Fantasy Football 2018 Week 2 Injury Report

Despite only playing one game, there are some star players dealing with injuries. How do those injuries affect your fantasy football team this week and beyond?

With just 16, or 17, weeks to the fantasy football season, any injury could make the difference to your team. One unnecessary loss could be the difference between a championship and the consolation bracket. Here are some newsworthy injuries to keep tabs on heading into Week 2.

Before we get started with that, Joe Mixon left Thursday’s game twice to deal with a right knee issue. It was revealed that he will undergo a minor surgical procedure to repair his knee and is scheduled to miss a couple of weeks. With the Panthers and Falcons next for the Bengals, I’d stay away from Giovani Bernard.

DeAndre Hopkins, HOU

The star receiver is dealing with a foot injury and was limited in practice both Wednesday and Thursday. The lack of the probable tag makes things more difficult for fantasy owners. He is listed as questionable but is expected to play Sunday.

If Hopkins and Will Fuller were to miss this game, Deshaun Watson and Lamar Miller are going to have a difficult time racking up yards.

If you own Hopkins, he’s in your lineup until he’s ruled out. That won’t come until the inactives are released before game time.

Leonard Fournette, JAX

While dealing with a hamstring, Fournette has not practiced all week. Though, he was running on his own. So the signs point to him playing on Sunday.

The negative is that Fournette and the Jaguars face the Patriots at 4:25 PM. So, if Fournette was to be ruled out, your options to replace him are limited. I would keep Fournette in your flex just to give you the best option to adjust your lineup.

If he’s still available, pick up TJ Yeldon for a season-long handcuff. In his short career, Fournette has dealt with his fair share of injuries already.

Davante Adams, GB

The Packers top receiver had a good game but left with a shoulder injury. He said he felt good after  Thursday and Friday practice. However, Adams are game-time decisions.

As long as Rodgers is under center and Adams is active, he is a must-start but expectations should be lowered. He caught five passes for 88 yards and a touchdown. The Packers have a tough matchup against the Vikings in Week 2.

If DeShone Kizer starts, Adams moves to a WR3 or flex option in most leagues.

Devonta Freeman, ATL

Freeman has already been ruled out for Week 2. He suffered a knee injury last Thursday against the Eagles. Initial reports said he’d be healthy as the Falcons had the extra time between games.

However, as we got closer to gameday, Freeman wasn’t practicing. Falcons coach Dan Quinn said there’s “nothing structurally wrong with Freeman’s knee.” This is the same knee he hurt last season. Tevin Coleman is scheduled to start with Ito Smith as the backup.

Freeman should be back for Week 3 against the Saints.

Honorable mention: Darren Sproles (out), Marquise Goodwin (out), Rex Burkhead (questionable), DeSean Jackson (questionable)

These four players are owned in at least 90 percent of ESPN leagues. Their absence could make a difference for both their team and fantasy teams. Even if they play, the injury could hinder their performance. Temper expectations when setting your lineup.