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Welcome to Week 14 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 14, as of December 9. The injury statuses for various NFL wide receivers are up in the air for Week 14, including Amari Cooper, Chris Olave, Christian Watson, Christian Kirk, and Jayden Reed.
There are some big names on the injury report, with the status of some coming down to game-time decisions or already being ruled out. Knowing exactly where each player stands going into the weekend is crucial! Being up-to-date on NFL injury news can give you an edge over your league mates in fantasy football.
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Amari Cooper Injury Update
Amari Cooper suffered a concussion during last week's loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The 29-year-old sat out the first two practices this past week but was able to put in a limited session on Friday. On their final injury report, the Browns listed their top wide receiver as questionable for Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Browns would be extremely thin at wide receiver if Cooper were to sit out. The veteran only needs to clear the final stages of the concussion protocol to play, but the game is a part of the early window on Sunday, so watch weekend reports and have a pivot option ready just in case. Elijah Moore would fill in as the No. one option, with rookie Cedrick Tillman taking over as the No. two. David Njoku would also see a target increase if Cooper were to be ruled out.
Chris Olave Injury Update
Chris Olave has sat out of practice this past week due to an illness. The second-year receiver was back at the facility on Friday even though he did not practice, and the Saints officially listed him as questionable for Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers on their final injury report.
The indication around the team is that Olave will be able to play on Sunday even if he is not feeling 100%. With Michael Thomas (knee) on Injured Reserve and Rashid Shaheed (thigh) questionable after not practicing all week, the Saints are extremely thin at wide receiver. Because of this, Olave will be an obvious plug-and-play option even if he is under the weather by the time Sunday rolls around. For what it is worth, Olave will have his starting quarterback as Derek Carr cleared the concussion protocol on Friday.
Christian Watson Injury Update
Christian Watson suffered a hamstring injury during last week's win over the Kansas City Chiefs. The second-year receiver has not been able to suit up for practice so far this week and since the game is on Monday night, he does not currently have an injury designation heading into the weekend.
Watson himself stated that he did not know if he would be able to go on Monday, and with two missed practices to start the week, he is trending in the wrong direction. It is a shame, as the 24-year-old was on a tear the past three weeks, scoring four touchdowns. Jayden Reed (chest) is also limited in practice, but he has played through the injury over the past few weeks. If Watson is ruled out, Reed, Romeo Doubs, and Dontayvion Wicks would all see a target boost and more red zone usage.
Christian Kirk Injury Update
Christian Kirk suffered a core muscle injury early in last week's game against the Cincinnati Bengals. It was initially reported that the 27-year-old would miss multiple weeks, and the Jaguars placed their slot receiver on Injured Reserve Friday. Kirk will miss the next four games at a minimum.
Fantasy managers in redraft leagues are good to drop Kirk as he is slated to miss six to eight weeks. Zay Jones should see more usage as the No. two receiver but could be stuck with backup C.J. Beathard this week and have less fantasy appeal than if Trevor Lawrence (ankle) was under center. Expect to see more of rookie Parker Washington who caught all six of his targets for 61 yards and a score in replacement of Kirk.
Jayden Reed Injury Update
Jayden Reed has dealt with a chest injury the past few weeks, leaving him limited in practice. The rookie has followed the same routine this week. Reed will not have an official injury designation with the Packers playing on Monday night until Saturday afternoon.
Because we have seen Reed follow this same practice routine pattern the past few weeks, fantasy managers can expect to have him ready to go for Monday night against the Giants. The 23-year-old had his first down game in a month last week, catching four passes for just 16 yards. With Christian Watson (hamstring) trending in the wrong direction, Reed will remain a flex option in Week 14 and beyond.
Tyler Boyd Injury Update
Tyler Boyd popped up on Thursday's injury report with an ankle issue that left him limited in practice to finish the week. The Bengals officially listed their No. three receiver as questionable for Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts on their final injury report.
Boyd has not done much for fantasy over the past three weeks but has averaged 7.5 targets per game over the last month. Those targets will be spread around the offense, but Trenton Irwin would be the most likely replacement for the veteran if he were to miss the game. Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins would be the only two reliable fantasy options, regardless of Boyd's status.
Joshua Palmer Injury Update
Joshua Palmer has been out since Week 9 due to a knee injury. The 24-year-old was placed on Injured Reserve but has since had his practice window opened. Despite returning this past week in a limited fashion, Palmer was ruled out for Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos on Friday.
Palmer seems close to a return but will not be an option for fantasy managers in Week 14. He is a great option to stash, as no other Chargers wide receiver has established themselves as the clear No. two since his absence. For fantasy purposes, Keenan Allen remains the only reliable fantasy option in the Chargers passing game.
Rashid Shaheed Injury Update
Rashid Shaheed suffered a thigh injury in Week 12 that has cost him one game and numerous practices. The 25-year-old did not return to the practice field this week but was able to draw a questionable tag for Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers.
It is hard to imagine Shaheed suiting up with no practice time put in this week, but the Saints are in a desperate spot at receiver. Chris Olave (illness) seems likely to play but could very well be at less than 100%, and Michael Thomas (knee) is still on Injured Reserve. If Shaheed somehow suits up, he would be a risky flex against a poor Carolina defense.
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