NFL Week 2 Injury Recap & Analysis: Justin Herbert, Trey Lance and more

Don't count out Herbert for Week 3: Los Angeles Chargers QB Justin Herbert fractured his rib cartilage Thursday night, but due to the 10-day rest between games, he has a shot to play in Week 3.
Identify a Lance replacement: San Francisco 49ers QB Trey Lance was carted off with an ankle injury Sunday and will likely miss the entire season.
Find a short-term Conner replacement: Arizona Cardinals RB James Conner suffered an apparent mild lateral ankle sprain that should keep him out one-to-three weeks.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

An NFL player's injury status can have a significant effect on both real-life and fantasy football. Maybe most importantly at this time of year — at least for some — is that injuries heavily influence fantasy football rankings and start/sit decisions.

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AZ@LVR | CHI@GB

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS @ KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Chargers QB Justin Herbert fractured rib cartilage late in his Thursday night match-up with the Chiefs. The typical return to play is two-to-four weeks but with his 10 day rest, he has a shot to play in Week 3.

Chiefs WR Mecole Hardman finished the game but did suffer an unspecified ankle injury, and WR Justin Watson sustained a shoulder injury during the game. I do not believe either to be serious, but they will need to be monitored this week.

MIAMI DOLPHINS @ BALTIMORE RAVENS

Dolphins WR Cedrick Wilson was ruled out of the game in the fourth quarter due to a rib injury. Depending on location and severity, his return to play could be from playing next week to being out for a month.

Ravens WR Devin Duvernay suffered a concussion in the fourth quarter and he will enter the five-step protocol.

NEW YORK JETS @ CLEVELAND BROWNS

N/A

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS @ DETROIT LIONS

N/A

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS @ JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

N/A

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS @ NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Buccaneers RB Giovani Bernard injured his ankle in the fourth quarter. The severity is unclear, and he will undergo further testing Monday.

CAROLINA PANTHERS @ NEW YORK GIANTS

N/A

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS @ PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Patriots RB Damien Harris suffered a knee injury during the final drive Sunday. I believe the knee injury is minor, so he should be able to play this week.

ATLANTA FALCONS @ LOS ANGELES RAMS

N/A

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS @ SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

49ers QB Trey Lance was carted off of the field early in the game. I believe he suffered a dislocated ankle fracture similar to what Dak Prescott suffered in 2020. He will likely undergo surgery Monday and is out for the season.

CINCINNATI BENGALS @ DALLAS COWBOYS

Cowboys TE Dalton Schultz suffered a potentially serious knee injury late in the game on Sunday. I believe he avoided ACL damage, but he could be dealing with a bone bruise and/or meniscus tear. Regardless, I believe Schultz will miss time.

HOUSTON TEXANS @ DENVER BRONCOS

Broncos WR Jerry Jeudy suffered what appeared to be a clavicle/shoulder injury in the first quarter. He did not return to the game, but it was reported after that he sustained a rib injury. Depending on location and severity, he could play next week or miss about a month.

ARIZONA CARDINALS @ LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

Cardinals RB James Conner exited the game in the third quarter with an ankle injury. It appeared to be a mild lateral ankle sprain. I believe it is not a significant injury, Grade 1 return to play is one-to-three weeks.

Raiders WR Hunter Renfrow appeared to suffer a concussion late in the game. If he is diagnosed with a concussion he will enter the five-step protocol.

CHICAGO BEARS @ GREEN BAY PACKERS

N/A

KEY

DNP: Did not participate in practice
LP: Limited participation in practice
FP: Full participation
(-): Not listed
OUT: Player will not play
D: Player is unlikely to play
Q: Player is not certain to play
Rest: Not injury-related or resting veteran