As the 2026 NFL season enters Week 3, the injury landscape is already reshaping matchups and fantasy football lineups. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the quarterback position has been hit particularly hard, with Chicago Bears' Caleb Williams and Washington Commanders' Jayden Daniels among the most notable names on the injury report. With Monday Night Football looming, the Bears are preparing for the possibility of life without their franchise signal-caller.
Quarterback Carnage: Williams and Daniels Lead the List
Williams suffered a hamstring injury in Week 2 that initially appeared severe, but further evaluation revealed no major damage. He is considered week-to-week and will likely miss the Bears' Monday night clash with the Philadelphia Eagles. Head coach Ben Johnson told reporters that Williams will "likely miss some time," paving the way for backup Tyson Bagent to start. Bagent, a serviceable but unspectacular option, represents a clear downgrade for a Bears offense that has already struggled to find rhythm. Wide receivers Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, and tight end Colston Loveland have yet to meet expectations, and their fantasy value takes a significant hit with Bagent under center. Expect Chicago to lean heavily on running backs D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai to move the chains.
In Washington, the situation is even more dire. Jayden Daniels dislocated his left elbow in the team's Week 2 loss to the Dallas Cowboys—the same injury he suffered last season. Fortunately, there is no fracture, but no timetable has been set for his return. Veteran Marcus Mariota will start in Week 3 against the Seattle Seahawks, a daunting matchup that makes all Washington skill players risky fantasy plays. Terry McLaurin and Stefon Diggs, who caught a touchdown from Mariota in Week 2, are volatile flex options at best. As highlighted on Vulius, fantasy managers should consider fading the Commanders entirely this week.
Running Back Roulette: Barkley, Price, and Broncos Backfield in Flux
The running back position is equally unsettled. Philadelphia's Saquon Barkley is dealing with a stinger that forced him out of Sunday's comeback win over the Tennessee Titans. If Barkley misses time, Tank Bigsby—who tallied 15 touches for 38 yards and a score—would step into the lead role, with Will Shipley also mixing in. Bigsby is a hot waiver wire name, and his upside makes him a priority add. In Seattle, rookie Jadarian Price left Week 2 with a shoulder injury, though it doesn't appear serious. If Price can't go, Emanuel Wilson, who rumbled for 92 yards on 21 carries, would see an expanded role and vault into RB2/3 territory. Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos backfield is a mess: J.K. Dobbins and R.J. Harvey are both sidelined with hamstring injuries, leaving rookie Jonah Coleman as the next man up. Coleman is a trendy waiver claim after an impressive Week 2 performance.
Wide Receiver Watch: Collins, Moore, and Pierce Among Questionable
Houston Texans' Nico Collins missed Week 2 with a hamstring injury and is expected to remain out for a crucial Week 3 divisional game against the Indianapolis Colts. His absence opens opportunities for Xavier Hutchinson, Kayshon Boutte, and Jaylin Noel, while tight end Dalton Schultz capitalized with a 12-catch, 140-yard performance. In Buffalo, DJ Moore is day-to-day with an AC joint sprain, but the extra rest after Thursday Night Football could have him ready for a favorable matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. If Moore sits, Keon Coleman, Khalil Shakir, and Josh Palmer will absorb his targets, with Dalton Kincaid remaining Josh Allen's favorite weapon. Indianapolis' Alec Pierce is undergoing further tests on his heel, the same injury that plagued him in the preseason. If he misses time, Josh Downs and Tyler Warren get a boost, while Laquan Treadwell surprisingly outsnapped Keenan Allen in Week 2.
Tight End Turmoil: Bowers Close, Goedert Questionable
Las Vegas Raiders' Brock Bowers is "very close" to returning from a knee injury, per head coach Klint Kubiak. With the Raiders off to a 2-0 start, they may exercise caution, which would keep Michael Mayer as a streaming option. Mayer played 84% of snaps in Week 2 and remains a decent TE play if Bowers sits again. Philadelphia's Dallas Goedert is nursing a knee injury, and his status for Monday night is uncertain. Washington's Chig Okonkwo (hamstring) and the Chargers' David Njoku (knee) are also banged up, further thinning the tight end landscape.
Injured Reserve and Out for Season
Several players have seen their seasons end prematurely. San Francisco's Ricky Pearsall (knee) and Houston's Jayden Higgins (knee) are out for the year, while Baltimore's Ja'Kobi Lane (wrist), Minnesota's Jordan Mason (thumb), and San Francisco's De'Zhaun Stribling (ankle) are on injured reserve. Others on IR include Omar Cooper Jr. (NYJ, ankle), A.J. Brown (NE, ankle), Jordyn Tyson (NO, hamstring), and Dylan Sampson (CLE, knee). Seattle's Zach Charbonnet (knee) remains on the PUP list. As always, stay tuned to Vulius for the latest updates and fantasy analysis as these situations develop.
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