Staying up to date on NFL injury news is of the utmost importance for fantasy football success. The article below tracks all fantasy-relevant players currently listed on their team’s injury report and provides fantasy managers with actionable recommendations as new information rolls in.
Check back for updates from Tuesday through Saturday.
👉 Don’t forget: Check out the Rotoworld player news feed for all the latest news, notes, and transactions around the league.
**UPDATED AS OF TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 AT 8 PM ET**
🏈 AFC East
◆ Buffalo Bills
Ty Johnson - RB (hamstring)
Johnson is questionable to play on Thursday night after remaining limited in practice all week.
Impact: The Bills tinkered with getting lead back James Cook additional opportunities on key passing situations in the first half of their Week 1 win over the Texans but ditched the idea in favor of practice squad call-up Frank Gore Jr. after the break, placing a sudden halt on the idea of Cook seeing additional opportunities on third down. It appears the team will move forward with a familiar role for their lead rusher, regardless of Johnson’s status in Week 2.
◆ Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins emerged from their Week 1 loss to the Raiders absent any fantasy-relevant injuries.
◆ New England Patriots
TreVeyon Henderson - RB (ankle)
Henderson is practicing in full for Week 2 against the Steelers.
Impact: Starting running back Rhamondre Stevenson remains a reliable RB2 even with Henderson back in the lineup. Henderson can be treated as a volatile FLEX in his first game back.
A.J. Brown - WR (ankle)
The Patriots placed Brown on injured reserve with a high-ankle sprain.
Impact: Brown was diagnosed with the dreaded high-ankle sprain and will now be forced to miss the next four games while on injured reserve, with the soonest he can return being in Week 6 when the Patriots host the Jets. Reports surfaced Monday stating that Brown will not require surgery. Mack Hollins stands to benefit in snap rate and route participation rate in his absence, although it was slot-man DeMario Douglas who led the team in route rate in their Week 1 loss to the Seahawks. There is a small possibility second-year receiver Kyle Williams is allowed to grow into the offense as a deep threat with a long week of practice before the Patriots take the field following their opening day loss to the Seahawks on Wednesday.
◆ New York Jets
Omar Cooper - WR (ankle)
Cooper is considered week-to-week after suffering a high-ankle sprain in Week 1.
Impact: Cooper’s absence could afford rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq an opportunity to establish himself as a reliable contributor.
🏈 AFC North
◆ Baltimore Ravens
Zay Flowers - WR (hamstring)
Flowers was unable to finish the team’s Week 1 win over the Colts after aggravating his summer hamstring injury. He did not practice on Wednesday.
Impact: Reports on Monday indicated that Flowers’ injury was not considered serious and his departure from the team’s Week 1 win over the Colts was out of an abundance of caution. Fantasy managers will want to track his status in practice this week carefully after the veteran speedster put up 150 yards and a touchdown in the first half in Week 1.
Ja’Kobi Lane - WR (wrist)
Lane suffered a fractured wrist in the team’s Week 1 win over the Colts. He was placed on injured reserve after undergoing surgery.
Impact: The popular breakout candidate caught a touchdown that was called back due to a penalty before departing with a fractured wrist in Week 1, and will now miss significant time. Rashod Bateman ran a route on almost every Lamar Jackson dropback in Week 1 but failed to catch his lone target. It remains more likely that Zay Flowers, if healthy, and Mark Andrews continue to be the points of emphasis through the air. Keep an eye on rookie wide receiver Elijah Sarratt.
◆ Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow - QB (back tightness)
Burrow barely participated in practice on Wednesday.
Impact: Theoretically, none. Burrow scoffed at the idea of sitting out in Week 2, though a sore back could impact his throwing ability. As long as he is practicing fully by Friday, he should be good to go.
◆ Cleveland Browns
Dylan Sampson - RB (knee)
Sampson is expected to miss ‘significant time’ after suffering a knee injury in the team’s Week 1 loss to the Jaguars. He was placed on injured reserve in Week 2.
Impact: Veteran journeyman Reheim Sanders stepped into the vacated change-of-pace and passing-down role, which is noteworthy considering it wasn’t lead back Quinshon Judkins who saw his role grow. This backfield appears as close to a full stay-away as possible in fantasy circles, at least for as long as Deshaun Watson remains the starter under center.
◆ Pittsburgh Steelers
Michael Pittman - WR (foot)
Pittman appeared on Wednesday’s injury report as a limited participant.
Impact: This situation is murky. If Pittman suffered the injury in Week 1, then his limited Wednesday session is a positive. If he picked up the injury in practice on Wednesday, his availability is jeopardized. Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth could be the biggest beneficiary if Pittman sits out this week.
🏈 AFC South
◆ Houston Texans
Nico Collins - WR (hamstring)
Collins was limited on Wednesday.
Impact: This is concerning. Collins has a long history of hamstring strains. Texans wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson is a very inefficient player, but he will play often. Adding newcomer wide receiver Kayshon Boutte is a worthwhile move.
Tank Dell - WR (knee)
Dell will begin the season on injured reserve.
Impact: Dell will miss the first four games of the regular season, at minimum. Expect Jaylin Noel to serve as the primary slot receiver while newcomer Kayshon Boutte starts on the perimeter opposite Nico Collins, for the time being.
Jayden Higgins - WR (knee)
Higgins saw his 2026 season taken from him due to a torn ACL suffered in camp.
Impact: It’s a massive blow to a Texans team that was counting on Higgins taking another step forward in his Sophomore campaign. The team traded for Kayshon Boutte in the wake of the injury.
◆ Indianapolis Colts
Alec Pierce - WR (heel)
Pierce is practicing in full for Week 2.
Pierce was also checked for a wrist injury in Week 1, but appears to have made it through the game without an injury.
Impact: Pierce could take time to get up to full game-day speed, during which time it is likely to be Josh Downs who leads the team in weekly targets.
◆ Jacksonville Jaguars
LeQuint Allen Jr. - RB (hip)
Allen did not play in the team’s Week 1 win over the Browns. He begins Week 2 with a limited session.
Impact: Although running back Bhayshul Tuten could take on a little extra receiving work, Coen identified journeyman running back Ameer Abdullah as a potential replacement on passing downs and even complimented big-bodied running back Chris Rodriguez‘s pass protection abilities in the same press conference.
Brian Thomas Jr. - WR (shoulder)
Thomas Jr. departed the team’s Week 1 win over the Browns after aggravating a shoulder injury. He was then limited on Wednesday.
Impact: Head coach Liam Coen said Monday that he expects Thomas Jr. to play in Week 2 against the Broncos.
Jakobi Meyers - WR (thumb)
Meyers posted a 2/40/1 receiving line in Week 1. He was limited to begin Week 2.
Impact: Meyers should be good to go for Week 2.
◆ Tennessee Titans
The Titans emerged from their Week 1 loss to the Jets absent any fantasy-relevant injuries.
🏈 AFC West
◆ Denver Broncos
RJ Harvey - RB (hamstring)
Harvey did not practice on Wednesday.
Impact: Stashing rookie running back Jonah Coleman on fantasy football benches is prudent.
Marvim Mims - WR (foot)
Mims did not practice on Wednesday.
Impact: The boom-bust wide receiver remains a frustratingly volatile player. He is not worth rostering in 12-team leagues.
◆ Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs emerged from their Week 1 win over the Broncos absent any fantasy-relevant injuries.
◆ Las Vegas Raiders
Brock Bowers - TE (knee)
Bowers will reportedly miss “a game or two” after undergoing a meniscus trim on Tuesday. He did not play in Week 1. He sat out Week 2’s first practice. ESPN’s Dan Graziano believes that Bowers will be back by Week 4.
Impact: Despite Kubiak’s optimistic comments this week, we wouldn’t be shocked to see Bowers miss more than a couple of games to start the season, even with the team labeling him as “day-to-day” on Monday. Raiders No. 2 TE Michael Mayer is a TE1 for as long as Bowers remains sidelined.
◆ Los Angeles Chargers
Ladd McConkey - WR (ribs)
McConkey was unable to finish the team’s Week 1 loss to the Cardinals with what is being labeled as a ribs injury. Head coach John Harbaugh labeled the veteran receiver “day-to-day” on Monday. He did not practice on Wednesday, and the team signed wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling on Tuesday.
Impact: McConkey should be considered questionable to play in Week 2 against the Raiders. Wide receivers Tre’ Harris and Quentin Johnston would benefit if he sits.
🏈 NFC East
◆ Dallas Cowboys
Malik Davis - RB (hip)
Davis was placed on injured reserve and will miss the remainder of the 2026 season.
Impact: The Cowboys released both Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah at roster cuts and now have only Emari Demercado on the active roster behind starter Javonte Williams. Expect Israel Abanikanda to be elevated to the active roster from the practice squad for Week 2, while Williams appears likely to see all the work he can handle against the Commanders. Williams is a locked-in RB1 in Week 2.
◆ New York Giants
The Giants have no injury updates entering Week 2.
◆ Philadelphia Eagles
Eli Stowers - TE (hamstring/quad)
The Eagles placed Stowers on injured reserve.
Impact: Stowers appears unlikely to have a meaningful role in the offense during his rookie season.
◆ Washington Commanders
Chig Okonkwo - TE (hamstring)
Okonkwo was unable to finish the team’s Week 1 loss to the Eagles. Head coach Dan Quinn did not have an update on his injury on Monday. Okonkwo did not practice on Wednesday.
Impact: Okonkwo’s absence could lead to additional 11-personnel, which raises the weekly floor and ceiling of talented rookie wide receiver Antonio Williams. Consider Williams a priority waiver addition in Week 1’s waiver run.
Jaylin Lane - WR (groin)
Lane was limited on Wednesday.
Impact: Lane’s injury also boosts Williams’ outlook.
🏈 NFC North
◆ Chicago Bears
D’Andre Swift - RB (ankle/knee)
Swift was limited in Week 2’s first practice.
Impact: We do not yet know when Swift suffered the injuries. If they were suffered on Wednesday, his availability could be jeopardized. Watch his participation closely.
Kyle Monangai - RB (hamstring)
Monangai was limited on Wednesday.
Impact: Monangai carries the same concerns as Swift. If he continues practicing, he is good to go.
◆ Detroit Lions
Isiah Pacheco - RB (back)
Pacheco was placed on injured reserve to start the season. General Manager Brad Holmes said he “hopes Pacheco returns this season.”
Impact: Well, that doesn’t sound great. There appears to be something more insidious going on with Pacheco’s back than initially thought. Lions coach Dan Campbell said running backs Jacob Saylors and Sione Vaki could split touches behind Jahmyr Gibbs. Saylors appears to be the first player up. Gibbs handled an absurd 34 opportunities, of 37 total running back opportunities, in the team’s Week 1, overtime win over the Saints.
◆ Green Bay Packers
Josh Jacobs - RB (commissioner exempt list)
Jacobs was placed on the commissioner exempt list amidst troubling domestic violence allegations. His initial court date was recently moved up from November to September 10.
Impact: The commissioner exempt list brings a wide range of outcomes regarding how many games we expect Jacobs to miss this season. That said, the fact that his initial court appearance was moved up near the start of the regular season could allow the league additional motivation to levy a suspension, pending the outcome of his appearance. Either way, don’t expect Jacobs on the field any time soon, leaving MarShawn Lloyd as the lead back in the interim.
◆ Minnesota Vikings
Kyler Murray - QB (concussion)
Murray departed the team’s Week 1 win over the Packers in the first quarter after being diagnosed with a concussion. He was limited on Wednesday.
Impact: Recent concussion data suggests more than two-thirds of players diagnosed with a concussion will miss at least one game, meaning we expect Carson Wentz to be under center for the Vikings as they take on the Bears in Week 2. Wentz should continue to lean heavily on alpha wide receiver Justin Jefferson and provides enough upside to warrant a waiver add in deep leagues.
Jordan Mason - RB (thumb)
The Vikings placed Mason on injured reserve in Week 2.
Impact: The Vikings are on bye in Week 6, so Mason will be eligible to return in Week 7. Starting running back Aaron Jones gets a deserved projections boost with Mason sidelined. Veteran RB DeeJay Dallas operated as the RB3. Rookie RB Demond Claiborne can be stashed on benches.
👉 Don’t forget: Check out the Rotoworld player news feed for all the latest news, notes, and transactions around the league.
🏈 NFC South
◆ Atlanta Falcons
Michael Penix Jr. - QB (knee)
The belief around the team is that it is still “too early” for Penix to start for the Falcons. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler affirmed that position in Week 2.
Impact: We expect Penix to almost immediately take over under center, once healthy enough to do so.
Tua Tagovailoa - QB (oblique strain)
Tagovailoa suffered an oblique injury last Friday that sidelined him for the team’s Week 1 loss to the Steelers. The team labeled him “day-to-day” on Monday. He remains sidelined to begin the week.
Impact: Cooper Rush started under center for the Falcons in Week 1, leading to a much more muted offensive design. While Rush should not be viewed as a significant downgrade to the offense as compared to Tagovailoa, he does not warrant streaming consideration for as long as both quarterbacks ahead of him on the depth chart remain sidelined.
Cooper Rush - QB (back)
Rush practiced in full despite his new back injury.
Impact: Rookie quarterback Jack Strand can be stashed by desperate superflex managers.
◆ Carolina Panthers
Jalen Coker - WR (ankle)
Coker was seen in a walking boot following the team’s Week 1 loss to the Bears. He was limited on Wednesday.
Impact: Coker told reporters he suffered an ankle injury in the first quarter, ultimately able to finish the game en route to a career day against the Bears. He told reporters on Monday that he doesn’t expect to miss any time with the injury.
◆ New Orleans Saints
Alvin Kamara - RB (knee)
Kamara did not play in Week 1 against the Lions. He is expected to play in Week 2 against the Ravens.
Impact: The entire New Orleans backfield was a mess against the pass-funnel Lions, with Kendre Miller scoring the only touchdown of the position group. We’ll take a wait-and-see approach to the sudden clog of depth.
Oscar Delp - TE (hamstring)
Delp did not play in the team’s Week 1 loss to the Lions. He remained limited to begin Week 2.
Impact: Starting tight end Juwan Johnson is a steady TE1 with no positional target competition.
Jordyn Tyson - WR (hamstring)
Tyson begins the regular season on injured reserve. He will miss the first four games of the season, at minimum.
Impact: Devaughn Vele should begin the season in the starting lineup opposite Chris Olave, with both players routinely used in the slot. Olave’s weekly range of outcomes rivals almost any receiver in the league for as long as Tyson remains out, while tight end Juwan Johnson should return weekly TE1 finishes.
◆ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers enter Week 2 with their skill position corps practicing fully.
🏈 NFC West
◆ Arizona Cardinals
Trey McBride - TE (unknown)
McBride was seen working off to the side on Wednesday.
Impact: There is no cause for concern at this time, but this is worth watching closely. Wide receivers Kendrick Bourne and Michael Wilson would benefit if McBride sits, perhaps wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. as well.
◆ Los Angeles Rams
The Rams emerged from their Week 1 loss to the 49ers absent any fantasy-relevant injuries.
◆ San Francisco 49ers
George Kittle - TE (Achilles)
Kittle was limited on Wednesday.
Impact: This is likely just load management.
De’Zhaun Stribling - WR (ankle)
Stribling suffered an ankle injury in the team’s Week 1 win over the Rams. The 49ers placed him on injured reserve in Week 2 after he underwent surgery to repair a deltoid ligament tear. He is expected to return in 10 weeks.
Impact: The Athletic’s Matt Barrows believes Demarcus Robinson will be the primary beneficiary.
Ricky Pearsall - WR (knee)
Pearsall was placed on season-ending injured reserve.
Impact: Pearsall will miss the entirety of the 2026 season.
◆ Seattle Seahawks
Zach Charbonnet - RB (knee)
Charbonnet will begin the season on the physically unable to perform list, although the team remains optimistic he will be able to beat his initial recovery timeline.
Impact: Rookie Jadarian Price is poised to begin the season as the primary back in Seattle, with George Holani on hand to soak up change-of-pace reps. The team appears content to keep the situation fluid and without a true workhorse, similar to the way they handled Kenneth Walker and Charbonnet last season. Even so, Price is positioned well to return value weekly for fantasy drafters who invested a sixth-round pick in his services this offseason.
Sam Darnold - QB (hip)
Darnold reportedly suffered an “unusual muscle strain” in the team’s Week 1 win over the Patriots. The Seahawks ruled him out for Week 2 against the Cardinals.
Impact: Although injured reserve is reportedly not being considered, Darnold appears to be in danger of missing time, even though the injury is considered “short-term.” Drew Lock, who came into the game in relief of the injured Darnold, is the fill-in starter.
