Welcome to the NFL, kids. Anthony Richardson and Bryce Young were both highly drafted for a reason, and they've shown glimpses of that through their first action on the gridiron made for professionals. But donning that NFL shield and one of 32 teams' logos often comes at a price. The pair of quarterbacks were banged up in Week 2, feeling the pain that NFL defenders are capable of giving out. Richardson ended up in concussion protocol and Young picked up an ankle injury, forcing both signal-callers to the sidelines last week and leaving their Week 4 statuses up in the air.
The Colts went on to win in overtime against the Ravens, and the Panthers put up their best performance on offense this season in a loss to the Seahawks. While the veteran backups are better for the now, all eyes are on the future success of these two franchises. So, when will they get back to learning the NFL ropes and potentially helping your fantasy teams?
Below, we'll give you the latest news on these rookie QBs and break down how their injuries could potentially affect the Week 4 and season-long fantasy landscape. For the latest on Mike Williams, Gus Williams, and Derek Carr, click here; for more on banged-up RBs Justice Hill, Austin Ekeler, and Saquon Barkley, go here; for updates on ailing WRs Odell Beckham Jr., Brandon Aiyuk, Jaylen Waddle, and Zay Jones, click here.
WEEK 4 FANTASY: Top pickups | FAAB budget planner | Trade advice
Anthony Richardson injury update, Week 4 fantasy outlook
Richardson has been everything the Colts could’ve hoped for at this point. The playmaking ability with the arm isn’t there quite yet, but he’s been as advertised in terms of running ability and athleticism. He’s accounted for three total rushing touchdowns and one of the passing variety through about five quarters of action, but the biggest concern with Richardson seems to be the blatant disregard for his own safety. He’s been hit hard and hit often, forcing him to the sidelines on multiple occasions this season for evaluation.
The latest instance put him in concussion protocol, forcing him out of Week 3. Gardner Minshew filled in admirably, guiding the Colts to a win in relief of Richardson in Week 2 and then leading them to another ‘W’ when given the chance to start last Sunday. Unless something changes, it will be Minshew again when the Colts host the Rams in Week 4. Richardson remains in concussion protocol and will have to clear it in order to have a chance at returning. The electrifying rookie remains a must-start if he does play. If he doesn't and you need a streamer, C.J. Stroud’s impressive start to his career makes him a worthy pickup option against Pittsburgh, and Andy Dalton (vs. MIN) would also be in play if he starts for a second-straight week.
WEEK 4 STANDARD RANKINGS:
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Bryce Young injury update, Week 4 fantasy outlook
From one rookie quarterback to another, Young is also dealing with his fair share of injury woes. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft missed Week 3 after picking up an ankle injury in the Panthers’ loss to the Saints in Week 2. Whether Young plays in Week 4 remains anyone’s guess -- even head coach Frank Reich said "I don't know yet" on Monday -- but there’s no denying the offense looked better with Andy Dalton leading the troops.
WEEK 4 PPR RANKINGS:
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It’s unfair to criticize Young at this stage considering he’s just learning how to be an NFL quarterback. Dalton has been around the block a few times, so it makes sense that he’s the better option right now. If Young plays, it represents a downgrade for the Panthers’ offense given how they fared through his first two starts. If he’s out, Dalton represents a solid streaming option against a poor Vikings defense. Carolina’s other key skill players would also enjoy a boost.
