Fantasy Football Injury Report & Updates: Week 2 (2026)

The injury bug hit hard during the offseason, and unfortunately it carried right into the regular season. Injuries are part of football, but that doesn’t make them any less frustrating for fantasy football managers trying to put together a winning lineup each week.

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Fantasy Football Injury Updates

With Week 2 approaching, staying on top of the latest injury news is critical when making start/sit decisions and evaluating player workloads. This report highlights the key injuries to monitor heading into Week 2 so fantasy managers can make informed decisions and avoid costly lineup mistakes.

This report highlights the key injuries to monitor as we approach kickoff, giving fantasy managers the information they need to make confident, informed fantasy football start sit decisions when setting lineups.

Quarterbacks

Sam Darnold (QB – SEA)

Sam Darnold’s night ended less than 10 minutes into the first quarter abruptly after a hard sack sent him straight to the blue medical tent. Initial fears centered around a potentially serious injury, but subsequent X‑rays, a CT scan and an MRI ruled out any fracture or structural damage to the hip.

The injury is primarily muscular, allowing him to avoid a lengthy stint on injured reserve (IR). Even so, Darnold is expected to miss Seattle’s Week 2 divisional matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. Drew Lock is expected to make the start in his place.

Kyler Murray (QB – MIN)

Kyler Murray’s Minnesota debut lasted just 11 snaps before an unfortunate hit brought his night to an abrupt end. While scrambling on a third-down play against Green Bay, Murray began his slide and absorbed a high hit that left him motionless on the turf for several moments before eventually walking off under his own power.

Murray was later ruled out with a concussion and now faces the NFL’s strict return-to-play protocol. His availability for Week 2 against the Chicago Bears is highly questionable, and he faces an uphill battle to get cleared in time.

Carson Wentz entered the game in relief and would be in line to start if Murray cannot clear protocol. Fantasy managers should have a contingency plan ready.

Tua Tagovailoa (QB – ATL)

Tua Tagovailoa suffered a right oblique strain during practice that forced him to miss Week 1. He is trending toward a questionable designation for Week 2 against the Carolina Panthers, but oblique injuries can be especially problematic for quarterbacks due to the rotational force required to throw effectively.

Tagovailoa’s status will likely be determined by how much progress he makes in practice this week. Until his participation improves, fantasy managers should consider him a true game-time decision.

Wide Receivers

A.J. Brown (WR – NE)

A.J. Brown suffered a high‑ankle sprain during the third quarter of New England’s Week 1 opener against the Seattle Seahawks when a defender’s knee landed directly on his right leg.

The Patriots have since placed him on IR, guaranteeing an absence of at least four games. Current projections place his recovery timeline in the 4‑6‑week range, making him one of the more significant fantasy losses from the opening weekend.

Fantasy managers should move Brown to an IR slot immediately and prepare to be without him for the foreseeable future. In the meantime, Romeo Doubs, Mack Hollins and DeMario Douglas could see expanded opportunities as New England works to replace the production of its top wide receiver.

De’Zhaun Stribling (WR – SF)

De’Zhaun Stribling’s NFL debut turned into a nightmare during the first quarter of the 49ers’ opener in Australia. After initially trying to play through an ankle injury, he went down again in the second quarter and had to be carted off the field.

Medical evaluations revealed a severe deltoid ligament sprain, an injury expected to sideline him for at least four weeks. Surgery is not currently the preferred plan, but it remains a possibility depending on how the joint responds during recovery. Fantasy managers can safely stash him on IR or move on in shallower formats while he begins his rehabilitation.

Brian Thomas Jr. (WR – JAX)

Brian Thomas Jr. exited during the first half of Jacksonville’s season opener against the Cleveland Browns after suffering a shoulder injury. Before leaving the game, he managed to haul in all three of his targets for 40 yards and appeared heavily involved in the offensive game plan.

Because he was already dealing with a shoulder issue late in the preseason, this aggravation warrants close monitoring throughout the week. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to Jacksonville’s first injury reports to determine whether the injury threatens his availability heading into Week 2 against the Denver Broncos.

Zay Flowers (WR – BAL)

Zay Flowers was dominating the Colts before exiting with an apparent hamstring injury. He piled up 150 receiving yards and a touchdown before pulling up late in the second quarter while being brought down near the sideline.

After dealing with minor lower-body maintenance earlier in the week, this appears to be an aggravation of that issue. Soft-tissue injuries can be unpredictable, making Flowers one of the more important players to monitor heading into Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints. His practice participation throughout the week should provide a much clearer picture of his availability.

Ja’Kobi Lane (WR – BAL)

Ja’Kobi Lane’s NFL debut was cut short after suffering a wrist injury during Baltimore’s opener against Indianapolis. The rookie finished with one catch for 11 yards on three targets, while also having a touchdown wiped away by a holding penalty.

With Zay Flowers also exiting due to a hamstring injury, Baltimore’s receiving corps suddenly finds itself dealing with multiple injury concerns. Lane’s status will be worth monitoring throughout the week as the Ravens prepare for their next matchup, particularly if Flowers remains limited or unavailable.

Ladd McConkey (WR – LAC)

Ladd McConkey took a violent hit to his left side during the third quarter and immediately grabbed his midsection, creating initial concerns about a potential hip or internal injury. Follow-up evaluations later confirmed the issue was related to his ribs.

Head coach Jim Harbaugh labeled McConkey day-to-day, leaving his availability for Week 2 against the Las Vegas Raiders in question. His practice participation throughout the week will provide a clearer picture of whether he can suit up or if pain-management measures will be required.

Alec Pierce (WR – IND)

Alec Pierce suffered a left hand and wrist injury during the opener that required X-rays. Fortunately, imaging came back negative for any fractures.

Although the injury caused some discomfort in the second half, head coach Shane Steichen stated that Pierce is “good right now” and is expected to play against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2. Continue monitoring practice reports, but all signs currently point toward him avoiding missed time.

Tight Ends

Eli Stowers (TE – PHI)

Eli Stowers was abruptly placed on IR after suffering both quadriceps and hamstring strains. Initial optimism surrounded his recovery after he briefly returned to practice participation, but further imaging revealed a more significant multi‑week injury than originally expected.

Under league rules, Stowers will be required to miss a minimum of four games, taking him out through at least Week 4. Fantasy managers can safely move on in redraft leagues and revisit his status closer to Week 5, when he becomes eligible to return from IR.

Brock Bowers (TE – LV)

Brock Bowers underwent a meniscus trim procedure on his right knee after suffering an injury during training camp. The procedure forced him to miss the season opener, but the early signs from his recovery have been encouraging.

Head coach Klint Kubiak has expressed optimism regarding Bowers’ progress, and there is a realistic chance he could return as soon as Week 2 against the Los Angeles Chargers. His practice participation throughout the week will determine whether he is ready to make his season debut.

IDP

Myles Garrett (DE – LAR)

Myles Garrett is set to undergo arthroscopic knee surgery and will be placed on IR. After dealing with persistent knee swelling throughout training camp and seeing limited practice time leading up to the season, he appeared far from full strength during the Rams’ opener against the 49ers in Australia and failed to record a tackle.

Following the game, the Rams’ medical staff determined surgery was the best course of action. Under league rules, Garrett will be required to miss a minimum of four games, making him eligible to return around Week 6.

Individual defensive player (IDP) fantasy managers should move him to an IR spot immediately and begin searching for alternative pass‑rush production while Los Angeles adjusts to life without one of the premier defensive players in football.

Week 1 Inactive Status Updates

TreVeyon Henderson (RB – NE)

TreVeyon Henderson returned to practice on Monday, marking his first on‑field work since suffering the right ankle injury that forced him to miss the season opener. His return to drills is an encouraging sign and puts him on a positive trajectory heading into Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Head coach Mike Vrabel appears optimistic about Henderson’s progress, though his practice participation throughout the week will ultimately determine his game status. If he continues trending in the right direction, Henderson has a legitimate chance to make his season debut on Sunday.

Fantasy managers should expect Henderson to work behind Rhamondre Stevenson initially, but his explosive skill set gives him the potential to carve out touches quickly if his workload expands.

Michael Penix Jr. (QB – ATL)

Michael Penix Jr. missed the season opener against Pittsburgh as he continues to finalize his recovery from the torn ACL he suffered last November. Though he was a full participant in practices leading up to Week 1, he and the coaching staff opted for caution to ensure he reaches 100% confidence in the joint.

With Tua Tagovailoa battling an oblique injury, Penix is actively targeting a return for either Week 2 or Week 3. If he logs a clean, full slate of practices this week without setbacks, he could put himself right into the mix to take over under center against the Carolina Panthers.