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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Top 14 Injuries to Know for Week 2 Waiver Wire Moves (2023)

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

Jerry Jeudy (WR – DEN)

Jerry Jeudy ended up being inactive for Week 1, as expected. Continue to monitor his practice reports this week, but I expect he will suit up for Week 2. He will have a moderate re-injury risk for the first two weeks after returning.

Waiver considerations: consider Marvin Mims in deep leagues

Travis Kelce (TE – KC)

Knee hyperextensions have a pretty wide range of outcomes. If it’s just a bone bruise, I expect there’s a 75% chance he plays in Week 2. Continue to monitor his practice reports. I know it’s still early in the season, but the Chiefs may have realized how important Kelce is to their success, so they might play him through some pain.

Waiver considerations: Noah Gray in deep/dynasty leagues

Diontae Johnson (WR – PIT)

Johnson suffered a hamstring injury and did not return to the game. Hamstring injuries typically take two to six weeks before being able to return to game action, depending on severity. As I always say, with hamstrings, expect an increased risk of re-injury within the first two weeks of returning.

Waiver considerations: add Allen Robinson if you need immediate WR help

Pat Freiermuth (TE – PIT)

Freiermuth suffered an injury on a huge hit to the chest. He returned to the game and caught a touchdown before coming out for the rest of the game. Assuming there’s no rib fracture and just bruising, he probably won’t miss any time due to it being a pain-tolerance injury. If there’s a fracture, expect him to miss at least three weeks.

Waiver considerations: There are probably better TE options on waivers than Darnell Washington

Mark Andrews (TE – BAL)

Mark Andrews missed Week 1 due to a quadriceps injury. With him trending up all week in practice, I expect he will continue to make progress this week in practice and will likely play next week, although Isaiah Likely remains a good stash, especially if you have Andrews.

Waiver considerations: Isaiah Likely

Christian Watson (WR – GB)

Suffered a hamstring strain last week in practice. He said that he expects to play next week, but I still think that’s a little optimistic. If he plays, I expect he will be limited and have a very high risk of re-injury. More likely, he will return in Week 3. I don’t expect an IR stint.

Waiver considerations: Luke Musgrave, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed

Anthony Richardson (QB – IND)

Richardson took a big hit at the end of the game and did not return due to precautionary reasons. I expect he is likely OK and will play next week.

Waiver considerations: none

Kenneth Gainwell (RB – PHI)

An interesting one here: Gainwell suffered a rib injury during the game this week. While normally, I expect players to play through rib bruising, with the quick turnaround before Thursday night, I expect him to be limited if he is even able to suit up. If he’s active, the whole backfield will likely be a mess, but Swift may benefit the most due to his big play and pass-catching ability.

Waiver considerations: Possible four-way committee if Gainwell is active; Rashaad Penny or Swift may be decent plays if he’s inactive.

JK Dobbins (RB – BAL)

Torn Achilles, out for the season. I wouldn’t be surprised if they brought in veteran help (Kareem Hunt/Leonard Fournette), but right now, the current backups remain good waiver targets.

Waiver considerations: Add Gus Edwards/Justice Hill

Jakobi Meyers (WR – LV)

Took a huge hit in the game Sunday and was diagnosed with a concussion. Most players spend about a week in concussion protocol, so expect him to miss next week and be cleared for Week 3.

Waiver considerations: Hunter Renfrow

Follow me on Twitter @TheDynastyPT for more injury analysis.