NFL Week 2 News: Major Injuries, Backfield Changes & Fantasy Fallout (Ep. 2197)

September 17, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

This episode of the FantasyPros Tailgate Live, hosted by Andrew Erickson and co-host, covers the most consequential NFL news from early Week 2. The dominant theme is injury fallout, with several key players sidelined or at risk, creating major shifts in fantasy football value and backfield hierarchies. The conversation moves through three major injury developments, a concerning fumble issue for a young back, and the evolving legal situation surrounding Josh Jacobs.

The Chargers' Passing Game Takes a Hit

The most significant injury news of the day involves Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey. After leaving Sunday's game with a rib injury and returning, the situation has worsened. McConkey did not practice on Wednesday, and the severity of the injury prompted the Chargers to sign free-agent receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling. While the team also placed Keandre Lambert-Smith on injured reserve, the hosts view the McConkey injury as a major problem for the offense. Erickson notes that the Chargers' entire passing attack seemed built around McConkey, calling it a "ship went down way before they were supposed to land the plane." The concern is twofold: rib injuries are tricky for a shifty, undersized receiver who works the middle of the field, and rushing him back risks a re-injury from a big hit. The hosts are pessimistic about the Chargers' offense overall, questioning

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What you'll learn

1 (04:58) **Ladd McConkey Rib Injury & Chargers WR Depth** - McConkey missed Wednesday's practice with a rib injury, and the Chargers signed Marquez Valdes-Scantling as a depth move after also placing Keandre Lambert-Smith on IR.
2 (11:20) **Zay Flowers Hamstring Injury & Ravens Caution** - Flowers did not practice Wednesday, and the hosts lean toward him being inactive for Week 2, advocating for extreme caution.
3 (14:19) **Jordan Mason IR Stint & Aaron Jones Boost** - The Vikings placed Jordan Mason on IR with a thumb injury, clearing the way for Aaron Jones to be the clear lead back.
4 (24:56) **RJ Harvey Hamstring Injury & Chargers RB Ripple Effects** - RJ Harvey missed practice with a hamstring injury, creating a potential opportunity for Jonah Coleman, though the hosts remain skeptical.
5 (29:50) **Braelon Allen's Fumble & Commanders RB Concerns** - Braelon Allen fumbled late in the game and was replaced by Chris Rodriguez, raising concerns about his role moving forward.
6 (32:18) **Josh Jacobs Legal Update & Fantasy Outlook** - The woman involved in Jacobs' incident filed to seal the video evidence, which may limit the NFL's ability to act and could lead to a shorter suspension.
7 (38:06) **49ers Injuries: DeJounte Stribling Out 10 Weeks, Tangis Out for Season** - Late-breaking news that Stribling's injury is worse than expected, sidelining him for 10 weeks, while Tongue Tangis is out for the year.

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Guests on this episode

Andrew Erickson

Show Notes

Chris Welsh and Andrew Erickson break down the biggest NFL Week 2 storylines and what they mean for fantasy football managers, starting with the latest on Ladd McConkey and Zay Flowers.

Jordan Mason’s injury puts Aaron Jones back in the spotlight, while R.J. Harvey’s hamstring issue could shake up the Broncos backfield. The guys also discuss Jacory Croskey-Merritt’s workload after his Week 1 fumble and answer fantasy questions from the live audience.

Plus, they hit the latest 49ers injuries, the Josh Jacobs situation, Omarion Hampton, Ashton Jeanty, Jonah Coleman and more news fantasy managers need to monitor before Week 2.

Timestamps: (May be off due to ads)

Intro - 0:00:00

Tailgate Giveaway - 0:02:56

Ladd McConkey injured - 0:03:47

Zay Flowers - 0:10:12

Jordan Mason - 0:13:09

Polymarket - 0:19:30

Jacory-Croskey Merritt - 0:26:04

Josh Jacobs - 0:28:45

FantasyPros Schedule - 0:36:09

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