RADIO
Welcome to Week 18 of the fantasy football season and the Saturday edition of our WR injury reports! Below you will find our fantasy football injuries report for wide receivers in Week 18, as of January 6. The injury statuses for various NFL wide receivers are up in the air for Week 18, including Amari Cooper, Tee Higgins, DeVonta Smith, Keenan Allen, and Jaylen Waddle.
There are some big names on the injury report, with the status of many coming down to game-time decisions or already being ruled out for the final week of the regular season. Knowing exactly where each player stands going into the weekend is crucial, especially for those in the finals of the fantasy football playoffs! Being up-to-date on NFL injury news can give you an edge over your league mates in fantasy football.
To keep close tabs on all of the news across the NFL, make sure to favorite or bookmark the fantasy football player news page. Also, download the free RotoBaller fantasy football mobile app with push notification alerts on all the latest news. Let's look at the updates for some wide receivers and see whether they may play in Week 18.
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Amari Cooper Injury Update
Amari Cooper suffered a calf injury back in Week 16 and has been held out of practice since. With the Browns playoff spot clinched, the team has elected to let their star receiver rest during the final week of the regular season and was listed as out for Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals on the final Friday injury report.
Quarterback Joe Flacco will also be resting this game, with other starters sitting out. Elijah Moore (concussion) is working through the league's protocol and is listed as questionable. However, as the No. 2 wide receiver, the team could elect to let him sit as well. David Bell will be the top option if Moore sits for the season finale.
Tee Higgins Injury Update
Tee Higgins suffered a hamstring injury last week against the Kansas City Chiefs. The 24-year-old has sat out of practice all week but has been given a small chance to play by being listed as doubtful for Sunday's season finale against the Cleveland Browns.
Higgins is trending in the wrong direction by not practicing all week, and with the Bengals eliminated from playoff contention, it would honestly be a shock to see him out there. Last week could have marked the end of his career as a Cincinnati Bengal, with his contract up at the end of the season. Ja'Marr Chase is off the final injury report and is expected to play.
DeVonta Smith Injury Update
DeVonta Smith suffered an ankle injury at the end of last week's loss to the Arizona Cardinals. The 25-year-old was seen in a boot and on crutches after the contest, but he has since shed both. However, with no practice participation this week, the Eagles ruled their No. 2 receiver out for Sunday's game against the New York Giants.
The injury does not seem like it is long-term, and Smith could be back next week for the Wild Card round of the playoffs. The Eagles are playing for a chance at the No. 2 seed and a division title, so A.J. Brown and company will all be active and ready to roll. Expect an expanded role for tight end Dallas Goedert and potentially more work for veteran Julio Jones, who scored twice last week.
Keenan Allen Injury Update
Keenan Allen has been out since Week 15 due to a calf injury that he suffered the week prior. The veteran has not returned to the practice field since and will miss his fourth consecutive game this weekend after being ruled out by the Los Angeles Chargers on Friday.
Joshua Palmer has cleared the concussion protocol and will be the top target for Easton Stick against the Kansas City Chiefs in the regular season finale. Allen finishes the year with his highest reception total in a single season in his career despite missing four games and should be back next season as the top target for quarterback Justin Herbert and the new-look Chargers.
Jaylen Waddle Injury Update
Jaylen Waddle suffered an injury Week 16 against the Dallas Cowboys and missed last week's game against the Baltimore Ravens as a result. The 25-year-old sat out the first two practices this past week but was able to put in a full session on Friday. The Dolphins listed their No. 2 receiver as questionable for Sunday's showdown for the AFC East title against the Buffalo Bills.
Waddle reportedly has a high ankle sprain and was slated to miss a few weeks, so this is a quick turnaround if he can be given the green light Sunday night. We are likely looking at more of a game-time decision, meaning there are not many pivot options for players in redraft leagues. Waddle will almost assuredly be playing at less than 100% if active, so start him with caution this weekend.
Cooper Kupp Injury Update
Cooper Kupp has been limited in practice this week but is listed with the "non-injury related" tag. The Rams have elected to rest their star receiver this week and have ruled him out of the season finale against the San Francisco 49ers.
The team is also resting starters Matthew Stafford, Kyren Williams, Ernest Jones, and Aaron Donald this week. Puka Nacua is set to be active and will be a WR1 heading into the final week of the regular season. The rookie will be a popular option in DFS and weekend tournaments.
Christian Watson Injury Update
Christian Watson suffered a hamstring injury back in Week 14 due to a hamstring injury that he suffered the week prior. The second-year receiver has missed all games and practices since but was able to put in two limited practices this week before being given a rest on Friday. The Packers listed the former first-round draft pick as questionable for Sunday's game against the Bears.
Two limited practices are a positive sign for the oft-injured Watson, but he is truly 50/50 heading into this weekend's pivotal game for the Packers. Jayden Reed (chest) and Dontayvion Wicks (concussion) are also questionable but much more likely to play. Watson is a boom-or-bust WR2 when healthy and should be considered as such if active this weekend.
Christian Kirk Injury Update
Christian Kirk has been on Injured Reserve since Week 14 due to a groin injury that he suffered the week prior. The 27-year-old had his 21-day practice window opened recently and was able to put in a full week of limited practice participation. The Jaguars officially listed Kirk as questionable for Sunday's important matchup against the Tennessee Titans.
Kirk is still on IR at the moment and would need to be activated on Saturday to have a chance to play. Keep an eye on reports, but those who are hoping to have him in their lineups this weekend will have plenty of time to pivot if he is ruled out. Kirk would be on the WR2 borderline if active.
Zay Flowers Injury Update
Zay Flowers has been dealing with a calf injury the past few weeks that has cost him practice time. The rookie has been out of practice all week this past week despite playing through the injury in Week 17 and was officially listed as doubtful by Baltimore on the team's final injury report Friday.
With the Ravens already clinching the No. 1 seed in the AFC, there is no reason to risk Flowers making the injury worse this weekend. Odell Beckham Jr. (NIR-Rest) has also been ruled out of this game, leaving Rashod Bateman and Nelson Agholor as the top two targets for backup quarterback Tyler Huntley.
Jayden Reed Injury Update
Jayden Reed has dealt with a chest injury over the past few weeks that has left him limited in practice and cost him Week 16's matchup against the Carolina Panthers. The rookie exited last week's game due to the injury after scoring two touchdowns and has been a limited practice participant this past week. Green Bay officially listed him as questionable for Week 18 against Chicago.
Christian Watson (hamstring) is attempting to make his first appearance since Week 13, while Dontayvion Wicks (concussion) is working his way through the league's protocol. Reed is arguably the most valuable Packers wide receiver for fantasy purposes if active due to his dual-threat ability. Watson making his return would be a small dent in Reed's overall target share.
Rashee Rice Injury Update
Rashee Rice suffered a hamstring injury in last week's win over the Cincinnati Bengals. The rookie has missed practice this past week and has officially been ruled out of Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Chiefs were already resting multiple starters, including star quarterback Patrick Mahomes. With Kadarius Toney (hip/ankle) out and Skyy Moore (knee) on IR, Justin Watson and Marquez Valdes-Scantling will be the top two receivers for backup quarterback Blaine Gabbert on Sunday. Watson would be the only viable dart throw with Valdes-Scantling's drop issues.
Jameson Williams Injury Update
Jameson Williams suffered an ankle injury in last week's game against the Dallas Cowboys. The second-year receiver has sat out of practice all week due to the injury and an illness. The Lions officially ruled Williams out for Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Williams has been more involved over the past three weeks, but he will miss the final game of the regular season in hopes of being ready for the Lion's first playoff game. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Josh Reynolds will operate as the top two options, with the second-year receiver out and tight end Sam LaPorta mixing in heavily as well. All are solid options this weekend against Minnesota.
Noah Brown Injury Update
Noah Brown suffered a back injury last week and has been unable to practice since. The veteran just returned from a knee injury three weeks ago that cost him a month, but he will now miss the final game of the season after the Texans ruled him out on Friday.
With veteran Robert Woods (hip) also questionable, Nico Collins should see as many targets as quarterback C.J. Stroud can throw his way this weekend as the Texans fight for a playoff spot. For those playing daily fantasy, check back next week if Houston makes the playoffs, as Brown could make his return and be a viable flex option.
Dontayvion Wicks Injury Update
Dontayvion Wicks suffered a chest injury back in Week 16 that cost him a full week of practice and a chance to play in last week's win over the Minnesota Vikings. However, the rookie returned as a full participant on Thursday and has a chance to return this weekend against the Chicago Bears after Green Bay listed him as questionable on the team's final injury report.
Christian Watson (hamstring) is attempting to make his return to action since being put on the shelf back in Week 14, while fellow rookie Jayden Reed (chest) is also listed as questionable. If both are active, Wicks will be an incredibly risky fantasy option with so many mouths to feed. However, if either are made inactive, Wicks should end up as the No. 3 option for quarterback Jordan Love and carry flex value due to his ability to make big plays.
Elijah Moore Injury Update
Elijah Moore suffered a concussion last week against the New York Jets and was placed in the league's protocol. The 23-year-old has practiced in a limited fashion this week but still has a few more steps to clear before being activated. The Browns listed the young receiver as questionable for Sunday's season finale against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Amari Cooper (heel) has already been ruled out, and the Browns have no chance to win their division after the Ravens clinched the No. 1 seed last week. It would not be a shock to see Moore held out this weekend as a precaution to have him ready to roll next week for the first round of the playoffs. David Bell is set to operate as backup quarterback Jeff Driskil's top target.
Jonathan Mingo Injury Update
Jonathan Mingo suffered a foot injury last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars. On Tuesday, the Panthers announced that they were placing the rookie on Injured Reserve, ending his 2023 campaign.
Carolina has nothing left to play for and no reason to trot out the talented rookie and risk further damage. Mingo will end the season with 43 receptions for 418 yards and zero touchdowns scored. While the line may not look impressive, considering the circumstances, the 22-year-old has a promising future and could be the top target for the Panthers heading into 2024.
Odell Beckham Jr. Injury Update
Odell Beckham Jr. sat out of practice this week, being given rest before the Ravens enter the playoffs. The veteran will have two weeks to get ready for Baltimore's first post-season game after the team clinched the No. 1 seed last week.
Zay Flowers (calf) is listed as doubtful as well for this weekend's game and will likely sit out, with the majority of the Ravens starters getting a break during the season finale. Rashod Bateman and Nelson Agholor will take over as the top two options against Pittsburgh.
Zay Jones Injury Update
Zay Jones has dealt with a knee injury throughout this season and has now added a hamstring injury on top of it. The veteran has been a limited participant in practice this past week and was officially listed as questionable by Jacksonville on the team's final injury report Friday.
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence (right shoulder/finger) is also listed as questionable for the pivotal game for Jacksonville. Christian Kirk (groin) has practiced this week but will need to be activated off of IR before he can play. If these players miss, the Jaguars would be down to Calvin Ridley as their sole reliable receiver Sunday. Tight end Evan Engram should see an increase in usage if Jones is ruled out.
Robert Woods Injury Update
Robert Woods is dealing with a hip injury that has cost the veteran an entire week of practice heading into the weekend. The 31-year-old does not need to practice to play due to his knowledge of the offense, allowing the Texans to list him as questionable for Saturday's game against the Colts.
Noah Brown (back) has already been ruled out, leaving Nico Collins as the lone reliable receiver for quarterback C.J. Stroud if Woods were to miss. Collins will be the only recommended fantasy option this weekend regardless of Woods' status, with tight end Dalton Schultz likely picking up some vacated targets as well.
Kadarius Toney Injury Update
Kadarius Toney has been out since Week 16 due to a hip injury that he suffered the week prior. The 24-year-old has yet to return to the practice field, and the Chiefs officially ruled him out for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Friday.
Most of the Chiefs' starters are sitting out of Week 18, so Toney missing should not come as a shock even if he was practicing. Justin Watson and Marquez Valdes-Scantling are slated to be the top two receivers for backup quarterback Blaine Gabbert on Sunday.
Darnell Mooney Injury Report
Darnell Mooney missed Week 17 due to a concussion that he suffered the week prior. With no practice participation this past week, the 26-year-old will miss the final game of the regular season after being ruled out on Friday.
It puts an end to an incredibly disappointing campaign for Mooney, who amassed just 31 receptions for 414 yards through 15 games played. Chicago could look to add another wide receiver in the draft with all of the capital they hold, leaving Mooney as the potential odd man out heading into 2024.
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