In a turbulent Week 3 of NFL action, injuries shook the fantasy football landscape as two pivotal running backs were carted off the field. Najee Harris of the Los Angeles Chargers and James Conner of the Arizona Cardinals both sustained significant injuries:
Harris’s non-contact lower-leg injury has raised serious questions about his future this season. The unfortunate sight of him being carted off was alarming for fans and fantasy managers alike. Similarly, Conner’s ankle injury came after an awkward tackle, leaving many to wonder about the impact it would have on his team’s backfield.
The Fallout from Najee Harris’s Injury
With Harris sidelined, a door has swung wide open for rookie running back Omarion Hampton. He displayed swift potential immediately after stepping in:
Prior to injury, Harris was effective, logging six carries for 28 yards. However, Hampton took full advantage after Harris exited, completing a standout game with 19 carries for 70 yards and a touchdown, alongside six catches for 59 receiving yards. His performance netted him 21.9 fantasy points.
Hampton is now projected to see significant volume moving forward. Fantasy owners who previously doubted his usability may reconsider him as a solid RB1 or RB2 option.
Potential Additions for the Chargers
The Chargers may evaluate their options to bolster their running back depth. Currently, they have Hassan Haskins on the roster. Additionally, Derius Davis has already seen carries this season:
If they choose to bring in reinforcements, Kimani Vidal and Nyheim Hines were recently added to the practice squad. Either player could be promoted to the 53-man roster ahead of Week 4.
Assessing James Conner’s Situation
Meanwhile, the Cardinals face their own challenges with Conner’s potential long-term absence. The immediate beneficiary is likely to be Trey Benson:
Benson’s early season performance had already shown promise, as he averaged 7.5 yards per carry across his initial 11 attempts for 83 yards. This season, Conner contributed minimally before his injury, posting only 22 rushing yards on nine carries.
As a result of Conner’s latest setback, Benson’s success last week as the lead back positions him for more consistent opportunities. He logged 10 carries for 42 yards along with three catches for nine yards, totaling 6.6 fantasy points.
Advice for Fantasy Managers
If you had Conner on your roster, it’s crucial to secure Benson via the waiver wire. He presents a significant upside as a consistent RB2 or even a FLEX option. However, don’t overlook Emari Demercado, who may also see some work.
If you’re low on running back depth and missed out on Benson, the free-agent market for running backs is something to explore. Other options may not be household names, but they could prove valuable.
Waiver Wire Recommendations
For fantasy managers scrambling after these injuries, targeting waiver wire pickups becomes essential:
Top Picks for Running Backs
- Tyjae Spears (Titans, 30% owned) – After beginning the season on IR, he could provide valuable depth behind Tony Pollard.
- Ollie Gordon II (Dolphins, 19% owned) – With promising touches recently, he could step into a greater role for Miami.
- Blake Corum (Rams, 17% owned) – Although he’s behind Kyren Williams, Corum has proved himself on limited touches.
- Any Commanders RB – While options are limited, keep an eye on Chris Rodriguez Jr. (5%) and Jeremy McNichols (3%) as potential pickups.
Week 3 has already turned the fantasy football landscape on its head, showcasing the high stakes of player injuries. Be prepared to adapt quickly, as managing rosters requires proactive decisions.
Adjusting Strategies for the Season Ahead
As the season progresses, the ripple effects of Harris and Conner’s injuries will resonate throughout fantasy lineups:
Adjusting your lineup strategy based on available players can make or break your fantasy season. Identifying players who’ll fill gaps created by injuries is critical.
Secure players who are guaranteed touches and play a pivotal role in their respective offenses. The more proactive you are, the better positioned you’ll be this season.
Monitoring Injury Reports
As injuries can happen at any moment, consistently check injury reports and be ready to replace players as needed. Understanding the dynamics of your roster is essential:
This includes recognizing handcuffs and scouting potential targets to maximize your fantasy point potential while minimizing losses.
Remembering the Bigger Picture
While fantasy outcomes are important, the health and well-being of players should remain central to the conversation. It’s easy to get caught up in statistics:
But we should always prioritize the safety of players as they endure the physical challenges of the NFL. Watching players suffer game-altering injuries provides a sobering reminder of the risks involved.
Looking Ahead
The upcoming weeks will test the resilience of both fantasy teams and players. With injuries impacting key positions:
Every week can unfold new narratives. Stay informed, adapt your strategies, and most importantly, enjoy the excitement that fantasy football brings!