The collective groan you heard on Sunday was NFL fantasy players. Two of the top running backs — the Carolina Panthers Christian McCaffrey and New York Giants Saquon Barkley — left their respective game with injuries.
While McCaffrey’s status is in flux, the Giants fear Barkley will be lost to a torn ACL.
Below is a look at the players who were injured in Week 2, their status and who the next player up will be if they are lost for any period of time.
Christian McCaffrey, running back, ankle/lower leg
The NFL’s highest-paid running back ($16 million a year) didn’t return after limping off the field following a 7-yard touchdown run with just over 13 minutes remaining. The trainer was seen on the sideline taping what appeared to be McCaffrey’s right ankle. Coach Matt Rhule was unsure if McCaffrey’s injury was related to the back taking himself out in the first quarter on a third-down play. If McCaffrey misses time he’ll be replaced by Mike Davis, who finished the game and had eight catches for 74 yards. Rhule has been high on Davis all training camp. “Mike’s a good player,” Rhule said. “He made some good plays. He’s a threat out of the backfield. We’ll see what happens with Christian.” — David Newton
Parris Campbell, wide receiver, knee
What’s next: Campbell had to be carted off the field after he suffered a left knee injury in the first quarter. The Colts don’t know the severity of the injury yet, but coach Frank Reich, who was near Campbell when the injury occurred, said “it didn’t look good.” Losing Campbell will put more pressure on rookie receiver Michael Pittman Jr. The USC product had four catches for 37 yards against Minnesota on Sunday.
Malik Hooker, S, Achilles
What’s next: Any injury involving an Achilles isn’t a good one. Hooker suffered the injury in the first half. Rookie Julian Blackmon replaced Hooker in the lineup. Blackmon had a pass defense on throw a down the field that would have been a 20-plus yard reception and he deflected a pass that was intercepted by fellow safety Khari Willis. Sunday was Blackmon’s first game since he tore his ACL in the Pac-12 championship game for Utah in December 2019. — Mike Wells
Brandon Linder, center, knee
What’s next: Coach Doug Marrone said after the game Linder’s status is uncertain and he’ll be evaluated on Monday. The problem for the Jaguars is this is a short week — they play the Miami Dolphins on Thursday — and that may keep Linder from being able to play even if the knee injury isn’t serious. Tyler Shatley relieved Linder and would be the starter. Right guard A.J. Cann also has snapped and likely would be the backup.
D.J. Hayden, cornerback, concussion
What’s next: Hayden left the game on the Titans’ final drive and did not return. He’s the Jaguars’ nickel back and essentially a starter – as well as their best defensive back. As with Linder, the short week may hurt his chances of playing on Thursday against the Dolphins if he is diagnosed with a concussion and doesn’t clear the protocol quickly enough. Rookie Chris Claybrooks, who is also the Jaguars’ punt and kick returner, came in for Hayden. If he did not start there on Thursday then it may be rookie Josiah Scott who gets the spot. — Mike DiRocco
Saquon Barkley, running back, knee
What’s next: The Giants fear Barkley has a torn ACL, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Jordan Raanan. That would end his season, and put the Giants in a serious bind. Barkley is irreplaceable. The Giants built their offense around the talented third-year running back. They used Dion Lewis on Sunday in a 17-13 loss in Chicago, and Wayne Gallman will also see an increase in playing time moving forward. But the injury is a crushing blow to the Giants and Barkley, who is eligible for a contract extension after this season.
Sterling Shepard, wide receiver, toe
What’s next: As if losing Barkley wasn’t enough, Shepard injured his toe while being tackled late in the first half Sunday. He tried to return but on the first play of the second half realized it wasn’t going to happen. That opened the door for Golden Tate (who was slated to be the third receiver) to see a spike in his usage. Tate now becomes an even bigger piece moving forward. He caught five balls for 57 yards in the second half in Chicago. C.J. Board also will enter the mix if Shepard can’t return. — Jordan Raanan
Breshad Perriman, wide receiver, ankle
What’s next: Another hit to the receiving corps, which already was down Jamison Crowder (hamstring) and Denzel Mims (hamstring). Without Perriman, the Jets were down to Chris Hogan, Braxton Berrios and Josh Malone, a patchwork group. Perriman’s status for Week 3 against the Colts is uncertain. The team is hopeful that Crowder can return.
Connor McGovern, center, hamstring
What’s next: McGovern didn’t finish the game, never a good sign. His status for Week against the Colts is uncertain, pending tests on Monday. He was replaced by ex-Colt Josh Andrews, who would get the nod if McGovern can’t play. One of the key offseason acquisitions, McGovern is the leader of the line and a help to QB Sam Darnold. His absence also would hurt the interior running game.— Rich Cimini
Johnathan Joseph, cornerback, leg
What’s next: Joseph didn’t return to the game after coming out in the fourth quarter. Rookie Kristian Fulton came in to take Joseph’s place. The Titans are already without Adoree Jackson (knee) for at least one more game since he is on injured reserve. — Turron Davenport
Source : ESPN
