RADIO
As the midway point of the season approaches, there are more injuries than ever to some of the top players in fantasy. Some have already been lost for the season, some are potentially playing through injury, and some are returning from injury at just the right time for fantasy managers.
A few of those aforementioned top players are Jonathan Taylor, Malik Nabers, Mike Evans, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Joe Mixon. Those are just some of the many injured players to keep an eye on before the Sunday and Monday games.
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 top fantasy assets at all positions and see whether they may play in Week 7.
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2024:- Quarterback fantasy football rankings
- Running back fantasy football rankings
- Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
- Tight end fantasy football rankings
- Kicker fantasy football rankings
- FLEX fantasy football rankings
- Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
- Superflex fantasy football rankings
- IDP fantasy football rankings
- Dynasty fantasy football rankings
Jonathan Taylor Injury Update
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins after not practicing all week. He is just one of the many Colts offensive weapons dealing with injuries this week. Quarterback Anthony Richardson is set to return from injury this week, while Josh Downs, Michael Pittman Jr., and Trey Sermon have had inconsistent practice participation. Downs and Pittman Jr. are listed as questionable, while Sermon has no injury tag.
Sermon has been the replacement for Taylor while he has been out, but with the backup also a bit banged up, Tyler Goodson should get some work as well and is worth snatching off waivers if still available. Taylor has missed the last two games, leaving fantasy owners out to dry after using a top pick on him. No matter who starts for the Colts at RB on Sunday, they should be viewed as a flex option.
#Colts RB Jonathan Taylor on practicing: “I still gotta do some work … to see if we can even attempt to go out there …”
On his recovery: “I know high ankles are usually 4-6 (weeks), but me … I’m like, ‘Man, there’s no way.’”
On IR: “I never like to throw that around …” pic.twitter.com/0tHrYAp4lo
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) October 17, 2024
Malik Nabers Injury Update
New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (concussion, hamstring) has no injury designation and is expected to play this week against the Philadelphia Eagles after missing the last two games due to the concussion. He also has been dealing with a hamstring injury, but is ready to go for this Sunday.
This is fantastic news for his fantasy managers, as Nabers averaged about nine receptions for 97 yards in his first four games, making him a fantasy monster already as a rookie. There should be no hesitation to put him back in lineups, as he has the potential to be the overall WR1 given how often Daniel Jones looks his way.
Mike Evans Injury Update
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) missed practice Thursday and Friday, making his status up in the air for Monday against the Baltimore Ravens. Given he plays on Monday instead of Sunday, fantasy managers should keep close tabs on his status before the Sunday games to ensure he can be removed from lineups easily.
Evans was in and out of the lineup last week against the Saints, finishing with just two catches for 34 yards. The veteran receiver has been somewhat touchdown dependent, putting up duds in Weeks 2, 3, and 6, but great performances in Weeks 1, 4, and 5. If Evans is good to go for Monday, he would be a touchdown dependent WR2 as usual for fantasy managers. If he misses out, Chris Godwin and Cade Otton would get huge boosts, while rookie Jalen McMillan would benefit the most among the less prominent weapons.
Marvin Harrison Jr. Injury Update
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (concussion) seems to be questionable to play after limited practices heading into a Monday matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers. The rookie suffered the concussion last Sunday, where he finished with zero fantasy points on the day. The extra day increases his odds of playing, but it is worth following his status closely and having a replacement ready.
The best replacement for Harrison Jr. would be Michael Wilson, but unfortunately he is dealing with an ankle injury. Greg Dortch is another decent replacement, but in general anyone playing Monday night could make for a solid Harrison Jr. replacement if the concussion keeps him out. If the rookie is ready by game time, he should be viewed as a WR2 with a high ceiling but low floor.
Joe Mixon Injury Update
Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle) has no injury designation heading into Sunday's matchup with the Green Bay Packers after practicing fully Friday. Mixon missed Weeks 3-5 with the same ankle injury, but after playing last week, it seems his practice availability was for precautionary reasons.
The veteran running back had a stellar return game last week against the Patriots, putting up an efficient 132 total yards and two touchdowns on 15 touches. Mixon when healthy has been an RB1 for fantasy managers, and should continue that level of play this week. Unless there is a setback during practice or during Sunday's game, Mixon should be good to go this Sunday and beyond.
Joe Mixon had almost 100 yards on Wham pic.twitter.com/vIMhzkrRz9
— Coach Dan Casey (@CoachDanCasey) October 18, 2024
De'Von Achane Injury Update
Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (concussion) has no injury designation for Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts after practicing fully all week. The young running back looked like a draft steal before Tua Tagovailoa went down with a concussion of his own, so while his return to RB1 form will likely have to wait for now, fantasy managers should still be happy to put Achane in lineups as an RB2/flex.
The Dolphins had a bye week last week, so Achane seems to have benefited greatly from having the extra week. With Achane's return, all of the speedy backs in the Dolphins RB room are healthy and ready to go, leaving plenty of room for Mike McDaniel to get creative with his play calling after recent struggles. With the bye week and Tua likely coming back soon, the Dolphins offense as a whole should be on the rise in coming weeks.
Big development for the #Dolphins. https://t.co/0VR2KGIu4t
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 18, 2024
Cooper Kupp Injury Update
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (ankle) has a decent chance to return against the Las Vegas Raiders after being out since Week 2. Kupp suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 2 against the Arizona Cardinals, a huge disappointment for his fantasy managers after an incredible 21 targets and 14 catches for 110 yards and a touchdown in Week 1.
Returning this week makes sense for Kupp given the Rams decided not to put him on IR, allowing him to return before the minimum of four missed games. He missed three games before last week's bye. Kupp's return should be a huge boost for Matthew Stafford and the Rams offense as a whole. Kyren Williams has been stellar all season, so Kupp's return should have no affect on his performance.
#Rams WR Cooper Kupp, attempting to return from a high-ankle sprain, had a positive workout today and his return this week is at least possible, sources say.
The next step is to see when he practices and how it goes. The team will gather more info, but today presented good news. pic.twitter.com/hX6ZmoI3ex
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 15, 2024
Jordan Mason Injury Update
San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason (shoulder) has been removed from the injury report heading into a Super Bowl rematch with the Kansas City Chiefs. The breakout running back hurt his shoulder last week against the Seahawks, and after coming back for one play in the second half, did not return for the rest of the game.
It seemed likely heading into the week Mason would play given he almost returned from the shoulder injury during last week's game, which makes him an RB2 in a tough matchup for running backs. Isaac Guerendo could make for a speculative flex play if Mason is limited somewhat, but against the Chiefs stout run defense, it is hard to trust anyone besides the starter.
Aaron Jones Injury Update
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (hamstring) is listed as questionable after slowly ramping up his practice schedule this week. After not practicing Wednesday and practicing in a limited fashion Thursday and Friday, Jones seems like he has a decent chance of playing against the Detroit Lions.
Given the magnitude of the game, I'd expect Jones will do anything he can to play, especially coming off of a bye week. Jones seems like an RB2 with RB1 upside given how great he has been so far this season. If Jones were to miss out, Ty Chandler would be his direct replacement, while Myles Gaskin and newly acquired Cam Akers could also get some touches.
#Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell on the trade for Cam Akers:
“Really is a depth move. It has no bearing on our current running back situation. Aaron [Jones] is going to progress throughout the week and hopefully has a chance to go on Sunday. Ty Chandler and Myles Gaskin and Cam will… pic.twitter.com/N2jpa1XO4q
— The Coachspeak Index (@CoachspeakIndex) October 16, 2024
Jayden Reed Injury Update
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (ankle) has no injury designation heading into an important matchup with the Houston Texans. Reed hurt his ankle last week on a punt return against the Arizona Cardinals. After limited practices all week, he should fine and ready for this matchup between two of the top teams in the NFL.
Reed is just one of the multitude of talented receivers for Green Bay, and has been the most consistent option for Jordan Love. His snap percentages could be higher, but he makes the most of the touches he gets, rattling of multiple long touchdowns and even some rushing yards. Even if the injury limits his usage, he should be considered a WR1 in fantasy. The young receiver will look to continue the momentum in a game where the Packers will likely have to throw a lot to keep up with C.J. Stroud and the Texans offense.
Brian Robinson Jr. Injury Update
Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) is listed as questionable heading into Sunday's matchup with the Carolina Panthers. The Commanders could choose to rest Robinson Jr. given their the Panthers are one of the weakest teams in the NFL, but the offense would benefit greatly from his return.
In the young back's absence last week, Austin Ekeler took on most of the touches, but the veteran is much more of passing back than a three down back, making him better as a complement to Robinson Jr. than the full-time starter. Robinson Jr. would be an RB2 with upside in a plus matchup, while Ekeler would be a lower-end RB2 if he got the start.
Travis Etienne Jr. Injury Update
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (hamstring) is listed as questionable heading into a London matchup with the New England Patriots. Given the emergence of Tank Bigsby, it seems likely the Jaguars will hold Etienne Jr. out if any concerns remain by Sunday.
Etienne Jr. has been touchdown dependent and receiving dependent on a team that has struggled to move the ball and score touchdowns so far this season. The offense has looked better of late as it has gotten healthier, but Bigsby has been the back who has stood out the most. If Etienne Jr. does play, he should be considered a flex option along with Bigsby despite the great matchup. If Bigsby takes on the full-time role with D'Ernest Johnson as his complement, he would be an RB2 while Johnson would be a decent touchdown dependent flex option.
Jacksonville Jaguars RB Travis Etienne Jr doing drills in practice today after leaving the Chicago Bears game early on Sunday with a hamstring injury pic.twitter.com/Xhturlm1qU
— Eduardo Tansley (@TansleyEduardo) October 16, 2024
Dalton Kincaid, Dallas Goedert, Evan Engram Injury Updates
Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (collarbone), Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (hamstring), and Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram (hamstring) are all mid-tier TE1s that are dealing with injuries. Engram had a fantastic game last week, putting up 10 catches for 102 yards. His limited practices this week were most likely out of caution after returning from a long absence last week, as he has no injury designation for this Sunday.
Dallas Goedert has been ruled out against the New York Giants after he got hurt during last week's game and hasn't practiced all week. That bumps up A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith for this Sunday. Grant Calcaterra is his direct replacement, and serves as a deep league option at tight end.
Dalton Kincaid has no injury tag, meaning he is expected to play against the Titans. He practiced fully today after limited practices early in the week, a good sign he should be completely fine and play at a TE1 level on Sunday.
Diontae Johnson Injury Update
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (ankle) has been ruled as questionable for Sunday against the Commanders after not practicing Wednesday and Thursday but practicing on Friday. The Panthers star receiver is very important to the Panthers offense, as without him, the backup receiver options are very thin. Youngsters Xavier Legette, Jonathan Mingo, and Jalen Coker would be the possible guys to step up if Johnson were to be ruled out.
Johnson has been stellar ever since Andy Dalton took over for Bryce Young, so fantasy managers will happy to have him this week even if he is hobbled. He is a WR1 option with some risk against a weak Commanders secondary. Chuba Hubbard feels like the most trustworthy fantasy option from the Panthers with Johnson banged up.
Here’s head coach Dave Canales discussing #Panthers leading receiver Diontae Johnson’s injury status. He was listed as “limited” on the injury report today (hamstring and ribs in addition to the ankle, which he’s nursed all week).
Johnson is questionable for Sunday, officially. pic.twitter.com/JdSjPtWofC
— Alex Zietlow (@alexzietlow05) October 18, 2024
Rhamondre Stevenson Injury Update
New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (foot) is listed as questionable after not practicing Wednesday and Thursday, but practicing fully on Friday. He missed last week against the Houston Texans, and seems he could return this week against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London.
Antonio Gibson would serve as his replacement if Stevenson were to be ruled out, but could still play a role if the Patriots ease Stevenson back into the gameplan. Stevenson should be considered a low-end RB2, while Gibson should be considered a speculative flex play, but an low-end RB2 as well if Stevenson missed out. With Drake Maye under center, who has been dealing with a knee injury but practicing fully, the offense will look to expand on last week's solid performance against one of the worst defenses in the NFL.
Rachaad White Injury Update
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (foot) seems like he will potentially return for Monday's game against the Baltimore Ravens. It will be hard to trust him given his lower body injury combined with a tough matchup. White will also have to deal with two backups who played incredibly last week in Bucky Irving and Sean Tucker.
Each back has flex appeal, but given the uncertainty of each player's touches, it's hard to really trust any of them. Irving was getting decent touches before White's injury, so he might be the easiest back to trust of the three. Either way, looking for better options and waiting a week to see how things play out may be the smartest approach to the Buccaneers backfield.
Todd Bowles says the Bucs will play all three RBs (Rachaad White, Bucky Irving & Sean Tucker) when White is healthy and they will go with the “hot hand.”
— Scott Smith (@ScottSBucs) October 17, 2024
Devin Singletary Injury Update
New York Giants running back Devin Singletary (groin) is set to return this week against the Philadelphia Eagles, but is likely to lose work to breakout rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr. Singletary missed the last two games, and Tracy Jr. took advantage of the opportunity with two great performances.
With both likely to get touches, Tracy Jr. seems like the guy to trust more this week, making him a decent flex option. Singletary may be hard to trust, but should also be considered a flex option. Both running backs should get touches and chances to put up decent fantasy points, but it seems like Tracy Jr. is the slightly better option given he his the hot hand and Singletary is coming back from injury.
Giants RB Devin Singletary will return on Sunday, however Tyrone Tracy will still see significant playing time, per HC Brian Daboll.
“He’s earned it, he’s done a good job. So he’ll get plenty of playing time.” pic.twitter.com/WPZq6VA379
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) October 18, 2024
Nick Chubb, T.J. Hockenson, Jonathon Brooks Injury Updates
Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (knee), Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee), and Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) are each players returning from the physically unable to perform list. Out of the three, Chubb is the most likely to play, as reports are indicating he is expected to play despite the questionable tag. Add on Jerome Ford being ruled out already, and Chubb has a chance to dominate backfield touches along with D'Onta Foreman against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Hockenson's status is up in the air, as his practice window still has another week, but he is listed as questionable after limited practices all week. The Vikings could really use him in an important matchup with the Detroit Lions, but also have room to be careful with their star tight end.
Jonathon Brooks seemed like a possibility to return this week until he didn't practice Thursday, and has officially been ruled out for Sunday against the Washington Commanders. His practice window was just opened and the Panthers have no reason to rush him back, so it could be another week or two until the rookie back returns.
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