Waiver Wire Week 3: Carson Steele, Quentin Johnston, Demarcus Robinson, Top Pickups

Injuries are starting to pile up across the NFL.

Isiah Pacheco and Cooper Kupp were among the significant injured players in Week 2.

A rush to the fantasy football waiver wire to pick up their replacements will happen over the coming days.

Pacheco's injury sounds more serious at the moment, as reports broke on Monday morning that he would hit the injured reserve with a fibula injury.

ESPN's Adam Schefter said Pacheco will miss a minimum of four weeks, and that will lead to Carson Steele being a popular waiver-wire selection.

Kupp's injury may not be as serious, but the Los Angeles Rams still need help in the passing game to cover up for for Puka Nacua's absence.

Carson Steele

Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images

KANSAS CITY, MO - SEPTEMBER 15: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs hands the ball off to Carson Steele #42 during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)

Carson Steele is the only other running back on the Chiefs roster with a rushing attempt in 2024.

The rookie out of UCLA will be the favorite to take over Pacheco's workload, but he will not be the only replacement.

Samaje Perine should be more involved in third down and passing situations in the role occupied by Jerick McKinnon in previous seasons.

Steele should be counted on primarily for rushing statistics, so he likely will have less value in points-per-reception leagues.

He's a strong rushing replacement for Pacheco, but he may not be more than a RB2 or FLEX player because of Perine's presence in the passing game.

Quentin Johnston

Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 15: Quentin Johnston #1 of the Los Angeles Chargers reacts after a touchdown reception during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

Breakout performance or one-off outing against the worst team in the NFL?

That's the question you have to ask about Quentin Johnston's fantasy football status.

Johnston had a rough rookie season with the Los Angeles Chargers, but he showed promise with his two-touchdown performance in Week 2.

Johnston's potential is promising, and with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams no longer in Charger blue, he does have a more open path to opportunities within the offense.

The second-year player out of TCU has eight catches on 11 targets so far this season. It's a decent start and the potential is there, but it may take a few more weeks for Johnston to be trusted inside your fantasy football starting lineup.

Demarcus Robinson

Cooper Neill/Getty Images

DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 08: Demarcus Robinson #15 of the Los Angeles Rams runs with the ball against the Detroit Lions during an football game at Ford Field on September 8, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

Demarcus Robinson's fantasy value increased before Week 2 due to Puka Nacua's injury.

Robinson's stock could be even higher if Cooper Kupp's ankle injury causes him to miss any time.

Robinson earned eight more receiving yards in Week 2 compared to Week 1, but his target share dropped due to the blowout nature of the Rams' loss to the Arizona Cardinals.

The Rams have a tight matchup, regardless of who starts at wide receiver, in Week 3 against the San Francisco 49ers.

Robinson is more than worth the pickup right now because of his expected role, but he may not reach the fantasy football starting lineup until Week 4 against the Chicago Bears.