Fantasy Football Injury Report
Another week, another round of impactful injuries. Approaching the mid-point of 2023 and it’s unlikely any roster hasn’t been affected. All we can do is reinforce through the waiver wire and stay proactive. Our Fantasy Football Injury Report for Week 7 will keep you updated on the news and offer advice on how to persevere.
Also, a great starting point for staying updated on the latest injuries is to bookmark our NFL Injury Report.
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Now, let’s break down all the latest fantasy-relevant injury news in this week’s Fantasy Football Injury Report for Week 7. We will continually update this list.
Week 7 Byes: Carolina, Cincinnati, Dallas, Houston, New York Jets, Tennessee
Christian McCaffrey (RB) San Francisco 49ers – In a season filled with big names getting hurt, perhaps no injury would hit as hard as losing the overall RB1, Christian McCaffrey. He exited Week 6 with an oblique injury and had an MRI on Monday. Fortunatley, Kyle Shanahan opined that CMC is “day-to-day,” so a major injury was avoided. However, that doesn’t mean fantasy managers shouldn’t be proactive. Elijah Mitchell and Jordan Mason should be scooped up off waivers.
Anthony Richardson (QB) Indianapolis Colts – Unfortunately, Richardson’s rookie season will end prematurely. Colts owner Jim Irsay said that Richardson is expected to have season-ending surgery on his sprained AC joint. Subsequently, Gardner Minshew will assume the starting job. Minshew offers weekly QB2 upside. However, Richardson is relegated to dynasty hold.
Kyren Williams (RB) Los Angeles Rams – Although Williams will miss one game, fantasy managers can breathe a sigh of relief. Williams avoided a major injury. He has a minor sprained ankle. Backup Ronnie Rivers wasn’t as fortunate. Subsequently, Rivers is a candidate for IR. As a result, Zach Evans becomes one of the most coveted Week 7 waiver wire targets.
An MRI today revealed that Rams’ RB Kyren Williams has a sprained ankle that is expected to sideline him for Sunday’s game vs. the Steelers but is not considered a long-term injury, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 16, 2023
Justin Fields (QB) Chicago Bears – Fields dislocated his thumb. He’s doubtful for Week 7. In fact, Fields could miss multiple weeks, as he is unable to grip the ball. Therefore, there is no concrete return timetable. We don’t recommend targeting whoever steps in as Chicago’s backup signal caller.
David Montgomery (RB) Detroit Lions – A rib injury will force Montgomery to miss 1-2 games. Also, Jahmyr Gibbs missed last week with a hamstring injury. If Gibbs is healthy, he would be on the RB2 radar. However, Gibbs didn’t excel when Montgomery missed Week 3. Conversely, Craig Reynolds looks like a good bet for a prominent role this week in Baltimore.
Trevor Lawrence (QB) Jacksonville Jaguars – Lawrence injured his knee last week but was able to finish the game. He has practiced with a brace all week. The Jags play on Thursday, but Lawrence is expected to be under center. However, we may see fewer runs for Lawrence, capping his fantasy upside in a tough matchup.
Deebo Samuel (WR) San Francisco 49ers – Samuel is day-to-day. The injury is not long-term.
#49ers injury updates from Kyle Shanahan:
Christian McCaffrey: Is undergoing imaging now to determine what’s up with ribs/oblique.
Deebo Samuel: He’s day to day with a shoulder injury.
Trent Williams: It’s NOT a high ankle. He’s day to day, too.— Matt Maiocco (Threads @maiocconbcs) (@MaioccoNBCS) October 16, 2023
Deshaun Watson (QB) Cleveland Browns – Watson (shoulder) is week-to-week. Last week, the Browns medical staff cleared Watson. However, reports indicate that Watson is having trouble getting power behind any throws. Cleveland was off in Week 5, so Watson’s inability to start last Sunday is worrisome. We will have more in the FullTime Fantasy Discord as the week progresses.
Zay Jones (WR) Jacksonville Jaguars – Jones missed Week 6 with a knee injury and did not practice Tuesday. There’s almost no chance he plays Thursday.
Jimmy Garoppolo (QB) Las Vegas Raiders – A back injury knocked Garoppolo out of the Raiders’ Week 6 victory. However, the severity is unknown. The team is still awaiting further test results. We’ll have more in Discord later this week.
Damien Harris (RB) Buffalo Bills – A scary situation in Buffalo seems to have a promising conclusion. Harris was taken off the field in an ambulance. However, he did give a thumbs-up before heading to a local hospital. Currently, Harris is in the league’s concussion protocol. While Harris is absent, expect more work for Latavius Murray.
Daniel Jones (QB) New York Giants – Jones is still dealing with symptoms from his neck injury. In addition, Jones previously had a cervical injury that cost him six games in 2021. Also, the 1-5 Giants have little hope of contending, plus they have a quality backup in Tyrod Taylor. In conclusion, don’t expect Jones back in Week 7, and expect more of Taylor under center.
Ryan Tannehill (QB) Tennessee Titans – A high-ankle sprain knocked Tannehill out of Tennessee’s Week 6 loss. However, the Titans are off this week. That gives Tannehill a full two weeks to recover. If the veteran can’t play in Week 8, Malik Willis will start. Subsequently, that would be a downgrade for the supporting cast.
Jamaal Williams (RB) New Orleans Saints – Williams (hamstring) is nearing a return. However, with Alvin Kamara soaking up touches, it is fair to wonder if Williams will have much, if any role when he does.
Diontae Johnson (WR) Pittsburgh Steelers – Finally, we try to end on a positive. It sounds like the Steelers will welcome back Anthony McFarland and Diontae Johnson this week. Also, TE Pat Freiermuth should return.
The #Steelers have designated WR Diontae Johnson and RB Anthony McFarland Jr. to return from injured reserve.
Both will practice this week and I expect them to play.
— Alan Saunders (@ASaunders_PGH) October 16, 2023
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