Fantasy waiver wires are starting to dry up while injuries are piling up and we’ve only made it past week 2. So, if you are looking for players that are most likely available on your waivers that can make an impact later on in the season, take a look at this list. If you have an IR spot in your league, then this list will particularly benefit you. If not, continue to take a look at these players as they could make noise sooner rather than later.

1. Jeff Wilson Jr. – RB (SF) 

Nobody seems to know what the 49ers are doing with their backfield, heck, the 49ers probably don’t even know what their plans are. The week 1 injury to Raheem Mostert threw a wrench into their plans for the position and the surprise benching and recent injury to Trey Sermon doesn’t bode well for his season-long outlook. Rookie, Elijah Mitchell, looks like he has taken the lead-back role in this offense but his performance against the Eagles left a lot to be desired. He received the carries with 17 but only amassed 42 yards. Mitchell also sustained a right shoulder injury which was followed by an ankle injury to JaMycal Hasty which was then followed by the concussion to Trey Sermon. With all of these recent injuries, Trenton Cannon was the only running back left to take any of the work late in the game. 

With that being said, enter Jeff Wilson. Wilson was a major piece to fantasy rosters down the stretch of the 2020 season as he propelled many different teams to league championships in the playoffs due to the injury to Raheem Mostert. Shanahan has a history of being enamored with Jeff Wilson as he has continuously been used in this offense when healthy. Now the 49ers do have a very crowded running back depth chart, especially with the recent additions of Trenton Cannon and Kerryon Johnson. But Wilson is certainly a valuable option to stash in your IR spot as the starting running back for the 49ers always provides plenty of fantasy value and Jeff Wilson has a decent shot at taking that role upon his return, especially with the constant injuries to 49ers running backs. Shanahan has recently said that he expects to see Wilson return around Week 7 so I’d try and roster him before then just to get ahead of the curve.

Ownership Percentage: Yahoo (13%), ESPN (3%)

2. Rashod Bateman – WR (BAL)

Bateman was considered to be a receiver with a decent amount of potential coming out of Minnesota and joining the Ravens as the No. 27 overall pick. With a receiving core that is already thin with Sammy Watkins and Hollywood Brown being the only real threats at the position for the Ravens, Bateman’s return should help this passing offense tremendously. Prior to his injury in early August, Bateman was being drafted toward the end of most drafts for his high upside and stable floor among rookie receivers. He is entering a situation with more opportunity than most rookie receivers that were taken before him as the talent isn’t nearly as fledged out for the Ravens. Add in the fact that the Raven’s backfield seems to be littered with landmines as none of their running backs can stay healthy so the offense will be relying more on the passing game as the season moves on. Pick up Bateman soon and plunk him into your IR spot or leave him on your bench because he is expected to return to action at some point within the next couple of weeks. 

Ownership Percentage: Yahoo (13%), ESPN (7%)

3. Darrynton Evans – RB (TEN)

Evans isn’t a name that will give you immediate impact once he comes back but he is one of the more valuable handcuffs in fantasy football as he backs up Derrick Henry. Evans was placed on IR with a knee injury earlier this month but he has the potential to return very soon. He was also in line to receive a larger workload in this Titans offense prior to the injury so there is upside for him there. Darrynton Evans can be a great handcuff who is on par with other quality handcuffs like Tony Pollard or Alexander Mattison. If there were an injury to Henry, the potential for Evans would be league-winner territory. Stash him soon as he is most likely available in your league.

Ownership Percentage: Yahoo (3%), ESPN (3%)