As the NFL calendar begins to intensify, the on-field action has certainly followed suit. Unfortunately, the physicality is already at mid-season form, as several superstar players exited Week 2 with injuries. If you have Justin Jefferson, Isiah Pacheco or Tua Tagovailoa on your fantasy football team, it could be time to hit the waiver wire.
Off To The Races
The 2024 NFL year is still young, and with that, there is ample time to address any holes or injuries on a fantasy roster.
Your fantasy draft will determine much of your squad’s success. However, activity and efficiency on the waiver wire can be what ultimately makes or breaks your season. The time to get busy is now.
Let’s run down a list of notable injuries from NFL Week 2. There is a good likelihood that you drafted at least one of the following players.
Notable NFL Week 2 Injuries
Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Miami Dolphins
On Thursday Night Football, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered his third diagnosed concussion since 2022.
Tua’s injury came with the quarterback rushing up the middle for a first down. Upon contact from Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, Tagovailoa braced for the hit only, to absorb most of the impact on the top of his helmet.
Tagovailoa averaged 21.74 DraftKings points per game last season, which was by far his most prolific campaign. Going forward, Tua does not have a return timetable. The entire football community awaits Tagovailoa’s next move, but I would not expect to see him on the field anytime soon.
Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota Vikings All-Pro receiver Justin Jefferson sustained a quad injury against the San Francisco 49ers last weekend. With that said, Jefferson’s recent stat line does not indicate that, as the playmaker lit up San Francisco for 133 yards and a touchdown.
Unfortunately for Jefferson managers and Skol, “Jettas” was unable to finish the Week 2 tilt at home. Late in the third quarter, J.J. had his leg rolled over while fulfilling a blocking assignment. With help, he walked off the field gingerly, but early information suggests a non-serious injury for Jefferson.
So no, there is no Christian McCaffrey-level panic for Jefferson at this time. Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell says the star wideout will be day-to-day. That’s great news for Minnesota considering receiver Jordan Addison (ankle) missed last week.
Deebo Samuel, WR, San Francisco 49ers
Sticking with that 49ers-Vikings game in Minneapolis, San Francisco playmaker Deebo Samuel also suffered a lower-body injury. He was never forced out of action, as Samuel compiled eight catches for 110 yards against Minnesota while completing the game.
Monday brought news of a calf ailment for Deebo. According to 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, the dynamic superstar is thought to be out at least two weeks. As noted, this comes at an especially tough time for San Francisco’s offense. The NFL franchise from Northern California is already without McCaffrey and rookie receiver Ricky Pearsall.
In this current spot, expect WR Brandon Aiyuk to see an increased workload.
Isiah Pacheco, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
Tailback Isiah Pacheco has been a key cog in the Kansas City Chiefs’ current title run. Using DraftKings’ platform, Pacheco produced 15.99 fantasy points per game in 2023. K.C. now has a void to fill.
Pacheco was placed on injured reserve after suffering a broken fibula last Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes know first-hand the value of a quality running game. With Pacheco shelved indefinitely, Kansas City could look for an experienced halfback who knows their system.
K.C. will hit the road in Week 3, traveling to play the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday Night Football. To add in a reunion, it’s possible we see Kareem Hunt or Jerick McKinnon suited up for the Chiefs that night.
Cooper Kupp, WR, Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams have been bitten by the injury bug perhaps more harshly than any other NFL team this year. After receiver Puka Nacua was sidelined with a knee injury in Week 1, Cooper Kupp went with a sprained ankle in Week 2.
Last weekend, the Rams visited the desert only to receive a 41-10 beatdown from the Arizona Cardinals. In that contest, Kupp hauled in four catches for less than 40 yards. To make matters worse, he incurred an ankle injury late in the game.
Rams head coach Sean McVay expressed Sunday evening that Kupp — who left State Farm Stadium in a walking boot — will miss significant time. He is also a candidate for IR, though his injury is not thought to be season ending.
For Kupp, this will be his third straight campaign missing action. Since winning Super Bowl LVI and a receiving triple crown, the Eastern Washington alum has undergone a frustrating NFL tenure. Still, it is tough to forget how dominant Kupp was at his peak. In 2021, the 6-foot-2 Kupp blistered opponents for 27.79 DraftKings points per game.
Editor’s note: The advice provided by the author does not represent the views of Playboy. Taking any advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. Always use your own judgment when participating in sports betting. Still, for daily bettors, the best insight anyone ever gave me was to stay away from parlays.