Injury Recap: Week 2
Jay Ajayi (RB, Philadelphia Eagles)
Injury: Back, undisclosed
Jay Ajayi got injured on his first rush of the game for -7 yards. He suffered a back injury, but was able to return to the game and finished with 7 carries for 23 yards and a touchdown. It’s worth noting that Corey Clement also looked good in an expanded role with Ajayi sidelined for most of the first half and Sproles inactive. Even though Ajayi was able to return to the game, he seems pretty banged up for being only two weeks into the season with back and knee issues documented. He is known as an injury-prone player, so proceed with caution when playing Ajayi in fantasy.
Dalvin Cook (RB, Minnesota Vikings)
Injury: Hamstring, Muscle Cramps
Dalvin Cook was sidelined in overtime of the Vikings-Packers game thanks to a hamstring injury, but later he said he was just dealing with cramps. Fantasy owners can relax as he should be good to go for a favorable matchup vs the Buffalo Bills.
Lesean McCoy (RB, Buffalo Bills)
Injury: Ribs, Rib Contusion
While it was initially reported that Lesean McCoy broke his ribs in yesterday’s game vs the Chargers, Ian Rapoport reported this morning that no ribs appear to be broken. Avoiding such a break may be a big break for fantasy owners, but further concern lies in how well a lighter back like McCoy will hold up over an entire season behind a terrible offensive line with a big workload. McCoy shouldn’t miss extended time, but Chris Ivory is a must add this week in the case that McCoy is sidelined for week 3.
Joe Mixon (RB, Cincinnati Bengals)
Injury: Knee, particle dislodged
This is old news at this point, but Joe Mixon suffered a knee injury during the Thursday Night game that needs to be cleaned up with surgery. Mixon’s knee surgery will likely keep him sidelined for 2-4 weeks. In the meantime, Giovani Bernard will get the full load in his place. Bernard has had success carrying the rock for the Bengals in the past, and this temporary promotion, along with his ability in the passing game, makes him a low end RB2 or good flex play in both standard and PPR formats.
Jordan Wilkins (RB, Jordan Wilkins)
Injury: Ankle, undisclosed
Jordan Wilkins led the Colts in rushing with 10 carries for 61 yards, despite being sidelined in the 3rd quarter with an ankle injury. He came back in the 4th quarter and got carries so it’s likely this injury will not affect his status for next week. The backfield in Indianapolis seems crowded with Wilkins, Marlon Mack, and Nyheim Hines, but Wilkins looks to have built a lead in the competition with a strong performance against the Redskins. If he is forced to miss next week, Marlon Mack becomes a decent flex play.
Larry Fitzgerald (WR, Arizona Cardinals)
Injury: Hamstring, Pulled Hamstring
Larry Fitzgerald pulled his hamstring in the second half of the Cardinals game against the Rams. He did not return to the game, but considering the injury is minor, it’s likely he was held out of a game already out of hand for precautionary reasons. That being said, it is a bit concerning that Fitzgerald said his hamstring has “been a little tight the last 10 days or so”. It’s very possible Fitzgerald misses his week 3 matchup, but his potential absence shouldn’t create too many new fantasy-viable options in Arizona.
Mike Wallace (WR, Philadelphia Eagles)
Injury: Leg, Fractured Fibula
Mike Wallace was carted off the field yesterday and later seen in a walking boot on the sideline. As the walking boot often indicates, Wallace suffered a severe injury, fracturing his fibula. There is currently no timetable for his return, but it’s likely he misses a good portion of the season. In his absence, Nelson Agholar becomes a must start with Wentz coming back and no other viable wide receivers currently healthy.
Greg Zuerlein (K, Los Angeles Rams)
Injury: Groin, undisclosed
In one of the weirder injuries of the week, Greg Zuerlein suffered a groin injury in pregame warmups. This led to an especially productive day for Todd Gurley, who ran for two 2-pt conversions. In the wake of his injury, the Rams signed kicker Sam Ficken, who replaced Zuerlein last year when he was injured. This signing is indicative of the Rams concern over this injury, as it is unknown how much time Zuerlein will miss. Ficken could be a worthy pick up as a kicker for one of the league’s best offenses, but it’s unlikely the Rams count on him for big kicks in week 3 after being on the team less than a week.