The NFL injury bug is a merciless creature. Though most fantasy football managers believe it also to be vengeful, it actually does not discern between different teams. It will take a bite out of anyone.
We’ve lost Aaron Rodgers and Nick Chubb for the season, while others, such as Austin Ekeler, Saquon Barkley and Brandon Aiyuk have had big bites taken out of them as well. But one of the most vicious attacks the injury bug comes at us with is the concussion.
It will knock a player out of the game immediately and can linger for weeks. Players can appear at practices while awaiting clearance from the NFL’s concussion protocol, but until they actually step onto the field to play, we as fantasy managers are left in limbo. We have to be ready to pivot at a moment’s notice if our players aren’t cleared, so looking deep into the waiver possibilities is a must.
For the Dolphins’ upcoming home game versus the Broncos, everyone is waiting to hear about the status of Jaylen Waddle. He took a big hit last week during the game against the Patriots and has missed practice throughout the week. There is still time for him to receive clearance, but fantasy managers need to be ready to add help immediately.
In all likelihood, your waiver wire options look bleak, otherwise those players would be rostered, but you just might be able to sneak in with a super-sleeper from the Dolphins: either Braxton Berrios or River Cracraft. Berrios may have a slight edge in snap counts, but Cracraft just might be the add as he continues to see red-zone looks no matter who else is on the field. It’s a desperation dart-throw, but if you’re 0-2 and desperate, it just might work this week.
Commanders tight end Logan Thomas also has been victimized by the concussion attack. He took a hit last week on a touchdown that nearly knocked him unconscious and somehow miraculously held onto the ball. But Thomas has yet to be cleared through protocol, and the expectations are that he will miss Week 3 against the Bills.
Enter second-year standout Cole Turner, whose 6-foot-6, 240-pound frame makes him a beastly target for Sam Howell in Eric Bieniemy’s tight end-friendly offense. The Bills rank just 17th in DVOA against the tight end and will have their corners focusing on Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson.
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Picking up the pieces from concussions can be a daunting task for fantasy managers. You have to play a wait-and-see game all week long, only to be forced into picking up the scraps from the waiver wire. It is a lesson in staying prepared and properly organizing your bench depth. Daunting, yes, but not impossible, as help can come from some unusual places.
Howard Bender is the head of content at FantasyAlarm.com. Follow him on X @rotobuzzguy and catch him on the award-winning “Fantasy Alarm Radio Show” on the SiriusXM fantasy sports channel weekdays from 6-8 p.m. Go to Fantasy-Alarm.com for all your fantasy football advice.