James Conner's injuries frustrated fantasy owners for most of last season, and it looks like the injury bug has returned in 2020. Benny Snell Jr. shone in his absence and will be a popular waiver wire target. That's not the only RB injury we're watching heading into Week 2 - Phillip Lindsay was also hurt Monday night, and the Eagles' backfield has both Miles Sanders and Boston Scott with some question marks heading into a matchup with the Rams. Impacts on players like Melvin Gordon and Corey Clement could mean changes in our running back rankings as the week goes on and we hear more news on these injuries.
For all the latest fantasy injury news and updates, check back here and on Twitter @SN_Fantasy.
WEEK 2 STANDARD RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker
James Conner injury update
UPDATE: Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said the Steelers will "leave the light on" for a Conner return in Week 2. Either way, it sounds like Conner avoided serious injury, but he could still miss a game or two.
Conner didn't see the field Monday night after the Steelers' first three drives. Before leaving the game, he had six carries for nine yards and two catches for eight yards, struggling to find any room to run. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin only said after the game that Conner is being "evaluated." The ESPN broadcast reported that Conner was dealing with a left ankle injury.
In the past, Conner has dealt with AC joint issues in his right shoulder and issues with his right leg but no reported left ankle injuries before last night. Benny Snell Jr. came on in relief and rushed for 113 yards on 19 carries. Conner's status likely won't become clearer until later in the week, but in the meantime, Snell is a solid waiver pickup for Week 2 and a must-add for Conner owners.
MORE: Best Week 2 waiver pickups
Phillip Lindsay injury news
Lindsay carried seven times Monday night for 24 yards before exiting the game and not returning. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Lindsay is dealing with a mild turf toe. Denver next takes on a strong Pittsburgh defense, which stifled Saquon Barkley in Week 1.
Melvin Gordon dominated backfield work for the Broncos after Lindsay's departure after being in a timeshare with Lindsay in the early portions of the game. Gordon warrants flex consideration, even against the Steelers, if Lindsay is out. If both backs play, they're risky even as flex plays. Royce Freeman will be Gordon's handcuff if Lindsay misses time, and he could see enough snaps -- and targets -- to merit some attention in PPR leagues.
WEEK 2 PPR RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker
Will Miles Sanders play Week 2?
NBC Sports reported Monday that there's a "decent hope" that Sanders (hamstring) plays in Week 2. Sanders missed Week 1 due to the injury, and the Philadelphia rushing attack struggled accordingly. Philly takes on Aaron Donald and the Rams in Week 2.
Even if Sanders makes it back to the field next week, he could be on a snap count as he works back from his nagging hamstring injury. Against the Rams, Sanders fits more as a flex play than anything more. If Sanders remains out, it will be Boston Scott (if healthy) and Corey Clement serving as speculative flex plays.
Boston Scott injury update
Scott left Sunday's game with an undisclosed injury and went to the locker room, but he later returned to the field, and nothing further has been reported on his health. Scott ran nine times for 35 yards and caught two passes for 19 yards in Week 1 after being a popular sleeper with Sanders out.
Scott's lack of involvement in the passing game was a bit surprising in Week 1, although maybe he'll find more room there if given the chance against the Rams in Week 2. If Sanders is out, Scott is a flex play in all leagues, although a stronger one in PPR formats.