Everything that happens in the NFL has some additional context when viewed from a fantasy football perspective. From position battles to injuries and so much more, the news cycle will constantly affect player values in fantasy football.
Our fantasy football buzz file, with contributions from our ESPN fantasy writers and our NFL Nation reporters, aims to provide fantasy managers with the intel they need as news breaks around the NFL.
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Sept. 13: 49ers place Christian McCaffrey on IR
Stephania Bell: The move to IR for McCaffrey on Saturday didn’t come as much of a surprise once coach Kyle Shanahan indicated Thursday that the team was “considering” it. McCaffrey had tested his leg in practice Thursday only to experience what Shanahan referred to as the worst day of pain to date, thereby compelling the team to protect him for at least the next four weeks. After ruling McCaffrey out for last Monday night’s game, Shanahan revealed McCaffrey was dealing with an Achilles component beyond the original calf muscle strain. Given the anatomical relationship (the Achilles tendon serves as the bridge from the calf musculature to the calcaneus (heel bone); force generated through the calf is transferred to the tendon which then moves the ankle via the calcaneus), the progression of symptoms to the tendon is not a total surprise… but it is a concern.
Whether this is an acute case of inflammation of the Achilles tendon as a compensatory extension of the initial injury or whether it is reflective of underlying chronic, degenerative changes in the tendon, or both, it may take multiple weeks for McCaffrey to be football ready. As a former track athlete in addition to being a running back from youth to his pro career, McCaffrey undoubtedly has some tendon changes due to use and age. These changes may be present yet not be associated with symptoms and still allow an athlete to be highly functional. Once there is an inflammatory event that results in pain however, it can be more challenging for those symptoms to resolve enough to return an athlete to high demand activity and the risk of re-injury elevates. In essence, the timeline can be fluid depending on multiple variables (location of injury within the muscle and tendon, severity, degree of inflammation, quality of the soft tissue), most of which are impossible to assess from a distance. Consider that even the people who interact with McCaffrey and lead his rehab and practice sessions daily, not to mention McCaffrey himself, were not expecting him to miss any time to start the season.
The move to IR potentially serves two purposes: The player is essentially protected from himself and his own push to return to action (something McCaffrey spoke of earlier this week when he said his mindset is always to play) and the recovery timeline can now be reset to zero. Rather than pressing to increase McCaffrey’s activity for a ramp-up to play within the week, the entire organization can focus on resolving the acute situation and moving forward with a larger return to play plan, one that has no specific timeline set in stone.
Tristan H. Cockcroft: Christian McCaffrey’s injury situation has gone from bad to worse, as the 49ers’ decision to place him on injured reserve will cost him a minimum of the next four weeks, and perhaps keep him out through the team’s Week 9 bye if San Francisco opts for a conservative approach to his recovery.
It grants a tremendous opportunity for Jordan Mason, who scored 22.2 PPR fantasy points on 29 touches in Week 1, and should now see a similarly sizable workload during what’s a rather soft portion of the team’s schedule (at MIN, at LAR, NE, ARI, at SEA the next five weeks). Mason is somehow still available in about 10% of ESPN leagues and needs to be universally rostered thanks to what’ll be a clear-cut, potentially-top-10 positional valuation for at least the next month.
McCaffrey’s managers can only hope they grabbed Mason, who emerged as the top insurance policy within the San Francisco backfield late in the preseason, a week ago. After all, with a minimum of five guaranteed absences to begin his 2024, McCaffrey will have missed a combined 29 games the past five seasons as Week 6 dawns … and it could wind up more.
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Why Jordan Mason could lead RBs in fantasy points in Week 2
Mike Clay explains why Jordan Mason has a strong chance to lead the 49ers’ running backs in fantasy points in Week 2.
In deeper leagues, keep tabs on rookie Isaac Guerendo’s usage these next couple of weeks. Though he was ticketed to be the team’s primary kickoff returner to begin the season, he might be worked in more as Mason’s backup with this news, and is a worthwhile dynasty league stash. It’s also possible, however, that the team will merely go with the less-fantasy-relevant Patrick Taylor Jr. in the backup role.
Sept. 14: Jordan Love upgraded to doubtful for Week 2
Stephania Bell: Love sprained his MCL in the Packers’ Week 1 contest against the Eagles in Brazil in what initially looked as if it could be a much more serious injury. The team opted not to place him on Injured Reserve, hinting at an earlier return than four weeks. Although Love did not participate in practice at all this week, he is making good progress with coach Matt LaFleur noting “he’s working hard and getting better every day.” Earlier in the week LaFleur said Love was on the practice field (in the post-media viewing portion of practice) coaching up the other quarterbacks and “knows every play call.” Beyond the aspect of being prepared for the matchup, the key from an injury perspective will be whether Love can be nimble enough on that left knee to move up and around the pocket and quick enough to escape a pass rush to protect himself. And, whether he plays or not in Week 2, the fact that this is even a possibility is a great sign of his rapid progression.
Sept: 14: Rome Odunze, Keenan Allen questionable vs. Texans
Stephania Bell: Odunze felt a “pop” when he injured his knee Sunday in the 4th quarter against the Tennessee Titans. He was diagnosed with an MCL sprain but per ESPN’s Courtney Cronin, said doctors told Odunze after reviewing an MRI that it was “structurally sound.” In other words, the integrity of the ligament is solid and it is primarily a pain issue for him. It should be noted this doesn’t simply mean “can he play through the pain?” The questions are more on the order of whether he can cut sharply medial-lateral, push off explosively, or go up in the air to catch a pass and land without pain. Odunze did not practice Wednesday or Thursday and did only limited work Friday. Coach Matt Eberflus said the Bears will work out injured players before the game to determine their final status. While it sounds as if Odunze has a chance to play as the questionable tag implies, it would not be a surprise if the Bears opt to give him an additional week to recover.
Allen entered last week’s game with a heel injury but did not appear limited to start. However, he aggravated the heel in the third quarter, enough that he exited the game for a visit to the medical tent. Although Allen eventually returned to finish the game, he was back on the injury report this week and did not practice at all. Like his teammate Odunze, Allen will be a gametime decision based on how he looks and feels in pregame warmups. Coach Matt Eberflus did appear to suggest the veteran Allen had a better shot of playing this week (as opposed to the rookie) despite no practice, given both his NFL experience and having already played through the heel ailment.
Sept. 14: No restrictions for Malik Nabers
Stephania Bell: Nabers was added to the injury report as a limited participant Thursday with a knee issue. ESPN’s Jordan Raanan reported at the time that Nabers’ leg “tightened” during practice, and it didn’t appear serious, noting Nabers was in the locker room post-practice with nothing on his knee. On Friday, Nabers returned to full practice and was given no designation on the injury report. Coach Brian Daboll said there was “no concern” regarding his health. Expect him to have no restrictions.
Sept. 14: Jake Ferguson doubtful for Week 2
Stephania Bell: Ferguson had an awkward landing in last Sunday’s game which looked as if it could have been serious. An ACL injury was quickly ruled out and subsequent testing revealed a bone bruise and a “minor” MCL sprain, per ESPN’s Todd Archer. A minor sprain suggests no structural compromise and can then be treated as a pain-limiting issue, meaning if pain does not compromise performance, the athlete can play. Bone bruising, while important to monitor, is often managed similarly. Ferguson was able to increase his rehab activity but was not able to participate in practice the entire week and is listed as Doubtful. He is not expected to play Sunday but the fact that there was optimism and quick progression so soon after his initial Week 1 injury bodes well for a possible Week 3 return.
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Why Jordan Mason could lead RBs in fantasy points in Week 2
Mike Clay explains why Jordan Mason has a strong chance to lead the 49ers’ running backs in fantasy points in Week 2.
Sept. 13: Hollywood Brown to miss “months”, other injury notes
The Kansas City Chiefs will place wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown on IR as he undergoes surgery for a shoulder injury suffered in the preseason. Head coach Andy Reid said Brown’s recovery would take months.
With Brown out for an extended stretch, Xavier Worthy is further cemented as the Chiefs’ No. 2 wideout behind Rashee Rice.
Other wide receiver injury notes:
Sept. 11: McCaffrey status uncertain for Week 2
Christian McCaffrey was held out of the San Francisco 49ers’ season opener in Week 1 with lingering Calf and Achilles injuries. He is listed as day-to-day as the 49ers prepare to face the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2, but it seems like the issue might take longer to fully heal than expected. While this would certainly be disappointing for McCaffrey’s fantasy managers, it would propel Jordan Mason into the lead role. Mason is currently ranked inside the top 20 running backs in our Week 2 rankings, signaling a potential big week for the 49ers’ backfield.
Sept. 11: Njoku out for Browns, Akins to start
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski announced Wednesday that David Njoku (ankle) will be out Sunday against the Jaguars. While Jordan Akins will get the extra snaps at tight end for Cleveland, Liz Loza says in her Week 2 Facts vs. Feelings column that New Orleans Saints’ tight end Juwan Johnson is a better streaming consideration for those who need a fill-in.
Sept 11: Mostert out for Dolphins, Achane questionable for Thursday
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said Wednesday that RB Raheem Mostert (chest) is ruled out for Thursday’s AFC East matchup against the Buffalo Bills, while De’Von Achane is listed as questionable. Achane is ranked as a top 15 running back in our Week 2 running back rankings with third string back Jaylen Wright outside the top 50 for everyone but Eric Moody, who has Wright at RB31.
Sept. 10: Higgins could sit again; Are other Bengals WRs worth considering?
Daniel Dopp: Tee Higgins sat out the Cincinnati Bengals’ opener with a hamstring injury. So will we see him in Week 2?
“I’m going to predict to you right now, on Tuesday, Tee Higgins isn’t going to play this week either,” Adam Schefter said on The Adam Schefter Podcast. Schefter made it very clear this offseason that Higgins was unhappy with the approach Bengals ownership took toward his contract and insinuated that Higgins could choose to play it safe and not risk further injury, knowing he’s getting paid whether he plays or not while on the franchise tag. It’s only Tuesday, but when Schefter makes a strongly worded statement like that, I pay attention and adjust accordingly. Fantasy managers, make sure you have another route at the WR/Flex spot in case we’re without Higgins for a second consecutive week.
After an abysmal Week 1 outing against the New England Patriots, the only Bengals wide receiver I’d consider starting in Week 2 is Ja’Marr Chase. With the position being the deepest in fantasy, there’s no reason to throw a dart at Andrei Iosivas or Trenton Irwin. The Bengals take on the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, and I’m expecting them to be playing from behind all game. Despite that, Joe Burrow doesn’t inspire much confidence after his Week 1 performance and lands outside my top 10 at the QB position, given his lack of passing game options.
Running backs Zack Moss and Chase Brown are low-end flex plays at best, as we assumed Brown would handle third down and pass-catching duties after a strong offseason, but neither impressed against New England and both could be game planned out of this Week 2 showdown from a ground game perspective. I have Moss as RB29 and Brown outside my top 40 in Week 2.
Sept 10: Miami RBs banged up; Ferguson avoids serious injury
Stephania Bell: Both Miami Dolphins backs were listed on the injury report Monday as non-participants due to injuries sustained during Sunday’s game. Miami did not actually practice, so these were projected absences. Raheem Mostert was listed with a chest injury, and De’Von Achane, who was seen limping off the field late in Sunday’s win over Jacksonville, was listed with an ankle injury. The Dolphins play Thursday night, making this a tight turnaround for player recovery.
Meanwhile, Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson had an awkward landing in Sunday’s game, and it looked as if he could have suffered a serious injury. However, an ACL injury was quickly ruled out and subsequent testing revealed a bone bruise and a “minor” MCL sprain, per ESPN’s Todd Archer. A minor sprain suggests no structural compromise and can then be treated as a pain-limiting issue, meaning if pain does not compromise performance, the athlete can play. Bone bruising, while important to monitor, is often managed similarly. Coach Mike McCarthy has already said Ferguson will work with the Return to Play group Wednesday and they’ll go from there, leaving the door open for him to possibly return as soon as this weekend.
Update Sept. 14: Ferguson was able to increase his rehab activity but was not able to participate in practice the entire week and is listed as Doubtful. He is not expected to play Sunday but the fact that there was optimism and quick progression so soon after his initial Week 1 injury increase bodes well for a possible Week 3 return.
The news wasn’t as good for Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua, who was placed on IR with a PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) sprain, meaning he will miss at least four games. A common mechanism of injury is a fall directly on the front of the knee forcing the lower leg (tibia) in a backward direction relative to the thigh bone (femur) and stressing the ligament. The key is allowing enough healing time to restore stability so that the player can function without feeling like the knee is constantly slipping. Healing and return to play time depend on the severity, and it’s possible Nacua’s absence could extend beyond four weeks.
Sept. 9: Top options to replace McCaffrey
Tristan H. Cockcroft: Christian McCaffrey, fantasy football’s No. 1 overall player, will sit out the San Francisco 49ers’ Week 1 contest on Monday night against the New York Jets due to the calf strain that also cost him the entirety of the preseason. The news heightens concerns about his availability in-season, considering his past injury history that includes 24 missed games combined in 2020-21, though he did put in limited practice during the week that offers hope he’ll be ready for Week 2.
In McCaffrey’s absence, Jordan Mason gets a golden opportunity as the 49ers’ go-to running back, though Patrick Taylor Jr. and Isaac Guerendo are also active for the contest.
Mason’s positive preseason reports and greater experience should align him for a double-digit carry total, especially as Guerendo is likely slated to return kicks. Frankly, the team might lean more on Deebo Samuel Sr. in the running game, a boon to the wide receiver in fantasy terms. Consider Mason a mid-range flex option, and one fantasy managers almost certainly now must use if they were waiting on a McCaffrey decision, as it’s a tough matchup. Samuel is arguably the best fantasy play from the entire 49ers’ offense as a result of the news, a near-WR1.
Sept. 9: Puka Nacua to go on IR, miss at least four games
Rams head coach Sean McVay said Monday that star receiver Puka Nacua has a sprained PCL (knee) and will be placed on the IR, ruling him out for at least four games.
Nacua sustained the injury in the second quarter of Sunday night’s season opener against Detroit, and according to McVay, it is a new and more significant injury to the same ligament the wide receiver injured in training camp during a joint practice.
Fantasy managers tasked with replacing Nacua are in a difficult spot as there is no way to fully replicate his type of production with a pickup, but here are Eric Moody’s top widely available receivers to consider as streamers and fill-ins until Nacua returns.