It's already been a bad season for quarterback injuries, namely Aaron Rodgers suffering a season-ending Achilles' injury in the opening week. Anthony Richardson and Joe Burrow didn't experience anything quite so dramatic, but the former was forced from Indianapolis' Week 2 game in the first half while the latter aggravated a preseason injury that kept him sidelined for the better part of a month. Heading into Week 3, the statuses of both are up in the air, causing plenty of uncertainty at fantasy's deepest position.
With few viable options on the waiver wire, Richardson and Burrow owners could be in a bind if their QB1s can't go this week, so staying on top of the latest updates will be key.
Below, we'll give you the latest news on these important QBs and break down how their injuries could potentially affect the Week 3 and season-long fantasy landscape.
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For the latest injury updates on WRs Davante Adams, Jaylen Waddle, Garrett Wilson, and Odell Beckham Jr., click here; for updates on RBs Saquon Barkley and David Montgomery, click here; for news on more ailing RBs Austin Ekeler, Aaron Jones and Kenneth Gainwell, click here; for the latest on hurting WRs Christian Watson, Brandin Cooks, and Jakobi Meyers, click here.
Anthony Richardson injury update, Week 3 fantasy outlook
Richardson exited in the second quarter against the Texans due to a concussion. He had already thrown for 56 yards and run for another 35 and two TDs before the injury, but now the impressive rookie will have to clear concussion protocol before suiting up for Week 3 against Baltimore.
WEEK 3 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
As is always the case with concussions, it's tough to predict whether a player will clear the protocol in a week. Just to be safe, Richardson owners should prepare for life without him. Gardner Minshew took his place on Sunday, finishing 19-for-23 for 171 yards and a score in an efficient performance. However, if Minshew is forced to start against Baltimore, we wouldn't recommend streaming him. Michael Pittman Jr. still works as a WR3, but that would be the case if Richardson started. Hopefully, this will be no more than a one-week injury, as Richardson has looked like a legit starter in 12-team leagues through his first six quarters.
WEEK 3 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Joe Burrow injury update, Week 3 fantasy outlook
UPDATE 9/18: There has been, despite no update on Burrow yet, significant line movement in Vegas. The Rams were listed as 6.5 point underdogs in advance of their Week 3 clash against the Bengals and that line has since shifted 4.5 points in favor of the Rams, making them now two point underdogs. Although there's nothing concrete at the moment, it's worth noting that Vegas believes Burrow won't play this week.
Burrow improved from his dreadful Week 1 performance in Week 2, but he still disappointed with 222 yards and two TDs. Even worse, Burrow said afterward that he "tweaked" his calf during the game.
Considering Burrow wasn't forced from the game, it seems unlikely that this aggravation will cost him time, but it's still a worry, as he was sidelined with the calf injury for almost the entirety of the preseason. Burrow owners will have to monitor this situation closely throughout the week, but we fully expect him to suit up on Monday night against the Rams. If you don't have a backup, Matthew Stafford would make for a fine streaming option, so it makes sense to stash him as soon as waivers clear. Baker Mayfield, who also plays Monday night, could also work against a mediocre Eagles' pass defense.