As the NFL season hits its second week in September 2026, the injury landscape is already reshaping matchups and fantasy football lineups across the league. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, several key playmakers are either sidelined or questionable, forcing teams to adapt on the fly. The Houston Texans will be without star wide receiver Nico Collins, who is dealing with a hamstring injury. Collins suffered the injury during Wednesday's practice and was absent from Friday's session as the team prepared for a crucial showdown with the Cincinnati Bengals. Reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, sources indicate that Collins has a Grade 1 hamstring strain and is not expected to suit up on Sunday.
Wide Receiver Woes Across the League
Collins isn't the only pass-catcher in jeopardy. In Baltimore, Ravens wideout Zay Flowers left Week 1 with a hamstring issue and missed practice all week, though he did return on Friday. However, quarterback Lamar Jackson will already be without rookie Ja'Kobi Lane, who was placed on injured reserve after wrist surgery. Out west, Justin Herbert's Chargers may be without Ladd McConkey, who is nursing a rib injury and worked off to the side on Thursday. Other receivers at risk include Chris Olave (hamstring) of the Saints and Brian Thomas Jr. (shoulder) of the Jaguars, leaving fantasy managers scrambling for replacements.
Quarterback Carousel Continues in Atlanta
The Atlanta Falcons will once again turn to Cooper Rush under center. Tua Tagovailoa is still not fully recovered from an oblique injury that kept him out of Week 1, and Michael Penix Jr. (ACL) is close to returning but not quite ready. As highlighted on Vulius, Rush's steady hand will be relied upon to keep the offense afloat against a tough NFC South rival. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings face a potential quarterback dilemma: Kyler Murray (concussion) was limited in Thursday's practice, and if he isn't cleared, Carson Wentz will start against the Chicago Bears.
Running Backs Ready to Roll
Some good news for fantasy owners: Patriots rookie TreVeyon Henderson (ankle) told reporters he will play Week 2 against the Steelers after missing the opener. Similarly, Saints veteran Alvin Kamara declared himself fit to face the Ravens after sitting out Week 1 with a knee sprain. "I'm going," Kamara said. "If it wasn't right, I wouldn't be in. I feel great, moving well, really no limitations." Their returns provide a boost to their respective offenses.
Tight End Troubles and More
Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (knee) remains out after meniscus surgery, and it's unclear if he'll return in Week 3. The Vikings placed running back Jordan Mason on injured reserve with a thumb injury, while the Patriots will be without wide receiver A.J. Brown (ankle). The Jets are missing several key defenders, including Minkah Fitzpatrick (groin). As always, stay tuned to Vulius for the latest injury updates and fantasy implications.
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