Week 3 Gameday Injuries

Week 3 Gameday Injuries

Two weeks' worth of games have already taken their toll, leaving a multitude of notable injuries heading into Week 3. A pair of quarterbacks remain sidelined, while the statuses of several prominent skill players remain somewhat up in the air heading into Sunday's action. Here's a closer look at where the fantasy-relevant walking wounded stand for Week 3:

QUARTERBACKS

The news got no better for Sam Bradford's fantasy owners this week, as limited practices Wednesday and Thursday only served to confirm that he's not ready for a return to the field. Case Keenum will draw another start, downgrading the fantasy prospects of Stefon Diggs, Adam Thielen and Kyle Rudolph, but possibly affording Dalvin Cook a heavy workload.

The Colts' Andrew Luck remains out, setting up Jacoby Brissett for a second consecutive start. Tight end Jack Doyle (eight catches on eight targets in Week 2) seemed to have a particularly good rapport with Brissett, but T.Y. Hilton and Donte Moncrief could also surprise in what may turn into a back-and-forth contest against the Browns.

Despite being limited throughout the practice week with an ankle injury, the Panthers head coach Ron Rivera has confirmed Cam Newton is set to start in Sunday's tantalizing matchup against the Saints.

The Jaguars' Chad Henne popped up on the injury report Friday with an illness but is active against the Ravens in London.

RUNNING BACKS

The Titans' DeMarco Murray (hamstring) is expected to play as of early Sunday morning, barring any setbacks in

Two weeks' worth of games have already taken their toll, leaving a multitude of notable injuries heading into Week 3. A pair of quarterbacks remain sidelined, while the statuses of several prominent skill players remain somewhat up in the air heading into Sunday's action. Here's a closer look at where the fantasy-relevant walking wounded stand for Week 3:

QUARTERBACKS

The news got no better for Sam Bradford's fantasy owners this week, as limited practices Wednesday and Thursday only served to confirm that he's not ready for a return to the field. Case Keenum will draw another start, downgrading the fantasy prospects of Stefon Diggs, Adam Thielen and Kyle Rudolph, but possibly affording Dalvin Cook a heavy workload.

The Colts' Andrew Luck remains out, setting up Jacoby Brissett for a second consecutive start. Tight end Jack Doyle (eight catches on eight targets in Week 2) seemed to have a particularly good rapport with Brissett, but T.Y. Hilton and Donte Moncrief could also surprise in what may turn into a back-and-forth contest against the Browns.

Despite being limited throughout the practice week with an ankle injury, the Panthers head coach Ron Rivera has confirmed Cam Newton is set to start in Sunday's tantalizing matchup against the Saints.

The Jaguars' Chad Henne popped up on the injury report Friday with an illness but is active against the Ravens in London.

RUNNING BACKS

The Titans' DeMarco Murray (hamstring) is expected to play as of early Sunday morning, barring any setbacks in pre-game warmups. He did turn in a limited practice Friday after missing Wednesday's and Thursday's sessions. Derrick Henry would be primed for substantial volume against a tough Seahawks defense should Murray ultimately sit, and he may see an increased workload even if the latter suits up.

A sore knee caused the Chargers' Melvin Gordon to practice in limited sessions Thursday and Friday, but head coach Anthony Lynn has confirmed he'll be in there against the Chiefs on Sunday.

The Dolphins' Jay Ajayi is technically questionable for the Week 3 battle against the Jets with the same knee soreness that limited in advance of Week 2, but he was a full practice participant Friday and is expected to play.

The Ravens' Terrance West returned to a full practice Friday after not taking the field Wednesday and Thursday and is active against the Ravens Sunday in London.

The Lions' Dwayne Washington will apparently miss multiple weeks with his quadriceps injury according to latest reports, leaving more work for Ameer Abdullah and Theo Riddick, and some potential goal-line opportunities for Zach Zenner.

The Patriots' Rex Burkhead is out as well with the rib injury that prompted his early exit in Week 2 and missed practices throughout the week. His absence could spell an uptick in opportunity for pass-catching specialists James White and Dion Lewis.

The Raiders' DeAndre Washington returned to a full practice Friday after a hamstring ailment limited him Wednesday and Thursday. He'll reprise his change-of-pace role against the Redskins on Sunday night.

The rib injury that forced the Redskins' Rob Kelley from the Week 2 contest against the Rams is also expected to keep him out Sunday night versus the Raiders, although the final call may not come until pre-game warmups. Kelley would almost certainly be encumbered by a protective vest if he did suit up. Rookie Samaje Perine should see the bulk of early-down work if Kelley misses, while Chris Thompson also figures to see a bump in snaps.

The Bears' Jordan Howard caused some alarm when he emerged from the Week 2 post-game locker room with his right arm in a sling, but he had worked back up to a full practice by Friday. He's therefore expected to reprise his lead-back role against the Steelers in Week 3.

The Broncos' Devontae Booker (wrist) had originally been expected to make his season debut in Week 3 versus the Bills, but head coach Vance Joseph cast some doubt on that prognosis early in the week. He shapes up as a game-time call that will likely be based on whether the Broncos feel they can handle the Bills with C.J. Anderson and Jamaal Charles.

WIDE RECEIVERS

As expected, the Giants' Odell Beckham, Jr. took another important step forward in his health this past week and is not listed on the final Week 3 injury report. He'll look to take advantage of an Eagles secondary that could be missing a pair of safeties.

The Jags' Allen Hurns shook off a shoulder ailment that limited him Wednesday to turn in full practices Thursday and Friday and is active against the Ravens in London.

As was the case last week, the Dolphins' Jarvis Landry was designated as questionable on the final injury report of the week. However, he practiced in full Friday after beginning the week with a missed session, so he's fully expected to take the field.

Landry's position mate DeVante Parker (ankle) mirrors his questionable tag, although he too logged a full Friday practice after sitting out Thursday's session. As is the case with Landry, Parker is expected to play without limitations against the vulnerable Jets secondary.

The Cardinals' John Brown is out for a second consecutive week with his quadriceps injury. With teammate J.J. Nelson questionable with a hamstring injury as well after three limited practices, Larry Fitzgerald and Jaron Brown could be primed for considerable attention in Monday night's contest versus the Cowboys.

The Bears' Markus Wheaton (finger) was off the final injury report of the week, leaving him primed to make his Bears debut against his old Steelers teammates. Wheaton should see plenty of targets from the jump, as he and Kendall Wright head up a makeshift Chicago receiving corps.

The Cowboys' Terrance Williams (ankle) will once enter Week 3 with a questionable designation after practicing in limited fashion Friday and Saturday. He fought through the same ailment in Week 2 to log four receptions against the Broncos.

The Patriots' Danny Amendola appears to be a full go for Sunday's matchup against the Texans despite a questionable tag due to a concussion and a knee injury. Amendola has cleared the league's concussion protocol, so it comes down to the fitness of his knee.

Amendola's position mates Phillip Dorsett and Chris Hogan are also questionable with knee injuries, with both having practiced in limited fashion throughout the week. Both are expected to play, according to Sunday morning reports.

The Raiders' Amari Cooper (knee) was back to a full practice Friday after being limited in Wednesday and Thursday's sessions. He's set to take the field for the Sunday night showdown with the Redskins.

Kelvin Benjamin (knee) turned in full practices Thursday and Friday and is good to go for the Panthers' Week 3 contest against the Saints, which will be Carolina's first full game with star tight end Greg Olsen (foot).

Kendall Wright's shoulder injury limited him the first two days of the practice week, but he was back to a full practice Friday and is not on the final Week 3 injury report.

Bengals rookie John Ross (knee) reportedly experienced a setback at Thursday's practice and is out for Sunday's contest against the Packers.

Demaryius Thomas is ready for the Bills after returning to a full practice Thursday. The Broncos' top receiving option had been limited Wednesday with a hamstring injury.

The news is nowhere near as bright for the Packers' Randall Cobb, who is officially doubtful for Sunday's matchup against the Bengals after missing practice all week due to a chest injury. Davante Adams could be poised to benefit the most from a Cobb absence, although Geronimo Allison would also bump up a notch on the depth chart.

Cobb's teammate Jordy Nelson has a much brighter prognosis, as he's expected to play with his quad injury after practicing without restrictions this past week.

Robby Anderson (knee) was off the Jets' final injury report after turning in a full practice Friday and will be ready to go versus the Dolphins.

The Eagles' Torrey Smith popped up on Friday's injury report with an illness, leaving him questionable for the Week 3 tilt against the Giants. Nelson Agholor would see a bump in snaps if Smith were to sit.

Paul Richardson was off the Seahawks' final injury report despite having dislocated his finger in Week 2 against the 49ers. He should be ready to go versus the Titans on Sunday.

Corey Davis won't be able to take the field in that same contest, however, as the Titans have ruled him out with a hamstring injury. Rishard Matthews, Eric Decker and Taywan Taylor are all poised for potential added opportunity in a tough matchup against Seattle.

TIGHT ENDS

The Pats' Rob Gronkowski is officially questionable for Week 3 against the Texans due to the groin injury he suffered in Week 2, but he's fully expected to play.

The Redskins' Jordan Reed is set to be a game-time call Sunday night versus the Raiders after being limited all week due to rib and sternum injuries. Veteran Vernon Davis, who enjoyed a resurgence in 2016 while filling in for Reed, would take over as the starting tight end if he sits, which is becoming increasingly likely according to early Sunday reports.

The Bills' Charles Clay mirrored his Week 2 prep by logging full practices Thursday and Friday after being limited Wednesday, although this week it was a knee injury that initially affected him. He'll take the field against the Broncos in Week 3.

Tyler Eifert is out for the Bengals' Week 3 matchup versus the Packers with knee and back injuries, leaving C.J. Uzomah to take over as the primary tight end. Bengals receivers A.J. Green and Brandon LaFell could be the biggest beneficiaries of his absence, however.

Ryan Griffin has cleared the NFL's concussion protocol and will play in Week 3 against the Patriots after practicing in full all week.

Evan Engram has also cleared the concussion protocol and was off the final Week 3 injury report, clearing the path for him to play against the Eagles on Sunday.

The Raiders' Jared Cook (shoulder) is primed for the Sunday night showdown versus the Redskins after practicing fully Friday and avoiding the final Week 3 injury report.

The story on the Steelers' Jesse James (ankle) is the same, as he too is off the final Week 3 injury report after returning to a full practice Friday.

The prospects for the Seahawks' Jimmy Graham(ankle) didn't look bright entering the practice week, but he returned to a full participation Friday after missing the first two sessions of Week 3 prep. He's expected to play versus the Titans on Sunday.

KEY DEFENSIVE PLAYERS

The Jags' Tashaun Gipson (ankle) is active against the Ravens in London.

Teammate Jalen Ramsey carried a questionable tag once again this week due to his ankle ailment but is active against the Ravens in London.

The Bucs' Kwon Alexander is out for Sunday's matchup with the Vikings. Kendell Beckwith will start at middle linebacker.

Alexander's teammates Brent Grimes (shoulder) and Gerald McCoy (ankle) are both expected to take the field against the Vikings.

Prince Amukamara (ankle) appears ready to make his Bears debut after turning in full practices Thursday and Friday.

As he did last week, the Broncos' Aqib Talib was a full practice participant Friday after sitting out Thursday's session with an Achilles issue. He should be on the field versus the Bills on Sunday.

The Colts' Vontae Davis (ankle) improved to limited practice participation this past week but is doubtful for Week 3.

The Browns' Myles Garrett (ankle) is doubtful for Sunday's contest against the Colts.

The Cardinals' Karlos Dansby was limited by a hip injury earlier in the practice week but was back to a full practice Saturday, leaving him likely to play versus the Cowboys on Monday night.

The Giants' Keenan Robinson (concussion) is expected to play against the Eagles after logging full practices Thursday and Friday.

Janoris Jenkins appears to be a game-time call versus the Eagles on Sunday due to hand and ankle injuries.

The Chiefs' Justin Houston (illness) was back to a full practice Friday and will play versus the Chargers.

The Falcons' Vic Beasley is out against the Lions in Week 3 due to a hamstring injury.

Marcell Dareus is out for the Bills in Week 3 due to an ankle injury.

Jamie Collins' concussion will keep him out of the Browns' Week 3 battle against the Colts.

Orlando Scandrick is expected to suit up for the Cowboys on Monday night despite a hand injury after practicing fully Saturday.

The Broncos' Von Miller (knee) will play against the Bills in Week 3 after returning to full practice participation Thursday.

The Lions' Ezekiel Ansah is questionable against the Falcons after being limited with a knee injury throughout the week.

Ansah's teammate Jarrad Davis won't take the field in Week 3 due to a concussion.

Packers linebackers Nick Perry (hand) and Jake Ryan (concussion) are both doubtful to face the Bengals on Sunday.

J.J. Watt (finger) will be ready to get after Tom Brady in Week 3 despite being limited throughout the week.

Johnathan Joseph (shoulder) is expected to take the field against the Patriots as well despite limited practices all week.

Stephon Gilmore's groin injury forced limited practice participation all week and has him listed as questionable to play versus the Texans on Sunday.

Despite practicing all week, the Raiders' Sean Smith (neck) is listed as questionable, although he's expected to play against the Redskins.

The Eagles' Corey Graham is on the opposite side of the spectrum, as he's already ruled out for Week 3 with a hamstring injury. Fellow safety Rodney McLeod's hamstring is in a bit better condition, leaving him with a questionable tag going into Sunday.

The Steelers' Stephon Tuitt looks ready to go versus the Bears after practicing fully Thursday and Friday with his biceps injury. However, teammate T.J. Watt is out with a groin injury.

Mason Foster (shoulder) heads into the Redskins' Sunday night contest against the Raiders with a questionable designation after a trio of limited practices this week.

Josh Norman mirrored Foster's participation level this week with his own shoulder ailment, an issue he played through last week while logging all but three of the team's defensive snaps.

The Chargers' Jason Verrett has opted for knee surgery and is already on injured reserve.

The Vikings' Xavier Rhodes is still nursing a hip injury but practiced in full all week and is set to suit up versus the Bucs. Teammate Anthony Barr (hamstring) appears on the same track after a full practice Friday.

The Seahawks' Richard Sherman's absence from Friday's practice was simply a veteran's day off according to the team and he is therefore good to go against the Titans in Week 3.

The Patriots' Dont'a Hightower remained limited with his knee injury this week and is questionable to play against the Texans on Sunday.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Juan Carlos Blanco
Winner of the FSWA 2016 Newcomer of the Year Award, Juan Carlos Blanco has been playing fantasy sports for over 20 years and covers NBA, MLB, NFL, CFL and Arena Football for Rotowire.com, including serving as the beat writer for teams in multiple sports. He has previously written for KFFL.com and remains an avid season-long and daily fantasy player in multiple sports as well.
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