Get a full breakdown of all important Week 3 injuries, their analysis and replacements, including Jaylen Warren, Chuba Hubbard, Dalton Schultz and more.
Week 3 injury report has created a lot of important fantasy football decisions. Several important playmakers face health issues that cause major changes in the weekly projections and open up volume for key backups.
Below is a breakdown of the biggest injury situations and fantasy replacements you should monitor before Week 3.
Nico Collins (WR, Houston Texans) - Hamstring
Description: WR Nico Collins celebrates first down during the second half of an NFL game against Jacksonville Jaguars, Sept. 29, 2024.
A hamstring injury has caused Nico Collins to miss practice for all week, and he is set to miss out on his second consecutive game. Dalton Schultz gained 14 targets in Collins’ absence last week, elevating him into firm TE1 status. Xavier Hutchinson also saw nine targets.
Fantasy managers should look outside Houston for higher-upside waiver options. Experts list Denzel Boston, Josh Downs, Adonai Mitchell, and Dontayvion Wicks among potential replacement options.
Rico Dowdle (RB, Pittsburgh Steelers) - Toe
Description: RB Rico Dowdle runs to the goal line in their 30-27 win against Dallas Cowboys, Oct. 12, 2025.
After a toe injury, Rico Dowdle was ruled out for Week 3. Despite Jaylen Warren’s own shoulder injury, this situation has put him in a quasi-workhorse role for Pittsburgh. Warren has already been involved heavily as a receiver, averaging five targets per game, elevating his RB2/flex floor against a beatable defense.
Puka Nacua (WR, Los Angeles Rams) - Groin
Description: WR Puka Nacua in training camp for the Los Angeles Rams, 2026.
Puka Nacua’s groin injury led to him missing Week 2. He didn’t log a single session in practice this week and is listed as doubtful for Week 3.
Davante Adams faces a tough draw against cornerback Pat Surtain II, but he will continue to dominate target share for the Rams. Terrance Ferguson becomes a potential flex replacement. However, external WR options like Romeo Doubs and Quentin Johnston offer safer floors.
Jonathan Brooks (RB, Carolina Panthers) - Groin
Description: RB Jonathan Brooks celebrating with a heart sign in a game for the Carolina Panthers.
Jonathan Brooks has been placed on IR following a groin injury. He is expected to miss six weeks. Chuba Hubbard is now Carolina’s primary running back. Hubbard is expected to handle more work, elevating him to RB2 status.
If Hubbard is available in your league, his workload puts him as the most important waiver consideration from this week’s injury news.
Saquon Barkley (RB, Philadelphia Eagles) - Stinger
Description: RB Saquon Barkley running and listening to music during training camp.
Due to a stinger, Saquon Barkley exited early in Week 2. He returned to practice in limited capacity and is expected to suit up for Monday Night Football.
Fantasy managers should keep Barkley in their active starting lineup. But since Philadelphia plays on Monday night, lock in a contingency option like Tank Bigsby or Dontayvion Wicks in your flex spot in case of a late pre-game setback.
Week 3 Injury Report Takeaway
The biggest Week 3 replacements are directly linked to expected volume. Chuba Hubbard has the clearest workload increase, while Jaylen Warren could become a strong RB2/flex play. Dalton Schultz will benefit from another week without Nico Collins, and Terrance Ferguson becomes relevant if Puka Nacua remains out.
Fantasy managers should check the final inactive reports before kickoff, especially for players carrying questionable tags.
