The NFL injury report is always filled with some of the game’s best stars, leaving fans and fantasy football managers scrambling to find out who will play. Heading into Week 2 of the 2022 NFL season, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott headlines things. He’s expected to be sidelined for up to eight weeks after undergoing surgery on his throwing thumb.
Matt Ryan‘s No. 1 target Michael Pittman has been ruled out for their Week 2 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but he’s not alone. Several others are set to either miss play or be game-time decisions this weekend.
Bookmark this page for daily injury updates and news on NFL stars from across the league, whether or not they will play in Week 2 and how their injuries impact fantasy football.
Here is the latest injury news for some of the NFL’s biggest stars and the impact it will have on Week 2 in Sportsnaut’s NFL injury report.
Related: NFL Week 2 power rankings
Alvin Kamara, running back, New Orleans Saints
Surprisingly, Alvin Kamara received just 12 touches in the Saints’ season opener. Totaling just 46 yards, it didn’t appear Kamara was his normal self. We later learned from coach Dennis Allen that Kamara was dealing with an injury to his ribs.
He was able to get a limited practice session in on Wednesday but wasn’t able to participate at all on Thursday or Friday, putting his status to play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in doubt. Kamara is officially inactive. Usually a reliable option, with Kamara out, New Orleans will likely turn to 12-year vet Mark Ingram, third-year-pro Tony Jones, and, of course, more Taysom Hill out of the backfield. Either way, against a tough Bucs run defense, look for the Saints to stick to their passing attack.
Gabriel Davis, wide receiver, Buffalo Bills
Led by Josh Allen, it didn’t look like anything could slow down the Buffalo Bills’ offense in Week 1. Maybe, the potential absence of Gabriel Davis actually causes them to punt for the first time this season. The big-play receiver is suddenly questionable for Monday night’s battle with the Tennessee Titans as he battles an ankle injury. Davis still practiced on Saturday, though he was a limited participant.
Davis was Allen’s second-most frequent target among receivers in last week’s victory, hauling in four-of-five passes for 88 yards and a touchdown. If he can’t go, look for Jamison Crowder and Isaiah McKenzie to receive more looks. Dawson Knox could also benefit from the excess targets that may be available.
Michael Pittman, wide receiver, Indianapolis Colts
There was no sign of injury for Michael Pittman as he cruised to a nine-catch, 121-yard performance last Sunday. But the third-year receiver was suddenly limited after injuring his calf in Wednesday’s practice. Then, Pittman didn’t participate at all on Thursday or Friday. Now he’s officially been ruled out for Sunday. It’s a tough turn of events as his fantasy owners would have loved to see Pittman in the lineup on Sunday, as a matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars could have been fruitful.
With Pittman unavailable to go, Matt Ryan will have to learn to depend on other options, such as Mo-Alie Cox, Parris Campbell, Ashton Dulin, or Mike Strachan.
D’Andre Swift, running back, Detroit Lions
There’s not much concern about D’Andre Swift potentially missing his Week 2 matchup against the Washington Commanders after he toughed it out through an ankle injury in Week 1. In doing so, Swift racked up 175 yards on just 18 touches.
Still, Swift missed two practices earlier in the week after being a full participant on Friday. He’s officially questionable but is still expected to play. If Swift is limited on Sunday, look for Jamaal Williams to continue stealing a few carries and catches,
Rondale Moore, wide receiver, Arizona Cardinals
Moore missed Arizona’s season opener with a hamstring injury. Now he’ll also miss Week 2 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Once he’s back, Moore’s a solid option for Kyler Murray. Moore caught 54 passes for 435 yards while hauling in 84% of his targets as a rookie last season.
With Moore unable to go, young wide receiver Greg Dortch could be an option in fantasy leagues. He caught seven passes for 63 yards in Arizona’s blowout Week 1 loss to Kansas City and should be in line for a similar role on Sunday.
Related: Fantasy football rankings for Week 2
Tee Higgins, wide receiver, Cincinnati Bengals
Higgins suffered a concussion in Cincinnati’s season-opening loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. After being limited on Wednesday, Higgins was able to get back on the field on Friday. Unless there’s a Saturday setback, Higgins appears good to go for Week 2.
Higgins caught two passes for 27 yards before going down to injury. With him sidelined, Joe Burrow relied on running back Joe Mixon in the passing game behind Ja’Marr Chase. Mixon caught seven passes for 63 yards on nine targets. If Higgins is unable to go Week 2 against the Cowboys, Chase will continue to see a large target share after Burrow threw the ball in his direction 16 times last week. Buccaneers wide receivers caught 13-of-20 targets from Tom Brady against Cincinnati’s Week 2 opponent this past Sunday night.
Michael Gallup, wide receiver, Dallas Cowboys
Gallup was already ruled out for Week 1 after suffering a torn ACL late last season. He joins the recently-signed James Washington in being sidelined to start the 2022 season.
What does this mean? The expectation is that No. 1 wide receiver CeeDee Lamb will have a large target share moving forward, especially with Gallup out again in Week 2 against Cincinnati. Unfortunately, Dak Prescott is sidelined for the long haul. This means Lamb’s performance will suffer with Cooper Rush starting in his stead. Lamb caught just 2-of-11 targets against Tampa Bay in Week 1. From a fantasy perspective, we expect running backs Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard to play larger roles in Dallas’ passing game against Cincinnati.
Gallup put pads on again for the first time in 2022 on Sept. 15, meaning we could see Gallup on the field as soon as Week 3, but stay tuned for more updates to the NFL injury report as we go along.
Related: Ranking NFL defenses heading into Week 2
J.K. Dobbins, running back, Baltimore Ravens
Dobbins suffered a torn ACL in the first preseason game last summer and missed the entire 2021 campaign. It’s been a slow recovery for the Baltimore Ravens star. While he’s nearing a return, the Ravens are playing it safe and will hold their starting running back out of Week 2’s matchup against the Miami Dolphins after missing the opener.
For now, Kenyan Drake remains the unofficial RB1 for the Ravens. He led the team with 11 rush attempts in a Week 1 win over the New York Giants. With that said, the veteran was able to put up a mere 31 yards. Regardless of how the NFL injury report plays out moving forward, Ravens running backs should be a must-avoid in fantasy football leagues.
Keenan Allen, wide receiver, Los Angeles Chargers
Allen suffered a hamstring injury in the opener against the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders in Week 1. Given the short turnaround with Los Angeles set to play Thursday, the veteran receiver will not be on the field against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The five-time Pro Bowl performer has been among the most consistent receivers in the game over the years. With Allen sidelined in this one, expect an uptick in targets for running back Austin Ekeler and wide receiver Mike Williams. Kansas City yielded just 14 catches for 129 yards to wide receivers in their Week 1 win over the Arizona Cardinals.
Related: 10 fantasy football players who should rebound in Week 2
Elijah Mitchell, running back, San Francisco 49ers
After missing six games to injury as a rookie last season, Mitchell suffered a sprained MCL in Week 1 and is expected to miss the next two months. This is a massive blow for both Mitchell and the 49ers. Last season saw the former sixth-round pick from Louisiana record 1,100 total yards and six touchdowns.
With Mitchell sidelined for the long haul. former undrafted free agent Jeff Wilson Jr. will assume RB1 duties in San Francisco. He put up 15 combined touchdowns on 169 touches in 2019-20 before suffering through an injury-plagued 2021 campaign himself. In Week 1, undrafted rookie Jordan Mason got the call to be active over rookie third-round pick Tyrion Davis-Price. Taking on a Seahawks team that allowed 244 total yards to running backs last week, Wilson becomes an obvious play.
Allen Lazard, wide receiver, Green Bay Packers
Green Bay’s new No. 1 receiver following the departure of Davante Adams, Lazard showed up on the NFL injury report with an undisclosed issue heading into Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings. He missed said game.
The former undrafted free agent from Iowa State caught 40 passes for 513 yards and eight touchdowns a season ago. He’s going to be Aaron Rodgers’ top target in 2022, making the wide receiver an obvious fantasy play.
Lazard seems set to suit up Week 2 against the Chicago Bears after the wideout returned to practice on a limited basis. But he’s not in the clear yet, as he’s received the questionable tag. Wide receivers caught 12 passes from Rodgers in Week 1, with rookie Christian Watson struggling big time. Perhaps, running backs A.J. Dillon and Aaron Jones become options against Chicago.
Related: Ranking NFL QBs heading into Week 2
Mac Jones, quarterback, New England Patriots
New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones showed up on the injury list following Sunday’s ugly Week 1 loss to the division-rival Miami Dolphins. Jones was able to finish the game, but it was noted that he was dealing with a back injury of some sort.
According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, Jones had been suffering from back spasms. He was removed from the NFL injury report on Friday and is in line to start Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. It’s a tough matchup for any quarterback, let alone one possibly at less than 100%. If Joe Burrow turned the ball over five times against Pittsburgh in Week 1, what does Jones have in store for Week 2?
Julio Jones, wide receiver, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Here we go again. Tom Brady‘s newest go-to option could be looking at missing Week 2 after a strong debut with the Buccaneers. Julio Jones missed two consecutive days of practice with what’s being labeled a knee injury before returning on Friday.
The seven-time Pro Bowl receiver was clocked as the seventh-faster ballcarrier in Week 1, so prior to the knee ailment he’s dealing with, Jones had been feeling pretty good. Jones was known for missing practices both with the Falcons and the Titans, and maybe that’s all this is, but his status for Sunday bears watching. Jones has been ruled out for Sunday.
Chris Godwin, wide receiver, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Able to go Week 1 after suffering a torn ACL last season, Godwin went down with a strained hamstring in Tampa Bay’s season opener. The expectation is that he’s going to miss some time. NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero notes that he could be a few weeks. Godwin has not practiced at all this week and is ruled out for Sunday, as expected.
Expect Russell Gage and Mike Evans to get all the targets they can handle with both Julio Jones and Godwin ruled out. Tampa is set to take on a tough Saints defense this coming Sunday. Buyer beware on that front.
Mike Evans, wide receiver, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The third receiver to miss practice for the Bucs on Thursday, Mike Evans is dealing with a calf injury. But ESPN’s Jenna Laine suggests it’s “relatively minor.” That appears to be the case, as the star receiver was able to return to being a full participant on Friday. Evans is expected to play in Sunday’s divisional matchup against the Saints. Brady already struggles against the Saints, so not having the receiver he’s developed the most chemistry with could be a big setback.
George Kittle, tight end, San Francisco 49ers
- Update: George Kittle is officially inactive for Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks
Kittle showed up on the injury report in Week 1 with a groin issue he suffered in practice. After sitting out of the season opener against the Chicago Bears, Kittle missed the early portions of practice this week before returning to the field on Friday.
Earlier general manager John Lynch said Kittle would be a game-time decision once again, but the All-Pro tight end still isn’t expected to suit up on Sunday.
With Kittle sidelined in the opener, young quarterback Trey Lance struggled in the passing game. This should change due to better field conditions in Santa Clara against Seattle in Week 2. Either way, Kittle is an obvious play should he be ready to go. If not, Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk will see a larger target share against a bad Seahawks defense.
Related: Young fantasy football stars to target in 2022
Najee Harris, running back, Pittsburgh Steelers
Harris suffered a foot injury in Pittsburgh’s season opener against Cincinnati. While there were some indications that it might be serious, the second-year back said he should be more than good to go next week. Harris returned to a full practice on Thursday and was removed from the injury report entirely on Friday.
Harris, 24, put up nearly 1,700 total yards and 10 touchdowns a season ago for Pittsburgh. Hopefully we’ll see more from Harris in Week 2 against the New England Patriots. Wide receiver Chase Claypool actually led the team with 36 rushing yards on six totes.
Dak Prescott, quarterback, Dallas Cowboys
The expectation is that Prescott will miss between four and six weeks after suffering a hand injury in Dallas’ season-opening loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Prescott underwent surgery on his thumb Monday with it being deemed successful.
This injury will obviously have wide-ranging ramifications in Dallas. Cooper Rush will likely start until Prescott is able to return at some point in early November. It’s in this that we should see some statistical struggles from wide receiver CeeDee Lamb after he caught just 2-of-11 targets for 29 yards in Week 1. Though, the ‘Boys will also likely rely a bit more on the running back tandem of Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard.
NFL injury report: Players inactive for Week 2
- Dak Prescott, quarterback, Dallas Cowboys
- Sam Darnold, quarterback, Carolina Panthers
- Zach Wilson, quarterback, New York Jets
- Alvin Kamara, running back, New Orleans Saints
- Elijah Mitchell, running back, San Francisco 49ers
- J.K. Dobbins, running back, Baltimore Ravens
- Gus Edwards, running back, Baltimore Ravens
- Brian Robinson, running back, Washington Commanders
- Michael Pittman Jr., wide receiver, Indianapolis Colts
- Rondale Moore, wide receiver, Arizona Cardinals
- Michael Gallup, wide receiver, Dallas Cowboys
- Chris Godwin, wide receiver, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Julio Jones, wide receiver, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NFL injury report: Players likely to play Week 2
- Mac Jones, quarterback, New England Patriots
- Jameis Winston, quarterback, New Orleans Saints
- Leonard Fournette, running back, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Najee Harris, running back, Pittsburgh Steelers
- D’Andre Swift, running back, Detroit Lions
- Allen Lazard, wide receiver, Green Bay Packers
- Mike Evans, wide receiver, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Julio Jones, wide receiver, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Tee Higgins, wide receiver, Cincinnati Bengals
This article was originally published on Sportsnaut.com and is republished here with permission.
