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As the 2023 NFL season continues to roll on, the injury headlines will grow. This week is no different, as there are plenty of injury concerns that will force fantasy managers into tough start-or-sit decisions. Our injury updates and reports for Week 7 as of Sunday, October 22, 2023, will give you the latest updates on key fantasy football assets.
The injury news for Week 7 of the NFL season has featured many notable fantasy football players such as Christian McCaffrey, Aaron Jones, Deebo Samuel, DK Metcalf, Kyren Williams, and more.
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 key fantasy options and see whether they may play in Week 7.
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Christian McCaffrey Injury Update
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (oblique) is considered questionable for the Week 7 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. The superstar back has been sidelined all week, but was able to get in a limited practice session on Saturday. He was able to run routes and catch passes, but didn't take any contact. It sounds like McCaffrey could end up as a legitimate game-time decision this week.
That obviously puts fantasy managers in a tough spot with this game being on a Monday night. Jordan Mason and Elijah Mitchell would split up the duties in the backfield, assuming McCaffrey is unable to play.
Deshaun Watson Injury Update
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (shoulder) remains listed as questionable for the Week 7 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. Despite that, it sounds like Watson is trending in the right direction ahead of that contest. He was able to take first-team reps on Saturday after returning to full practice on Friday. Barring any setbacks, it sounds like Watson should be back under center for the Browns.
He has put together an underwhelming start to the season, but should be a fairly decent fantasy option against the struggling Colts' secondary.
Aaron Jones Injury Update
According to NFL Media's Tom Pelissero, Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones (hamstring) "intends to play" on Sunday against Denver. The 28-year-old found the end zone twice in Week 1 versus Chicago. However, he also tweaked his hamstring in that contest and has appeared in only one game since then. While fantasy managers are likely overjoyed with the latest update, there's a realistic chance Jones might not see his usual workload in Week 7.
But the Broncos have allowed 12 total touchdowns to opposing running backs this season, the worst mark in the league, meaning it will be hard to justify keeping Jones out of any fantasy starting lineup. As far as AJ Dillon is concerned, he's still a flex option, especially after his performance versus the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 5.
DK Metcalf Injury Update
Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll considers wide receiver DK Metcalf (hip, ribs) to be a game-time decision for Week 7 against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. Metcalf is officially listed as questionable to play, but the fact that he was limited in practice on Friday is a good sign. He has been dealing with a painful rib injury since Week 2, but he also picked up a hip ailment in the Week 6 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, although he was able to return to that contest.
The fact that Seattle plays in the late window on Sunday makes the 25-year-old a bit more risky, but we'd be surprised if he didn't suit up. If Metcalf is active, he should be considered a must-start in a great matchup.
Kyren Williams Injury Update
Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams (ankle) has been placed on IR. The second-year running back now won't be eligible to return until Week 12 when the Rams face the Arizona Cardinals. Williams injured his ankle in Week 6 and Los Angeles waited nearly a full week before placing him on IR, which likely means the injury is more serious than initially thought. It was always going to be a multi-week absence for Williams but now fantasy managers will have to wait even longer for his return.
Backup running back Ronnie Rivers (knee) is also on IR so the Rams will lean on a committee of Zach Evans, Royce Freeman, Darrell Henderson, and Myles Gaskin in the meantime. It's a difficult situation to project for fantasy purposes so it's best to wait and see how the backfield touches are distributed in Week 7 when the Rams face the Steelers.
Deebo Samuel Injury Update
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (shoulder) is expected to miss at least the next two games. Samuel is dealing with a hairline fracture in his shoulder, which is likely to sideline him until after the team's bye in Week 9. The good news is, the 49ers have not placed him on the injured reserve. That means, the 49ers don't believe the injury is going to sideline him longer than two weeks.
The loss of Samuel is going to be a significant hit to this offense. Brandon Aiyuk and George Kittle are expected to be more involved in the passing game. Also, Jauan Jennings and Ray-Ray McCloud could see more action as well, but are risky streaming choices.
Kyler Murry Injury Update
The Arizona Cardinals have officially ruled out quarterback Kyler Murray (knee) for the Week 7 contest against the Seattle Seahawks. The Cardinals just opened Murray's 21-day practice window this week for him to be officially activated from the Physically Unable to Perform list. The expectation is that Murray will have two more weeks to practice before making his 2023 debut in Week 9 against the Cleveland Browns.
The 26-year-old was limited all week after tearing his right ACL late last year. He was even allowed to take some first-team repetitions away from Joshua Dobbs this week. Fantasy managers hurting at the QB position would be wise to pick Murray up now and stash him if he's available in your league.
Diontae Johnson, Pat Freiermuth Injury Update
The Pittsburgh Steelers officially activated wide receiver Diontae Johnson (hamstring) from Injured Reserve on Saturday and placed tight end Pat Freiermuth (hamstring) on IR in a corresponding move. This was a foregone conclusion when Johnson was able to practice in full all week. The 27-year-old will be making his return after injuring his hamstring in the season opener.
He will return to starting duties in Pittsburgh alongside George Pickens and Allen Robinson II, although it remains to be seen if the Steelers will elect to limit his snap count in his first game back after the long layoff. Johnson caught three of his six targets for 48 yards in Week 1 before getting hurt. Consider him a WR3/flex option in fantasy lineups in his first game back this Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams.
Jeff Wilson Jr. Injury Update
Miami Dolphins running back Jeff Wilson Jr. (ribs, finger) has been activated off Injured Reserve. Wilson, who has been on IR since the beginning of the season, is now set to make his 2023 debut on Sunday Night Football against the Philadelphia Eagles. He will likely work in behind starting running back Raheem Mostert and will be a little rusty, considering it's his first game back.
He's hard to trust from a fantasy perspective on Sunday, but he should have some value moving forward as long as dynamic rookie De'Von Achane (knee) is on IR. Wilson tallied 392 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 84 carries to go along with 12 catches (24 targets) for 94 yards and a score through the air across eight games with the Dolphins in 2022.
Kareem Hunt Injury Update
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt (thigh) "will be tested in pre-game warmups to determine if he can play" in Week 7 against the Colts. The team is certainly hoping he'll suit up.
However, Hunt is battling a strained thigh, with Schefter adding, "Cleveland has concerns about his availability." That said, the 28-year-old remains questionable, although fantasy managers realistically may not see him out there. If that's the case, Jerome Ford's fantasy stock will rise for the favorable matchup versus Indianapolis. There's also a chance Pierre Strong Jr. or Deon Jackson could get involved, although neither would be considered a reliable fantasy option.
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