NFL injuries continue to wreak havoc on fantasy football rosters – what should you do next? (Video)

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Injuries – they are a harsh reality of the games we consume. Here are the latest stars to miss Week 2.

AJ Brown (hamstring): He did not play on Monday and is expected to miss several weeks. DeVonta Smith was clearly the alpha in the loss to Atlanta.

Cooper Kupp (ankle): Will miss several weeks and an IR trip is a possibility. The Rams offense has been riddled with injuries, especially Kupp, Puka Nacua (knee) and the entire line. It’s your move, Sean McVay.

Isiah Pacheco (foot): Fractured his fibula in the dramatic win against Cincinnati and is expected to miss 6-8 weeks. As usual with long term injuries, I tend to focus on the long side of the program. Carson Steele and Samaje Perine are the remaining notables from Kansas City, and Kareem Hunt is expected to meet with the team on Tuesday.

Deebo Samuel (calf): Expected to miss several games after getting hurt in Minnesota. Jauan Jennings is the likely beneficiary of playing time.

Amon-Ra St. Brown (leg): The Lions are downplaying the injury, so we might see the Sun God play against Arizona in Week 3.

Justin Jefferson (quadriceps): The Vikings don’t seem too concerned after he was hurt against the 49ers.

(leg) of Justin Herbert: X-rays on the QB’s right leg came back negative, so he could be available for the Week 3 matchup against the undefeated Steelers.

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What to do next?

‌To be a winning fantasy manager, it is essential to audit the waiver wire every week. Here’s a shopping list to get you started. 🛒

Running Backs

It’s a choose your own adventure situation in Kansas City where beginners Carson Steele (5% listed in Yahoo leagues) and veteran pass rusher Samaje Perine (6%) are ready to be added. Steele is probably the best volume option, though it’s possible the Chiefs could add another notable player. Kareem Hunt (2%) meets with the team on Tuesday.

Braelon Allen (10%) looked electric in a secondary role for the Jets on Sunday (56 total yards, two touchdowns) and, at the very least, is must-have insurance for managers Breece Hall. Allen is the youngest player in the league, but the game doesn’t seem too fast for him.

Ty Chandler (29%) has 21 touches through two weeks, and it should be noted that he’s playing behind Aaron Jones, a 29-year-old veteran. Chandler averaged 8.2 yards per carry against the 49ers on 10 attempts.

Bucky Irving (34%) wasn’t special in the Detroit win (7-24-0 rushing), but Rachaad White has been slow so far in 2024.

Rico Dowdle (40%) had more touches and opportunities than Zeke Elliott in Week 2. Of course, Deuce Vaughn stole five opportunities as well.

Anthony Gibson (16%) is a secondary quarterback for the Patriots, but looked good against Seattle (12 touches, 103 yards).

Wide receivers

Darnell Mooney (16%) runs routes on all of Atlanta’s passing spots and was a star downfield Monday at Philadelphia.

Quentin Johnston (8%) had five catches and a pair of touchdowns against the Panthers; maybe it’s time to check the post-hype sleeper box.

The Indianapolis lobby will eventually get busier when Josh Downs (ankle injury) is coming back, but Alec Pierce (29%) started fast (8-181-2).

Someone has to catch the ball for the Rams with their star receivers injured. Demarcus Robinson (42%) is the best estimate, with Tyler Johnson (11%) and Jordan Whittington (2%) deeper league considerations.

Tight ends

Mike Gesicki (5%) just missed a touchdown in Week 1, then had seven catches in the loss at Kansas City. He’s already comfortable with Joe Burrow.

Henry the Hunter (25%) could easily lead the Patriots in catches and yards if you dare invest in that button passing game.

As long as Kliff Kingsbury is around, he’ll try to get there Zach Ertz (8%) about 3-5 catches per week. You’ll have to wait, Ben Sinnott.

Quarterbacks

In shallow and mid-range leagues, you can pick up a proven veteran quarterback well. Geno Smith, Derek Carr and Sam Darnold are all available in at least two-thirds of Yahoo leagues.

If you are looking deeper into Superflex formats, Gardner Minshew (5%) was slightly better than expected through two weeks (having super rookie TE Brock Bowers certainly helps) and Andy Dalton (0%) at least one start against the Raiders.