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While there was plenty of big injury news at other positions, such as Christian McCaffrey, Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields, the wide receiver position escaped Week 6 relatively unscathed. It’s taken a little while, but the receiver position is now relatively healthy across the league. That’s a good thing because the injuries have been mounting at quarterback and running back.
Fantasy managers will still need to wait on Justin Jefferson for three more games, but news on the front has been more positive as of late. Reporter Kevin Seifert indicated he observed Jefferson jogging through the locker room. He was on the sideline, cheering on his teammates, appearing very involved. Kirk Cousins shot down any trade talk or waiving his no-trade clause. On top of all that, Jefferson posted on Instagram that he’ll be back soon. Fantasy managers, at least for the moment, can breathe a sigh of relief.
Let's look at some of the biggest receiver injuries fantasy managers should be tracking for Week 7. As always, if you have any start/sit questions, please give me a follow @RobFFSlayer on X, formerly known as Twitter. My DMs are always open and I am more than willing to answer any fantasy football-related questions. Good luck this season to everyone reading!
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Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings
Jefferson suffered a hamstring injury in the fourth quarter of their loss to the Chiefs in Week 5. Prior to that point, Kansas City had done an excellent job containing the superstar receiver. He finished with just three receptions for 28 yards. Following the injury, Jefferson was unable to return to the field. Jefferson was placed on IR, ensuring he’d be out for at least the next four games. Since then, there has been another report indicating he might miss 4-6 weeks. However, there’s been zero talk about shutting him down or this being a season-ending injury.
Schefter: Justin Jefferson (hamstring) expected to miss 4-6 weeks.
— Underdog NFL (@Underdog__NFL) October 14, 2023
As noted earlier, since the initial IR announcement, fantasy managers have gotten some good news on the Jefferson front. Still, all we can do right now is be patient. He’s out at least three more games anyway. Hopefully, he returns sooner than later.
Deebo Samuel, San Francisco 49ers
Samuel suffered what was described as a shoulder injury early in their Week 6 loss to the Browns. He was eventually ruled out and did not return. Following the game, an X-ray was completed, which luckily came back negative. Reports also indicated an MRI was scheduled, but we have yet to hear the definitive results of that exam.
None of the injuries to 49ers’ standouts Christian McCaffrey (oblique), Deebo Samuel (shoulder) and Trent Williams (ankle) are considered long-term, per sources. Each has a chance to be ready for Monday night’s game at Minnesota, though the work week will help determine who can…
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 17, 2023
Head coach Kyle Shanahan defined Samuel’s injury as “day to day.” Samuel has a history of playing through injuries so it wouldn’t be surprising to see him be active this weekend. Still, fantasy managers shouldn’t be surprised if he starts off the week with a couple of DNPs. Fantasy managers will need to track his practice status throughout the week. Right now, he seems to be 50/50 for this upcoming weekend, but at least on the “go” side of that split. If he does sit for precautionary reasons, it doesn’t sound like it’ll be more than a one-week absence.
Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals
Higgins was diagnosed with cracked ribs following their Week 4 contest, casting doubt on his Week 5 availability. He did not practice at all on Wednesday and Thursday but was able to turn in a limited practice on Friday. Ultimately, Higgins was ruled out for Week 5.
He was able to suit up this past weekend, although he was still clearly affected by the injury. Higgins ended up playing just 54% of the snaps and finished with four targets, two receptions, and 20 yards. The Bengals have a bye in Week 7 and the additional week should help get Higgins back to 100%. Fantasy managers should be able to start him with confidence in Week 8.
Tank Dell, Houston Texans
Dell left the game in Week 5 and was diagnosed with a concussion. He entered the concussion protocol but was unable to pass all of the stages prior to their Week 6 contest, which led to him being inactive.
#Texans wide receiver Tank Dell expected back for #Panthers game, center Juice Scruggs making progress @KPRC2 https://t.co/y3ogjrGgrw
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) October 17, 2023
However, we’ve already received word from head coach DeMeco Ryans that Dell had passed through concussion protocol earlier this week and that he would return in Week 8. The Texans are on bye in Week 7, giving Dell even further time off. He’ll be good to go once Houston returns to action next week.
Diontae Johnson, Pittsburgh Steelers
Johnson suffered a hamstring injury midway through the first game of the season. Following the game, Johnson was placed on IR. This meant he would be out for the next four weeks. The Steelers had a bye in Week 6. Johnson will be eligible to return for their Week 7 game against the Rams and has already been designated to return. He had previously indicated he’d be ready to go for Week 7 following their bye week.
Steelers open 21-day practice window for WR Diontae Johnson (hamstring), RB Anthony McFarland Jr. (knee)https://t.co/yj8FAUnjS2 pic.twitter.com/BNnlM7PAbU
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) October 16, 2023
Johnson will be available to fantasy managers this weekend; however, it’ll be his first game back and since he left, George Pickens has performed very well. How the targets shake out is anyone’s guess. The Pittsburgh offense has struggled this season, making Johnson a somewhat risky play in his first game back. Still, if you need him, he’ll be available this upcoming weekend.
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