Greg Jennings, Steven Jackson lead Fantasy Football Week 3 Injury Update

Can fantasy football owners cout on Steven Jackson (39) this week against the Bears? Andrew Weber-US Presswire

Update:For the latest on Sunday’s gametime decisions click here.

Fantasy football can be impacted by many on-the-field and off-the-field factors; however, none can cause such cosmic shifts on a week-to-week basis as injuries. Just remember Thursday Night Football where Ahmad Bradshaw and Hakeem Nicks were out putting their owners in some tight spots for this coming weekend. The other side of injuries impact is the emergence of new options like Andre Brown and Ramses Barden who stepped in and crushed the Panthers thrusting themselves into the fantasy spotlight when waiver wires open on Tuesday.

The important thing is that as a fantasy owner you know who’s in and who’s out. As things change use our positional rankings, available here, to help get your final Sunday lineup set. Make sure to come back before the early kickoff for an update on gametime decisions as well. Here’s where things stand as we start our college-football filled Saturday.

Greg Jennings- Green Bay Packers-WR: Jennings suffered a setback in practice but still thinks he’ll be ready to go. Coach Mike McCarthy said he did get some team practice in, but things aren’t looking good for Jennings against a tough Seattle defense. Go a different way if at all possible and check back  before tomorrow’s games to see if Jennings status has been updated for his Monday Night kickoff.

Marshawn Lynch- Seattle Seahawks-RB: Feel confident that Lynch will play Monday Night barring major setback. The Packers run defense has been poor, so Lynch makes a great Monday Night Football play.

Steven Jackson-St. Louis Rams-RB: Jackson is going to be a game-time decision on Sunday it looks like. Check back before kickoff and have a contingency plan in place.

Matt Forte-Chicago Bears-RB: Forte is officially out for this week.

Marques Colston-New Orleans Saints-WR: Colston is questionable with a foot injury and will be a gametime decision for Sunday.

Aug 2, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Ryan Mathews (24) runs the ball during training camp at Charger Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-US PRESSWIRE

Ryan Mathews-San Diego Chargers-RB: Mathews is expected to return on Sunday although he’s officially listed as questionable still. Word out of San Diego is that he may lose some time in his first game back to Ronnie Brown. If you have another option, leave him on your bench to see how he does, but play him with lower expectations than normal if you don’t have another solid back.

Antonio Gates-San Diego Chargers-TE: Gates has turned in three straight full practices and should be “all systems go” for the big Chargers-Falcons show down.

Brandon Lloyd-New England Patriots-WR: Lloyd is listed as questionable but most Boston writers think he’ll go on Sunday night. He’s been a Tom Brady favorite and could be ready for a breakout game if he’s able to overcome his thigh bruise.

Jamaal Charles-Kansas City Chiefs-RB: Charles has been practicing fully so his probable tag for his knee shouldn’t be a concern. He’s got a tasty matchup in New Orleans.

DeSean Jackson-Philadelphia Eagles-WR: Jackson is probable and should be good to go for Sunday.

Jeremy Maclin-Philadelphia Eagles-WR: Maclin is out for this week and could be dealing with a recurring longer-term injury than originally thought. He definitely isn’t an option Sunday and is basically week-to-week at this point.

Kenny Britt-Tennessee Titans-WR: Britt is not on a snap count this week but may still only run certain routes. Britt looked good although only catching one pass in his debut last week; try to keep him on your bench for one more, but he’s an option if needed for Sunday’s game against the Lions.

Pierre Garcon-Washington Redskins-WR: AFter missing last week’s game with a questionable tag, Garcon is down to doubtful this week and isn’t expected to play on Sunday.

Sep 9, 2012; Nashville, TN, USA; New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez (81) during warm ups prior to the game against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-US PRESSWIRE

Aaron Hernandez-New England Patriots-TE: Hernandez is out for this week and will miss a couple of games, but there are indications that it’s not as horrific of a injury as Patriots fans feared. He could return as early as week five, but plan on week 6 or 7.

Sabastian Janikowski-Oakland Raiders-K: Kickers don’t make this post often, but Janikowski is virtually universally owned and listed as questionable. He injured his groin back in preseason and has shown no ill effects to this point. Don’t be scared away by his questionable tag.

Austin Collie-Indianapolis Colts-WR: Collie is listed as probable and should start Sunday. He has one final clearance to get today but turned in three full practices the last three days. If you can let him ride your bench a week to see how he does, that’s the preferable option but Collie should be on the field on Sunday.

Jonathan Dwyer-Pittsburgh Steelers-RB: Dwyer is listed as probably and should be good to go in week three. Dwyer is sharing time in a confusing Steelers backfield, but should be ready for action (however much he’s gameplanned for) on Sunday.

Daniel Thomas-Miami Dolphis-RB: Thomas is probable and will back up Reggie Bush. No need to make a roster move yet, but be aware he’s returned from his concussion.

Zach Miler – Seattle Seahawks-TE: Miller was a full participant in Friday’s practice and should be ready to go. He’ll most likely be on the field although he has not performed well enough for many fantasy owners to notice yet.