After an exciting opening week in the 2022 NFL season, fantasy football owners are taking stock of their teams and looking at the waiver wire ahead of Week 2 -- especially if they had key players exit early. While Dak Prescott (thumb) was the biggest injury, RBs Najee Harris and Elijah Mitchell weren't far behind. Knowing the latest updates on both is important as you ready your Week 2 rankings and waiver claims.
Below, we'll give you the latest news on these running backs and break down how their injuries could potentially affect the Week 2 fantasy landscape. For the latest injury news on Dak Prescott, Chris Godwin, Keenan Allen, and Tee Higgins, click here.
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MORE WEEK 2: Top waiver pickups | FAAB Report | Trade advice
Najee Harris injury update, Week 2 fantasy outlook
UPDATE: Beat writer Jordan Schultz reported Monday night that Harris has a "good chance" to play in Week 2.
UPDATE 2: Harris said Tuesday that his injury is "nothing too crazy" and that he will play in Week 2 againt New England.
The second-year running back exited Sunday's game against the Bengals in the fourth quarter with an ankle injury. Jordan Schultz reported on Sunday night that Harris "should be fine" and was told his injury is "not serious."
Harris managed a short receiving TD, but he did not play well against the Bengals, recording just 23 yards on 10 carries and adding another three yards on two catches. When Harris exited the game, the Steelers turned to rookie Jaylen Warren, who posted three carries for seven yards. Harris dealt with a foot (Lisfranc sprain) injury over the summer, so anything in the ankle/foot area is a concern. If healthy, Harris has a tough Week 2 matchup against the Patriots, who held the Dolphins' running game to 65 yards, but he's always a must-start if active. If he's out, Warren would be a volume-based flex and likely be one of the top waiver claims of the week.
WEEK 2 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/ST | Kicker
Elijah Mitchell injury update, Week 2 fantasy outlook
UPDATE: Mitchell is expected to be out "about two months," according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Mitchell suffered a knee injury in the second quarter of Sunday afternoon's loss to the Bears and was immediately ruled "out" for the rest of the game. Later that night, he was spotted wearing a "substantial brace" on his right leg, according to beat writer Jennifer Lee Chan.
WEEK 2 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/ST | Kicker
The second-year running back is no stranger to the training room, as he suffered five separate injuries last year and failed to play in the preseason due to a hamstring issue. He produces when he's on the field, as shown by 41 yards on six carries in less than stellar conditions prior to his injury on Sunday. There's a good chance Mitchell will miss multiple weeks, which opens the door for Jeff Wilson Jr. in the 49ers' backfield. Wilson Jr. had nine carries for 22 yards and two receptions for eight yards against the Bears and would have RB2/flex value against the Seahawks in Week 2, making him a top waiver pickup. Jordan Mason is next man up for the 49ers after Wilson Jr., and he's someone to stash in deep leagues.
