Fantasy Football Injuries: J.J. McCarthy, Kirk Cousins, Anthony Richardson (2024)

In a way, injuries in fantasy football can be the defining moments of a season. Did you lose your first and second-round picks to long-term injury? Good luck finding that level of replacement on the waiver wire. Did your quarterback get injured on the first drive in your Week 16 playoff matchup? See you next season!

Most injuries that occur during games are unpredictable and force a certain set of reactions once the game week ends, but what about the injuries we are aware of before the season begins?

As the draft season for fantasy football leagues really ramps up over the next two weeks, players who are currently dealing with an injury can force a major dilemma. Do you take on the risk of an injured player for the hopeful outcome that they are ready for the season or can produce with only a short time missed?

As is often said in fantasy football, “Don’t invite trouble onto your roster.” Sometimes, however, the reward will outweigh the risk. This is why understanding the impact of injuries in preseason is immensely important.

This piece will look at key injuries to fantasy football-relevant players. The goal is to determine whether or not to take on the injury risk and what impact the injury could have during the season.

Fantasy Football Injuries to Monitor

All ADP data is taken from FantasyPros consensus ADP for half-PPR formats.

Kirk Cousins (QB – ATL)

Kirk Cousins signed a four-year deal with Atlanta this offseason even after tearing his Achilles on November 1, 2023. Achilles injuries are becoming more common around the NFL, but so are recovery times that fall under 12 months. Cousins has already made comments in camp that he expects to be on the field in Week 1 when the Falcons face the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Fantasy Impact: The Falcons are truly counting on Cousins to be healthy so he can provide a major boost to their offensive production under new coach Raheem Morris. If Cousins is not ready or misses any time, controversial first-round pick Michael Penix Jr. would get the reigns in this offense.

J.J. McCarthy (QB – MIN)

J.J. McCarthy was dealt an awful hand on Wednesday when it was determined that he would need season-ending knee surgery for a torn meniscus. It’s a horrible end to what was shaping up to be a promising rookie campaign after he threw for 188 yards and two touchdowns on 11-for-17 passing in the Vikings’ preseason opener. He also rushed two times for 18 yards.

Fantasy Impact: Sam Darnold is now the full-time starter for the Vikings. The team will likely bring someone in from off the street or trade for a backup who knows the system like Joshua Dobbs or Nick Mullens. Justin Jefferson doesn’t take much of a hit because his quarterback situation was in flux even before this McCarthy news.

Anthony Richardson (QB – IND)

Anthony Richardson missed one game with a concussion and 13 games with an injured AC joint last season, limiting him to parts of only three contests in his rookie season. He did play in the preseason opener, which is a great sign that Richardson is in full health and ready to ramp up for the regular season. The Colts are monitoring his reps with the goal of starting him in Week 1.

Fantasy Impact: Richardson is the consensus No. 6 quarterback by ADP this offseason. His struggles throwing the ball are offset by how much he will run and how much he should be used at the goal line. Michael Pittman and other wide receivers maintain their value with A-Rich healthy.