Must-start quarterbacks aren’t often “game-time decisions,” but heading into Week 3, Justin Herbert falls into the category. The young Chargers’ star injured his ribs in L.A.’s Thursday night game against Kansas City, and despite getting practicing on a limited basis, his status is still up in the air for this week’s late-afternoon matchup with the Jaguars. Obviously, whether he plays has a big effect on several key players, so you can’t lock in your fantasy start ’em, sit ’em decisions until you get some updates on his status.
We’ll continue to update this article with news on Herbert up until the official active/inactive report comes out on Sunday around 2:35 p.m. ET.
WEEK 3 FINAL INJURY UPDATES:
RBs | WRs | TEs | Jeudy | Schultz
Is Justin Herbert playing Week 3?
After getting in limited practices on Wednesday and Thursday, Herbert (ribs) sat out on Friday. Normally, this would be concerning, but considering L.A. held out four key veterans on Friday, it might actually be a positive sign. At this point, he appears likely to suit up against the Jaguars, but even with things trending in the right direction, NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport reported Friday that Herbert “isn’t out of the woods yet.”
WEEK 3 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Fantasy owners are undoubtedly nervous given the Chargers’ late-afternoon kickoff, but it’s looking like Herbert can safely be left in lineups. Against a mediocre Jaguars’ defense, he’s still a solid QB1, especially with Keenan Allen (hamstring) expected back. Obviously, Herbert is at an elevated risk of aggravating the injury and exiting early, but as long as he’s starting, he should be starting for you.
WEEK 3 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
If he is a surprise scratch, you’ll need a late-game/prime-time QB at the ready. Right now, your waiver wire options in most single-QB leagues are Chase Daniel (vs. Jaguars), Marcus Mariota (@ Seahawks), Geno Smith (vs. Falcons), Jimmy Garoppolo (@ Denver), Daniel Jones (vs. Cowboys), and Cooper Rush (@ Giants). Mariota has the highest floor of that group, while either Mariota or Smith has the highest ceiling given the matchups. Either can work in a pinch as a last-minute Herbert replacement — as can his actual replacement, Daniel — but let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.
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