:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65299303/1176438992.jpg.0.jpg)
Editor’s update 9/23 12:54 p.m.: The Giants got bad news on running back Saquon Barkley. He underwent an MRI on Monday after the team returned to New Jersey, and he is now expected to miss from four to eight weeks, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The report indicated the Giants expect the longer end of the timeline. Wayne Gallman will start in Barkley’s place, but the Giants will add at least one more running back to the roster.
The NFL is a rough business that leaves players banged and bruised for much of the season, and a week removed from seeing Ben Roethlisberger and Drew Brees sidelined by injury, Week 3 brought several big name injuries.
We have one game left with Washington hosting the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football, but it is also time to start considering your waiver wire options for Week 4 of your fantasy football leagues. There is at least one big name who could miss some time, and several others awaiting word on MRIs and other examinations.
Below is a rundown of notable injuries, and who stands to benefit as you consider what to do with your waiver wire priority.
Saquon Barkley, RB, New York Giants
The man drafted No. 1 in most fantasy football leagues went down with an ankle injury in the second quarter of the Giants wild win over the Bucs. Barkley went to the locker room and was ruled out for the rest of the game. He was spotted on crutches and in a walking boot, and Adam Schefter is reporting he has a high ankle sprain. Barkley will undergo an MRI on Monday to determine the extent of the damage.
Wayne Gallman replaced Barkley in Week 3. The Giants were in catch-up mode so he did not have much of a chance to make an impact. The Giants face a tough Washington defense in Week 4, and I suspect we see a lot more of Gallman if Barkley ends up missing the game.
LeSean McCoy, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs were without running back Damien Williams, and even with rumors Darrell Williams would get the start, McCoy ended up as their main guy for much of the day in Week 3. However, McCoy suffered an ankle injury in the second half and Darrell ended up with nine carries to McCoy’s eight.
The Chiefs backfield is kind of a mess right now. Darrell and McCoy combined to average 6.8 yards per carry. Damien struggled the first two weeks, and his practice schedule will be worth watching along with McCoy’s. Darrell is the big gainer if McCoy and Damien are out, while Derwin Thompson gains some value as well.
T.Y. Hilton, WR, Indianapolis Colts
Hilton had a monster first half against the Falcons in Week 3, catching eight passes for 65 yards and a touchdown. Unfortunately, he suffered a quad injury that may have been an aggravation of a previous injury. He sat out the entire second half of a wild game. He’s going to be worth watching as the Colts have a great Week 4 matchup against the Raiders. Zach Pascal had a solid game with a touchdown on two receptions, but otherwise it’s hard to get too excited about the Colts pass catchers.
Julian Edelman, WR, New England Patriots
Edelman suffered a chest injury at the end of the first half of the Patriots 30-14 win over the Dolphins. X-rays were negative, per NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport. Edelman had seven receptions for 62 yards and a touchdown before exiting with the injury. He’ll likely show up on the Week 4 injury report, but negative x-rays are a good sign for his availability against Buffalo.