Fantasy Injury Updates: Josh Jacobs, Julio Jones, Darren Waller, more affect Week 3 start-sit calls

Matt Lutovsky

Fantasy Injury Updates: Josh Jacobs, Julio Jones, Darren Waller, more affect Week 3 start-sit calls image

The hits just keep on coming for fantasy football owners. First- and second-round picks are dropping like flies, wreaking havoc on rankings and start 'em, sit 'em decisions. Heading into Week 3, several more studs are looking "questionable" because of injuries. Josh Jacobs, Julio Jones, Darren Waller, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Zack Moss all played and finished last week's games, but none have practiced this week due to various injuries. Get the latest updates and waiver wire advice as you prepare for your upcoming matchups.

For updates on injuries to top receivers, such as Davante Adams, Michael Thomas, Kenny Golladay and more, click here. For the latest on George Kittle, Jimmy Garoppolo, and Cam Akers, click here. For all the latest fantasy injury news and updates, check back here and on Twitter @SN_Fantasy

MORE WEEK 3:  Full waiver list | FAAB budget planner | Buy-low, sell-high

Josh Jacobs injury update

UPDATE: Jacobs returned to practice on Friday and is expected to play against the Patriots.

Jacobs (hip) didn't practice Wednesday and wasn't spotted during the early portion of practice on Thursday. It's possible he's just resting after playing on Monday night, but it's still a concern given his high workload through two weeks. 

If Jacobs misses Sunday's game against New England, Devontae Booker would likely handle most of the carries with Jalen Richard chipping in as the change-of-pace/receiving back. Now's the time to grab Booker just to be safe.

WEEK 3 STANDARD RANKINGS:
Quarterback Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker

Is Julio Jones playing in Week 3?

UPDATE: Jones is officially "questionable" for Sunday's game and will reportedly be a game-time decision.

Jones (hamstring) has missed practice all week and figures to be "questionable" for Sunday's game against the Bears.

Clearly affected by the sore hamstring last week, Jones dropped a sure touchdown and struggled to get much of anything going. If he's active, he's almost impossible to sit, but it might be a blessing in disguise if he's out. Calvin Ridley, Russell Gage, and Hayden Hurst should all see more targets. 

WEEK 3: Sleepers | Busts Start 'em, sit 'em

Darren Waller injury update

UPDATE: Waller returned to practice Friday and is expected to play against the Patriots.

Waller (knee) hasn't practiced so far this week, and while it's fairly common for banged-up players to take off Wednesday after playing on Monday night, it's a bit surprising that he also sat out Thursday. 

Even in a tough Week 3 matchup against the Pats, Waller would be a must-start if active due to his league-leading TE target-share, but this situation bears watching going into the weekend. If Waller is out, Foster Moreau and Alec Ingold will get more targets, but it's likely WRs Henry Ruggs III and Hunter Renfrow will benefit the most.

WEEK 3 PPR RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker

Is JuJu Smith-Schuster playing in Week 3?

Smith-Schuster (knee) hasn't practiced all week, but ESPN's Brooke Pryor still expects him to play Sunday against the Texans.

After a two-TD game in Week 1, Smith-Schuster took a backseat to Diontae Johnson in Week 2, but he still caught seven-of-eight targets. He's a must-start if active, but his owners will have to watch the practice reports closely. James Washington and Chase Claypool are worth speculative adds if they're available. 

Zack Moss injury news

UPDATE: Moss has officially been ruled OUT for Sunday's game.

Moss (toe) missed practice on both Wednesday and Thursday, so his availability for Sunday's game against the Rams is very much in question. 

Aside from scoring on a short TD reception in Week 1, Moss hasn't done much of anything this year despite 20 total touches. If anything, he's served as a nuisance for Devin Singletary owners. If Moss is out, Singletary will move into RB2 territory, but if Moss is active, both will be tough to trust in all formats. 

Matt Lutovsky

Matt Lutovsky Photo

Matt Lutovsky has been a writer and editor for The Sporting News since 2007, primarily writing about fantasy sports, betting, and gaming.