National Football League

Fantasy Football: Top 6 injuries heading into Week 2

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 9:05 p.m. ET

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Heading into Fantasy Football Week 2 action, here are the top six injuries to keep an eye on today.

Oct 11, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) is helped off the field against the Chicago Bears in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Chicago won the game 18-17. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

You don’t want to take a chance starting an injured player, even if they end up playing. This week’s fantasy football injury list isn’t too detrimental but, is it really worth starting a previously questionable player?

No! Even if they play, there is a chance that he will be limited in targets and snaps. Not to mention, there’s also the chance he may re-injure himself.

There’s too much of a risk for your fantasy points. And, this week’s injuries won’t kill your team if you pick up a filler for a week or snag someone from the bench.

Just be sure to replace these top six players in your Week 2 lineup. Or, at least track their status up until game time.

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6. Jamaal Charles, RB Kansas City Chiefs

Just in case you didn’t know or you just need some closure, I will start with Jamaal Charles. He is still healing from a knee injury that also kept him out of last week’s NFL kickoff game.

Surprisingly Charles is listed as doubtful and not out. But, it’s likely he won’t play and it would be foolish to start him in your league.

If you have Charles on your roster, chances are you handcuffed Spencer Ware, if you didn’t now is the time to do it. Charles is already listed as questionable for Week 3 as well.

Filler Options: Charcandrick West, Tevin Coleman, T.J. Yeldon

Aug 20, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars running back Chris Ivory (33) runs during the first quarter of a football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

5. Chris Ivory, RB Jacksonville Jaguars

Chris Ivory’s health was a little sketchy last week. He was listed as questionable going into Sunday’s game.

Right before the game, Ivory was admitted to the hospital. After two days of hospital care, Ivory was released; his hospital issues remain unknown.

Ivory has stated that he’s “ready to go” and has been trying to get back to normal slowly increasing his cardio workouts daily. Ivory is listed as out for this week’s game.

Next week’s status is still unknown. However, Week 3 is definitely looking better for Ivory.

Filler Options: T.J. Yeldon, Spencer Ware, Tevin Coleman

Aug 11, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) during pregame warmups prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

4. Rob Gronkowski, TE New England Patriots

It’s not looking any better this week than it did last week for Rob Gronkowski. Still battling a hamstring issue, Gronkowski has been extremely limited during practice.

Gronkowski’s status may not be released until game day. Obviously, if he starts, put him in your lineup, if not there are other options available.

If he’s still listed as questionable today, don’t take the risk. Playing it safe with a filler is always better than earning zero points.

Personally, I am not starting Gronkowski. Also keep in mind Martellus Bennett won’t do what Gronkowski would do for your point totals; don’t use him as a filler.

Filler Options: Kyle Rudolph, Clive Walford, Jesse James

Sep 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) is pulled down by Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) in the third quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

3. Demaryius Thomas, WR Denver Broncos

Demaryius Thomas has dealt with a hip injury for most of the week. On Wednesday, Thomas said he wasn’t sure if he would be able to perform this weekend.

Then, on Thursday, he said he was feeling a little better but, he’s still a little afraid to get hit. Coming into the weekend, Thomas is still listed as questionable.

One thing is for sure; Thomas is banged up badly. If he does play, it won’t be at 100 percent.

In last week’s season opener, Thomas had fewer targets than some of his teammates which makes me assume it will definitely be the same this weekend, with him still suffering an injury.

Filler Options: Emmanuel Sanders, Mohamed Sanu

Sep 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Panthers 21-20. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

2. Jonathan Stewart, RB Carolina Panthers

I told someone during our fantasy football draft that running backs come and go all season; backs are always getting injured and miss games. Jonathan Stewart is another running back making the injury report this week.

In the middle of the week, he was added to the injury report listed as questionable with a knee injury. He continued to stay limited during practice throughout the rest of the week.

Although he is still listed as questionable, Stewart is expected to play in this week’s game against the San Francisco 49ers. But, that doesn’t mean he will be used to his full potential.

Keep in mind, Sammy Watkins was originally listed as questionable and then played in Thursday’s game. He didn’t even earn double-digit fantasy points.

Filler Options: T.J. Yeldon, Spencer Ware, Tevin Coleman

Sep 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz (86) runs with the ball against Cleveland Browns free safety Jordan Poyer (33) during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

1. Zach Ertz, TE Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles are going suffer this week without Zach Ertz. He completed about 20 percent of Carson Wentz‘s 278 passing yards.

Ertz is suffering from a displaced rib. He didn’t practice Thursday or Friday and is listed as doubtful for today.

Although doubtful is better than out, it does not look like he will be playing in Monday night’s game versus the Chicago Bears.

Filler Options: Virgil Green, Dennis Pita, Coby Fleener