There are many things that can affect fantasy lineups, but injuries are a big area of concern. Becoming a fantasy football league winner is all how you adjust to the injury report regarding players on your roster.
So what injuries occurred this week and how will they affect your lineup? Let’s take a dive into the week’s injuries for Preseason Week 2.
Russell Gage (WR) – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Russell Gage suffered a season-ending knee injury in practice this week, which is a decent hit to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver room. Gage was expected to be the Bucs’ WR3 in 2023.
As expected, Bucs put receiver Russell Gage on injured reserve. He sustained a season-ending knee injury in practice this week.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 21, 2023
While Gage was viewed as a back-end draft pick in redraft, his loss affects dynasty rosters more than anything else. But the biggest blow here is to whoever starts at quarterback for the Bucs: Kyle Trask or Baker Mayfield.
Having to replace a player like Russell Gage should be of low concern at this point for your fantasy team. However, keep an eye on how his loss impacts Mike Evans and Chris Godwin when facing strong defenses.
Fantasy Impact: Low
De’Von Achane (RB) – Miami Dolphins
De’Von Achane suffered a shoulder injury during the Miami Dolphins‘ preseason game against the Houston Texans this week. He is currently considered as week-to-week with the injury.
Dolphins rookie tailback Da’Von Achane is week to week with his shoulder injury. Eric Saubert and Robert Jones, not so much.
“Robert jones should be a little longer, but both are in the midst of beginning a rehab process that could take more than a week or two.”
— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) August 21, 2023
The Dolphins have a fairly deep running back corps, with veterans Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. also sharing the backfield. Achane is currently the RB40 but going as the No. 117 overall pick on Sleeper in PPR leagues. It is unknown how much of a role Achane will to have in 2023, but it is never good when a rookie that is vying for playing time gets hurt.
Now considered week-to-week, De’Von Achane is still safe to draft in leagues. If you have already drafted Achane, place the worry aside as he will still get touches this season and is worth a stash on rosters as a potential fantasy football league winner.
Fantasy Impact: Medium-low
Jameson Williams (WR) – Detroit Lions
Jameson Williams suffered a hamstring injury that will sideline him the rest of the preseason. However, this doesn’t affect fantasy owners that have rostered Williams nearly as much as his suspension for gambling. Jameson Williams is set to miss the first six games of the season because of a gambling suspension passed down from the NFL.
The leg injury does not help his chances of being game ready though.
“He misses the reps. That’s a chance to get full-speed, full-tilt reps, the timing of the pass game, lining up, all of it. Moving versus press, through the zones … it’s just time on task,” Campbell said Thursday. “So, yeah, there will be a setback with it, but listen, you take it as it comes. I’m not gonna sweat it, as long as he’s willing to continue to grind on the playbook and get it right, we’ll take it as it goes.” (per ESPN)
Also of note: Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown also went down with an ankle injury, but he is expected to be ready for the team’s final preseason game.
Fantasy Impact: Medium
Treylon Burks (WR) – Tennessee Titans
There was another injury to yet another second-year wide receiver, as Treylon Burks went down with a knee injury in practice on Wednesday and is expected to miss a few weeks. Burks suffered an LCL sprain in his left knee, according to the injury report.
More bad news: #Titans WR Treylon Burks went down in practice and suffered an injury, he’s getting carted off.
DeAndre Hopkins and Derrick Henry came over to him to check on him before he left, per @TDavenport_NFL pic.twitter.com/wlAD5Qdij7
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 16, 2023
Knee injuries can always be tricky, especially when it occurs to a wide receiver or running back. This injury is definitely something to keep an eye on as it could affect Burks’ throughout the season. If Treylon Burks misses any amount of time during the season, look for DeAndre Hopkins’ stock to skyrocket as his target-share should see a big increase.
Fantasy Impact: Medium-high
Terry McLaurin (WR) – Washington Commanders
Commanders’ wideout Terry McLaurin went down with a leg injury in Monday night’s game against the Baltimore Ravens. At this time, it appears to be a toe injury, and it is worth monitoring if he misses any time. X-rays were negative.
McLaurin’s x-rays were negative. https://t.co/8XUzwEDuuK
— Underdog NFL (@Underdog__NFL) August 22, 2023
While there are minimal details at this time, fantasy owners should follow Terry McLaurin‘s injury closely once more details emerge. After all, he’s been a fantasy football #leaguewinner at a cost in the past and was the PPR WR14 last season. This year, McLaurin is going as the PPR WR22 and with the No. 55 overall pick, according to Sleeper.
Fantasy Impact: Medium-high
Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR) – Washington Commanders
Rookie Seahawk wideout Jaxon Smitjh-Njigba is undergoing a wrist injury after playing week 2 in the preseason against the Vikings. In the first two games, JSN has had highlight-reel receptions proving his receiving prowess by being open all over the field.
Seahawks’ first-round pick Jaxon Smith-Njigba is undergoing wrist surgery today in Philadelphia, but still could have a chance to be ready for the start of the regular season, per sources. Surgery will determine how long he will miss. He hurt his wrist Saturday night vs. Dallas.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 22, 2023
This wrist injury and subsequent surgery will likely delay JSN’s rookie year. The Seahawks will likely ease his snap rate up as the season goes on to ensure he plays for a playoff push. Don’t let the surgery sway you against drafting JSN. He will be a second-half #leaguewinner.
Fantasy Impact: Low-medium
Haason Reddick (DL) – Philadelphia Eagles
Yes, IDP players, we have some news for you this go-round, too. Haason Reddick suffered a thumb injury that is going to require surgery. It is unknown if he will be ready for the season or not, but this storyline is definitely worth a check for updates along the way.
Reddick is currently the DL7 in IDP draft rankings and No. 40 in all IDP rankings. If Reddick is good to go in Week 1, it will still be worth monitoring his thumb injury throughout the start of the season.
Another thing to note is that the Philadelphia Eagles have a very deep defensive line this season. Between that and the injury news, he likely will not reach 16 sacks like he did last season.
Fantasy Impact: Low
Follow The League Winners all season as we will provide injury updates weekly to help you monitor your rosters and win your league.
Dustin Brown
Dustin Brown is a writer for The League Winners. He enjoys hanging out with my family and friends when not trying to delivering NFL news or fantasy content to win your league. There is no sports stone left unturned when it comes to what he will watch.