Welcome to Week 3 of the 2014 NFL season. Here we'll be posting live updates and analysis as NFL teams release their Sunday inactive lists. All cited player rankings come from our weekly rankings, which are updated to exclude players from the Thursday night game.
We track key injuries Monday-Friday in Injury Central.
Full NFL Week 3 inactives lists
Refresh often for the latest information.
Ruled out before Sunday
LB Jon Beason (foot), WR Odell Beckham (hamstring), S Eric Berry (ankle), LB Jadeveon Clowney (knee), LB Jerrell Freeman (hamstring), RB Mark Ingram (hand), LB Brad Jones (quadricep), WR Marvin Jones (foot), LB Mychal Kendricks (calf), WR Marqise Lee (hamstring), RB Ryan Mathews (knee), LB Koa Misi (ankle), LB Sio Moore (ankle), RB Knowshon Moreno (elbow), RB Ben Tate (knee), RB De'Anthony Thomas (hamstring).
Top players we're watching
Early games, 1 p.m. ET (10 scheduled)
WR Keenan Allen (groin, questionable): active
WR Dez Bryant (shoulder, questionable): active
TE Jordan Cameron (shoulder, questionable): active
RB Arian Foster (hamstring, questionable): inactive
WR A.J. Green (toe, probable): active
WR DeSean Jackson (shoulder, questionable): active
RB Maurice Jones-Drew (hand, questionable): inactive
RB Bernard Pierce (thigh, questionable): inactive
RB Shane Vereen (shoulder, questionable): active
Late games, 4:05 and 4:25 p.m. ET (3 scheduled)
RB Jamaal Charles (ankle, questionable): inactive
TE Charles Clay (knee, questionable): active
TE Vernon Davis (ankle, questionable): inactive
QB Carson Palmer (right shoulder, questionable): inactive
Sunday Night Football, 8:30 p.m. ET
RB DeAngelo Williams (thigh, questionable): inactive
Updates/analysis (most recent first)
Kelvin Benjamin, Jason Avant both active (7:07 p.m. ET): The Carolina Panthers' official Twitter feed reports that WRs Kelvin Benjamin (knee, probable) and Jason Avant (thigh, questionable)
are both active. Avant could receive a comparable number of targets to his Week 2, tough his injury should keep him third at best in the pecking order. Benjamin is the wide receiver you want in fantasy, a solid WR3 for Week 3.
Jerricho Cotchery inactive (7:07 p.m. ET): The Carolina Panthers' official Twitter feed reports that WR Jerricho Cotchery (thigh, questionable) is inactive. Cotchery's absence is good news for both Kelvin Benjamin and Greg Olsen, as they should both be heavily targeted in Sunday night's game. Benjamin is our No. 32 wide receiver, Olsen our No. 4 tight end.
DeAngelo Williams inactive (7:05 p.m. ET): The Carolina Panthers' official Twitter feed reports that RB DeAngelo Williams (thigh, questionable) is inactive. He was able to practice Friday, but that was apparently better news for his long-term health than for Week 3 speciifcally. With Williams sidelined, Jonathan Stewart should receive the bulk of the rushing work for the Panthers. He is our No. 37 running back for the week, but Williams' absence could bump Stewart up by a couple of spots.
Christine Michael inactive (3:09 p.m. ET): ESPN NFL Nation reporter Terry Blount reports that RB Christine Michael (hamstring, probable) is inactive for the Seattle Seahawks. It's seemingly a healthy scratch decision, as Michael was listed as probable for the game. Robert Turbin will serve as Marshawn Lynch's backup.
Charles Clay active (3:05 p.m. ET): The Miami Dolphins' official Twitter feed reports that TE Charles Clay (knee, questionable) is active. Clay is our No. 15 tight end for Week 3.
Jamaal Charles inactive (3:03 p.m. ET): ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that RB Jamaal Charles (ankle, questionable) is inactive for the Kansas City Chiefs. It's not actually that surprising; that he practiced at all on Friday was. Now, that was positive news for Charles' long-term recovery, but he was always a long shot to play in Week 3. His inactive status is a huge plus for Knile Davis, who becomes nearly an RB1 with the news. We ranked Davis our No. 10 running back for the week.
Andre Ellington active (2:39 p.m. ET): The Arizona Cardinals' official Twitter feed reports that RB Andre Ellington (foot, probable) is active. Between Carson Palmer's injury and Jonathan Dwyer's deactivation, Ellington's Week 3 workload is shaping up to be potentially massive, which is good considering he's facing one of his tougher matchups. He is our No. 16 running back for the week.
Carson Palmer inactive (2:39 p.m. ET): The Arizona Cardinals' official Twitter feed reports that QB Carson Palmer (right shoulder, questionable) is inactive. With Palmer sidelined for a second consecutive week, Drew Stanton gets the start again at quarterback. The Cardinals' receivers aren't quite as attractive fantasy plays as a result, and the team should rely more upon Andre Ellington and the running game.
Vernon Davis inactive (2:37 p.m. ET): The San Francisco 49ers' official Twitter feed reports that TE Vernon Davis (ankle, questionable) is inactive. With both Davis and Vance McDonald (knee) inactive, Derek Carrier will get the start at tight end facing an Arizona Cardinals defense that typically struggles defending the position. While players like Travis Kelce and Delanie Walker are more attractive fill-ins off the waiver wire, Carrier could be worth the look if you're in a pinch.
Chad Greenway active (12:25 p.m. ET): The Minnesota Vikings' official Twitter feed reports that LB Chad Greenway (hand, questionable) is active. Greenway is Jim McCormick's No. 7 linebacker for Week 3.
Vontaze Burfict inactive (12:25 p.m. ET): ESPN NFL Nation reporter Coley Harvey reports that LB Vontaze Burfict (concussion, doubtful) is inactive for the Cincinnati Bengals. This was expected after he was listed as doubtful, but it's bad news for owners in IDP leagues, as Burfict is typically a top-shelf linebacker in those formats.
Danny Woodhead gets the start (12:11 p.m. ET): The San Diego Chargers' official Twitter feed reports that Danny Woodhead will get the start at running back, filling in for RB Ryan Mathews (knee, out). Again, "starter" designations are mostly meaningless, and the Chargers were expected to keep Woodhead in his passing-down role with Donald Brown getting a big bump in terms of early-down carries. But this could be a sign that there might be a more even split of the rushing chores between the two, strengthening Woodhead's fantasy flex-play candidacy for Week 3.
Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery expected to play (12:07 p.m. ET): ESPN's Michael C. Wright reports that WRs Brandon Marshall (ankle, questionable) and Alshon Jeffery (hamstring, questionable) are expected to play for the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football. They were both limited in practice this week, but weren't expected to sit out Week 3. It's good news for fantasy owners and the early word helps with lineup decisions. Marshall is our No. 3 wide receiver and Jeffery No. 10 for Week 3.
Hakeem Nicks active (12:05 p.m. ET): The Indianapolis Colts' official Twitter feed reports that WR Hakeem Nicks (illness, questionable) is active. Nicks remains, at best, third in the Colts' receiver pecking order (and arguably fourth), so his fantasy appeal is limited despite his active status. Look elsewhere for a Week 3 fill-in.
Aaron Dobson inactive (12:03 p.m. ET): The New England Patriots' official Twitter feed reports that WR Aaron Dobson is inactive. It's another healthy scratch for Dobson, just as was the case in Week 1, and it's a frustrating development for this seemingly high-upside receiver. If you need his roster spot, feel free to cut him after such a disappointing start to his 2014.
Rob Gronkowski active (12:02 p.m. ET): The New England Patriots' official Twitter feed reports that TE Rob Gronkowski (knee, probable) is active. Gronkowski scored 10 and 3 fantasy points in his first two games, and should only improve the further removed he is from surgery. As a group, we ranked him our No. 3 tight end; I had him fifth as I don't see him quite as automatic during these September weeks. But he's a solid play if you own him, unless you have an abundance of riches at tight end.
Alfred Blue gets the start (11:58 a.m. ET): ESPN NFL Nation reporter Tania Ganguli reports that Alfred Blue will start at running back for the Houston Texans, replacing the inactive Arian Foster (hamstring, questionable). Remember, "starter" designations in the NFL are practically meaningless; they can mean as little as the game's first snap. The Texans are expected to use a committee at running back, but at least this is another hint that Blue is the leading candidate to get the bulk of the carries, so take that for what it's worth if you're seeking a Week 3 plug-in.
Allen Hurns active (11:56 a.m. ET): The Jacksonville Jaguars' official Twitter feed reports that WR Allen Hurns (ankle, probable) is active. Though he's active, he is not listed as a starter; Cecil Shorts and Allen Robinson are the Jaguars' two starting wide receivers for the week. It certainly appears that Hurns' Week 1 outburst was a mirage, and in typical fantasy football leagues you can feel free to cut him.
Cecil Shorts active (11:56 a.m. ET): The Jacksonville Jaguars' official Twitter feed reports that WR Cecil Shorts (hamstring, probable) is active. He'll earn the start alongside Allen Robinson, but he isn't recommended in fantasy leagues except in desperate circumstances.
Tavon Austin inactive (11:55 a.m. ET): ESPN NFL Nation reporter Nick Wagoner reports that WR Tavon Austin (knee, questionable) is inactive for the St. Louis Rams. He wasn't expected to play, having put in only a limited practice on Friday. Expect him to return after the team's Week 4 bye, though Austin is only worth keeping on a fantasy bench in the deepest of leagues (think 14-plus teams with expansive benches).
Shaun Hill active (11:53 a.m. ET): ESPN NFL Nation reporter Nick Wagoner reports that QB Shaun Hill (thigh, questionable) is active for the St. Louis Rams. Austin Davis is still expected to start at quarterback for the Rams, however, with Hill serving as his backup. Neither warrants fantasy consideration.
Dez Bryant active (11:49 a.m. ET): ESPN NFL Nation reporter Todd Archer reports that WR Dez Bryant (shoulder, questionable) is active for the Dallas Cowboys. There was never really any doubt that Bryant would play, despite his questionable tag. He's one of the best receivers in the game, and is worth a start in all formats, earning our No. 4 ranking at his position for Week 3.
Shane Vereen active (11:48 a.m. ET): The New England Patriots' official Twitter feed reports that RB Shane Vereen (shoulder, questionable) is active. He was limited in practice all week, so this was more of a true "questionable" tag than the Patriots' usual injury report shenanigans. Temper your expectations somewhat, as Vereen might be playing at less than 100 percent, but he remains a viable flex play in standard and RB2 in PPR formats. He is our No. 27 running back for Week 3.
Maurice Jones-Drew inactive (11:45 a.m. ET): The Oakland Raiders' official Twitter feed reports that RB Maurice Jones-Drew (hand, questionable) is inactive. He practiced both Thursday and Friday, so at least he's improving, but not to the extent that Jones-Drew is able to suit up on Sunday. With him sidelined, Darren McFadden will assume starter's duties with Latavius Murray backing him up. McFadden is our No. 40 running back for Week 3, but with the Jones-Drew news, he could slide up a couple of spots (perhaps to about 35th).
Keenan Allen active (11:43 a.m. ET): The San Diego Chargers' official Twitter feed reports that WR Keenan Allen (groin, questionable) is active. Good news for Allen's owners, as his injury was one suffered during late-week practices. Feel free to roll him out there as a solid WR2; we rank him 14th among wide receivers for Week 3.
Ezekiel Ansah active (11:41 a.m. ET): ESPN NFL Nation reporter Michael Rothstein reports that DE Ezekiel Ansah (knee, questionable) is active for the Detroit Lions. Ansah is Jim McCormick's No. 13 defensive lineman for Week 3.
Jordan Cameron active (11:38 a.m. ET): The Cleveland Browns' official Twitter feed reports that TE Jordan Cameron (shoulder, questionable) is active. This confirms Adam Schefter's earlier suspicion, and it's good news for Cameron's owners. He's our No. 9 tight end for Week 3.
A.J. Green active (11:36 a.m. ET): ESPN NFL Nation reporter Coley Harvey reports that WR A.J. Green (toe, probable) is active for the Cincinnati Bengals. He'll probably be playing at less than 100 percent, but Green is among the most reliable, consistent wide receivers in football. He's our No. 9 option for Week 3, which already accounts for any risk of playing limited.
DeSean Jackson active (11:32 a.m. ET): ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that WR DeSean Jackson (shoulder, questionable) is active for the Washington Redskins. Jackson is assuredly playing at less than full strength, but then he has plenty of motivation in this game against his former team. It's anyone's guess just how many snaps he'll play, but we still rank him our No. 25 wide receiver; though I might classify him more borderline WR3/4 for Week 3.
Bernard Pierce inactive (11:29 a.m. ET): ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that RB Bernard Pierce (thigh, questionable) is inactive for the Baltimore Ravens. With Pierce inactive, Justin Forsett should take on the majority of the Ravens' rushing chores, and Fitzgerald Toussaint is active as the No. 3 running back. Forsett is a borderline flex-play consideration -- think a rank in the 30-35 range at the position -- while Lorenzo Taliaferro should be a top-40 running back as the second man up.
Arian Foster inactive (11:28 a.m. ET): ESPN NFL Nation reporter Dan Graziano reports that RB Arian Foster (hamstring, questionable) is inactive for the Houston Texans. With Foster out, Alfred Blue becomes a popular Week 3 sleeper. That said, be aware that John McClain of the Houston Chronicle reported earlier in the morning that the Texans would probably use a committee of some sorts to replace Foster, with Blue, Jonathan Grimes and Ronnie Brown in the mix. Consider Blue a mere flex-play plug-in, and more for the desperate; I'd probably have him in the low-20s in my running back rankings. Grimes would slot around 40th, with Brown falling just shy of my top 50.
Wesley Woodyard active (11:25 a.m. ET): The Tennessee Titans' official Twitter feed reports that LB Wesley Woodyard (ankle, probable) is active. Woodyard is Jim McCormick's No. 10 linebacker for Week 3.
Jason McCourty active (11:25 a.m. ET): The Tennessee Titans' official Twitter feed reports that CB Jason McCourty (groin, questionable) is active. McCourty is Jim McCormick's No. 30 defensive back for Week 3.
DeSean Jackson questionable (10:18 a.m. ET): ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that WR DeSean Jackson (shoulder, questionable) wants to play for the Washington Redskins in Week 3 and will test his shoulder in the pre-game, but that Jackson's shoulder remains an issue. Jackson's injury tag fits the very definition: He sounds 50/50 to play. Make sure to have an alternative lined up if you're counting on him this week.
Austin Davis likely to start (10:15 a.m. ET): ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that QB Austin Davis is expected to start for the St. Louis Rams. Schefter also reports that QB Shaun Hill (thigh, questionable) will test his injury during the pre-game, but Davis is still expected to fill in. Davis, while not a fantasy consideration as more of a game-manager quarterback, gives the Rams a better chance to win right now. Expect the Rams to lean on their running game in Week 3.
Jordan Cameron expected to play (10:13 a.m. ET): ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the Cleveland Browns expect TE Jordan Cameron (shoulder, questionable) to play in Week 3. It's great news for fantasy owners, who won't have to scramble for a tight end fill-in. We have Cameron ranked as our No. 9 tight end