In this article, staff writer Johnny Goode (@JohnnyBGoodeDFF) provides an injury update on how these players have progressed throughout the week with up-to-date information to help you make the best choices for your fantasy team in Week 3 of the NFL season.
AFC East Injury Update
Skylar Thompson | QB | Miami Dolphins | Ribs
Having completed limited practice on Thursday, Skylar Thompson is looking like he may be available for Week 4. This is likely a pain management issue for Thompson. There is high risk here as he may aggravate the injury with just one hit.
Tyler Huntley was named the starter for Week 4. He is a worthwhile start if you’re in a bad pickle. You could also grab Mason Rudolph if Will Levis continues to turn the ball over, Rudolph may get some playing time Monday night. Grabbing Easton Stick may also not be a bad idea, but you would need to make that decision Sunday afternoon.
AFC South Injury Update
Tank Dell | WR | Houston Texans | Hand and Chest
Initially thought of as a hand injury, Tank Dell was labeled on the injury report as sustaining a chest injury. At this time, he has not yet practiced and is uncertain for Week 4. I don’t think this changes Nico Collins’ role, but it may mean more looks for Stefon Diggs or Dalton Schultz (who was just cleared back from injury himself). Watch Dell’s participation in practice early next week to see if you need to make plans beyond Week 4.
AFC North Injury Update
Jaylen Warren | RB | Pittsburgh Steelers | Knee
After sitting out practice this week, it’s looking bleak for Jaylen Warren to play. Warren is officially “week-to-week” following an MRI on Monday. Najee Harris appears to benefit from his absence, with Cordarrelle Patterson likely to see a small amount of action as well
Najee Harris | RB | Pittsburgh Steelers | Shoulder
Najee Harris returned to practice on Thursday and appears good to go for Week 4. With Jaylen Warren trending out, Harris stands to see more action. That being said, the Pittsburgh offense has not been great rushing the ball outside of Justin Fields.
If you remove Justin Fields’ rushing stats, the Steelers rank 21st in the league in rushing yards and 25th yards per carry. The Colts defense appears to be a great matchup on paper, giving up the 2ndmost rushing yards in the league, but yard per carry is only 18th best.
AFC West Injury Update
Justin Herbert | QB | Los Angeles Chargers | Ankle
Justin Herbert managed to play Week 3, but in hindsight, I imagine the Chargers would have done it differently. Herbert aggravated his high ankle sprain and is now questionable for a tough Week 4 matchup against the Kansas City Refs—I mean Chiefs.
With a Week 5 bye, the Chargers may see this as an opportunity to give their starting signal caller some extra rest for a push in the later part of the season. If Herbert doesn’t go, downgrade all Charger passing options, and look for a run-heavy approach with Comeback Player of the Year nominee, J.K. Dobbins. Easton Stick may be a worthwhile Superflex play given the Quarterback injury landscape.
NFC East Injury Update
DeVonta Smith | WR | Philadelphia Eagles | Concussion
DeVonta Smith did not practice this week and is declared out for Week 4. This is not surprising as a typical one-game absence is expected following a concussion. With A.J. Brown also not practicing, look for a heavy dose of Dallas Goedert. Jahan Dotson may even be a decent flex play this week.
Austin Ekeler | RB | Washington Commanders | Concussion
Ruled out for Week 4, Austin Ekeler is also trying to come back from a concussion. We may see Brian Robinson getting more work as a pass catcher, and this may also mean more designed runs for rookie phenom Jayden Daniels.
NFC South Injury Update
Adam Thielen | WR | Carolina Panthers | Hamstring
Adam Thielen landed on Injury Reserve, with Dave Canales indicating he won’t require surgery. This likely means he sustained at least a Grade-2 hamstring strain. Given Thielen’s age, I was not surprised to see the IR designation. Carolina’s offense has seen a resurgence with Andy Dalton at the helm. Diontae Johnson looks to be the main benefit of the QB change and will likely see more targets with Thielen on the shelf.
Chris Olave | WR | New Orleans Saints | Hamstring
Chris Olave is considered day-to-day after suffering a hamstring injury during Friday’s practice. Not great news as this puts some uncertainty into his Week 4 availability. I would recommend caution. If he does suit up, there is a high probability of aggravation. Rashid Shaheed suddenly looks like a great option this week.
NFC North Injury Update
Sam LaPorta | TE | Detroit Lions | Ankle
Sam LaPorta suffered a low-ankle sprain, which is much easier to come back from. He was a full participant in practice Friday, so start him with confidence
Sam Darnold | QB | Minnesota Vikings | Bone Bruise
Darnold was able to return to the game following injury, and has been a full participant in practice. He’s safe to start this week.
NFC West Injury Update
Trey McBride | TE | Arizona Cardinals | Concussion
Trey McBride is ruled out following a sustained concussion. Marvin Harrison Jr. appears to have ascended as the top target in this offense after a poor Week 1 showing. I expect him to benefit even further with McBride sitting. If you’re looking for a play at Tight End, Mike Gesicki may be worth a look. In a small sample size of 3 games he is on pace for 108 targets, which would have put him as the 6th highest Tight End in targets for 2023.
If you enjoyed the Injury Update and need more start/sit advice, check out our full positional series starting with senior writer Tristan Cook’s Slant Pattern for Wide Receivers in Week 4:
