Fantasy Injury Updates: Latest news on DeAndre Hopkins, Kenny Golladay, Marquise Brown, more affecting Week 3 start ’em, sit ’em calls

There’s already been plenty of bad news on the WR front, as Antonio Brown (COVID), Diontae Johnson (knee), and Russell Gage (ankle) have been ruled out and Tee Higgins (shoulder) and Jamison Crowder (groin) are “doubtful.” Hopefully, you’ve already planned ahead for life without those guys, but it’s the “questionable” pass-catchers, such as DeAndre Hopkins, Kenny Golladay, Marquise Brown, Darnell Mooney, and Evan Engram, who will cause start ’em, sit ’em headaches right up until kickoff. We’re here to help with the latest updates on these players so you can finalize your Week 3 fantasy lineups.

We’ll be updating this post with the latest news on these players right up until kickoff, so check back throughout the morning. For updates on banged-up RBs Dalvin Cook, Darrell Henderson, and D’Andre Swift, click here; for news on Lamar Jackson and Carson Wentz, go here; for the Week 3 weather forecast, click here. For all the latest fantasy news, follow us on Twitter  @SN_Fantasy.

WEEK 3 PPR RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker

Is DeAndre Hopkins playing Week 3?

Hopkins (ribs) didn’t practice this week and is apparently a true “game-time decision” ahead of Arizona’s Week 3 game in Jacksonville. Hopkins has played without practicing before, so we’re hopeful he can suit up, but fantasy owners should have a backup ready. 

Obviously, Hopkins is a must-start if active, but if he’s out, Rondale Moore, Christian Kirk, and even A.J. Green all see boosts in value, with the former two being in play as potential WR2/3s. Even TE Maxx Williams has a slightly better outlook and can be considered in deep leagues or DFS contests. 

WEEK 3 STANDARD RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker

Is Kenny Golladay playing Week 3?

Golladay (hip) was limited in practice all week and officially “questionable” for Week 3’s game against the Falcons. Considering Golladay’s length injury history — including his layoff because of hip problems last year — it wouldn’t be a surprise if he sat this one out.

If Golladay plays, it will be tough to bench him against the porous Falcons pass defense. If he’s out, Sterling Shepard has even more value, and Darius Slayton becomes a solid WR3 option. TE Evan Engram (if active), also sees a bump in value.

WEEK 3 DFS LINEUPS: FanDuel | DraftKings | Yahoo

Is Marquise Brown playing Week 3?

Brown (ankle) missed practice on Thursday but returned to log a limited session on Friday, putting him on track on play on Sunday in Detroit.

If Hollywood can’t go, Sammy Watkins would be in play as a WR3 in fantasy, and Devin Duvernay would also see more targets. Brown is a must-start if active given the matchup and his hot start to the season.

MORE WEEK 3 DFS: Best stacks | Best values | Lineup Builder

Is Darnell Mooney playing Week 3?

Mooney has been “questionable” every week this season, but in Weeks 1 and 2, it because of a back ailment. This week, it’s because of a sore groin. He managed to get in limited practices all week, though, so there’s a good chance he suits up against the Browns.

Mooney has seen seven and eight targets, respectively, this season, so he continues to have a decent floor in PPR leagues, but his ceiling seems fairly low, especially in a neutral matchup like this. If Mooney can’t play, expect more targets for Marquise Goodwin (who’s also “questionable” because of an ankle injury) and perhaps for TE Cole Kmet. 

WEEK 3 FANTASY: Sleepers | Busts | Start ’em, sit ’em

Is Evan Engram playing Week 3?

Engram got in limited practices this week and is officially “questionable” ahead of Sunday’s game against Atlanta. Engram missed the first two games of the year because of a sore calf, so it’s possible the Giants continue to play it safe with him. However, he’s been trending toward playing, so he seems more “probable” than truly “questionable.”

If Engram is out, Kyle Rudolph will once again start and have minimal fantasy value, even in a favorable matchup. If Engram is active, he has legit TE1 potential, especially if Kenny Golladay (hip) is out.