We waited long enough, and Week 1 of the 2023 NFL season arrived. The best news of all, is that we get to do it again next week and again for the next 16 weeks. Of course, that could be both a good and bad thing depending on the start of your season went. We entered the week with plenty of injuries, some situations were resolved, and now we have new injuries to deal with. The NFL injury update for Week 2 that stands out is headlined by J.K. Dobbins but we also have news on notable players such as Travis Kelce and Mark Andrews. As news break, be sure to update your Week 2 fantasy football rankings and NFL projections either way. This information can also help to focus on important Week 2 start/sit lineup decisions and fantasy football advice surrounding some injured players. It all starts with the NFL injury report as you set Week 2 fantasy football lineups. 

 

Fantasy Football Injury Report

Updated: September 15

Week 2 NFL Injury Report for Quarterbacks

Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets (Achilles)

By this point, I think everyone is aware the Aaron Rodgers is sidelined for the remainder of the season. That means we are back to, what we hope is an improved, Zach Wilson under center. Garrett Wilson should be downgraded, but it is important to remember that he was still productive last year with suspect quarterback play. The biggest downgrade goes to Allen Lazard and the remaining Jets’ receiving options while Breece Hall and Dalvin Cook will see their workloads rise. Unless you are in leagues that allow or require more than one quarterback, Wilson doesn’t have any fantasy value at the moment.

Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts (Knee)

Unfortunately, we are going to have to get used to this with Anthony Richardson. One of the largest draws with the rookie quarterback is his athleticism and running ability, especially from a fantasy perspective, but that puts his body at risk. He came close to leading the Colts to victory in his debut with 223 passing yards and a touchdown while adding 40 yards on the ground with a second touchdown. The problem is that he came out of the game on the last drive with a knee bruise, but he is no longer on the Injury Report so we can proceed without issues.

Jimmy Garoppolo, Las Vegas Raiders (Ankle)

After seeing Jimmy Garoppolo practice in full on Thursday, we can feel good with his status heading into Sunday if he was someone you were relying on. Garoppolo had a solid debut against Denver, but things will be tougher this week against the Bills. 

Week 2 NFL Injury Report for Running Backs

J.K. Dobbins, Baltimore Ravens (Achilles)

Done or the year. 

Aaron Jones, Green Bay Packers (Hamstring)

Aaron Jones was on his way towards a big day on Sunday with 127 combined yards on just 11 touches. The problem is that after his 35-yard touchdown reception, Jones departed for the afternoon. It was a big offensive day for Green Bay, and Jones figures to be a large part of their plans this season. This will be a situation to watch throughout the week, and if Jones can’t go, then a bigger role for A.J. Dillon will be in order. Once again on Thursday, Jones did not take part in the team portion of the practice and instead worked off to the side. It appears that there is a push for Jones to take the field Sunday, but I’m not sure it is possible or how much we can trust him.

Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers (Ankle)

It certainly is a concern to see Austin Ekeler miss practice both Wednesday and Thursday with an ankle injury. At his point, I would prepare a contingency plan and watch the news closely this weekend as it is not looking good for Ekeler’s status on Sunday. The good news is that there is a clear handcuff after Joshua Kelley gained 91 yards on 16 carries in Week 1 while picking up a touchdown. 

Zack Moss, Indianapolis Colts (Arm)

After missing Week 1, it is very possible to see Zack Moss make his debut in Week 2. Moss did practice on a limited basis last week, so it shouldn’t be too large of a hill to climb for him to control the backfield against Houston. Now that Moss practiced in full on Wednesday, we should look to the veteran to take control of the backfield. 

Evan Hull, Indianapolis Colts (Knee)

We know that the Colts’ running back situation is very much in flux with Jonathan Taylor on the PUP list. When on the field, Evan Hull didn’t do much as he gained just seven yards on two carries before exiting with a knee injury. The rookie now finds himself on Injured Reserve so we can look elsewhere.

Kendre Miller, New Orleans Saints (Hamstring)

Kendre Miller’s hamstring continued to keep him out of action and he was back in practice on a limited basis Thursday. With Alvin Kamara suspended for two more games and Jamal Williams coming off an inefficient game, there is an opportunity here for Miller.  New Orleans doesn’t play until Monday, so unless something changes, it will be hard to trust him. 

De’Von Achane, Miami Dolphins (Shoulder)

While De’Von Achane was inactive on Sunday, it was not because of his shoulder and instead was a coach’s decision. It will be interesting to see when Miami turns to the rookie, but the issue is not health. After seeing Achane practice in full on Wednesday, it looks like he will be ready to go for Week 2.

Cordarrelle Patterson, Atlanta Falcons (Thigh)

Cordarrelle Patterson’s thigh ultimately kept him out of Sunday’s game, but it appears that his role will be minimal at best upon his return. Between Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier, the Falcons showed clear depth and skill at the running back position. At this point, I’m not sure that it matters whether or not he is back for Week 2. Patterson did practice in full on Wednesday so while he is poised to make his debut, it will be interesting to see his role. 

Kenneth Gainwell, Philadelphia Eagles (Ribs)

Kenneth Gainwell might be a popular fantasy football waiver wire pickup this week. However, he's apparently dealing with an injury that we need to monitor. Gainwell has a rib injury that would have sidelined him at Monday's practice if it were a full session (instead it was just a walk-through). The Eagles have a quick turnaround for a Thursday night game, so we have to monitor Gainwell's practice status this week. 

Breece Hall, New York Jets (Knee)

Seeing Breece Hall on the Injury Report will likely be an ongoing trend, at least in the beginning of the season. After season ending surgery last year, Hall was back in Week 1 picking up 127 yards on 10 carries. It makes sense for the Jets to take things slowly, but his workload will increase throughout the season. 

James Conner, Arizona Cardinals (Calf)

There is no questioning that James Conner will lead the Arizona backfield again this week. While he is dealing with a calf injury, it doesn’t appear to be anything that will hold him back on Sunday’s after he was limited in practice once again on Thursday. Keep an eye on this to make sure it doesn’t trend in the wrong direction and Keaontay Ingram has be activated as a handcuff, but we should be good here. 

Raheem Mostert, Miami Dolphins (Knee)

After seeing Raheem Mostert return to practice in full on Thursday, it is clear that Wednesday’s absence was simply a rest day. The veteran was on the field for 72% of the snaps on Sunday, and it appears that he can handle a similar workload again this week. 

Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Kansas City Chiefs (Illness)

After sitting out practice on Wednesday, Clyde Edwards-Helaire was back in practice on Thursday. It appears that he is third on the Kansas City depth chart, so there is limited fantasy impact after he gained 29 yards on seven touches to begin the season. 

Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans (Groin)

After practicing in full on Thursday, Tyjae Spears should be ready to go in Week 2 while wait for his fantasy impact to take hold. Despite having a 54% snap share, Spears only touched the ball four times. It is worth noting that he was targeted four times in the passing game, but he only caught one of those balls. 

Week 2 NFL Injury Report for Wide Receivers

Jayden Waddle, Miami Dolphins (Oblique)

After seeing Jaylen Waddle practice in full on Thursday, there should not be any concerns here leading into the weekend. 

Davantae Adams, Las Vegas Raiders (Foot)

It was a full practice for Davantae Adams on Thursday after he missed Wednesday’s practice with a foot injury. His return should remove any concerns for Week 2.

Puka, Nacua, Los Angeles Rams (Oblique) 

After fantasy managers emptied their FAAB budgets for Puka Nacua, it was not a good sign to see him miss practice on Thursday. Since this developed late in the week, it is something to truly monitor while also upgrading TuTu Atwell and perhaps Van Jefferson. 

Jakobi Meyers, Las Vegas Raiders (Concussion)

As far as debuts go, Jakobi Meyers had a pretty good one with nine catches for 81 yards and touchdowns. The problem though is that he is being evaluated for a concussion so we need to keep an eye on it for Week 2. Considering Meyers has yet to practice through Thursday, I would look for a contingency plan with DeAndre Carter likely seeing a larger role. 

Diontae Johnson, Pittsburgh Steelers (Hamstring)

It was not a good day for the Steelers’ offense, and that might be an understatement. Diontae Johnson caught three of his six targets for 48 yards before exiting with a hamstring injury. For now, fantasy managers should prepare to be without Johnson for the next few weeks. 

Jerry Jeudy, Denver Broncos (Hamstring)

Jerry Jeudy did practice on a limited basis leading up to Week 1, but the Broncos still held him out of action. It was a low-key day for the Denver offense, and while we will be monitoring the situation, Jeudy should be back in action. Now that Jeudy has practiced in full on Thursday, we should see his debut in Week 2.

DeAndre Hopkins, Tennessee Titans (Ankle)

Not seeing DeAndre Hopkins on the practice field both Wednesday and Thursday, has be to concerning. Keep a close eye on this leading up to Sunday, but things are shaping up for Treylon Burks to be busy.

Brandin Cooks, Dallas Cowboys (Knee)

While Brandin Cooks is still being held out of practice, the Cowboys are optimistic for his status heading into Week 2. Despite that optimism, keep an eye on his status. 

Romeo Doubs, Green Bay Packers (Hamstring)

Romeo Doubs showed that there was nothing to be concerned with from his hamstring injury. The second-year receiver caught four passes for 26 yards and two touchdowns as looked comfortable with Jordan Love. While he continues to practice on a limited basis, it appears to be just a load management situation.

Christian Watson, Green Bay Packers (Hamstring)

While the Packers ultimately ruled out Christian Watson for this week, they proved that they did not need him. The news of Watson’s injury was slow to develop, but he has yet to return to practice so I would be prepared to look elsewhere for Week 2 with Doubs likely to be busy again. 

John Metchie, Houston Texans, (Hamstring)

After practicing on a limited basis Wednesday, it is very likely we see John Metchie make his NFL debut this week. However, we do need to keep an eye on what his role will be, so I would wait before deploying Metchie. 

DeVante Parker, New England Patriots (Knee)

After he did practice on limited basis last week, DeVante Parker should be in position to make his 2023 debut in Week 2. How he fits into the Patriots’ offense remains to be seen. Parker continues to practice on a limited basis, so this will be something to watch heading into the weekend, but at this point, it is difficult to rely on him. 

Curtis Samuel, Washington Commanders (Hip)

Curtis Samuel being limited in practice appears to be load management, but his status should be monitored if he remains on the Injury Report and doesn’t see an improvement with Dyami Brown potentially seeing a boost in value. 

DJ Chark, Carolina Panthers (Hamstring)

The problem is that we have to wait until Monday for DJ Chark, but all signs are pointing to Carolina’s new addition making his debut. 

Week 2 NFL Injury Report for Tight Ends

Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs (Knee)

After being held out of Week 1 with a knee injury, Travis Kelce is already rehabbing and should be back in your lineups for Week 2. Just in case that doesn’t occur, have a contingency plan in place, but all systems should be a go as the Chiefs look to rebound. He is practicing on a limited basis, so that should be enough for Kelce to make his debut, but this will be something to follow. 

Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens (Quadriceps)

After he was limited in practice this week, the Ravens held Mark Andrews out of action for Week 1. Isaiah Likely did step in for Andrews on the field but ultimately was a non-factor. We should look for Andrews to return in Week 2 to live up to his lofty draft status after he was limited in practice once again on Thursday.

Darren Waller, New York Giants (Hamstring)

It was a little concerning to see Darren Waller show up on the Injury Report with a hamstring injury, but the tight end did make his debut. Ultimately, it proved to be a night to forget for the Giants and Waller did escape unscathed. It’s not saying much, but Waller was the Giants’ leading receiving with three receptions for 36 yards. This will be something to watch all season, but for now, it does not appear to be anything that will limit him. 

Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers (Chest)

After catching his one pass of the day for a three-yard touchdown, Pat Freiermuth left after suffering a chest injury. He should be ready to go for next week, but we will keep an eye on it. Freiermuth was limited in practice on Thursday, but having an extra day before Monday’s game should help as well. 

Greg Dulcich, Denver Broncos (Leg)

After catching two passes for 22 yards, Greg Dulcich left with a leg injury and did not return. It remains to be seen what his status for Week 2 will be, but this could led to Adam Trautman being more involved. With Dulcich not practicing again on Thursday, I would make alternate plans. 

Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints (Calf)

It was not a great development to see Juwan Johnson appear on the Injury Report with a calf injury. The fact that he is limited in practice does help, but you should have an alternative in place since the Saints don’t play until Monday. Foster Moreau would likely pick up the slack for New Orleans. 

Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans (Thigh)

We saw Schultz practice in full on Thursday so he should be ready to go without issue in Week 2 after being targeted just four times in Week 1 despite being on the field for 81% of Houston’s offensive snaps. 

 

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