Welcome to Week 18 of the fantasy football season and the Saturday edition of our WR injury reports! Below you will find our fantasy football injuries report for wide receivers in Week 18, as of January 7th. The injury statuses for various NFL wide receivers are up in the air for Week 18, including Tyler Lockett, Treylon Burks, DeAndre Hopkins, Jakobi Meyers, and Mecole Hardman.
There are some big names on the injury report, with some already being ruled out for Week 18, so knowing exactly where each player stands going into the weekend is crucial with the second round of the fantasy playoffs this week! Being up-to-date on NFL injury news can give you an edge over your league mates in fantasy football.
To keep close tabs on all of the news across the NFL, make sure to favorite or bookmark the fantasy football player news page or download the free RotoBaller fantasy football mobile app with push notification alerts on all the latest news. Let's look at the updates for some wide receivers and see whether they may play in Week 18.
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- Running back fantasy football rankings
- Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
- Tight end fantasy football rankings
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Tyler Lockett Injury Update
Tyler Lockett went down with a shin injury in Week 17 but was able to return late in the game after an extended absence. While the 30-year-old missed the first two days of practice this week, he got in a limited session on Friday and was officially labeled as questionable for Sunday's game against the Rams.
We talked to Tyler Lockett after practice today. Said he got hit in his right leg where the plate is from his 2016 surgery, so he said it hurt bad in the moment. But he said it shouldn't impact him for Sunday's game saying "I should be good to go.''
— Bob Condotta (@bcondotta) January 6, 2023
The Seahawks have to win this game to have a chance at the final Wild Card spot in the NFC, and with Lockett clarifying why he missed a good portion of last week's game, it seems as though he has a good shot to suit up Sunday. He should be considered a WR2 if active, but Laquon Treadwell would see a boost in targets if Lockett is unable to play.
Treylon Burks Injury Update
Treylon Burks was added to the injury report this past Wednesday with a groin injury. The 22-year-old was unable to return to practice on Thursday but was listed as questionable for Saturday night's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Vrabel said Only Devontae Harris is the only player ruled out. Treylon Burks held out today, but should be OK
— Terry McCormick (@terrymc13) January 5, 2023
The downgrade mid-week for a team that plays on Saturday is not a good sign for the rookie's availability. While it is reported that he should be OK, fantasy managers need to be prepared to pivot off of him. Robert Woods and Chigoziem Okonkwo would be the biggest target beneficiaries if Burks sits out.
DeAndre Hopkins Injury Update
DeAndre Hopkins missed last week's game due to a knee injury. While there has been no real indication that the injury is serious, the 30-year-old did not return to practice this past week and was officially ruled out for Sunday's game against San Francisco.
A whole lot of #AZCardinals “out” pic.twitter.com/U1xqAwAVHp
— Darren Urban (@Cardschatter) January 6, 2023
The Cardinals have nothing to play for this week, so there is no reason for the team to risk further injury to their No. 1 wide receiver. Marquise Brown will suit up Sunday, and Greg Dortch will remain the No. 2 option with Robbie Anderson (back) also out.
Jakobi Meyers Injury Update
Jakobi Meyers has been nursing a shoulder injury late this season and came down on it hard while catching a touchdown last week. The 26-year-old practiced on a limited basis this past week and was officially labeled as questionable for Sunday's game against Buffalo.
CB Marcus Jones (concussion) and WR DeVante Parker (concussion) are no longer on the Patriots' injury report.
Team lists 5 players as questionable: CB Jon Jones (chest), WR Jakobi Meyers (shoulder), CB Jalen Mills (groin), ST Brenden Schooler (hip), TE Jonnu Smith (concussion).
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) January 6, 2023
Meyers has played through the injury most weeks and has a good chance to suit up Sunday. The matchup against Buffalo is not great, but he will be considered a solid FLEX option due to target share and touchdown opportunity as the No. 1 option for quarterback Mac Jones.
Mecole Hardman Injury Update
Mecole Hardman has been on Injured Reserve since Week 10 but was activated this past Wednesday. The 24-year-old participated in practice in a limited fashion and was officially listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Andy Reid said Mecole Hardman will be on a limited snap count if he plays Saturday against the Raiders.
"I know he's going to want to go," Reid said of Hardman. "I'll be holding him back, I'm sure."
— Nate Taylor (@ByNateTaylor) January 5, 2023
There is a good chance the team will let the fourth-year receiver suit up for a game before the playoffs start next week. With Kadarius Toney getting more reps and the team likely to put Hardman on a snap count this week, it would be best to look elsewhere for fantasy purposes.
Julio Jones Injury Update
Julio Jones has dealt with a nagging knee injury this season that has caused him to miss multiple games. The veteran receiver was able to suit up the past two weeks, but he only practiced once this week on Friday in a limited fashion. Jones was officially labeled as questionable for Sunday's game against Atlanta.
No DL Vita Vea, T Donovan Smith or S Logan Ryan. CB Carlton Davis was working with a trainer during the portion of practice open to media. WR Julio Jones (knee) returned. QB Tom Brady was back after his vet day off. Carl Nassib (pectoral) also working. Status is same for others
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) January 6, 2023
With Jones' fantasy value plummeting after Russell Gage returned to the lineup a few weeks ago, there is no reason to consider starting the veteran receiver who is playing at less than 100%. With nothing at stake for the Bucs this weekend, it would not be a shock to see Jones sit out and get some extra rest before the playoffs start.
Kendall Hinton Injury Update
Kendall Hinton was able to return to the Broncos' lineup last week after battling through an ankle injury. The 25-year-old did not practice this past week and was listed on the injury report with foot and chest injuries. The team officially ruled him out for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Friday.
Rosburg on injuries: Calvin Anderson, DJ Jones, Kendall Hinton. #9sports
— Mike Klis (@mikeklis) January 6, 2023
Hinton's absence will for the Broncos to rely heavily on starting receivers Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy, while tight end Albert Okwuegbunam will also see a target bump. All are viable fantasy options with high ceilings and low floors in Week 18.
Phillip Dorsett Injury Update
Phillip Dorsett popped up on the Texans' injury report Wednesday with a hamstring injury. The 30-year-old failed to practice in any capacity this past week and was officially ruled out for Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Texans WR Phillip Dorsett (hamstring) and OL Jimmy Morrissey (concussion) are both out for the season finale against the Colts.
CB Steven Nelson (illness), DE Ogbo Okoronkwo (illness) and TE O.J. Howard (hip) are all questionable
— Brooks Kubena (@BKubena) January 6, 2023
Dorsett was targeted a season-high six times last week. All of those targets will likely be funneled to Brandin Cooks and Chris Moore. Both are low-end FLEX options at best in Week 18.
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