s game early because of a hamstring injury and is out of practice Wednesday. The injury is supposed to be fairly minor, but missing an entire practice is not a great sign. He is trending toward being held out this week, giving John Bates the start at tight end for the Commanders.

Zay Flowers, WR, Falcons — Questionable

Flowers was having a huge game in the opener before hurting his hamstring. He did not return after the half. He is beginning the week on the sidelines and is looking questionable to play right now. Unless he gets in some sort of practice before the week is out, Flowers is likely to miss Week 2. Keep an eye on the player notes for the latest.

TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Patriots — Trending toward playing

Henderson was held out last week because of his ankle injury. He is making progress and doing more in practice this week, getting in a full practice to start the week. He is looking like he will return to action this week for the Patriots, barring some sort of late-week setback.

Jalen Coker, WR, Panthers — Questionable

Coker had a huge Week 1 but also banged up his ankle. He left the stadium in a boot and was practicing off to the side Wednesday. He is no sure thing to play because of the injury. Coker claims the injury is very minor. Hopefully, he can ramp up his practice participation later in the week. If so, look for Coker to be ready for Week 2.

Jordan Mason, RB, Vikings — Out

Mason has a small fracture in his thumb. He is being placed on short-term Injured Reserve, which means he will miss at least the next four games. Aaron Jones should handle much of the work at running back for the Vikings with Mason out. Rookie Demond Claiborne could be in the mix for some work as well.

Ladd McConkey, WR, Chargers — Questionable

McConkey hurt his ribs last week, taking a huge hit. He is not practicing to open the week and is considered day-to-day. We aren’t ruling him out, but get other options ready. He is looking pretty iffy right now.

Ja'Kobi Lane, WR, Ravens — Out

Lane was placed on Injured Reserve after undergoing surgery Wednesday for his fractured wrist. He will now miss at least four games.

Sam Darnold, QB, Seahawks — Out

Darnold avoided serious injury but is dealing with a glute issue that is ruling him out for this week. He has not been placed on Injured Reserve, so there is hope Darnold could return in another week or two. Drew Lock will be the starter for the Seahawks while Darnold is out.

Michael Penix, QB, Falcons — Game-time decision

It was a bit of a surprise, but Penix split first-team reps with Cooper Rush on Wednesday. He is working his way back from a torn ACL. Penix seems to be making really good progress, and a possible return could happen. We should get an answer before the week is out. You can be sure the Falcons will do all they can to get him back after seeing Rush struggle last week in a starting role.

Alvin Kamara, RB, Saints — Expected to play

Kamara was close to playing last week but was held out. The Saints already announced he will make his season debut this week. His knee injury is much better. Kamara should serve as the No. 2 back for the Saints.

RJ Harvey, RB, Broncos — Trending toward sitting

Harvey apparently picked up a hamstring injury during last week’s game. He was held out of practice Wednesday. This is not a good sign for Harvey. Don’t rule him out yet, but get other options ready. It is not looking good for Harvey. J.K. Dobbins would start, with Jonah Coleman picking up more work in a backup role if Harvey has to miss the game.

Nico Collins, WR, Texans — Questionable

Collins is dealing with a hamstring injury. He was limited in practice Wednesday and apparently is going for more tests to determine the severity of the injury. It is a little worrisome at this point. We are facing some uncertainty with the injury. Hopefully, we get some more clarity in the coming days. Keep an eye on the player notes for the latest. We would get other options ready in the meantime.

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 jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

Injury Status: Week 2

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