Tag: NFL Week 2

Fantasy football injury report: Week 2

Latest status of fantasy football weapons who are on the mend entering Week 2.

This is a team-by-team review of any key fantasy football player injury news after this week’s practice activity and team statements. Only those players listed on the team’s official injury report will be addressed, unless the situation warrants further attention.

PLEASE NOTE: The NFL releases its final official injury report each Friday (approximately 6:00 p.m. ET). West Coast teams often report their injuries late and may not be included in the initial publication.

Week 2 fantasy football injury report

This week’s key game-time decisions: WR A.J. Brown, WR Joshua Palmer, WR Keenan Allen, WR Rome Odunze, WR Tee Higgins, TE Jake Ferguson, WR Jameson Williams, QB Jordan Love, WR Jayden Reed, WR Josh Downs, RB Kenneth Walker III

ARIZONA CARDINALS
QB Kyler Murray (knee) practiced fully all week and is good to go.

ATLANTA FALCONS – Monday night
RT Kaleb McGary (groin) was limited Thursday and Friday.

BALTIMORE RAVENS 
RB Keaton Mitchell (knee) remains on the PUP.

BUFFALO BILLS – Played Thursday
QB Josh Allen (hand) played through a hand injury Thursday night. LB Terrel Bernard (pectoral) suffered a pec strain in Week 2 and is likely to miss a month.

CAROLINA PANTHERS 
WR Adam Thielen (shoulder) popped up on the report Friday but had a full practice session.

CHICAGO BEARS 
WR Keenan Allen (heel) didn’t practice all week and is questionable for Week 2. WR Rome Odunze (knee) was idle Wednesday and Thursday and limited Friday. He’s questionable.

CINCINNATI BENGALS
WR Tee Higgins (hamstring) didn’t practice this week and has been ruled doubtful again. QB Joe Burrow (wrist) practiced all week and will play. RB Zack Moss (neck) practiced Friday and is good to go.

CLEVELAND BROWNS 
RB Nick Chubb (knee) remains on the PUP. LT Jedrick Wills (knee) and TE David Njoku (ankle) are out. RT Jack Conklin (knee) is questionable. WR Jerry Jeudy (knee) practiced fully all week and will play. DE Myles Garrett (foot) was limited Friday after sitting out Thursday, but he doesn’t carry an injury designation.

DALLAS COWBOYS 
TE Jake Ferguson (knee) didn’t practice all week and is doubtful.

DENVER BRONCOS 
WR Josh Reynolds (Achilles) practiced Friday and is good to go.

DETROIT LIONS 
WR Jameson Williams (ankle) is questionable after he was limited all week.

GREEN BAY PACKERS 
QB Jordan Love (knee) didn’t practice all week, and he’s listed as questionable. However, he’s probably more doubtful. WR Jayden Reed (calf, shin) saw limited work Friday and is questionable. RB Josh Jacobs (back) was limited all week but will play.

HOUSTON TEXANS
WR Nico Collins (illness) was limited Thursday but made it back for a full session Friday. He’s good to go. TE Dalton Schultz (ankle) missed Wednesday and Thursday but had a full session Friday. He’s good to go.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 
WR Josh Downs (ankle) was limited early in the week but recorded a full session Friday. He’s questionable.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 
No injuries of fantasy relevance.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 
RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire (personal) remains on NFI list. WR Marquise Brown (shoulder) went on IR and will require surgery. 

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
TE Brock Bowers (foot) practiced all week and is good to go.

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
WR DJ Chark Jr. (hip) went on IR. WR Joshua Palmer (knee) was limited early in the week and idle Friday. He has been listed as questionable, but the absence Friday is worrisome.

LOS ANGELES RAMS
TE Tyler Higbee (knee) remains on the PUP. WR Puka Nacua (knee) went on IR with a sprained PCL.

MIAMI DOLPHINS – Played Thursday
RB Raheem Mostert (chest) missed the Thursday night game. QB Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) sustained a concussion Thursday night and is likely to miss time. RB De’Von Achane (ankle) played through an ankle injury.

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MINNESOTA VIKINGS
TE T.J. Hockenson (knee) remains on the PUP. WR Jordan Addison (ankle) has been ruled out. WR Jalen Nailor (ankle) practiced all week and will play.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
WR Kendrick Bourne (knee) remains on the PUP. RB Antonio Gibson (hip) was limited Friday but carries no designation.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
RB Kendre Miller (hamstring) remains on IR. RB Jamaal Williams (shoulder) and WR Rashid Shaheed (finger) are good to go. Williams practiced all week, and Shaheed was limited Friday.

NEW YORK GIANTS 
WR Malik Nabers (knee) and WR Darius Slayton (concussion) practiced Friday and will play.

NEW YORK JETS 
WR Mike Williams (knee) practiced fully all week and is good to go.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES – Monday night
WR A.J. Brown (hamstring) was limited in practice Friday. There isn’t a ton of concern about his status, but Saturday will be a big day.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS 
QB Russell Wilson (calf) is questionable after he was limited all week. He’s considered closer to doubtful, so look for QB Justin Fields to start again. 

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS 
RB Elijah Mitchell (hamstring) will spend the season on IR. RB Christian McCaffrey (calf, Achilles) was placed on IR and will miss the next four games or more.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 
RB Kenneth Walker III (oblique) is doubtful after he was out of practice all week. WR Tyler Lockett (thigh) and TE Noah Fant (toe) are good to go after full sessions Friday.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
S Antoine Winfield Jr. (foot) has been ruled out.

TENNESSEE TITANS
No injuries of fantasy relevance.

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS
RB Brian Robinson (knee) practiced all week and will go.

Patriots Wire staff game picks and scores for Patriots-Seahawks matchup

The Patriots Wire staff lock in their Week 2 predictions

Few predicted the New England Patriots would go on the road and upset the Cincinnati Bengals in the season opener, and they made everyone pay for picking against them with a 16-10 victory.

Through the brute force of what looks to be an elite defense and an offense that avoided turning the ball over, the Patriots spoiled the return party for quarterback Joe Burrow and the Bengals at Paycor Stadium.

Now, they’ll be celebrating a return party of their own in their home opener at Gillette Stadium on Sunday against the visiting Seattle Seahawks.

Can they keep the upset train rolling?

It’s important to note that Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III is doubtful for this game. That’s a huge loss for Seattle on the ground against a Patriots defense that snuffed out Cincinnati’s rushing attack with ease.

New England’s defense will make this a competitive game, but the offense could be a concern every week. They can’t expect the defense to hold every opponent to 10 points. The unit must figure out a way to move the ball more consistently and score touchdowns.

Here’s the full round-up of Patriots Wire staff picks for the Week 2 matchup:

Jordy McElroy (0-1) – Patriots 20, Seahawks 13

Danny Jaillet (0-1) – Patriots 24, Seahawks 13

Cam Garrity (0-1) – Patriots 23, Seahawks 18

Who are you taking in Sunday’s game? Be sure and let us know who you’re picking and why.

You can find us on Facebook and Twitter.

Lions vs. Bucs Friday injury report – Medical breakdown

Lions vs. Bucs Friday injury report – Medical breakdown of all the injuries on both squads entering their Week 2 matchup

DETROIT LIONS

The two main injury concerns coming out of last game were Penei Sewell and Jameson Williams and they remain question marks for this Sunday. Surprises popped up during the week with starters Kerby Joseph and Marcus Davenport.

(NP = No Practice, LP = Limited Practice, FP = Full Practice, UL= Unlisted)

Penei Sewell NP NP LP QUESTIONABLE – ankle, OT

On video, Sewell appeared to get rolled up on the right leg which often causes a high ankle sprain. He didn’t miss any snaps and seemed fine immediately after the game.

However, high ankles can be tricky and sideline players longer than you might initially think. With an LP on Friday, it is possible Sewell could play.

Last year, Taylor Decker suffered a similar injury, finished the game, then missed the next two.

Also last year, Jonah Jackson had a similar injury, finished the game, then missed the next three.

A factor affecting Sewell’s availability this weekend is that the Lions might take extra caution in an expected 20-game season. Missing 1-2 games in a long season is not a huge deal and even carries benefits in load and risk reduction.

Jameson Williams LP LP LP QUESTIONABLE – ankle, WR

On video, there was a very slight external rotation of the left ankle which likely caused a mild high ankle sprain. He did finish the game in spectacular fashion with a 52-yard TD reception.

With three LP’s, I would expect him to play with minimal to no limitations. While his left ankle may be sore, after taking a look at the Bucs depleted secondary, it may magically feel a lot better.

Kerby Joseph NP LP LP QUESTIONABLE – hamstring, S

Last Sunday, he camouflaged himself in the end zone as he picked off Matthew Stafford. This Sunday, he might be camouflaging himself on the bench.

The hamstring was a surprise as there were no signs of injury during the game and he played until the final defensive snap. It’s possible he hurt it during the week. Having two LP’s to end the week is reassuring that it isn’t serious.

If this Joseph can’t go, the other Joseph (Brandon) will likely take his place.

Marcus Davenport NP NP NP DOUBTFUL – groin, DE

Davenport played until the penultimate defensive play. I didn’t see any signs of injury throughout the game but groin injuries are hard to see.

The groin is a very complex area with many possible injuries, so without any details, it’s difficult to prognosticate. Hopefully, it is just a mild muscle strain of the hip adductors or hip flexors.

While he will be out this Sunday, the doubtful designation is a good sign that this is a short-term issue and he may be ready within the next two weeks.

DJ Reader FP FP FP IN – quad, DT

The grueling, nine-month road to recovery from a quad tendon tear that also included a knee scope speed bump will end this Sunday. Expect limited snaps to ease this big man in.

Carlton Davis FP FP FP IN – chest, CB

After letting an interception slip through his hands, Davis landed on his elbow likely causing a mild rib or ab injury.

The disability will be minimal but there might be some discomfort with chest expansion movements like deep breaths, extending arms, or torso rotation. My medical advice would be to just catch the ball next time.

Ifeatu Melifonwu NP NP NP OUT – ankle, S

An injury likely suffered in the 2nd preseason game is still lingering and starting to become a chronic concern.

Loren Strickland FP FP FP IN – thumb, S

With Melifonwu out and Kerby Joseph questionable, the door could be open for this undrafted rookie to be active this weekend in a backup role.

Isaiah Williams UL LP NP OUT – abdomen, WR

Assuming Jamo is playing, Isaiah Williams’ absence will have minimal impact.

Dan Campbell Friday press conference decryption

Campbell seemed unsure about Sewell’s availability this weekend but it doesn’t sound long-term.

When asked if Sewell’s injury was a high ankle, Campbell said “I think it’s a little bit more medial than that”. High ankle isn’t really a medial vs lateral issue so hard to say what he meant here.

Campbell may have meant more distal which means the pain is lower down the leg thus any high ankle involvement is minimal which would be good.

If he truly meant medial, the deltoid ligament is on the medial side of the ankle and can be injured with the same mechanism of a high ankle sprain. For example, Taylor Decker had a deltoid ligament repair this offseason. If it was just a deltoid ligament sprain and not a high ankle syndesmosis injury, that should be a good thing.

TAMPA BAY BUCS

The Bucs suffered significant injuries coming out of week one specifically to the secondary where at least three players (Winfield, Hayes, Hall) and maybe four (Smith) from last week will be out. Also, line starters Kancey and Goedeke are out.

Calijah Kancey NP NP NP OUT – calf, DT

Kancey missed week one with this calf injury and will be out again on Sunday.

Last year, he had a calf strain in training camp that took four weeks to recover from. Then in his first game back in week one, he aggravated it and missed the next three games. With this kind of personal medical history, the Bucs are wise to be cautious.

Luke Goedeke LP NP NP OUT – concussion, OT

The Bucs starting RT might have had a re-emergence of concussion symptoms after Wednesday’s practice. This will be the second straight week that the Lions’ opponent is missing at least one OT.

Antoine Winfield Jr NP NP NP OUT – ankle, S

This impact starter got hurt last game and will be out this Sunday.

Zyon McCollum LP FP FP QUESTIONABLE – concussion, CB

This starting CB has passed through the concussion protocol and very likely will be available.

Josh Hayes NP NP NP OUT – ankle, CB

This backup CB left last game with an ankle injury and was later seen in a boot. That’s often a bad sign and turns out to be the case here.

Tykee Smith UL NP NP QUESTIONABLE – illness, DB

As if the Bucs secondary wasn’t hurting enough, this rookie DB who played 68% of snaps last game came down with an illness during the week.

Logan Hall LP FP FP QUESTIONABLE – foot, DE

Hall missed week one with this injury but two FP’s means he’s likely ready now.

KJ Britt LP FP FP IN – illness, LB

William Gholston LP FP FP IN – elbow, DT

Lavonte David UL UL LP IN – rest, OLB

Mike Evans UL UL LP IN – rest, WR

NOTABLES UNLISTED

Bryce Hall CB OUT

This backup CB fractured his ankle this past weekend and was placed on IR.

Saints rule out two, but say five are questionable on final Week 2 injury report

The New Orleans Saints ruled out two players against the Cowboys, but they say five are questionable on the final Week 2 injury report:

The New Orleans Saints released their final Week 2 injury report ahead of Sunday’s game with the Dallas Cowboys, but we’ll have to wait until Sunday morning for confirmation on several key playmakers.

Just two players were ruled out for this game by New Orleans, in defensive tackle Khalen Saunders and linebacker D’Marco Jackson. Both of them are dealing with calf injuries.

What’s complicated is the group of five players who are questionable to suit up. That group includes keystones like left tackle Taliese Fuaga (back) and cornerback Marshon Lattimore (hamstring), plus young defensive linemen Bryan Bresee (illness) and Isaiah Foskey (back). Rookie linebacker Jaylan Ford (hamstring) is also questionable for Sunday.

As far as Dallas is concerned? They’ve already ruled out backup tight end John Stephens (hamstring), but the starter Jake Ferguson (knee) is doubtful to play after getting banged up in Week 1. Being so shorthanded at tight end could limit what the Cowboys offense can do on Sunday, but at the end of the day what it really comes down to is whether the Saints can contain dynamic slot receiver CeeDee Lamb.

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Marshon Lattimore will be a game-time decision vs. Cowboys

Marshon Lattimore is currently nursing a hamstring injury, and will be a game-time decision on Sunday against the Cowboys:

Marshon Lattimore left the New Orleans Saints season opener with a hamstring injury that has kept him out of practice leading up to the game versus the Dallas Cowboys. Right now, he’s a game-time decision.

Dennis Allen has his vision of how things will go this week with his star cornerback. Allen’s vision: “Lattimore’s on the trip. We’ll see where he’s at on game day. If we feel like he’s appropriate to play, he’ll be out there.”

Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb are on the other side. You’d like a world where Alontae Taylor, Paulson Adebo and Lattimore are on the field to stop Lamb and company. Former Saint Brandin Cooks doesn’t receive the headlines, but he’s continued to be a solid wide receiver through his tenure.

Being down Lattimore, would push Kool-Aid McKinstry into the starting lineup. This would be the definition of baptism by fire. They’d likely look to test him specifically with Lamb in order to see how the rookie responds.

Lattimore making the trip keeps the optimism alive and all parties involved will know if he can play a couple hours before kickoff.

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John Ridgeway III could make his Saints debut in Week 2 vs. Cowboys

John Ridgeway III could make his Saints debut in Week 2 against the Cowboys. He has a shot at payback on the team that drafted him:

The New Orleans Saints are putting their final touches on Week 2’s game  plan for dealing with the Dallas Cowboys, and John Ridgway III might be a factor. The big defensive tackle was acquired in a trade with the Washington Commanders at the NFL roster cuts deadline but wasn’t active for the Saints’ season-opening win over the Carolina Panthers. Maybe his coaches wanted him to get another week of practice before activating him.

Instead, it was veteran backup Kendal Vickers coming up from the practice  squad for Week 1. Vickers rounded out the interior rotation with 21 snaps, just ahead of rookie draft pick Khristian Boyd (18), while trailing Bryan Bresee (36) and Nathan Shepherd (24). The 6-foot-3, 295-pound Vickers is better suited to games with a lot of throwing while Ridgeway figures to play more into run defense at a listed 6-foot-5, 321 pounds.

And the Cowboys fit that profile. They still attempted plenty of passes (35) against the Cleveland Browns last week, but they also leaned heavier on their run game than the Panthers did with 24 carries compared to Carolina’s 17. It could make more sense to go bigger in the middle especially now that Ridgeway has had more time to settle in.

So this could be an opportunity for payback on the team that drafted him. Ridgeway was selected by the Cowboys out of Arkansas in 2022’s fifth round but was waived that September, where Washington claimed him. He’s already played against his old Cowboys teammates a few times but only enjoyed a single win (26-6 in 2023’s regular season finale). Here’s hoping he has cause to celebrate on Sunday.

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Can Bengals upset Chiefs in Week 2? One NFL analyst thinks so

There’s at least one notable NFL analyst picking the Bengals over the Chiefs.

The Cincinnati Bengals need to pull off a major road upset of the Kansas City Chiefs to avoid a 0-2 hole to start the season.

Given what happened in Week 1 as Joe Burrow and Co. flopped against the New England Patriots, it’s understandable if many don’t see the underdog making it happen.

But some do.

Over at CBS Sports, John Breech points to history as one of the main reasons he’s projecting a 27-24 Bengals win:

The only upside for the Bengals this week is that if there’s one team that brings out the best in them, it’s the Chiefs. Joe Burrow might play bad at the beginning of the season, but that’s canceled out by the fact that he’s always at his best against the Chiefs. Including the playoffs, Burrow has a 3-1 career record against the Chiefs and the Bengals were an underdog in all three of those wins, just like they’re going to be an underdog on Sunday.

There’s some validity to the Chiefs seemingly getting the Bengals’ best shot when they play. And indeed, maybe that Week 1 disaster for the Bengals wasn’t all that shocking given how the team has started each season under Zac Taylor so far.

Still, we’re talking about a colossal course correction for the Bengals to actually turn things around in the span of a week to the point of beating the Chiefs at home.

That’s not to say it’s impossible, but there’s a reason it’s a huge upset pick many aren’t bothering to make.

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Saints vs. Cowboys features 3 of the NFL’s top 5 sacks leaders

The Saints offensive line has to be ready for a Cowboys defense who had two players register multiple sacks in Week 1, plus Micah Parsons:

You may see the quarterback on the ground quite a bit when the New Orleans Saints travel to Arlington, Texas to take on the Dallas Cowboys. This showdown features three players who registered multiple sacks in Week 1.

There’s good and bad news on this front.

The good news is the Saints have the player with the most. Alontae Taylor leads the league in sacks with three from Week 1. The bad news is the Cowboys have the other two players. It gets even worse when you realize neither of those two players are Micah Parsons. DeMarcus Lawrence and Eric Kendricks notched two sacks on Sunday.

Kendricks is a linebacker, so, like Taylor, he rushes the passer on blitzes. Expect Mike Zimmer to call Kendricks’ name a couple times on Sunday. Unfortunately for the Saints, Taylor’s blitzing will likely be minimal because of the Cowboys receiving corps

Two players who registered multiple sacks and a two-time All-Pro? That’s a scary sight for an offensive line still looking to prove themselves. It’s important for the Saints’ defensive line to register pressure of their own. The story of Week 2 could easily be told in the trenches.

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Penei Sewell among 3 Lions still sidelined from practice

Penei Sewell among 3 Lions still sidelined from practice on Thursday ahead of Week 2 matchup with the Buccaneers

The Detroit Lions injury report didn’t get any better from Wednesday to Thursday ahead of the team’s Week 2 matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Four players remain out of action, including All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell.

Sewell is still sidelined with an ankle injury he suffered in the Week 1 win over the Rams. No. 58 has downplayed the severity, but it’s still missed time.

Also sitting out Thursday’s practice:

  • EDGE Marcus Davenport (groin)
  • S Ifeatu Melifonwu (ankle)

Davenport played quite well in his Lions debut, registering several hits on Rams QB Matthew Stafford. Melifownu has downgraded from being a limited participant in the final two practices last week to not participating. He’s been hurt since the team’s second preseason game in Kansas City.

On the positive front, starting safety Kerby Joseph upgraded from out to limited. Joseph is battling a hamstring. Alas, wideout Isaiah Williams downgraded to limited participant with a listed abdominal issue. Typically that change in status indicates an injury was suffered during practice, though the practices are not open to the media during the season to know for sure.

Wide receiver Jameson Williams was limited for the second straight day with an ankle.

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Taliese Fuaga downgraded on Week 2 Saints injury report vs. Cowboys

This is worth watching. Saints rookie left tackle Taliese Fuaga (back) didn’t practice on Thursday ahead of Week 2’s road game with the Cowboys:

This is worth watching. New Orleans Saints rookie left tackle Taliese Fuaga (back) didn’t practice on Thursday, putting his status in jeopardy ahead of Week 2’s road game with the Dallas Cowboys. If he can’t go it would likely be veteran backup Landon Young or Olisaemeka Udoh starting in his place against DeMarcus Lawrence, Micah Parsons, and the talented Cowboys defensive line.

We’ll have to wait for final word on Fuaga’s condition later this week. He’s been managing this back injury with lighter practice days but this is the first session he’s missed since training camp. He didn’t miss a snap in the season opener and more than held his own, so there should be some optimism that he can go on Sunday. At the same time, it’s a long season, and this is only the second game of his NFL career. The Saints could choose to protect Fuaga by giving him more time to rest.

Other updates from the injury report: Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) missed a second day of practice which would put rookie draft pick Kool-Aid McKinstry in the starting lineup at cornerback. Veterans Tyrann Mathieu (heel) and Lucas Patrick (toe) returned to practice on a limited basis at safety and left guard, respectively, while tight ends Dallin Holker (ankle) and Foster Moreau (concussion) were upgraded to full reps. We’ll know more about everyone after Friday’s final injury report is released with travel plans becoming clear on Saturday.

Here’s the full injury report following Thursday’s practice:

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