It is that time of the season when injuries start to build up in College Football. And with those injuries, College Fantasy Football (CFF) rosters are in need of attention. There are many players that are still on rosters that can be dropped if you are in need of a player/s for your lineup.
These names are only applicable to CFF lineups. If you are in a Campus-2-Canton league, you will need to assess if this player is in your long-term plan for your NFL team, or if this player was strictly being used to support your CFF lineup.
I will analyze position-by-position players who are currently injured and what action to take with these players. All analysis is based on the current information available and may change if more current information is released.
College Fantasy Football Injury Update for Week 4
Quarterbacks
Frank Harris, UTSA Roadrunners
Frank Harris and the Roadrunners lost against Army due to a toe injury. He is questionable to play against Tennessee. He is listed as “day-to-day.” From a fantasy perspective, be sure to have other options this week. Many teams are struggling to fill the void left by Harris. As one of the elite CFF quarterbacks entering the season, it is impossible to replace his production. Managers will need to be savvy and look for favorable matchups for their back-ups.
ACTION: HOLD
John Rhys Plumlee, UCF Knights
John Rhys Plumlee missed last week’s game against Villanova and it is anticipated he will miss at least this week’s game against Kansas State. It is very possible he could miss UCF’s September 30th matchup with Baylor too. Plumlee has been a solid CFF producer through his first two games. He posted 44.5 points against Kent State and 19 points against Boise State. It is not time to drop Plumlee, but it is important to have some flexibility on your roster to fill his spot.
ACTION: HOLD, READY TO PIVOT
Michael Pratt, Tulane Green Wave
Michael Pratt has missed the last two games of the season and is inching closer to returning. He could possibly return against Nicholls State. In his lone game this season, Pratt notched 38.5 points against South Alabama. His return to the Tulane huddle will be a huge win for Pratt managers who have waited for his return.
ACTION: HOLD, READY TO RETURN
Will Howard, Kansas State Wildcats
Will Howard has been one of the surprise CFF stars in the early part of this season. With games of 39.5, 47.25, and 35.25 fantasy points, Howard has provided starting-quality production for fantasy managers. The injury news on Howard has been vague. Although Howard played with a noticeable limp during their win against Missouri, it is not known if this injury will prevent him from playing against UCF. Monitor his injury information carefully and be sure to have a solid 2nd option in case he is a late scratch.
ACTION: HOLD
Cam Rising, Utah Utes
Cam Rising has not played a down of football in the 2023 season. That is set to change this week as Rising is expected to suit up against UCLA. Fantasy managers have not worried about using Rising yet this season, and may just want to wait one more week before considering starting him this week. His production may be slow to start off and it is safer to wait and see how he performs.
ACTION: READY TO RETURN
Casey Thompson, Florida Atlantic Owls
In Florida Atlantic’s game against Clemson this past week, Casey Thompson tore his ACL and is done for the season. Thompson started the 2023 season against Monmouth and posted 46 fantasy points. Many managers added Thompson in the hopes of finding a “diamond in the rough.” Unfortunately, he has come nowhere close to that production since week one and will not since his injury has ended his 2023 season.
ACTION: CUT
Jaden Rashada, Arizona State Sun Devils
The injury news for Jaden Rashada is not encouraging. After reaggravating an injury that has been referenced as “since high school,” Rashada earned the starting spot as a true freshman. After a week one win against Southern Utah posting 25.5 fantasy points, Rashada has made typical freshman mistakes. With an uncertain “4 to 6” weeks of time off, it’s time to pivot to other options.
ACTION: CUT
Running Backs
Treshaun Ward, Kansas State Wildcats
Treshaun Ward has had a solid start to the season, logging games of 14, 13.9, and 17.92 fantasy points. The opportunities have been there for Ward to elevate his game, but his production has lagged. Ward has not eclipsed the 58-yard mark in a single game. There has not been a clear picture of why Ward’s injury will prevent him from playing this week. With his lackluster production and injury unclear, it may be time to move on.
ACTION: CUT
Jalen White, Georgia Southern
With an upcoming game against Ball State ahead, it appears Jalen White will miss that contest. White has started strong in his first two games against the Citadel and UAB; tallying 21.4 and 18.5 fantasy points. With an ankle injury that forced White out of last week’s game against Wisconsin, I am not hopeful he will return this week.
ACTION: HOLD
Nakia Watson, Washington State Cougars
In his first three games, Nakia Watson posted games of 41, 26, and 15 yards. He has been less than stellar to start the season. He “tweaked” his ankle during the Northern Colorado game and left the game. He is expected to suit up against Oregon State. I have not been impressed with his production and would rather take a flier on another player.
ACTION: CUT
Ron Wiggins, Jacksonville State
With a chest injury that required surgery to fix. Although Ron Wiggins was making some minimal contributions to CFF managers, he is no longer a viable option.
ACTION: CUT
Davon Booth, Utah State Aggies
Davon Booth has been wildly inconsistent with games of 33, 83, and 19 yards rushing. Along the way, he picked up an injury designation. Although he had an outburst of 20.9 fantasy points during week two, I believe this was the exception, not the norm.
ACTION: CUT
Gabe Ervin, Nebraska Cornhuskers
In last week’s game against Northern Illinois, Gabe Ervin ran for 67 yards and a touchdown and caught two passes for 20 yards. Just when managers started to see some spark from the sophomore, he dislocated his hip in the game and is out for the season.
ACTION: CUT (POSSIBLE REPLACEMENT: EMMETT JOHNSON)
Frank Gore, Southern Miss Golden Eagles
Frank Gore has been one of the more disappointing fantasy players in college fantasy football this year. Coming in with a lot of expectations, Gore has only been able to muster 76 yards on the ground with one touchdown. Good news: Gore is expected to return this week
ACTION: HOLD (AND WISH FOR A RETURN OF 2022 GORE)
Kaleb Johnson, Iowa Hawkeyes
There was some excitement after week one when Kaleb Johnson ran for 63 yards and a touchdown against Utah State. However, he missed last week’s game and will also miss this week’s game against Penn State. The hope is Johnson can recover from his “tweaked” ankle and return for Iowa’s main slate in the Big 10.
ACTION: HOLD (ONE WEEK REPLACEMENT: LESHON WILLIAMS)
Wide Receivers
Jalen McMillan, Washington Huskies
In Week 3’s game against Michigan State, Jalen McMillan had four catches for 96 yards. So far, the Huskie’s offense has been up to the task of “feeding” all the mouths on offense. However, if this injury lingers, but ready for a possible game off with the amount of depth Michael Penix has at his disposal.
ACTION: HOLD (BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR A POSSIBLE GAME BREAK)
Antwane “Juice” Wells Jr., South Carolina Gamecocks
Juice Wells was a highly anticipated player for CFF managers entering this season. However, the injury bug has followed him and he has not been able to establish himself as the primary receiver; Xavier Legette has filled that role nicely. With only 5 targets and 3 catches on the year, Wells is dangerously close to being irrelevant. He will not suit up this week against Mississippi State and could also miss the game against Tennessee.
ACTION: HOLD ONLY IF YOU HAVE IR; OTHERWISE, CUT.
De’Corian Clark, UTSA Roadrunners
De’Corian Clark has only played in the September 9th game against Texas State and tallied one catch for 2 yards before exiting again. Clark is a game-time decision for this week’s game against Tennessee.
ACTION: HOLD (FINGERS CROSSED THIS NFL HOPEFUL COMES BACK SOON)
Devontez Walker, UNC Tar Heels
Tez Walker is not eligible for the 2023 season; that is a shame and we can have a long argument on the transfer portal rules later. Why is he still owned on 96% of the teams? If you think the NCAA will change its mind, you have not been following college sports long enough. The NCAA does not have a track record that makes me believe they will do the right thing.
ACTION: CUT
Zakhari Franklin, Ole Miss Rebels
One of the top transfer players in the last cycle has still not suited up for his new team yet. Zakhari Franklin had a prolific career at UTSA posting career numbers of 262 receptions, 3,348 yards receiving, and 37 touchdowns. There is hope he may return this week to play against Alabama, however, Franklin was seen this week wearing a non-contact jersey. It appears fans will have to wait one more week to see Franklin in action.
ACTION: HOLD (IF YOU WAITED THIS LONG, NO HARM NOW)
Dalvin Smith, Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
After missing last week’s game against Ohio State, Dalvin Smith hopes to return this week against Troy. In the one full game Smith did play, he tallied seven receptions for 97 yards and a touchdown. Smith could be a 2ndhalf league-winner for a few teams.
ACTION: HOLD, AND GET YOUR POPCORN READY
Tre Harris, Ole Miss Rebels
If you are trying to figure out why the receivers at Ole Miss have not been spectacular, you only have to read this injury report to get the reason. Tre Harris started week one with a monster game of six receptions for 133 yards and four touchdowns. And, Harris notched two grabs for 55 yards and a touchdown before leaving the Tulane game with a knee injury. Early reports have Harris practicing this week but monitor closely before setting your lineup.
ACTION: HOLD (CHECK HIS STATUS ON SATURDAY MORNING)
Devin Voison, South Alabama Jaguars
I get it. Last season Devin Voison had 64 receptions for 867 yards and five touchdowns. However, being on 72% of the rosters when you are out for the season with an ACL tear is just laziness.
ACTION: CUT, CUT, CUT
Ladd McConkey, Georgia Bulldogs
It was a hopeful start to the season for Ladd McConkey entering his junior year. However, things have not gone to plan after an apparent back injury has sidelined him all season. McConkey has logged only one target all year. Panic! At the Disco said it best, “…ya gotta have High, High, Hopes for a living..” I have lost that hope in regards to McConkey.
ACTION: CUT (LET SOMEONE ELSE HOPE HE COMES BACK SOON)
Justin Lockheart, San Jose State Spartans
Similar to Devin Voison, I believe too many managers are awaiting medical information that is not going to happen. Justin Lockheart has a serious arm injury that will require season-ending surgery.
ACTION: CUT
Ali Jennings, Virginia Tech Hokies
After Week one, managers could not have been happier with Ali Jennings and his five-catch, 72-yard performance that resulted in two touchdowns. However, a foot injury has sidelined Jennings since and he has not played. Jennings is also doubtful for this week.
ACTION: HOLD (IF YOU NEED THE ROSTER SPOT, CUT AND DON’T LOOK BACK)
Tight Ends
Oronde Gadsen, Syracuse Orange
In case you were wondering, Oronde Gadsen was the reason for this article. Doing some research last week, I came across his name as being on 99% of rosters. Gadsden, as well as Brock Bowers, were the two unquestioned top-tier tight ends for CFF. However, Gadsen has an ankle injury that will force him to miss the remainder of the season.
ACTION: CUT, CUT, CUT (PLEASE, CUT HIM, ALREADY)
Brant Kuithe, Utah Utes
Brant Kuithe had many CFF analysts placing him squarely in the “sleeper” category after Dalton Kincaid’s eruption from last year. However, Kuithe has not taken a snap this year. There is still no clear timetable for Kuithe’s return. If you have held him this long, you are counting on him to provide stability to a position that has been anything but that.
ACTION: HOLD, BUT I’M READY TO CUT IF I NEED THE SPOT
Luke Lachey, Iowa Hawkeyes
With an encouraging start to the season with 10 receptions for 131 yards, Luke Lachey was quickly becoming the next, great tight end from Iowa (Sam LaPorta, TJ Hockenson). However, a significant leg injury has ended that hope for 2023. Lachey is likely out for the remainder of the season.
ACTION: CUT
Brady Hunt, Ball State Cardinals
In 2022, Brady Hunt showed a lot of promise for the 2023 season by catching 46 passes for 498 yards and five touchdowns. Unfortunately, Hunt has not made his first start of the 2023 season. It appears he will miss this week’s game against Georgia Southern, but could return the following week against Western Michigan.
ACTION: HOLD (RETURN IS IMMINENT)
Seydou Traore, Mississippi State
Seydou Traore made waves in the off-season when he transferred away from Colorado and Coach Prime. Since then, he has not played a down of football in college. Similar to Tez Walker, Traore will not be eligible for the 2023 season due to NCAA transfer rules.
ACTION: CUT