Change is difficult in any league, much less fantasy ones. There are leagues that are still fighting over decimal scoring. But when the NFL changed the injured reserve rules several years ago, it really helped teams. After some tweaking over the years, teams can now designate a number of players to return after missing just four games. In the old days, a trip to IR meant you're out for the season. But the league adapted, and now teams have more options with regard to roster management.
If your fantasy league also has this feature, it can be a game changer. If it doesn't, you should consider proposing it for next season.
I play in a league with some pretty generous IR rules, and the weirdest part is that half the league doesn't use it. Maybe they don't want to bother, or maybe they're not sure how it works. But if you have a chance to stash an injured player and pick up someone else for free, you're hurting your team by not doing it. I use it 100 percent of the time, even if I just pick up next week's defense before anyone else can get them. But you can take a flier on a receiver, or a backup RB in case of injury, or whatever you want. You're just getting an extra player for at least a week. You don't have to wait until it's a "big" name. More depth is always a good thing.
Now, it might take some research on your part. What qualifies a guy for IR? Do they have to be on the NFL's IR, or labeled "out" "doubtful" for the week? How many spots do you have? And what happens when a guy no longer qualifies for the IR designation?
Fun fact: If you use the Sleeper app, the default punishment for leaving a guy on IR is basically nothing. You can't make any moves on your team, but you'll continue to score points and win (or lose) games. And if you set your lineups weeks in advance, you can just keep a guy on IR. It's limiting not to be able to make changes to your team, but it's available in a pinch if you're trying to keep some extra guys on the team.
Another fun fact: You know how teams might hold an injured guy out until after their bye? If they do that, they usually don't change his designation until after the bye, meaning you can keep him in IR for that extra week. Check your league's rules, of course. But that's often the case.
In competitive leagues you need to utilize every advantage you can, and the IR spot can be an overlooked advantage. You can't lose by using it, and it might really help you. Right now I have Brandon Aiyuk sitting in a spot. Will I get to use him? Maybe in December. Maybe not at all. But if I need a receiver at a critical point in the season, and he happens to be productive, why not at least give myself that option for free?
And if your league doesn't offer IR spots, maybe it's time to modernize your rosters. Present it in the offseason as a way to help managers get through inevitable injuries. Even leagues that hate change can probably see the value in adding these spots. But for now, if you have them and don't use them to their fullest, start this week. And if you have opponents who don't use them, keep quiet and let them give you an advantage. It's their fault for not using all the available tools to win. Good luck this week.
Does your league have IR spots, and how often do you use them? Have they been useful for you? If your league doesn't have them, would you use them? Share your thoughts below.