As we approach Week 2, fantasy football owners are wondering if any notable players who missed Week 1 will return to the field. 49ers tight end George Kittle was the most notable player to miss last week, but fellow pass-catchers Allen Lazard, Michael Gallup, Rondale Moore, and Van Jefferson also failed to suit up. Knowing the latest injury updates for these players is important as you ready your Week 2 rankings and waiver claims.
Below, we'll give you the latest news on these pass-catchers and break down how their injuries could potentially affect the Week 2 fantasy rankings. For the latest injury news on Dak Prescott, Chris Godwin, Keenan Allen, and Tee Higgins, click here; for more on Najee Harris and Elijah Mitchell, go here; for updates on JK Dobbins and Kenneth Walker, click here.
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MORE WEEK 2: Top waiver pickups | FAAB Report | Trade advice
George Kittle injury update, Week 2 fantasy outlook
Kittle (groin) was officially a game-time decision heading into San Francisco's Week 1 road tit against Chicago, but he ultimately didn't suit up in the 49ers' 19-10 loss to the Bears. After sustaining a groin injury earlier in the week, San Francisco was in no hurry to rush the sixth-year tight end on the field. In his place, TE's Tyler Kroft (37), Ross Dwelley (19), and Charlie Woerner (19) saw an increase in snaps.
Regarding his status for Week 2, head coach Kyle Shanahan is still unsure if Kittle will play, according to ESPN's Nick Wagoner. It's not a great sign in his prospects to play in Week 2, and even with the 49ers off to an 0-1 start, it's not worth running Kittle out there if he isn't able to impact the game in the way he is normally capable of. If Kittle is active for Week 2, he's still a must-start at TE, but his upside is certainly capped. If he's out, fantasy owners should look to stream a TE like Hayden Hurst (@ Cowboys), O.J. Howard (@ Broncos) and Gerald Everett (@ Chiefs) off the waiver wire.
WEEK 2 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/ST | Kicker
Allen Lazard injury update, Week 2 fantasy outlook
Lazard (ankle) didn't play in Green Bay's 23-7 road loss to Minnesota on Sunday. His absence was clearly missed, as the Packers' new-look receiving corps experienced some growing pains, most notably highlighted by rookie WR Christian Watson's would-be touchdown drop on Green Bay's first possession.
Outside of fellow WR Randall Cobb, Lazard has the longest-standing rapport with Aaron Rodgers, and he's expected to become the Packers' new No.1 wideout. Not much has been said about his status for Week 2, but as of now it's looking like Lazard will be sidelined for a second straight week. WR Sammy Watkins (41) led all Packers WRs in snap count and will likely be Rodgers go-to option on Sunday night against Chicago should Lazard sit in Week 2. Romeo Doubs should also see his fair share of targets, but neither Watkins nor Doubs can be trusted in fantasy leagues.
WEEK 2 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/ST | Kicker
Michael Gallup injury update, Week 2 fantasy outlook
Gallup (knee) is trending toward seeing the field in the near future, logging three straight limited participations to end last week. It's still unlikely he suits up for Dallas' Week 2 home contest against Cincinnati, but looks to be in line for his season debut in the Cowboy's Week 3 game against the Giants.
The Cowboy's offense is clearly in need of a spark, as they were the only team who failed to score a TD in Week 1. With Dak Prescott (thumb) sidelined for at least the next month, Gallup's return would be a much-needed boost to the offense. When healthy, Gallup has WR3 upside (with Prescott), but fantasy owners should still be cautious of his early-season usage, especially given the Cowboys' QB situation.
Rondale Moore injury update, Week 2 fantasy outlook
Moore (hamstring) was an early scratch last week, which doesn't bode well for his chances to suit up this week against the Raiders.
After Greg Dortch received nine targets in Week 1, it's tempting to think Moore can make an immediate impact when he returns to the field. For now, the oft-injured speedster is worth stashing in deeper leagues, but clearly the health issues could continue to be a problem. If he's active against Vegas, he has some flex appeal. If he's out, Dortch and A.J. Green will operate as Arizona's No. 2 receiver, but neither can be trusted in fantasy leagues.
Van Jefferson injury update, Week 2 fantasy outlook
Jefferson (knee) never had a realistic opportunity to play in L.A.'s opener against Buffalo after it was reported last week that he's expected to miss "multiple games."
Jefferson has real sleeper potential when he gets on the field, so deep-league owners should continue stashing him for when he's healthy. Shallow leaguers don't need to worry about him until he's close to return. Tyler Higbee and Ben Skowronek will continue to see more targets while Jefferson is out.
