Injury Updates Week 3: Steven Jackson, Greg Jennings, Denarius Moore

There are a few key fantasy contributors that have had a number of injury question marks surrounding their playing status leading up to Week 3 of the 2012 NFL season. Here’s a little bit about these three and what you should consider.

Steven Jackson, St. Louis RB vs. Chicago Bears

It’s been injuries and boom or bust with St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson the last four years. And here we are in Week 3 dealing with the same issue. 

Jackson (groin) missed all week of practice leading up to today’s game against the Chicago Bears and their ninth-ranked rush defense (84.5 ypg). 

The older he gets and the more the injuries pile up it becomes too difficult to trust Jackson. In 60 games since the start of the 2008 season he has had 23 games of 90-plus yards rushing with 21 total touchdowns. The problem is: you can never get a good feel of when such a game may occur.

No practice. This matchup. No thanks. Look elsewhere.

Greg Jennings, Green Bay WR vs. Seattle

Greg Jennings missed the Week 2 Thursday night contest against Chicago with a groin injury. He is questionable for Monday’s game at Seattle but says he should be ready. Jennings has been able to have as much rest as a schedule will allow — save for bye weeks — and it would be a big risk to hope for Jennings to help you close out the Week 3 slate.

It could be a tough matchup for any Green Bay receiver, particularly if the Packers’ offense continues to look as out of sync as it has through two games. The San Francisco and Chicago defenses certainly helped in that regard and Seattle should be able to continue the tough stretch. 

The Seahawks have surrendered just 21 completions for 260 yards and two scores through two weeks — or 48.5 total fantasy points to seven receivers in PPR formats. 

Denarius Moore, Oakland, WR vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Looking for a flier in Week 3 that should become a weekly stud very soon? Look no further than Denarius Moore. 

The Raiders play host to Pittsburgh today and Oakland’s defense has not shown the ability to slow anyone down — 57 points and 710 yards allowed the first two weeks. 

Oakland quarterback Carson Palmer is third in attempts (94) and fourth in yards (670) this season. 

Moore returned from a groin injury last week and saw eight targets for three catches and 67 yards before cramps in the South Florida heat sidelined him. Last year’s top receiver, Darrius Heyward-Bey, also had eight targets, pulling down four for 41 yards against Miami.

In seven games together last season, Palmer targeted Moore 46 times for 20 catches, 410 yards and three scores. 

— By Corby A. Yarbrough @Corby_Yarbrough on Twitter