Fantasy Football Week 3: 5 Injuries You Should Know About

Heading into the third week of the NFL season, fantasy football is well underway, and there are already several prominent injuries you'll need to be aware of this week as you prepare your lineup.

Injuries have always been a part of football, but they are nevertheless annoying to deal with for fantasy owners.

Here we'll look at five prominent injuries that you'll need to be aware of in your respective leagues. 

Beanie Wells, RB, Arizona Cardinals

Status: Questionable

Beanie Wells exploded out of the gate this season, racking up 183 yards and two touchdowns on 32 carries in his first two games.

But after sustaining a hamstring injury in practice, he may be out for the game against the Seattle Seahawks.

With backup LaRod Stephens-Howling also nursing an injury, it would be ideal for the Cardinals if Wells would be able to go. But based on Wells' notorious injury history, you may want to play it safe if you have an adequate replacement.

Antonio Gates, TE, San Diego Chargers

Status: Questionable

Antonio Gates has had a rough start to the season, catching a respectable eight passes for 74 yards in his first game against Minnesota but failing to catch a single ball in a loss to the Patriots.

After sustaining a foot injury against New England, Gates will likely be a game-time decision for the game against the Kansas City Chiefs. This might be a week of rest for the star.

Gates is getting up there in age, and with an adequate backup in Randy McMichael and the recent struggles Gates has had anyway, I suggest finding another option at tight end this week.

Felix Jones, RB, Dallas Cowboys

Status: Questionable

Felix Jones has had an underwhelming beginning of the season for Dallas, gaining just 69 yards and a touchdown on 26 total carries over the past two games.

Jones also has a dubious injury history and is listed as questionable for the Cowboys' game against the Washington Redskins because of his shoulder.

Whether Jones plays or not, there may be a better option on your bench this week.

Derrick Ward, RB, Houston Texans

Status: Doubtful

Why should anybody care about Derrick Ward's injury status, you ask? This one has more to do with who will be playing rather than who won't be.

Houston Texans star Arian Foster has been questionable since the preseason and, although he tried to play last week, may not play at all again this week. Derrick Ward and Ben Tate would normally share the load in Foster's absence, but since Ward is probably not going to play either, that leave's Tate and Steve Slaton to shoulder the load.

My guess is Tate will get a lot of work, and he may be a very good start for you this week against New Orleans. 

Mario Manningham, WR, New York Giants

Status: Out

The New York Giants Mario Manningham has had a decent first two games, catching seven passes for 105 yards.

Those may not be impressive numbers, but with Hakeem Nicks taking up all of Nnamdi Asomugha's time and effort, Manningham may have been a solid start in the Giants-Eagles matchup.

Unfortunately, Manningham suffered a concussion and will be out for the game. For anyone who was looking to exploit the Eagles' secondary with Manningham, you'll obviously have to look elsewhere.

Also, for anyone who has an unbelievably deep receiving corps, you may want to consider benching Nicks for the week if you can find a better matchup.