Fantasy Injury Updates: James Conner, Miles Sanders, Phillip Lindsay, more impact Week 2 RB rankings

Billy Heyen

Fantasy Injury Updates: James Conner, Miles Sanders, Phillip Lindsay, more impact Week 2 RB rankings image

Our Week 2 RB rankings are full of "questionable" backs dealing with injuries, as usual. James Conner's mysterious Monday night ankle injury still has us doubting his Week 2 availability, and Phillip Lindsay could miss out, as well. Recent updates suggest Miles Sanders is trending toward being active, though, and so is Duke Johnson, so it's not all bad for RBs this week. Of course, that might not make your fantasy start 'em, sit 'em decisions any easier. 

For updates on key pass-catchers, such as Chris Godwin, Kenny Golladay, Courtland Sutton, DeVante Parker, and George Kittle, click here; for news on even more banged-up pass-catchers, including Jamison Crowder, Jack Doyle, and A.J. Brown, click here. For all the latest fantasy injury news and updates, check back here and on Twitter @SN_Fantasy

WEEK 2 FANTASY: Sleepers | Busts | Start 'em, sit 'em

James Conner injury update

UPDATE: Conner reportedly practiced in full on Thursday, which would seem to indicate he'll play in Week 2 against Denver. However, he might see a reduced workload, leaving Benny Snell still in play as a flex.

Conner, as expected, didn't practice Wednesday due to his ankle injury. Earlier, Mike Tomlin said that the Steelers would "leave the light on" to play in Week 2 against the Broncos. Conner didn't play in the second half on Monday night as Benny Snell Jr. came in and rushed for 113 yards.

The Athletic has reported that Snell could see more action even once Conner returns. Conner didn't run well Monday before leaving the game, while Snell looked much better throughout his night. In Week 2, it's looking like Snell deserves RB2 consideration with Conner likely out. If Snell isn't yet owned in your league, this additional news about post-Conner return workload makes him a must-add. Jaylen Samuels will serve as the pass-catching specialist/change-of-pace back, but he doesn't have much fantasy value, even in PPR leagues.

WEEK 2 STANDARD RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker

Miles Sanders injury news

Sanders (hamstring) was involved in practice all last week before being held out Sunday. He was a full participant in Philadelphia's Wednesday practice this week, so surely he will suit up in Week 2, assuming he encounters no setbacks. The Eagles play the Rams in Week 2. 

ESPN's Adam Schefter has also reported Sanders is on track to play in Week 2. The Rams have a strong defensive front, but Sanders is still an RB2 play with him likely seeing 15-plus touches. 

WEEK 2 PPR RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight endD/ST | Kicker

Will Phillip Lindsay play Week 2?

UPDATE: Lindsay didn't practice on Thursday so barring a surprise, he will probably miss Week 2 as he battles a toe injury.

Multiple NFL Network reports have said that Lindsay's Week 2 status is in doubt, with Ian Rapoport saying that Lindsay is likely to miss a few weeks with his turf toe injury. Broncos head coach Vic Fangio wouldn't rule Lindsay out for this week, calling him "day to day."

The Broncos play in Pittsburgh during Week 2 against a Steelers defense that held Saquon Barkley in check. Lindsay would only be a flex play, at best, even if he played, and a risky one at that. Without Lindsay, Melvin Gordon's workload should be secure, but he could find it tough sledding against Pittsburgh, making him a back-end RB2 or flex play. Royce Freeman only saw six snaps in Week 1 after Lindsay was injured, meaning Freeman is only usable in the deepest of PPR leagues if Lindsay is out. 

WEEK 2 DFS: Best stacks | Best valuesLineup Builder

Duke Johnson injury update

Johnson missed the second half of Houston's opener with an ankle injury. He practiced Wednesday, though, and looks likely to suit up in Week 2 against Baltimore.

David Johnson was the big winner of the Thursday night opener in the Texans' backfield. Duke only had five carries and one target before leaving the game. A healthy Duke Johnson is a deep-league PPR option, but the Ravens defense is strong, so leave Johnson on fantasy benches.

Billy Heyen