Fantasy Football Week 2: Saquon Barkley, Christian McCaffrey hurt
By Bill Pivetz
Week 2 saw some big-name players leave their game early due to injury. How do fantasy football owners proceed with replacing their stars?
The early games in week 2 saw a handful of notable players leave the game due to injury before the first half was over. While the health for the player is the utmost priority, this is a fantasy football site and I have to put a fantasy football spin on this news.
There were 10 1 p.m. games and about 10 injuries per game by the games were over. There were significant injuries to star running backs, quarterbacks and even defensive players. Thankfully, some players were able to return to the game, David Montgomery specifically. However, there are some players who were not as lucky.
The NFL made changes to the IR rules for this season only. If a player is placed on the IR, the team can remove any player with a football or non-football injury from the roster for three weeks. After the three weeks, the player will be eligible to return to practice. Once he returns to practice, the team will have 21 days to place him back on the active roster.
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That helps fantasy football owners a lot this season. If a player was on IR, they would be able to return after six weeks. Fantasy owners should have a bit more flexibility with their roster this season.
It also helps if you have multiple IR spots. Unfortunately, some of the players mentioned won’t be returning at all this season.
Listed here are three running backs and two wide receivers. I also make notes on some other players at the end. With that out of the way, let’s get to the bad news.
Saquon Barkley, NYG
Earlier in the game, while Barkley was tackled, he used his left arm to brace himself and it looked like either the shoulder or elbow popped. He would come back and just a few plays later, he was tackled and immediately grabbed his right knee. You can see the video here.
Initial reports said the Giants fear Barkley tore his ACL, based on how his knee twisted and Barkley’s reaction. The MRI performed on Monday confirmed that and Barkley will be out for the rest of the season. If have Barkley, drop him unless you’re in a keeper/dynasty league.
The Giants are bringing in free agent Devonta Freeman, which would be an improvement over Dion Lewis and Wayne Gallman.
Christian McCaffrey, CAR
As if the injuries couldn’t get worse, the Panthers star running back left the game in the fourth quarter with an ankle injury and was questionable to return. After the game, McCaffrey said he was fine but any football player would say that after a minor injury.
On Monday, the MRI showed that McCaffrey has a high ankle sprain and will miss multiple weeks. Reports say it’s a four-to-six week injury. For fantasy owners’ sake, let’s hope it’s four and not six. Any McCaffrey owner should target Mike Davis as an in-house replacement. He had eight catches for 74 yards.
Davante Adams, GB
Adams left the game in the first half with an ankle injury but returned. He left for good in the third quarter with a hamstring injury. Those can be tricky when evaluating a player’s availability for the following week. If you have him on your fantasy football team, keep tabs on his status throughout the week.
If Adams were to miss next week, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Allen Lazard become the top two options for Aaron Rodgers and the Packers.
Raheem Mostert, SF
Mostert started the game on fire, running for an 80-yard touchdown. He later left the game with a knee injury. 49ers staff believe it’s a mild MCL sprain but he will undergo an MRI to confirm the injury and how long he’ll be out for. As of now, he’s listed as questionable.
Mostert is a game-changing running back but the 49ers are in good shape with the remaining backs they have left. Tevin Coleman is also dealing with a knee injury which leaves Jerick McKinnon as the lead back. He rushed for 77 yards and a touchdown in week 2.
Courtland Sutton, DEN
Sutton missed week 1 with a shoulder injury. He made his debut in week 2 but only played 31 snaps before leaving due to a knee injury. Early reports say that it was a major injury. The MRI on Monday revealed that he has an ACL tear and will also be out for the season.
Fantasy experts and players alike were high on Sutton this season. The Broncos offense takes a big hit with not only his but Drew Lock’s absence. If you are looking for a Denver receiver, Tim Patrick is available in almost every league.
Other notable players
Garoppolo also left the game early with an ankle injury. It was later reported that he has a high ankle sprain and is expected to miss multiple weeks, similar to McCaffrey. If you have him, put him on the IR and look for a replacement if you don’t currently have one. Gardner Minshew is rostered in just 20 percent of ESPN leagues and has a decent matchup against Miami.
Campbell was someone I mentioned as a waiver add last week. He played just two snaps before leaving the game with, you guessed it, a knee injury. The MRI revealed that he has a PCL injury and will be sidelined indefinitely, according to Adam Schefter.
Colts tight end Mo Alie-Cox looks like the No. 2 option, as long as Jack Doyle remains out.
Along with losing their starting quarterback and running back, the 49ers defense suffered two big injuries, Bosa being the worst. He also suffered a torn ACL and will be out for the season. His absence will be huge for those fantasy owners who have the 49ers defense or play in an IDP league.
Next. 5 RBs to replace McCaffrey with in fantasy football. dark
This was not a good week for running backs or players’ knees. Hopefully your fantasy football team went unscathed or suffered minor injuries. Obviously, we wish those injured a quick recovery so we can see them back on the field. Scour the waiver wire for the best replacements possible and keep checking out FanSided Fantasy for all your fantasy needs.