Fantasy Football WR Injury Reports: Wild Card Weekend Updates For Zay Flowers, Christian Watson, John Metchie III, Joshua Palmer

January 8, 2025

Fantasy football WR injury updates and reports for Wild Card Weekend (2025), as of 1/8. Includes updates on Zay Flowers, Christian Watson, John Metchie III, and Joshua Palmer.

The (regular) fantasy football season is over, but the DFS season rolls along. A few high-profile receivers may not make your lineups due to injury.

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Let's look at the updates for some wide receivers and see whether they may play on Wild Card Weekend.

Zay Flowers (BAL) Injury Update

The headline injury of Wild Card Weekend, Zay Flowers, is trending toward missing the matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He hasn't practiced this week after injuring his knee in Week 18.

Pro Bowl WR Zay Flowers (knee) did not practice for a second straight day for the Ravens, who face the Steelers in Saturday’s wild card game

— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) January 8, 2025

Lamar Jackson's primary receivers will be Rashod Bateman, Nelson Agholor, and Tylan Wallace. Tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely will be heavily involved and strong options in DFS lineups.

Quentin Johnston (LAC) Injury Update

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston was a limited participant in Tuesday's practice due to a thigh injury. He sat out of Wednesday's practice, listed with an illness as well as his thigh issue.

wednesday’s #LACvsHOU injury report pic.twitter.com/HJBohJIeKU

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) January 8, 2025

Given the current air quality in Los Angeles, an illness is enough of an excuse to miss practice. Thursday's final injury report should indicate Johnston's status for Saturday's game.

Johnston is coming off the best game of his career (13 catches, 186 yards). Derek Stingley Jr. has been a lockdown corner but the rest of the Houston secondary has been suspect recently.

John Metchie III (HOU) Injury Update

Already without Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell for the rest of the season, John Metchie has been the second receiver option in the Houston passing game. He sat out of Tuesday's practice with a shoulder injury. However, he was back on the practice field on Wednesday, albeit in a limited fashion.

#Texans WR John Metchie (shoulder) is back at practice Wednesday after missing Tuesday.

— Sam Warren (@samwarren_3) January 8, 2025

If he is active, Metchie and Diontae Johnson will complement a healthy target share for alpha Nico Collins.

Joshua Palmer (LAC) Injury Update

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer left Week 17 with a foot injury. He didn't practice last week and missed the Week 18 divisional battle with the Las Vegas Raiders. It's been a similar start to this week.

Chargers practicing right now. Just the offense out here now. No Joshua Palmer (heel).

Defense will come out later to limit time outside. Air quality levels at 173, considered unhealthy for breathing. pic.twitter.com/AGICsnXdY8

— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) January 8, 2025

Seeing Palmer active on Saturday would be a surprise. Justin Herbert will rely on Ladd McConkey and Johnston against the Texans.

Christian Watson (GB) Injury Update

Christian Watson won't be on the football field for some time. He tore his ACL in Week 18 on this non-contact injury.

Christian Watson just suffered a non-contact injury. The Packers receiver was immediately holding his knee -- was able to get up and walk off of the field. pic.twitter.com/FXXI0lPSSo

— Arye Pulli (@AryePulliNFL) January 5, 2025

The Packers roster a deep wide receiver room, but none are as explosive as Watson. Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks, Bo Melton, and Malik Heath will all be involved on Sunday against Philadelphia.

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