Another week, another major injury that has left fantasy owners scrambling to find replacements. After two prominent players were lost for the year in Week 1, Cleveland Browns RB Nick Chubb joined this undesirable list with a severe knee injury expected to sideline one of the top runners in the league for the remainder of 2023.

Although the Browns have their short-term solution – announcing Tuesday that Jerome Ford would be the starter for Week 3 – multiple outlets are reporting Cleveland is in active discussions with multiple free agent RBs. Beyond Ford’s heir-apparent status, what other Week 3 fantasy news should team owners know?

San Francisco 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk Limited For Week 3

After sustaining a shoulder injury on San Francisco’s first drive in Week 2, 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk returned to the game and caught three passes for 43 yards. A scan this week ruled out Aiyuk suffered a broken clavicle, but San Francisco listed the player on the injury report.

Fantasy Impact:

Aiyuk was limited in practice on Tuesday, leaving the 49ers WR’s status unclear. Expect San Francisco to dress Aiyuk, but his fantasy impact may be muted against a New York Giants team that has offensive issues of its own. Look for the 49ers to run the ball against the Giants regardless of Aiyuk’s status on Thursday night.

Los Angeles Rams RB Cam Akers To Be Traded

In his press conference Monday, Los Angeles HC Sean McVay made clear that Rams RB Cam Akers was on the trading block. When asked if Akers would return to active duty this season for Los Angeles, the Rams coach said, “I feel good about the opportunity to move him.”

Fantasy Impact:

We first reported that fantasy owners should add Kyren Williams after Week 1, and having Akers as a healthy scratch for Week 2 made it abundantly clear he’s played his last snap for Los Angeles. Fantasy owners could stash Akers as multiple teams – including the Cleveland Browns – are in the market for a game-changing RB.

Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson Won’t Face Suspension

The NFL reported Tuesday that Cleveland QB Deshaun Watson would not face a suspension after making contact with an official in Week 2’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Watson – who also had multiple facemask penalties in the game – could still be fined for his on-field performance.

Fantasy Impact:

With Nick Chubb out for the rest of the season, the Browns need Deshaun Watson to elevate his game. The former first-round draft pick out of Clemson has not been a factor for fantasy owners this year, leaving him as a bye-week option for most leagues. Although the Titans are the NFL’s fifth-worst passing defense, Watson should remain on your bench until he proves his value.

New Orleans Saints RB Jamaal Williams Likely Out For Week 3

In New Orleans’ 20-17 win over Carolina Sunday, Saints RB Jamaal Williams suffered a hamstring injury during the first half. Multiple reports suggest that Williams will miss multiple games as the former Detroit Lions RB deals with the injury.

Fantasy Impact:

 With Alvin Kamara out one more week due to a suspension, New Orleans has relied on a RB committee through their first two games. Expect more of the same this week against Green Bay. Rookie RB Kendre Miller is now available to make his NFL debut, so fantasy owners can expect Miller, Tony Jones Jr. and the versatile Taysom Hill to earn some snaps at RB. Only in deep leagues should fantasy owners consider starting any of those three options.