After the dust settled on a wild Week 1, injuries are unfortunately front and center for some teams. As we enter Week 2, there are some big names that could be sidelined. Let’s highlight some of them and decide what action to take in fantasy football. For those who already need reinforcements, check out our Week 2 waiver wire targets.
Brown was the prized offseason acquisition for the Patriots. The combination of his big play upside and Drake Maye‘s ability to throw deep left them with the potential to take their offense to another level. However, some cold water has already been thrown on that thought with Brown suffering a high-ankle sprain against the Seahawks in Week 1. Not only has he already been placed on injured reserve, but reports indicate that he could miss about six weeks.
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Week 2 fantasy outlook: Despite his impending lengthy absence, Brown should not be dropped in fantasy, even in leagues without an IR spot.
McConkey was dominating the Chargers’ Week 1 matchup against the Cardinals, posting five receptions for 82 yards and one touchdown by about the mid-way point in the third quarter. He then took a big hit over the middle which forced him out of the game with a rib injury. He did not return and head coach Jim Harbaugh said he is considered as day-to-day heading into the team’s Week 2 matchup against the Raiders. It’s an important game for the Chargers, who don’t want to suffer another disappointing loss and fall to 0-2 out of the gate.
Week 2 fantasy outlook: As long as he is cleared to play, McConkey is a must-start in all leagues.
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It was a bit of a surprise when the Raiders announced that Bowers would miss Week 1 after undergoing a meniscus trim procedure. However, he was not placed on IR, leaving open the possibility that he could make a quick return. Monday, Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak labeled Bowers as day-to-day. If Bowers does make a speedy recovery and play in Week 2, it would not be a surprise if he receives a limited snap count.
Week 2 fantasy outlook: It’s difficult to bench a player like Bowers if he is active, even with the potential for him to play limited snaps. If he’s active, start him in 12-team and deeper leagues.
Flowers torched the Colts for five receptions, 150 yards, and one touchdown while the Ravens scored 41 points in Week 1. It wasn’t all good news for him, though, as he departed with a hamstring injury. What makes that even more concerning is that he had been dealing with a hamstring ailment leading up to the matchup. The good news is, Ravens head coach Jesse Minter said that Flowers is being considered as day-to-day leading up to their Week 2 battle with the Saints.
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Week 2 fantasy outlook: Start in all leagues.
In a high-scoring loss to the Bears in Week 1, Coker thrived with eight receptions for 138 yards and two touchdowns. Surprisingly, it was reported Monday that he was seen in a walking boot because of an ankle injury. The good news is that he is not expected to miss any games at this time.
Week 2 fantasy outlook: Coker is worth starting against a Falcons team that allowed the fourth-most touchdowns to wide receivers last year.
Darnold left Week 1 on the Seahawks’ first drive during their matchup with the Patriots. He did not return and will miss time, potentially around four weeks. Filling in for him will be Drew Lock, who threw for 187 yards and one touchdown in the Seahawks victory. Him being under center didn’t slow down fantasy superstar Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who posted eight receptions for 122 yards and one touchdown.
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Week 2 fantasy outlook: Darnold was only a borderline streaming option in most fantasy formats, so he is not worth rostering at this time.
Stribling was considered to be a fantasy sleeper this year after the 49ers selected him in the second round of the 2026 Draft. That hope has already come crashing to a halt with him suffering an ankle injury in Week 1 against the Rams. The expectation is that he will miss at least one month, creating additional targets for veterans Deebo Samuel Sr. and Demarcus Robinson.
Week 2 fantasy outlook: Drop Stribling in most fantasy leagues. Add Samuel off the waiver wire.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
