As fantasy managers finalize their Week 2 lineups, injury news continues to change and shift lineups and teams. Here’s the most recent status of critical contributors through the weekend’s early WR, TE, and QB news.
Evan Engram (TE, Denver Broncos)
Engram left Week 1 early because of an injury to his calf and is a game-time decision in Week 2. The Denver Post’s Luca Evans reported that the Broncos are likely to be conservative with Engram this week.
George Kittle (TE, San Francisco 49ers)
Kittle has been placed on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury that he suffered in Week 1. Expect him to miss a minimum of three to four weeks before he was considered to start playing again. Luke Farrell will look to fill Kittle’s gap and is considered a viable replacement.
Brock Bowers (TE, Las Vegas Raiders)
The emerging star for Las Vegas left his Week 1 game with a knee injury. His position is day-by-day, though fantasy managers ought to research streaming options until his case is resolved. (SBNation), (FantasyPros)
Xavier Worthy (WR, Kansas City Chiefs)
In Week 1, Worthy experienced a shoulder dislocation after a collision with teammate Travis Kelce. The amount of time he will be out is still unknown, but it seems like Worthy will not get surgery and wear a brace according to NFL’s Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Drake London (WR, Atlanta Falcons)
After being listed as questionable after Sunday’s loss vs Tampa Bay, Drake London is back in action for Michael Penix Jr. led Falcons. The standout WR was listed as active and will be available vs the Minnesota Vikings.
Jauan Jennings (WR, San Francisco 49ers)
Jennings should be ready for Week 2 and is currently listed as day-to-day. Great news for fantasy owners after ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that he “avoided any significant shoulder injury”.
Matthew Golden (WR, Green Bay Packers)
The high-flying rookie out of Texas, Golden was listed as limited during practice on Monday, according to Rotowire. He joined Jayden Reed (DNP), and Dontayvion Wicks (DNP) as fellow rookie Savion Williams was given the green light to fully return to practice.
Brock Purdy (QB, San Francisco 49ers)
While Brock Purdy’s official status for the 49ers’ Week 2 matchup vs New Orleans is yet to be disclosed, head coach Kyle Shanahan indicated the quarterback suffered toe as well as a shoulder injury during their win vs Seattle. Purdy will be monitored by the team throughout the week and a decision on his availability is not expected until Sunday, per Rotowire.
Joe Mixon (RB, Houston Texans)
Another starter that hasn’t been heard of since the start of the season, Joe Mixon was placed on the IR by Houston following a preseason injury. While Mixon is set to miss the first four games, CJ Stroud and Co. still don’t have a definite return date for their RB1, according to ESPN.
Will Shipley (RB, Philadelphia Eagles)
The Eagles traded for Jaguars RB1 Tank Bigsby in a surprising move on Tuesday (September 10) and that might be an indication that Shipley, who assumed RB2 duties behind Saquon Barkley, might be out for an extended period of time. The former Clemson standout missed practice on Wednesday.
Tyjae Spears (RB, Tennessee Titans)
Spears, RB1 for the Tennessee Titans, before going down with a preseason injury, is set to miss at least the first four games of the season. The former Texas standout was reportedly moving on to wearing a walking boot recently, however the Titans will be awaiting his full recovery before he joins Cam Ward in the struggling offense.
Hunter Renfrow (TE, Carolina Panthers)
Coming off of a quiet debut versus the Jacksonville Jaguars with just two catches, Renfrow was put on the injury report for a rib injury. Renfrow was limited in practice as of Wednesday and his status for Sunday’s matchup vs the Arizona Cardinals is still not disclosed.
Roschon Johnson (RB, Chicago Bears)
Johnson was listed as limited on Wednesday’s injury report for the commanders, however, the former Texas tailback is probable to take limited snaps when Caleb Williams and the Bears return to action vs the Detroit Lions.
Christian Watson (WR, Green Bay Packers)
The Green Bay Packers extended Christian Watson’s contract with a two-year deal that will keep him in Lambeau for through 2026. However, Watson is still recovering from an ACL injury and will be out of action for the first six weeks of the season at least, per ESPN.
Darren Waller (TE, Miami Dolphins)
Darren Waller missed Miami’s training camp with an injury, and was then added to the Dolphins’ Injury Report for Week 1. There are no further signs of him starting for Week 2 and his status remains out as of Wednesday, per NBC.
Jayden Reed (WR, Green Bay Packers)
Green Bay standout Jayden Reed suffered a broken collarbone in the Packers’ 27-18 win vs Washington. Reed has been placed on the IR and is expected to miss at least 6-8 weeks, per Ian Rapoport. Reed joins Christian Watson on the Packers’ IR, however, HC Matt LeFleur has relayed hope that they expect both stars back this season.
Austin Ekeler (RB, Washington Commanders)
Joining a long list of injured stars in the aftermath of Washington’s TNF trip to Lambeau Field is RB Austin Ekeler. Ekeler is believed to have torn his ACL, per Ian Rapoport after a non-contact injury leading to him being carted off the field. There has been no official word on Ekeler’s return.
Bottom Line
In Week 2 fantasy lineups, the health of several star players will be vital to being successful. With injuries already starting to pile up after one week of football, it is likely viable to start hunting down waiver wire pickups. If one of your players is on this list this week, secure a backup to keep lineups in the very best shape they can be. A missing roster spot could be the difference between winning the championship and missing the playoffs.
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