Fantasy Football Injury Updates: Austin Ekeler, Aaron Rodgers, Cooper Kupp, Aaron Jones

Welcome to the Week 1 edition of the most important injuries to know for this week’s waivers. I will be going over what to expect for each player’s injury and if there is a fantasy-relevant potential waiver wire add. Keep in mind that it’s early in the week, so we don’t have any official practice reports or diagnoses, so a lot of this will be based on educated guesses from my experience as a physical therapist.

A lot of big names suffered injuries this week, so it’s important to consider what positions you need for your specific team. Continue to monitor practice reports throughout the week. Ideally, we like to see at least one full practice before putting a player into your starting lineup.

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Fantasy Football Injury Updates

Austin Ekeler (RB – LAC)

I couldn’t find the exact play where Ekeler injured his ankle, but it was likely relatively early in the game due to the 50/50 snap count between Ekeler and Kelley, with Kelley taking the majority of the work in the second half. While Ekeler did return in the second half, his ankle will likely swell up and feel worse over the next few days. If you have Ekeler, you should be claiming Kelley on waivers, even if he only misses a week or two, which I see as the most likely outcome.

Waiver considerations: add Josh Kelley

Aaron Rodgers (QB – NYJ)

With Rodgers’ Achilles tear all but confirmed and the on-field testing for Achilles being extremely accurate, I expect the MRI will confirm what Saleh implied and that Rodgers will miss the entire season.

Waiver considerations: Probably better options than Zach Wilson

Cooper Kupp (WR – LAR)

Kupp was placed on the injured reserve list (IR) late last week, meaning he will not be able to return until at least Week 5. Due to this being a hamstring re-injury, expect a significantly increased re-injury risk during Kupp’s first two weeks back. If you pick up Puka Nacua, hold him for at least two weeks after Kupp returns.

Waiver considerations: add Puka Nacua, consider Tutu Atwell in deep leagues

Aaron Jones (RB – GB)

Aaron Jones had what was called a “minor” hamstring injury and stated that he could’ve returned to the game if they needed him. Since AJ Dillon is likely owned in all leagues, and Jones’ injury seems to be minor, I wouldn’t make any waiver moves based on this situation.

Waiver considerations: none

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