Injuries are an unfortunate part of the game and their impact can destroy a well-constructed fantasy football roster in a hurry. Fortunately, unless you’re in a best-ball league, fantasy managers have the chance to hit the waiver wire and overcome untimely injuries.
Let’s break down the fantasy-relevant injuries ahead of Week 7 and how fantasy managers can forge ahead.
Week 7 NFL byes: Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys, Jacksonville Jaguars, Minnesota Vikings, Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Chargers
Nick Chubb (RB) Cleveland Browns – A calf injury kept Chubb out last week and he was not at practice on Monday. With the Browns due to turn around and play again on Thursday, things aren’t looking good for Cleveland’s backfield. Teammate Kareem Hunt also hurt his calf in Week 6 and is looking very doubtful on short rest. D’Ernest Johnson would be next up but has a tough task against a solid Denver defense.
Christian McCaffrey (RB) Carolina Panthers – The Panthers officially place McCaffrey on IR, meaning he’ll miss at least two more weeks. CMC hasn’t played since hurting his hamstring against the Texans in Week 3 and now won’t be able to suit up again until Week 9 at the earliest. Chuba Hubbard remains a weekly RB2 as long as McCaffrey is out.
Antonio Gibson (RB) Washington Football Team – We’re still waiting for results on an MRI that Gibson had on his shin. The injury isn’t considered too serious, as Gibson was able to return and still see a handful of touches but it did bother him enough to see J.D. McKissic rack up 16 touches. Consider Gibson very questionable for Week 7.
Saquon Barkley (RB) New York Giants – Barkley missed Week 6 with a low ankle sprain and could practice in a limited capacity this week. The safe assumption is that the Giants will hold Barkley out for at least one more game, but Barkley is known as a fast healer and wants to return as soon as he can. We’ll monitor news and update the FullTime Discord when word breaks.
Chris Carson (RB) Seattle Seahawks – After carrying the ball 20 times for 101 yards and a TD in Pittsburgh, Collins exited the game with hip and glute injuries. Collins will get an extra day to recover, but if he’s not able to suit up on Monday, Rashaad Penny, who should be activated from IR this week, would be a good bet for plenty of touches against New Orleans.
Dak Prescott (QB) Dallas Cowboys – Prescott strained his calf late in the Cowboys’ overtime win in New England. Following the game, Prescott says he could have kept playing and wasn’t concerned. Dallas also has a bye this week, so this sounds like a non-issue.
Michael Thomas (WR) New Orleans Saints – Thomas (ankle) is eligible to come off of the PUP list this week but isn’t expected to be ready for action for another 2-3 weeks. Proactively adding Thomas off the waiver wire would be a savvy move.
Baker Mayfield (QB) Cleveland Browns – Already playing with a hurt labrum in his non-throwing shoulder, Mayfield re-aggravated his shoulder on a hard hit to the turf but was able to return to the game. All indications are that Mayfield will be under center on Thursday, but at less than 100% and facing a stout Denver defense on three days rest, Mayfield shouldn’t be in fantasy lineups.
Julio Jones (WR) Tennessee Titans – Well, that didn’t take long. In his first game back after missing two games with a hamstring injury, Jones re-injured the same hamstring and exited in the fourth quarter. Depending on the severity of this new ailment, Jones is likely to miss multiple games once again. In four games, Jones has been held to just 15 grabs and 263 scoreless yards.
Odell Beckham Jr. (WR) Cleveland Browns – Yet another significant injury for the Browns, Beckham re-injured his shoulder on a hit and was in obvious pain before exiting the game. Eventually, Beckham was able to return, but with a short rest week before the Browns host Denver, Beckham’s Week 7 status is up in the air. Donovan Peoples-Jones and Jarvis Landry, if he’s active, would benefit from Beckham’s targets if he’s unable to go.
Kadarius Toney (WR) New York Giants – Toney re-injured the same ankle that he previously hurt and was quickly ruled out of last week’s loss. Being ruled out that quickly doesn’t bode well for Toney’s Week 7 status. Consider the first-round rookie doubtful for this week. This makes Sterling Shepard a good bet for another heavy week of targets and would also help Darius Slayton if he’s able to return.
Trey Lance (QB) San Francisco 49ers – Coming off of their bye, Lance still missing from practice doesn’t bode well for his Week 7 availability. Additionally, after a so-so start, Jimmy Garoppolo was already expected to be back under center for the 49ers. Lance is still a hold in dynasty formats but can be dropped in redraft.
Tyrod Taylor (QB) Houston Texans – Out since Week 2 with a hamstring injury, Taylor is nearing a return from IR but unlikely to play this week. As bad as Davis Mills has looked, Houston undoubtedly would like to get Taylor back under center but won’t rush him back in a rebuilding season. If Taylor returns in Week 8, he won’t be a recommended start against the Rams.
Parris Campbell (WR) Indianapolis Colts – Significant injuries are nothing new for Campbell, who looks to be sidelined for multiple weeks with another foot ailment. Campbell missed 23-of-32 games in his first two seasons and now could be out for a month or even the rest of 2021. There’s no reason to keep Campbell on redraft rosters. Zach Pascal will not man the slot full-time.
Jake Funk (RB) Los Angeles Rams – Funk tore his hamstring in Week 6 and will need surgery. This likely ends his rookie campaign. Buddy Howell will take over as the third back behind Darrell Henderson and Sony Michel.
The 2021 NFL season is well underway but it’s not too late to get access to the best help out there! All FullTime Fantasy members get exclusive access to our 24/7 Chat Room on Discord!
All morning on Sunday, Senior Analyst Jody Smith will be standing by to answer all your crucial start/sit and keep you updated with all the latest news and injury updates.
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