Fantasy Football Week 3: Breaking Down the Latest Injury News for Biggest Names

With Week 3 of the NFL season upon us, it’s time to adjust your lineups in preparation for the madness that is a fantasy football Sunday.

As much as the decisions on who to start and who to sit are tough to make, the injury issues that can plague a fantasy team are even harder to deal with. This week, some of the biggest fantasy names in the game are on the injury report.

All of the following players were questionable coming into Week 3’s games, but we have all the latest updates concerning their playing status.

Steven Jackson, RB, St. Louis Rams

Status: Questionable

Despite the rumors that Steven Jackson was benched for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, the groin issue that truly caused the star to miss the majority of Week 2’s Rams game is leaving his Week 3 availability in jeopardy.

The Rams' Official Twitter is reporting on Jackson’s status:

"

Coach Fisher said RB @sj39 will be listed as questionable on injury report. Decision will be made closer to game time.

— St. Louis Rams (@STLouisRams) September 21, 2012"

With serious questions about whether he will play or not, fantasy owners must sit the star for this week. The Rams will likely run the ball with all of their young backs, but rookie Daryl Richardson should be the safest pick to see the majority of the workload.

Matt Forte, RB, Chicago Bears

Status: Out

While the team refused to call injured running back Matt Forte’s injury a high ankle sprain, the Chicago Bears will be without their star in the team’s Week 3 matchup with the St. Louis Rams.

NFL Network’s Michael Fabiano is reporting on Forte’s availability and who you should plug in as a fantasy owner:

"

Matt Forte has been ruled out for Week 3. Start Michael Bush.

— Michael Fabiano (@Michael_Fabiano) September 21, 2012"

Forte owners have to be sweating it, but handcuffing Michael Bush is going to pay off. If you didn’t handcuff Bush, you will have to watch as the former Raider has a monster day on someone else’s roster.

Pierre Garcon, WR, Washington Redskins

Status: Doubtful

The combination of Pierre Garcon and Robert Griffin looked amazing in the few snaps they took together, but a foot injury for the star wide receiver has stifled the duo’s hot start together.

ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter is relaying Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan’s words on Garcon’s status:

"

Redskins HC Mike Shanhan said WR Pierre Garcon is doubtful for Sunday.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 21, 2012"

With a second game missed and still no timetable for a return, fantasy owners should be legitimately concerned over Garcon’s health this week and going forward. The former Colt likely won’t play this Sunday, and the future will remain just as unclear.

Antonio Gates, TE, San Diego Chargers

Status: Probable

The San Diego Chargers were without star tight end Antonio Gates last week, but he looks ready to roll in Week 3 against the Atlanta Falcons. They will need him, too.

Chargers beat writer Michael Gehlken is reporting on Gates plans to play Sunday:

"

Compared to last week, Antonio Gates said ribs injury feels "night and day." Plans to play Sunday.

— Michael Gehlken (@UTgehlken) September 21, 2012"

With Atlanta boasting one of the hottest offense in the NFL right now, Philip Rivers will lean on his veteran tight end to be his No. 1 check-down. Atlanta’s tough pass rush will force Rivers to lean on Gates more than usual so fantasy owners should expect big numbers.

Check back for more on the National Football League as it comes, and don’t miss Bleacher Report’s NFL page to get your fill of all things football.

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