Here's a look at some of the key injuries entering Week 3 (the Giants and Redskins, who played on Thursday night, are not included);
Quarterbacks
Tony Romo, Cowboys (vs. Falcons) Out
A week after losing receiver Dez Bryant, QB Tony Romo suffered a collarbone injury that resulted in him being placed on the short-term injured reserve. He'll miss at least seven games, with Brandon Weeden expected to start in his place, though Matt Cassel was acquired from the Bills on Tuesday. Upon entering the game against the Eagles, Weeden went a perfect 7 for 7 for 73 yards and a touchdown, but his track record with the Browns inspires little confidence, especially with a key weapon in Bryant already out. No matter who starts at QB, Dallas is likely to run, run, and run some more this week in an attempt to take the game out of its quarterback's hands.
Jay Cutler, Bears (at Seahawks) Out
Cutler departed the Bears' matchup with the Cardinals with a hamstring injury and is expected to miss at least two weeks. Jimmy Clausen replaced Cutler and will be thrown into the fire in Week 3 as Chicago visits Seattle. As a result, the Seattle defense likely represents one of the safest DFS plays this week, despite the presence of Matt Forte on the Bears' roster.
Drew Brees, Saints (at Panthers) Out
Brees suffered a rotator cuff injury against Tampa Bay, and as of Friday afternoon, Brees is officially out this Sunday against the Panthers. Going from Brees to Luke McCown should obviously have a negative affect on the team's receiving assets, namely Brandin Cooks, Marques Colston and Brandon Coleman. Mark Ingram and C.J. Spiller should see their workloads increase, but with defenses likely also focused on stopping the run, neither one may be worth rostering.
Matthew Stafford, Lions (vs. Broncos) Probable
Stafford underwent X-rays to his chest and ribs after Detroit's loss to the Vikings, and his status is unknown for Sunday night's visit from the Broncos. With Denver's defense having allowed only 308 yards passing and zero TDs to opposing QBs through the first two games, this doesn't appear to be an ideal matchup for Stafford, despite his reduced price and the fact that he's playing at home.
Running Backs
Eddie Lacy, Packers (vs. Chiefs) Questionable
Lacy sprained his ankle early on against the Seahawks and his status is in question for Monday's matchup against the Chiefs. James Starks replaced Lacy and picked up 95 yards on 20 carries. Starks represents a low-priced route into Green Bay's high-powered offense, though with the game not until Monday, DFS owners will have to sweat on the possibility of Lacy recovering in time to play.
Tevin Coleman, Falcons (at Cowboys) Out
Coleman fractured a rib against the Giants and is expected to miss some time, with Devonta Freeman in line to take on a heavier workload. Freeman is a mid-priced asset in most DFS games, and has some added value in PPR-scoring formats thanks to his seven catches in two games. Still, he's only averaging 2.0 YPC on 22 carries so far this season, so expect Atlanta to continue to lean on its Matt Ryan and Julio Jones-led passing attack in Coleman's absence.
Carlos Hyde, 49ers (at Cardinals) Probable
One of Week 1's breakout stars, Hyde couldn't build on that performance in a blowout loss to the Steelers, suffering a leg injury and a possible concussion in the process. Still, Hyde is expected back for Sunday's matchup at Arizona, and should receive a large workload as long as Reggie Bush is still sidelined.
Todd Gurley, Rams (vs. Steelers) Active
Despite practicing all last week, Gurley was inactive for the Rams' visit to Washington, so his NFL debut may not come until this Sunday. Still, with Tre Mason and Benny Cunningham seeing time as well, the St. Louis backfield is crowded, and a matchup against the high-flying Steelers may force the Rams to throw to catch up. Mason and Cunningham only combined for eight carries in Sunday's loss to Washington, where the Rams were down the entire game, and a similar situation could occur against Pittsburgh.
Arian Foster, Texans (vs. Buccaneers) Out
Despite a close scoreline, Houston had to throw the ball 58 times against Carolina, as it could not establish any kind of running game. Foster's return could have remedied that, especially since Tampa Bay has been among the worst run defenses through the first two weeks, but on Friday Foster was declared out for this week.
DeMarco Murray, Eagles (at Jets) Out
Murray is nursing a hamstring injury, is facing one of the better run defenses so far this season in the Jets, and has somehow managed to accumulate 11 yards on 21 carries through two games. Suffice it to say, there are far better DFS options in Week 3, especially at his relatively high price point. The only saving grace for those who have rostered Murray thus far are his two touchdowns and nine receptions for 64 yards, which at least make him a useful option in PPR-scoring formats. He is officially out for Week 3.
Chris Ivory, Jets (vs. Eagles) Probable
Ivory will be a game-time decision before Sunday's early set of kickoffs, and is currently questionable with a quad injury. If he can't play, the very low-priced Bilal Powell would seem certain to receive an RB1 workload at home against the Eagles.
Marshawn Lynch, Seahawks (vs. Bears) Questionable
Similar to Ivory, Lynch will be a game-time decision on Sunday for Seattle's home opener against Chicago. If he's unable to play, backup Fred Jackson should see a full workload in a game where Seattle may well have a big lead late and is chewing up clock on the ground.
Lamar Miller, Dolphins (vs. Bills) Questionable
Miller is still listed as questionable, but returned to practice on Thursday, so he'll likely play on Sunday. He's been one of the more disappointing fantasy running backs so far, with no touchdowns and a combined 117 yards on 29 touches through two games. A matchup against the Buffalo defense isn't likely an enticing prospect for DFS owners this week.
Wide Receivers
Eric Decker, Jets (vs. Eagles) Out
Decker suffered a knee injury on Monday against the Colts, but its severity has yet to be determined. He's had a strong start to the season, registering touchdowns in each of the first two games on top of eight catches for 97 yards against Indianapolis. As a cheaper alternative to Brandon Marshall, Decker could benefit from a nice matchup this week at home to the Eagles, but he's not healthy enough to play.
Alshon Jeffery, Bears (at Seahawks) Out
Jeffery missed out on last Sunday's game against the Cardinals with a hamstring injury, and is officially out again against Seattle. If you were banking on Jeffery, similarly-priced alternatives include Julian Edelman, Jordan Matthews and Jarvis Landry.
Tight Ends
Jason Witten, Cowboys (vs. Falcons) Probable
The injury hits just keep coming for the Cowboys, with reliable tight end Witten the latest to go down. Witten has not one, but two sprained ankles and a sprained knee, though his status for Sunday's game against the Falcons has been upgraded to probable. Gavin Escobar would see increased time if Witten can't play, though with Brandon Weeden likely at the helm, all Cowboys receivers aren't as desirable as they were with Tony Romo in the lineup. Escobar has four catches and a touchdown through two games and stands a hulking 6-foot-6, making him a viable red zone threat.
Jordan Cameron, Dolphins (vs. Bills) Questionable
Cameron left Sunday's loss to the Jaguars with a groin injury, accumulating three catches for 62 yards before his exit. With Dion Sims inactive, the heretofore unknown Jake Stoneburner made the most of the opportunity, catching two passes for 18 yards and a touchdown. In terms of target volume, Rishard Matthews and Jarvis Landry have been ahead of Miami tight ends in the pecking order, so a mid-priced option like Cameron may not be a great selection even when healthy.
Dwayne Allen, Colts (at Titans) Out
Allen left the Colts' Monday night loss to the Jets with an ankle injury. Coby Fleener failed to see even a single target despite Allen's absence, and with the Colts in disarray, neither tight end seems a viable DFS option right now. For what it's worth, Allen has been declared out for this week against the Titans.
Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Buccaneers (at Texans) Out
The second-year tight end didn't build on his breakout Week 1 performance, only registering two catches for 29 yards, and picked up a shoulder injury that will sideline him four to six weeks. Brandon Myers and Luke Stocker are behind Seferian-Jenkins on the depth chart, but neither one registered a target against the Saints. With Mike Evans returning to the lineup this past Sunday, expect Jameis Winston to rely more heavily on him and Vincent Jackson.
Delanie Walker, Titans (vs. Colts) Probable
Walker wasn't able to play against the Browns, but it has to be promising for prospective DFS owners that the tight end position was still heavily utilized in his absence, with Anthony Fasano (5-84-1), Chase Coffman (4-42) and Craig Stevens (1-13) getting in on the action. Rookie quarterbacks traditionally lean on tight ends, so when Walker returns to health, he should represent a reliable outlet for Marcus Mariota.
Ladarius Green, Chargers (at Vikings) Out
Green suffered his second concussion of the season and is listed as questionable heading into Week 3's game at Minnesota. With Antonio Gates still suspended for two more games, the Chargers don't have much in the way of tight end options behind Green. For what it's worth, the Chargers have an early kickoff, so Green's status will be updated in time for DFS owners to make changes if necessary. He is officially out, now, so remove him from your lineup.
