Fantasy Impact of 3 Key WR Injuries
We’re just one game into the new season, and the injury bug has already hit hard. In the last 24 hours, we’ve seen not one, not two, but three high impact receivers diagnosed with less than promising leg ailments. In this quick article, we’ll take a look at how their absences impact the fantasy landscape, and which players might be able to benefit from increased involvement on offense.
Mike Evans (WR)
Last year’s WR12 missed the final three games of the season with a busted hammy, and it looks like the same leg may be acting up again. He’s officially been listed as doubtful for Sunday’s matchup against the Saints. It’s unclear exactly how much time the perennial pro bowler is at risk of missing, but his status for Week 1 isn’t looking good.
In his absence, the clear benefactor from a fantasy standpoint is going to be WR Chris Godwin. We should expect double digit targets to head his way. Behind Mike Evans on the depth chart is WR Justin Watson and WR Jaydon Mickens. While they’ll certainly see a higher snap count, neither of the two should be rostered quite yet, let alone started. And lastly, without Mike Evans’ presence in the red zone it’s quite possible that we see Brady lean on his impeccable trio of TE’s; Gronk, O.J. Howard, and Cameron Brate. Which one will contribute the most? Your guess is as good as mine.
Courtland Sutton (WR)
The good news is that Courtland Sutton is still listed as questionable for Sunday, so he hasn’t been officially ruled out. Still, a sprained AC joint doesn’t sound all that promising. His status is worth monitoring though, as he still has two full days to get right before the Broncos take on the Titans on MNF. If he is indeed forced to miss the game, then Jerry Jeudy becomes a very intriguing start. KJ Hamler’s value would certainly increase, but he missed the majority of camp with an injury of his own. If Sutton is indeed out, then I have no issues starting Jeudy has a WR3 or FLEX, with WR2 upside. TE Noah Fant should see added work as well.
Kenny Golladay (WR)
Kenny G was held out of practice the last two days with a hamstring injury, and his status for Sunday’s matchup against the Bear’s is officially doubtful. Fingers crossed it’s just a minor tweak where he’ll only be forced to miss a game or two. We’ll have to track the news coming out of Detroit in the coming days.
Without Kenny Golladay, WR Marvin Jones becomes a must-start in my eyes. He already seemed like a steal at his ADP, and now the eight year veteran is looking at an increased workload. He already had one of the higher ceilings in fantasy football with his big play potential, and now we know volume shouldn’t be an issue either. The Chicago defense is rock solid at all three levels, but Jones feels like a solid WR2 this week. Without Golladay, we may see the Lions revert to a run-focused attack in an effort to loosen up the Bears’ formidable pass rush - but Jones and TE T.J. Hockenson are due for an increased involvement nonetheless. The same could be said about WR Danny Amendola, but he’s battling a hammy issue of his own.
