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Michael F. Florio
Multiple Authors
Whom should you start? Whom should you sit? To help you set your fantasy football lineups and avoid starting an offensive player who won’t be in the lineup, we’ll post fantasy-relevant updates and analysis here as NFL teams release their official inactives lists.
Official Sunday inactives should begin coming in approximately 90 minutes before the scheduled kickoff times: around 11:30 a.m. ET for the early games and 2:30 p.m. ET for the late-afternoon games.
Refresh often for the latest information.
Don’t forget to check these out: Mike Clay’s Playbook | Week 3 Buzz
Week 3 Rankings | Matchup rankings for Week 3
Biggest concerns heading into Week 3
Players with early starts
DJ Moore, WR, Bills (shoulder): Moore is active for Week 3. He has not missed a game since 2020. It should be noted that Moore was limited and wore a noncontact jersey twice during this past week, so while fantasy managers should plan to start him, he may be somewhat limited.
Keon Coleman, WR, Bills (ankle): Coleman also missed practice this week, but was able to log a limited session Friday and is active. However, that is more of a boost for Josh Allen and the Bills than it is fantasy managers.
Jalen Coker, WR, Panthers (ankle): After missing practice Thursday, Coker returned in a limited fashion Friday — his second practice of the week. He is active for Week 3. He has seen nine targets in both games this season. In fact, his usage is very similar to Tetairoa McMillan, only Coker is seeing a higher number of efficient targets.
Malik Nabers, WR, Giants (shoulder): Nabers suffered his injury during “Monday Night Football” but was able to return to the field. He did pop up on the practice report this week but was able to log in full practices and is good to go for Week 3. Though he is a more volatile fantasy option with Jameis Winston under center, he still brings enough upside to be viewed as a WR2.
Adonai Mitchell, WR, Jets (finger): The Jets receiver was added to the practice report Thursday and logged two limited practices. Mitchell was a popular streaming option for this week after seeing a team-high 12 targets in Week 2, however he is officially out for today’s game.
Rookie TE Kenyon Sadiq slides in as a sleeper option, as the Jets are already without Mason Taylor (thumb). Isaiah Williams is a deep-league sleeper, but fantasy managers should still go with other streaming options like Devaughn Vele, Denzel Boston, Josh Downs and Dontayvion Wicks.
Michael Pittman Jr., WR, Steelers (foot): After missing Week 2, Pittman was able to log limited practices this week and is active for Week 3. Even so, Pittman is nothing more than a low-floor flex option due to the struggling Steelers passing attack. The list of streaming options mentioned above are all receivers I would rather play than Pittman.
Jadarian Price, RB, Seahawks (chest): Price was limited at practice to start the week but got in a full practice and Friday and is active for Week 3. The Seahawks face the Commanders, who have been “middle of the road” against RBs. However, game script should largely be on Seattle’s side. As such, Price is an RB2 play who can be started over Travis Etienne Jr., Warren, Rhamondre Stevenson and any Broncos RB. Emanuel Wilson could still see touches after he turned 21 carries into 92 yards last week. He brings a low-floor, but the matchup has him in play for those having to dive deeper at the RB position.
Sam Darnold, QB, Seahawks (glute): The Super Bowl-winning QB returned to practice this week and is active against the Commanders. Though him playing elevates those around him, Darnold is still only a QB2 for fantasy purposes, I would not start him ahead of Tyler Shough, Kyler Murray, Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud.
Tyjae Spears, RB, Titans (ankle): Tennessee’s passing-downs back did not practice to open the week but was able to log in a limited session on Friday. Although it was uncertain, he is indeed active for Week 3. Spears has handled the bulk of passing-down opportunities while splitting snaps with Tony Pollard. With Spears active, both he and Pollard are purely just flex options in what is expected to be a low scoring game with lots of bad weather. I would rather play Travis Etienne Jr, Kyle Monangai, Blake Corum, and both Patriots RBs.
Players with late starts
Zay Flowers, WR, Ravens (hamstring): Flowers exited action early in Week 1 and then missed Week 2. He was able to return to practice Friday, and is officially questionable for Week 3. It’s worth noting that he also logged a limited practice last Friday but ultimately sat. Adam Schefter reports that Flowers will work out before the game to see if he can play, calling him a “true game time decision.” It would be a nice surprise if Flowers were able to suit up, but given the turf concerns in Brazil, fantasy managers should have a backup plan in place. If he sits, Rashod Bateman will once again be the WR1 for the Ravens and be in play as an upside WR3.
Brock Bowers, TE, Raiders (knee): The star tight end is questionable for Week 3, but expected to play barring a setback, per Jeremy Fowler. Bowers logged two limited practices to start the week. He did not practice Friday, but that was “part of the plan,” according to Klint Kubiak. If Bowers plays, he should start for fantasy managers, unless you also happen to have Dalton Kincaid on your roster. Even if Bowers were to be on some sort of snap count, the upside is worth the risk. Fantasy managers already have had a backup plan in place regarding Bowers and should do so once again heading into Sunday.
Aaron Jones Sr., RB, Vikings (knee): Jones missed practice to start the week but was able to return (limited) Thursday and finally was elevated to full Friday. He no longer carries an injury designation and should play. This is something fantasy managers should get used to, as the veteran will likely have more midweek rest days in the future. Jones played on over 80% of snaps and had 23 carries in Week 2. That makes him an RB2/flex option worth getting into your lineups this week.
Travis Etienne Jr., RB, Saints (hamstring): After being limited to start the practice week, Etienne returned to full participation Friday. He no longer carries an injury destination and will play in Week 3. There’s still concern that he was out-touched by Alvin Kamara last week 14-10. The inconsistent usage has him in the RB3/flex range. Some options to play over him are Bhayshul Tuten, Quinshon Judkins or Aaron Jones.
Mike Evans, WR, 49ers (hip): Evans exited early in Week 2 and missed practice to start the week. Jeremy Fowler reports that Evans “plans to play” today. If he does suit up, he would be a WR2, albeit with some injury risk.
Players going Sunday night
Puka Nacua, WR, Rams (groin): After missing Week 2 due to a groin injury, Nacua missed practice all week. He is doubtful for Week 3. Sean McVay did say Friday that, barring a setback, Nacua should return in Week 4. His absence means more volume for Davante Adams, but also likely means being matched up more against Pat Surtain II.
Assuming Nacua sits, the top replacement option on the Rams would be Terrance Ferguson (in the flex). There is no Rams receiver that fantasy managers should trust other than Adams. Some alternative streaming options to aim for here are Romeo Doubs, Quentin Johnston, and Malik Washington.
J.K. Dobbins/RJ Harvey, RB, Broncos: Dobbins left last week with leg cramps, while Harvey missed the game due to a hamstring issue. Both logged full practices Thursday and Friday and do not carry an injury designation headed into “Sunday Night Football.” I would expect the work to be distributed between the two like it was in Week 1, when Dobbins was the lead runner and Harvey played the bulk of passing downs. Both would come in as low-floor flex options due to the uncertain usage and matchup against a tough Rams defensive front. Both appear to be usable flex options for the foreseeable future with Jonah Coleman on IR.
Players going on Monday night
Saquon Barkley, RB, Eagles (stinger): Barkley suffered a stinger in Week 2 and exited after just five touches. He was able to return to practice this week, so the expectation is that he will suit up this week. If he’s in the Eagles huddle, he should be in your fantasy lineup — especially in this matchup. However, given that the game is Monday, fantasy managers need to have a backup plan in place from that game. Tank Bigsby is the ideal option, but Wicks could be a pivot as long as you put Barkley in your flex spot.
Kyle Monangai, RB, Bears (knee): Monangai has been dealing with knee issues since the summer and, while it cost him some practice time in past weeks, he has still been able to play. He returned to practice Friday and the expectation is that he will be able to play this week. If he does, he is a RB3/flex option. Last season against the Eagles, he went for 130 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries.
DeVonta Smith, WR, Eagles (hamstring): Smith missed practice to start the week but returned on Friday, putting him on track to play Monday. If Smith plays for the Eagles, he plays for fantasy managers, especially in this matchup. If he were to sit, Dontayvion Wicks would be the Eagles No. 1 target. He is already a flex option with Dallas Goedert set to miss extended time.
Cairo Santos, K, Bears (right hip): The Bears kicker has not practiced this week and is on the wrong side of questionable heading into Week 3. With Williams expected out, fantasy managers should be looking to replace Santos with a kicker from another team. Some options are Chase McLaughlin, Will Reichard, Harrison Mevis and Tyler Bass.
Ruled out before Sunday
Jonathon Brooks, RB, Panthers (groin): Brooks has been placed on IR with an injury that will sideline him at least six weeks, per Ian Rapoport. Brooks has all the talent in the world but unfortunately has not been able to stay healthy in his NFL career. Feel free to stash him. In the interim, this leaves Chuba Hubbard as the Panthers starter. He should handle much more work than previously anticipated. Hubbard is a firm RB2, with the upside to finish certain weeks as a RB1.
Caleb Williams, QB, Bears (hamstring): After getting hurt in Week 2, Williams is expected to miss three to four weeks. He has been ruled out for “Monday Night Football” against the Eagles. Backup QB Tyson Bagent is in the league’s concussion protocol but was able to practice on Saturday. If he cannot go, that would leave Case Keenum as the starter. The loss of Williams makes all Bears pass catchers volatile starts this week.
Jonah Coleman, RB, Broncos: All three Broncos RBs appeared on the injury report this week. Coleman is dealing with an ankle injury and has been ruled out for Week 3. He was placed on IR and will miss at least four games.
Nico Collins, WR, Texans (hamstring): Houston’s star receiver has missed practice all week and will be out again for Week 3. Adam Schefter reports that Collins has a “decent chance” to return in Week 4. In his absence last week, Dalton Schultz saw 14 targets. Xavier Hutchinson was the top-targeted wideout with nine. Schultz is a strong TE1 start. To replace Collins, fantasy managers should look outside of the Texans huddle and to our list of top replacement options — Vele, Boston, Downs, Mitchell and Wicks.
Alec Pierce, WR, Colts (heel): Pierce aggravated his injury last week and has been placed on IR. He will be out “several weeks” according to Ian Rapoport, who reported that Pierce will attempt to rehab the injury. If so, he could return “midseason”. Pierce should be stashed on your fantasy team’s IR in any leagues that allow the option. In leagues that do not, he is not a must-hold guy.
David Njoku, TE, Chargers (knee): Njoku has landed on IR due to a fibula injury. Teammate and fellow TE Charlie Kolar (forearm) has avoided the IR for now but is banged up and out for Week 3. That leaves Oronde Gadsden as the Chargers’ top tight end and pushes him back into fantasy relevance. While he is more of a streaming option for those in need, he has the upside of potentially blossoming into a TE1 with more usage.
Caleb Douglas, WR, Dolphins (ankle): The rookie WR got hurt in Week 2 and has missed practice this week. He has been ruled out for Week 3. Though Douglas is more of a depth piece for fantasy managers, his absence means more opportunity for Malik Washington and Chris Bell. Still, in a tough matchup against the Chiefs, managers should be looking outside of Miami if they need a replacement.
Jaxson Dart, QB, Giants (knee): Dart suffered an injury that may potentially force season-ending surgery. In his absence, Jameis Winston, who struggled mightily in Week 2, will start. Fantasy managers can still use any of Nabers, Isaiah Likely and Cam Skattebo — they just come with a lot more volatility.
Dallas Goedert, TE, Eagles (knee): Goedert has an MCL sprain that could sideline him for a few weeks. The Eagles did add Zach Ertz following the injury — and perhaps he could become fantasy-relevant again. For the time being, fantasy managers should look elsewhere. Some replacement options that could be available are Schultz, Ferguson, Juwan Johnson, Darren Waller and Hunter Henry.
Rico Dowdle, RB, Steelers (toe): Dowdle exited early in Week 2 and was seen in a boot to start the week. He did not practice and is out for Week 3. With him out, Jaylen Warren — who himself is questionable with a shoulder injury, but is active — should see a boost both in volume and fantasy value for the week. Warren should handle the bulk of running opportunities and has already been featured in the passing game, averaging five targets per game. The volume keeps him in play as an RB2/flex option.
Jayden Daniels, QB, Commanders (elbow): Daniels dislocated his left elbow in Week 2. It’s the same injury that he suffered last season. The good news is Daniels has avoided the IR — at least so far — but he has been ruled out for Week 3. Marcus Mariota will be the “next man up” but he is only in play in superflex leagues. Even there, against the Seahawks, you should look to avoid him. The loss of Daniels dings the values of all Commanders receiving options, making Terry McLaurin and Stefon Diggs “sits” in this extremely tough matchup.
