**Fantasy Football Buzz: Injuries and Impact**
As the NFL season unfolds, every development has a ripple effect on fantasy football values. Our experts break down the latest news and its implications for your fantasy teams.
**Running Backs**
* Joe Mixon will miss Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings due to an ankle injury, paving the way for Cam Akers to take on a larger role. Akers rushed for 32 yards on seven carries last week and could be a viable option against the Vikings, who allow 88 rushing yards per game.
* The Houston Texans will also be without backup running back Dameon Pierce, who is nursing a hamstring injury.
**Wide Receivers**
* Cooper Kupp’s ankle injury will keep him sidelined for an extended period, but he won’t be placed on injured reserve just yet. The Rams’ star wideout could miss several weeks, and his absence will be felt in the fantasy world.
* A.J. Brown is expected to miss a couple of weeks with a hamstring injury, which could elevate Parris Campbell’s role in the Eagles’ offense. DeVonta Smith is the only Eagles wide receiver ranked in the top 50 at the position.
* Deebo Samuel will miss a couple of weeks with a calf injury, dealing a significant blow to the 49ers’ offense. Brandon Aiyuk and George Kittle are expected to see an increase in targets, while Jordan Mason’s usage will continue to rise.
**Quarterbacks**
* Tua Tagovailoa has been placed on injured reserve due to a concussion, and Skylar Thompson and Tyler Huntley will step in as starters. The Dolphins’ offense shouldn’t take a huge hit without Tagovailoa, but Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle’s fantasy values may dip.
* Bryce Young has been benched in favor of Andy Dalton, who gives the Panthers’ offense a better shot at competency. Dalton’s presence could boost the fantasy values of WRs Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen.
**Tight Ends**
* Dallas Goedert had three catches for 38 yards on Monday night and remains a top-10 tight end in fantasy rankings.
* Colby Parkinson could see more looks with Cooper Kupp sidelined, and is currently available in 56% of fantasy leagues.
**Other Notable Injuries**
* Isiah Pacheco is expected to land on injured reserve after suffering a fibula injury, and Samaje Perine and Carson Steele will pick up the workload in the Chiefs’ backfield.
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