Trending in the right direction
– Zay Flowers, WR, Ravens: Flowers’ hamstring injury is not considered serious and he is day-to-day. This is encouraging after he piled up 150 receiving yards and a touchdown before leaving Sunday’s game.
– Brock Bowers, TE, Raiders: Bowers is now day-to-day following a meniscus trim. Head coach Klint Kubiak indicated he could return soon, though practice participation will be key.
– Ladd McConkey, WR, Chargers: McConkey is day-to-day with a rib injury. Monitor him closely through the week before Week 2 lineup decisions.
– TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Patriots: Henderson returned to practice after missing Week 1 with an ankle injury, a very positive sign for fantasy managers.
– Brian Thomas Jr., WR, Jaguars: Thomas will be limited in practice but is expected to play Week 2 against Denver.
– Alec Pierce, WR, Colts: Pierce appears to be trending toward playing after a hand/wrist issue; he avoided a fracture and remains on track for Week 2.
– Deshaun Watson, QB, Browns: Cleveland expects Watson to start again in Week 2 despite a rough performance in Week 1.
– Jalen Coker, WR, Panthers: Coker is dealing with a foot issue and is in a walking boot but expects to play. His status will continue to be monitored in practice.
Quarterbacks and running backs with major questions
– Kyler Murray, QB, Vikings: Murray remains in concussion protocol after leaving Sunday’s game. Week 2 availability is uncertain, with Carson Wentz as a likely replacement if he cannot clear the protocol.
– Sam Darnold, QB, Seahawks: Darnold’s injury is not seen as long-term. It’s described as a unique soft-tissue issue in the glute, with no firm return timeline for now.
– Jordan Mason, RB, Vikings: Mason is being evaluated for a sore thumb. Information is still being gathered to determine his status.
– Isiah Pacheco, RB, Lions: A major setback for fantasy managers—Pacheco underwent back surgery to remove a loose body pressing on a nerve and is expected to miss about 12 weeks, with a potential return in December.
– Dylan Sampson, RB, Browns: Sampson suffered a high ankle sprain and is expected to miss significant time, so prepare to replace him rather than wait it out.
– Ty Johnson, RB, Bills: Johnson was limited on Monday as he works back from a hamstring issue.
Other injuries that could affect fantasy value
– Myles Garrett, DE, Rams: Garrett is set to undergo knee surgery, and there is no firm timetable for his return.
– Aaron Donald, DT, Rams: Donald’s Week 2 status remains unclear after missing Week 1.
– Mansoor Delane, CB, Chiefs: The sixth overall pick left Monday night’s game with a shoulder injury after recording his first career interception. He was ruled out for the remainder of the game.
– Landon Dickerson, G, Eagles: Dickerson is headed to injured reserve and will miss at least four games.
As Week 2 approaches, fantasy managers should closely track practice reports and official injury updates. The key is to separate players who are trending toward full participation from those facing longer absences, and to adjust lineups accordingly based on the latest information.
