Week 3 Waiver Wire Targets to Replace Fantasy Players on Injury List

Injuries have been a major storyline early in the 2026 NFL season, and they've had a significant impact on the fantasy football landscape, too. Things aren't going to change in Week 3.

While fans will see a couple of returning players this week—including Kyler Murray and Michael Penix Jr., who made his 2026 debut on Thursday night—several top fantasy options continue to be sidelined. In the case of New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart, he's done for the season.

Finding viable starters off the waiver wire isn't easy at this point in the week, but a few may still be available in your league. Here, you'll find a look at the latest from the Week 3 injury report , rankings for the top remaining plays on the schedule, and some of those aforementioned late-week targets.

All picks and analysis are based on point-per-reception (PPR) scoring.

It appears that Sam Darnold may make his return for the Seattle Seahawks this week. He returned to being a full participant at practice on Thursday, and while he won't rush back before he's ready, Darnold is eager to be back on the playing field.

"I'm really striving for that," Darnold said, per John Boyle of the team's official website.

However, the New York Giants won't have Jaxson Dart, who was placed on injured reserve. The Chicago Bears aren't expected to have Caleb Williams (hamstring) or Tyson Bagent (concussion).

Marcus Mariota will start in place of Jayden Daniels (elbow) this week.

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young is the top realistic option to target at quarterback this week. He's rostered in 56 percent of leagues but has topped 24 fantasy points in consecutive weeks. He'll face a Cleveland Browns defense that has surrendered an average of 19.5 fantasy points to opposing QBs this week.

Geno Smith, Malik Willis, Jameis Winston, and Mariota are options to consider only in deeper leagues this week.

Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers

There isn't an extensive list of running back injuries, though it's probably worth keeping an eye on Saquon Barkley ahead of Monday night. The Philadelphia Eagles starter suffered a stinger in Week 2 but did practice on Thursday and Friday.

Tennessee Titans back Tyjae Spears is listed as questionable, as is Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren. Rico Dowdle has been ruled out for the Steelers, as has Denver Broncos back Jonah Coleman.

Finding good running backs this season has been difficult, and finding viable options off the wire has been even harder. Kansas City Chiefs backup Emmett Johnson might be the only flex option available in most leagues this week.

Johnson has a clear role behind Kenneth Walker III in Kansas City's offense. It isn't a particularly prominent one, but he does have four catches and 103 scrimmage yards through two weeks. He could see a bigger workload this week if the Chiefs blow out out the Miami Dolphins and spend the second half winding down the clock via the run.

Miami has surrendered the third-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season.

Tank Bigsby, Emanuel Wilson, Keaton Mitchell, and Mike Washington Jr. are only worth considering in deeper leagues and if desperate.

Several notable receivers have already been ruled out this week, including Nico Collins, Alec Pierce, Caleb Douglas, Andrei Iosivas, and Demarcus Robinson.

The Los Angeles Rams have listed Puka Nacua as doubtful. The Buffalo Bills have listed both Keon Coleman and D.J. Moore as questionable. Jalen Coker, Xavier Legette, Adonai Mitchell, Ryan Miller, Mike Evans, and Michael Pittman Jr. are also listed as questionable.

It's worth checking to see if Browns receiver Denzel Boston is available, as he has caught touchdown passes in back-to-back weeks and is only rostered in 63 percent of fantasy leagues. Las Vegas Raiders receiver Tre Tucker might be a more realistic option from the waiver wire, though.

Tucker, who is rostered in 47 percent of leagues, has caught seven passes for 146 yards and a touchdown through two weeks. Brock Bowers is expected to return for the Raiders this week, but Tucker should still serve as their top perimeter target.

Dontayvion Wicks and Rashod Bateman are other WRs to consider off the wire this week.

As previously mentioned, Bowers (knee) is expected to make his 2026 debut against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. Officially, he is listed as questionable, as are Eli Raridon and Colby Parkinson. Mason Taylor and Chigoziem Okonkwo are both out.

David Njoku (fibula, IR) and Charlie Kolar (forearm) are both injured for the Los Angeles Chargers, which gives Oronde Gadsden II some TE value this week.

The Chargers will face the Bills, who have surrendered an average of 12.3 fantasy points to opposing tight ends this season. Gadsden is rostered in 26 percent of fantasy leagues.

Terrance Ferguson, Pat Freiermuth, Darren Waller, and T.J. Hockenson are deeper sleepers to consider at tight end.

*Fantasy scoring and roster information from FantasyPros .