I’d like to deem Week Two as “The Apocalypse.” Way too many studs have gotten injured, and owners are running to waivers to pick up middle of the pack guys; that’s not how it’s suppose to be, at least this early in the season.  Don’t worry, I’m with you guys as I’ve dealt with my own fair share of injuries dating back to the off-season with Sean Lee.  I’ve already changed all my team names to “The Replacements” as nobody in my starting lineup was originally on my squad (only half-way joking), but it’s heading that way as injuries pile up.

Don’t panic though, that’s why I’m here. I’m going to help you find some replacements on the waiver wire, and while most won’t meet expectations as your IDP stud, they’ll be serviceable.  Before I get to the waiver pick-ups, lets take a look at the Week Two injury report.

Look at all those injuries. Makes the heart hurt, huh? A few are probable for week three, but the ones that are out are brutal for owners.  There are a few guys that you can use, but you can always check out last week’s article with a few guys who seem to available still right here. But we’re heading into week three and it seems like we’re digging deep into the hole.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

MARIO ADDISON (CAR): With Greg Hardy being a late scratch and possibly missing more games (off-field incident), Addison joins the list of add material.  Even if Hardy plays in week three (he really shouldn’t), Addison will be worth a stash because any other game Hardy isn’t a lock to play as he could be deactivated at anytime.  In Hardy’s place in week two, Addison put up a solid 2.5 sacks. Consider him the “Wallace Gilberry” of 2014: minimal snaps but gets the job done. As long as he remains the starter you can use him as a DL2 in match-up play.

WILLIE YOUNG (CHI): Maybe all Young needed was a change of scenery? He’s outplaying other FA acquisition, Lamarr Houston, and has put together three sacks in two games so far. He looks active and far more involved than in Detroit, and Chicago is in need of pass rushers.  Young moves up into “must-add” status, especially if your DL2 option isn’t producing. Once again, the DL spot has been a crapshoot all over, and Young is worth a shot, now and going forward.

WILLIAM GHOLSTON (TB): With Clayborn out for the season and Johnson battling a bum ankle, Gholston will likely rotate with Bowers.  If Johnson is out for week three, then Gholston is worth a look if you need to insert a DL for week three.

MIKE DANIELS (GBP): Daniels has been hard on himself and wants to make an impact, and so far through two games he’s been pretty solid.  In week two he racked up 5-tackles and 1-sack against the Jets.  With the attention that Peppers and Matthews gets, Daniels should have a slightly easier path to getting to Stafford in week three.  Daniels is a nice pick-up for you rest of season. He has DL2 upside but a steady DL3 is good enough to roster. He’ll definitely flirt with 10-sacks this season.

JONATHAN HANKINS (NYG): If you’re looking for a DT replacement, give Hankins a look.  Through two games he’s put up 11-tackles and 1-sack. The Giants love him, and he should continue to thrive in his second season.  He’s a solid McCoy replacement in DT-required leagues, otherwise in DL leagues you probably don’t need him.

CLINTON MCDONALD (TBB): Lost McCoy? McDonald is the next man up, even though he was already playing next to McCoy on the line.  He’s their best pass rusher from the inside, and will be asked to step it up in McCoy’s absence.  This is where it’ll get a little tricky, he’s a must own in DT-required leagues (especially if you owned McCoy) and could be a sneaky DL3 option as the depleted Bucs line is in need of a playmaker if Johnson is out longer.

LINEBACKERS

JAMES MICHAEL-JOHNSON (KCC): Derrick Johnson owners more than likely went ahead and grabbed Mauga as a replacement, but very few went after James Michael-Johnson.  He had a decent game against Denver, and I’m expecting that number to increase with better match-ups.  Starting off with Miami in week three, James should get anywhere between 6-10 tackles as he’ll be tasked with covering Clay as well as helping out with the run game.  I just had a gut feeling that JMJ was the KCC LB to own going forward, and nothing’s changed yet. If you’re in need of a LB, give JMJ a look as a LB3.

PRINCE SHEMBO (ATL): The rookie is now splitting snaps with Bartu (that doesn’t bode well for Bartu owners), but it now means the team is giving versatile Shembo a more in-depth look at what they got.  The defense needs all the help it can get and Shembo will only get better.  He put up 7-tackles (3 solo) against the Bengals, and although the 3 solo’s hurt some he’s going to see his fair share of tackle opportunities.  I’d give Shembo a stash for now if you need LB depth in the near future.

ZAVIAR GOODEN (TEN): The Gooden times have rolled in Tennessee sooner than later. He’s now taking over for the injured Zach Brown.  He reminds me of a mix of Zach Brown and Sean Weatherspoon, just not as physical.  Gooden has a LB3 ceiling and definitely has the opportunity to rack up some solid numbers going forward.  I’d only roster him though if you start 3 or more LB’s and need depth, with all these injuries – why not?

DONT’A HIGHTOWER (NEP): With Collins out, Hightower turned in a very impressive game for IDP owners.  Against the Vikings he was able to rack up 8-tackles, 2-sacks and 1-PD. Hightower is normally good for these type of games a few times throughout the season.  But, if you start 3 or more LB’s, give Hightower a shot if he’s available and you need to replace some injured guys.  Limited upside and a LB3 ceiling for Hightower.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

KYLE FULLER (CHI): If you’re a Tillman owner, I’d actually go out and grab Fuller as your every week starter.  He’s a rookie but he was arguably the most pro ready CB prospect in the draft, and it showed on Sunday when he was covering Crabtree.  He put up a solid 7-tackles, 2-int, 2-PD performance and he’ll continue to see opportunity each game.  If you have an under-performing DB2 or CB2, then I’d definitely make the switch with Fuller and with confidence.

TRENT ROBINSON (WAS):  Robinson replaced Rambo during the Jaguars game and instantly became effective, even grabbing his first interception.  With Meriweather coming back in week three and veteran Clark handling the other safety spot it could be tough for Robinson to see the field.  But with Robinson’s solid play he deserves to be on the field, so I’d put Robinson under the wait and see approach as he could be on his way to putting up effective numbers. He put up 6-tackles and 1-int against the Jaguars; reaching those tackle numbers is definitely a possibility each game for Robinson as he seemed to be around the ball a lot.

JOSH EVANS (JAC): With Cyprien out in week two it was Evans who stepped up and put up a solid 14-tackles.  I mentioned in the off-season that Evans should get the chance to play, but he was battling Winston for the other safety spot at the time.  If Cyprien is out for week three, Evans is worth a look as a DB2 option.

COREY GRAHAM (BUF): Even with Gilmore back, it looks like Graham has carved a role in the secondary.  He put up another impressive performance again with 10-tackles and 3-PD’s.  Now, these numbers won’t continue, but he’s put up similar in Baltimore, so he’s definitely capable to be near consistent.  I picked up Graham in one of my leagues where he was available. I dropped JJ Wilcox in the process and don’t regret it.  Graham makes a low tier CB1 and upside DB2 going forward, especially since we know Gilmore can’t stay healthy.

TONY JEFFERSON (ARI): If you’re in a tackle heavy league, I’d go and acquire Jefferson as soon as you can. He put up another solid tackle outing against the Giants, racking up 8-tackles.  Even with Mathieu back, Jefferson should continue to see the field as the Cardinals could deploy a three headed safety secondary with Bucannon, Jefferson and Mathieu. Jefferson has a DB2 ceiling and in tackle heavy leagues makes a case as a borderline DB1 option.  Make the move, especially if you own Swearinger (elbow) or Berry (ankle) and need a spot starter (at least).