The Injury Plague: A Fantasy Football Analysis

Injuries, they’re the worst part of sports. They end careers and sometimes act as the breaking point for many teams. Simultaneously, injuries are very costly for fantasy football players who rely on players’ performances to win their leagues. This week was extremely challenging. This week in the NFL, injuries rained through the league. Today, I will break down each significant injury and suggest football players you should get in a replacement.

Let’s start with the quarterback position… 

Drew Lock – Broncos

After a hard-hitting tackle by Steelers Bud Dupree, Lock had to leave the game. Jeff Driskel came in for Lock, as he went 18 for 34 for 256 yards and two touchdowns. Alarmingly, he got sacked six times, along with one interception! The Lock will be out for two to six weeks, and it appears that Driskel will be the starter from here on out. 

Jimmy Garoppolo – 49ers

Jimmy Garoppolo suffered a high-ankle sprain in the 49ers game against the Jets. Jimmy G’s injury is one of many the 49ers had to incur. In his place, Nick Mullens played. He went 8 for 11 for 71 yards and one interception. Kyle Shannahan, head coach for the 49ers, stated that the team would probably stay with the Mullens, but they are open to signing a free agent.

Quarterback replacements:

Look at getting Gardner Minshew or Joe Burrow. Both football players have played very solid in the last two weeks. Simultaneously, both teams seem to lean more on the pass than the run, so definitely target them if you need a replacement. If you are not in a deep league, look at getting Cam Newton.

The running back position also had a lot of injuries…

Saquon Barkley – Giants

After an awkward tackle by Eddie Jackson, Saquon went down to the ground. Twitter was stormed with tweets saying ‘prayers for Saquon.’ Sadly, those prayers were not received, for the Giants fear that Saquon Barkley has torn his ACL. If this is true, then Saquon will be out for the rest of the season. Dion Lewis, former Patriots, and Titans, running back, will take his place. 

Raheem Mostert – 49ers

Raheem was going off in these last two weeks, but that suddenly came to a crashing stop. Mostert suffered a mild MCL sprain and will be out for at least one week. An MRI will give his timetable. In the meantime, Jerrick McKinnon will be taking his place. McKinnon is a solid player, and if you have him in fantasy football, he will be a must-start next week, when the 49ers take on the NY Giants.

Cam Akers – Rams 

Akers left the game after suffering a rib injury, and the severity of the injury is unknown. However, if Akers will be out for even one week, Henderson Jr. or Brown will take up Akers’ spot. I suggest putting both players on your watch list. 

Christian McCaffrey – Panthers

Cmac injured his ankle in the loss against the Bucs. The injury does not seem to be too severe, but he will be getting an MRI tomorrow just to see. Look out for any updates.

Running Back Replacements:

James Robinson (scored 20 points), Antonio Gibson (seems like he will be taking a good chunk of the reps for Washington), Joshua Kelley (seems that he will also be taking a good piece of the representatives for the Chargers), and Dion Lewis (will be a replacement for Saquon)

As for wide receivers, note that Devante Adams, Sterling Shepard, and almost all the Jets wide receivers had to leave the game. My only suggestion is to pick the best person available. WRs have been shaky lately. In any case, week 3 is upon us. Let’s get ready to get this W.