Thu Oct 22 10:04am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Well, the injury bug reared its ugly head again this past week. This list is really growing, which is never what any fantasy owner wants to hear. Unfortunately, that is the reality, and we have a lot of injuries to deal with for Week 7. There is some positive news, though, as several players who have missed time are nearing a return or are expected to play. So, it isn't all bad news.
Here is the latest. . . .
Saquon Barkley, RB, Eagles — QUESTIONABLE (hamstring)
Barkley is expected to return to practice today, and as long as he continues to progress, he should be able to play in the Eagles’ Monday night game. He has missed the last two games because of a hamstring injury, but things are trending in the right direction for him.
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Saints — OUT (hamstring)
There was some optimism that Tyson might be able to return from his hamstring injury this week. He is not practicing, though, and is expected to miss another game. He is making progress but could be back in another week or two if things continue to go well.
Dylan Sampson, RB, Browns — QUESTIONABLE (knee)
The Browns are hopeful Sampson will return this week. His knee injury is improving, and he was close to playing last week. We would consider him questionable for now, but he seems to be on the positive side of that designation.
Quinshon Judkins, RB, Browns — QUESTIONABLE (ankle)
There is optimism that Judkins will return from his ankle injury in Week 7. He is making progress. Just like his teammate Sampson, Judkins was close to playing last week but was held out. Judkins should also be considered questionable, but his outlook is encouraging. Keep an eye on the notes for the latest.
Breece Hall, RB, Jets — DOUBTFUL (quadriceps)
Hall has been out the last few weeks and remains out of practice to start the week. It is not looking good for a return in Week 7. He seems unlikely to be ready for Sunday's game. Braelon Allen should get another start for the Jets.
Adonai Mitchell, WR, Jets — QUESTIONABLE (finger)
Mitchell is finally practicing again, getting in a limited workout Wednesday. His finger issue is showing some progress, and he finally has a chance to play. As mentioned previously, though, Mitchell should be considered questionable for Week 7.
Baker Mayfield, QB, Bucs — QUESTIONABLE (thumb)
Mayfield was a full participant in practice to start the week. This is a great sign that he is healthy enough to play in Week 7. The Bucs have not officially named a starter yet, but things are looking good for Mayfield to return to the starting lineup as long as he avoids any setbacks.
Lamar Jackson, QB, Ravens — QUESTIONABLE (hamstring)
Jackson got in some limited practice Wednesday, which is a positive sign. He still isn't a sure thing to play this week, but he is at least inching closer. If he continues to progress, he has a decent chance of returning in Week 7. For now, consider him questionable.
Rashee Rice, WR, Chiefs — OUT (hamstring)
Rice missed last week's game because of a hamstring injury and remains out of practice to open the week. He seems very likely to miss another game.
Jalen Hurts, QB, Eagles — OUT FOR SEASON (blood clots)
Hurts is done for the season. He is dealing with blood clot issues, which is very concerning. Let's hope he gets this figured out sooner rather than later and can return to the field next season. Tanner McKee will be the starter for the Eagles going forward.
David Montgomery, RB, Texans — QUESTIONABLE (groin)
Montgomery had to sit out last week's game because of a groin injury. He is not practicing to start the week, and things are not looking good for a return. Woody Marks should get another start for the Texans if Montgomery remains sidelined.
Jordan Mason, RB, Vikings — EXPECTED TO PLAY (thumb)
Mason is back practicing in full and is expected to return from his thumb injury in Week 7. He should be activated from Injured Reserve later in the week. Since he is returning from a thumb injury, Mason should be able to jump right back into his usual role, splitting work with Aaron Jones.
T.J. Hockenson, TE, Vikings — QUESTIONABLE (concussion)
Hockenson suffered a concussion in his last game, back in Week 5. The bye week did him some good, as he is already practicing this week. He still needs to clear concussion protocol, but he is trending toward being available for the Week 7 lineup.
Tyler Warren, TE, Colts — DOUBTFUL (groin)
Warren got hurt late last week in practice and had to miss the game because of a groin injury. He is not practicing to open this week, and he seems likely to miss another game.
Kyle Monangai, RB, Bears — OUT (toe/thumb)
Monangai has already been ruled out for the Week 7 game because of toe and thumb injuries. Roschon Johnson will serve as the No. 2 back for the Bears.
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Cardinals — DOUBTFUL (ankle)
Love was held out of last week's game because of an ankle injury. He is not practicing Wednesday and seems likely to miss the Week 7 game. The Cardinals want to get their young back healthy before putting him back in the lineup.
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Bucs — QUESTIONABLE (concussion/foot)
Egbuka apparently got pretty banged up in the last game and was sidelined from Wednesday's practice because of concussion and foot injuries. This doesn't sound too good. Hopefully, we get a better idea of his status over the next day or two. For now, consider him questionable for Week 7.
Mike Evans, WR, 49ers — QUESTIONABLE (Achilles)
Evans was forced from the Week 6 game because of an Achilles injury that has been bothering him. He has missed significant practice time this season and is not practicing to open this week. It would not be a surprise if Evans is held out to get the injury in better shape for the rest of the year. Plan on having other options ready for now.
Jonah Coleman, RB, Broncos — QUESTIONABLE (ankle)
Coleman returned to practice this week and was designated to return from Injured Reserve. His ankle injury is doing much better. He has a good chance to play in Week 7 as long as he continues to look good in practice. It is uncertain what his role will be upon his return, but he could play a decent role with the Broncos' running game struggling at times.
Zach Charbonnet, RB, Seahawks — EXPECTED TO PLAY (knee)
Charbonnet is back practicing in full this week for the first time all season. He is making great progress in his return from a torn ACL and seems right on track to make his season debut in Week 7. He might be eased into action a little in his first game back, but he seems likely to get some work right away.
Tank Dell, WR, Texans — EXPECTED TO PLAY (knee)
Dell is right on track to make his long-awaited season debut. He is practicing in full this week. Dell is returning from a devastating knee injury suffered last season but seems to be in pretty good shape, all things considered. He probably won't get a huge workload in his first game back, but he should get some chances to stretch the field and make plays with the ball in his hands.
Davante Adams, WR, Rams — OUT (hamstring)
Adams suffered a serious hamstring injury last week and might need a surgical procedure to address it. Early reports indicate he is expected to miss six to 10 weeks. He might not be much of a fantasy factor for the rest of the season.
Christian Kirk, WR, 49ers — EXPECTED TO PLAY (calf)
Kirk seems set to make his season debut with the 49ers this week. He was close to playing last week but was held out. He is now practicing in full. With the 49ers dealing with more injuries at receiver this week, Kirk is primed to return and could play a prominent role right away.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
Dynasty | Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes completed 19-of-33 passes for 165 yards with no touchdowns and one interception in a loss to the Seahawks. Dynasty Analysis: Kansas City has little to no chance against a seemingly desperate Seattle team as they failed to even reach the red zone for the first time in Mahomes' career. He was also pressured the third most times in his career in the game (his 153rd), leaving him nearly helpless to do much, especially with Rashee Rice out with a hamstring injury. This should be just a blip on the radar as the Chiefs and Mahomes ran up against a buzzsaw on the night.
Dynasty | Seahawks running back Emanuel Wilson had 100 rushing yards, one catch, 15 receiving yards and a touchdown in a win over the Chiefs. Dynasty Analysis: When Velus Jones went down with an injury, Wilson had the backfield to himself. With Seattle stonewalling the Chiefs offense and not wanting to be aggressive with an up and down Sam Darnold, Wilson ended up with 24 carries on the night and finally busted a 21-yard touchdown to seal the game. With Zach Charbonnet expected back next week, Wilson will likely return to some kind of a timeshare, though who knows what that mix will really look like at the moment. He's a solid hold in dynasty leagues.
Dynasty | Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba had nine catches for 150 yards and a touchdown in a win over the Chiefs. Dynasty Analysis: While that's just his second touchdown in the last four games, dynasty managers won't complain as JSN now has a ridiculous 78 catches for 867 yards and eight touchdowns. Most receiver would take that for a season but we've only played seven games. With a defense that keeps his offense on the field (but a quarterback who sometimes keeps them off it), JSN has simply made the most of every opportunity this season and has proven to be uncoverable. He's also untouchable in dynasty leagues.
Dynasty | Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold completed 20-of-28 passes for 257 yards with one touchdown and one interception in a win over the Chiefs. Dynasty Analysis: Darnold again had a terrible mistake as he threw into traffic in the red zone at the end of the first half and nearly had it returned the other way for a score. To his credit, he also made some difficult throws to Jaxon Smith-Njigba, including a "drop in the bucket" touchdown. Darnold still hasn't completely hit his stride but he's playing well enough to merit QB2 consideration.
Arizona Cardinals running back Bam Knight is worth adding in 12-team leagues and could provide RB3/flex value against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 8 if Jeremiyah Love (ankle) remains sidelined, after leading the team's backfield with 43 offensive snaps (53%) in Sunday's 30-16 loss to the Denver Broncos and overtaking Tyler Allgeier (38 snaps) after playing fewer snaps in Week 6. Knight rushed seven times for 48 yards and caught three of five targets for 15 yards, while Allgeier totaled 49 scrimmage yards on 11 touches. Across the two games Love has missed, Knight has produced 161 scrimmage yards on 27 touches and outgained Allgeier 128-57 as a rusher despite receiving four fewer carries. His increased playing time is particularly notable considering he managed just three carries through Arizona's first five games. His recent production gives him a case for retaining a rotational role when Love returns, although his workload could shrink considerably once Arizona's backfield is healthy.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud remains in the team's long-term plans, which is encouraging for his dynasty outlook, with general manager Nick Caserio expecting the two sides to eventually reach an agreement on a contract extension, according to KPRC 2's Aaron Wilson. Houston held productive negotiations with Stroud's representatives during the offseason but failed to finalize a deal before the 2026 campaign. Although the sides initially planned to postpone further discussions until after the season, Caserio has since indicated that he remains open to resuming talks sooner. The Texans exercised Stroud's fifth-year option in April, guaranteeing him approximately $25.9 million in 2027 and keeping him under contract through that season. However, no agreement has been announced, and the timing of further negotiations remains uncertain.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. (knee) is considered day to day after aggravating his existing knee injury during Sunday's 16-10 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, and the injury is not believed to be significant, which is encouraging news after he exited in the fourth quarter and did not return. The veteran has been playing through a sprained left MCL since Week 2 and finished Sunday's contest with eight carries for 26 yards and one reception for no gain. Jordan Mason, returning from a four-game absence, handled 15 carries for 68 yards and gives Minnesota another established backfield option heading into Week 8 against the Detroit Lions. Even if Jones is available, Mason's immediate involvement suggests the Vikings could return to a more balanced workload after relying heavily on Jones during Mason's absence.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir is worth adding in 12-team and deeper PPR leagues as WR4/WR5 depth, especially as an injury or bye-week replacement, after three consecutive double-digit PPR performances entering Week 8 despite inconsistent target volume. Shakir caught seven of eight targets for 82 yards against the New England Patriots in Week 4, followed by three receptions for 80 yards against the Los Angeles Rams and four catches for 34 yards and a touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders. He totaled 14 receptions for 196 yards and a touchdown on 17 targets during that stretch, with gains of 51 and 57 yards accounting for more than half his receiving production. Shakir has drawn more than six targets only once on the season, and DJ Moore (shoulder) could return after missing Buffalo's previous two games. Coming off their Week 7 bye, the Bills host the Baltimore Ravens in Week 8.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Jakobi Meyers makes a compelling case for a Week 8 waiver claim in 10-team and deeper PPR leagues after drawing more targets against the Houston Texans in Week 6 than in his previous two games combined. Meyers caught five of 10 targets for a season-high 83 yards in the 34-31 loss after totaling five catches for 70 yards on seven targets in Weeks 4 and 5. His expanded involvement offers flex potential following Jacksonville's bye, although he has been held to 40 receiving yards or fewer in four of six appearances. Meyers has 20 catches for 285 yards and two touchdowns on 28 targets overall. He faces considerable competition for Trevor Lawrence's attention, with Parker Washington drawing 11 targets against Houston and Brenton Strange receiving seven. The Jaguars host the Indianapolis Colts in Week 8.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders wide receiver Antonio Williams is worth adding in 10-team and deeper PPR leagues as a bench add, not an immediate starter, against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 8, with Terry McLaurin's (knee) season-ending injury creating an opportunity for a larger receiving role. McLaurin exited Washington's Week 6 loss to the San Francisco 49ers after just seven snaps, and Williams led the team's wide receivers with 45, ahead of Stefon Diggs (41) and Treylon Burks (37). However, the rookie drew only four targets despite Jayden Daniels attempting 40 passes, finishing with three receptions for 50 yards. Diggs received seven targets and Burks six, highlighting the competition for opportunities in Washington's passing attack. Williams has caught 18 passes for 205 yards and a touchdown through six games, recording three receptions in each of his last three appearances. He has a legitimate chance to emerge as Washington's No. 2 receiver, though his target volume remains limited.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos running back Jonah Coleman is a priority waiver addition in 10-team and deeper leagues ahead of a Week 8 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs after making a compelling case for more playing time in Sunday's 30-16 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, leading the team's backfield with 30 offensive snaps in his return from a four-game absence. Coleman rushed nine times for 54 yards and caught both of his targets for 15 yards, averaging 6.0 yards per carry. His 49% snap share exceeded those of RJ Harvey (26%) and J.K. Dobbins (23%), while his 13 pass routes also led Denver's running backs. Head coach Sean Payton praised Coleman's performance afterward, saying the rookie looked really good and needed more touches. Dobbins retained a goal-line role with a one-yard touchdown, while Harvey scored on a 52-yard reception, leaving the backfield distribution unsettled, but Payton's comments strengthen Coleman's case.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. is a must-add waiver target who warrants a claim in 10-team and deeper leagues and offers immediate WR3/flex appeal against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 8, having produced 218 receiving yards and two touchdowns in two games since returning from an ankle injury. The rookie caught all five targets for 115 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 28-25 loss to the Miami Dolphins, highlighted by explosive gains of 52 and 60 yards. Those two receptions accounted for 112 of his 115 yards, demonstrating his big-play ability while raising some questions about the sustainability of his production on limited targets. Cooper also caught six of seven targets for 103 yards and a touchdown against the New England Patriots in Week 6. Garrett Wilson, Mason Taylor, and Adonai Mitchell remain involved in New York's passing attack, but Cooper has quickly established himself as another dangerous receiving option for Geno Smith.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo (hamstring) is expected to be OK after experiencing discomfort during his 42-yard overtime run in Sunday's 27-21 victory over the Houston Texans, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, and while the early outlook is encouraging, his availability for Week 9 has not been confirmed. Skattebo told ESPN's Dan Graziano that he felt something in his hamstring and went down at the Houston 30-yard line, setting up Devin Singletary's game-winning touchdown on the following play. The second-year back rushed for a career-high 124 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries, reclaiming a significant role after receiving no touches in Week 6. The Giants have a Week 8 bye before visiting the Philadelphia Eagles on November 8, giving Skattebo additional recovery time.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson is a player to watch on the waiver wire as he prepares to return. Tyson suffered a hamstring injury in August, expected to cost him two months. He was placed on injured reserve but traveled with the team to France for their Week 7 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. With the Saints heading into their Week 8 bye, many have speculated that Tyson could return to the lineup in Week 9, though the exact timing is unclear. The eighth overall pick is an unbelievable talent, totaling 1,817 yards and 19 touchdowns in 20 college games. With Chris Olave and Devaughn Vele operating as the top two receivers for quarterback Tyler Shough, Tyson may have trouble finding a fantasy-relevant role in this offense, but his elite talent will be hard to keep off the field once he's healthy.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. hauled in four of five targets for 27 yards in the 43-13 win over the Carolina Panthers. Godwin also had a touchdown called back due to an illegal shift penalty in the first half. After Emeka Egbuka (concussion/foot) was ruled out for Week 7, many expected Godwin to step up as the Buccaneers' lead receiver. Although he led the team in targets, Tampa Bay was unstoppable on the ground, leaving quarterback Baker Mayfield to throw only 11 times. Egbuka practiced on Friday, so signs point to a Week 8 return for the second-year receiver. If Egbuka returns, Godwin is a droppable player in fantasy leagues, as he continues to struggle to start his 10th season.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (thigh) is not worried about his injury. McCaffrey suffered a thigh injury on the second drive of the game. He returned but had only four touches after the injury. McCaffrey said his leg, "just died on me. I was just trying to keep it warm and not make it worse, but there's only so much you can do to get back to where you want to be. I'll be fine. I know that. I'll be all right." He was dominating early, totaling 69 yards and a touchdown on the first drive alone. With the 49ers on bye for Week 8, McCaffrey will have time to heal before facing the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 9. While fantasy managers shouldn't sound alarms yet, McCaffrey's thigh injury is concerning given the star running back's injury history.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel has no concerns about wide receiver A.J. Brown and his early-season struggles. On Monday morning, Vrabel said, "I thought he dropped a few passes. I don't think anybody has to press here or anything else. I think we just have to get back into a rhythm offensively with the guys we have." In three games, Brown has caught nine of 20 targets for 101 yards and no touchdowns, with three drops. In his first game with New England, he suffered a high-ankle sprain that placed him on injured reserve, causing him to miss four games. Now healthy and with quarterback Drake Maye playing at a high level since Week 4, Brown should bounce back unless he continues to struggle. Fantasy managers should view Brown as a buy-low candidate, as he should produce WR2 numbers moving forward.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak said the team is evaluating everything, including whether to make rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza the starter. Following their 35-21 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, Kubiak was asked about a quarterback change and said the team needs to evaluate its personnel, scheme, and offensive struggles. In seven games, veteran Kirk Cousins has completed 161 of 257 passes for 1,877 yards, 16 touchdowns, and five interceptions. While Cousins has played solidly, the Raiders are on a four-game losing streak, and it's only a matter of time before they name the first-overall pick the starting quarterback. Fantasy managers should monitor the situation ahead of Week 8, as Mendoza could become a QB2 option in most formats if named the starter.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (hamstring) is trending in the right direction ahead of their Week 7 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. NFL Network's Mike Garafolo said Monday morning that Barkley will need to go through warmups to gauge how he feels, but everything looks good for his Week 7 return. Barkley suffered a hamstring injury in Week 4 and has missed two games, but he practiced all week and appears ready to return. In four games, Barkley has 36 carries for 182 yards and no touchdowns, with four receptions for eight yards. While he was limited by injuries in Week 2 and Week 4, Barkley is off to the slowest start of his NFL career. He hopes to bounce back against the Cowboys, as he should have a larger role on the ground and through the air on Monday night.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce hauled in four of eight targets for 44 yards in his team's 20-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday Night Football. Kelce either led or tied for the Chiefs' lead in each significant receiving category. However, he and the remainder of the pass catchers were held in check on a night when quarterback Patrick Mahomes averaged a paltry five yards per attempt and never orchestrated a red zone drive. Better days are ahead for the former third-round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, but Kansas City's receiver corps is in desperate need of assistance, as their lack of depth is hurting the pass attack. We'll see if the 37-year-old can win back fantasy managers' favor with a bounce-back effort against the Denver Broncos in a divisional clash in his next outing.
From RotoBaller