Is Brian Thomas Jr. Injured or Playing In Week 10? Should I Start Parker Washington For Fantasy Football?

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (chest) picked up a chest injury in Week 8 of NFL action, near the end of his game against the Green Bay Packers. He's in the midst of a stellar rookie season, leading all freshman wideouts in receiving yards, having racked up 595.

He trails his former LSU teammate, New York Giants receiver Malik Nabers, who has 79.5 yards per game, but he's also racked up five touchdowns and has already had multiple explosive plays. He took over the WR1 job on his team quickly and figures to get even more work with WR Christian Kirk (collarbone) now out for the season.

But he's still on the injury report. So, is he playing in Week 10? Should you start WR Parker Washington instead?

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Is Brian Thomas Jr. Playing In Week 10?

Things are trending toward him playing on Sunday when the Jags take on the Minnesota Vikings at home. It's unclear exactly how big his workload will be, though. He's just two weeks removed from his injury, but he did play in Week 10. He could see the field often, but it's unclear how many targets he'll get.

#Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. said he didn’t feel like Eagles focused on him or did anything special, different.

Said he didn’t feel limited with the injury.

“It don’t matter if I do good and still lose… I just try to go out there and play for my team, help the team win.” pic.twitter.com/ETVEuAgUET

— Demetrius Harvey (@Demetrius82) November 4, 2024

He said in an interview that he didn't feel limited by his injury, but he logged limited practices for the week, so the team clearly wants to minimize any risk of re-injury.

Should I Start Parker Washington for Fantasy Football Week 10?

It's probably not a great idea. Starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence (shoulder), officially listed as "Questionable" for Sunday's game, is unlikely to play, meaning the team will trot out backup QB C.J. Beathard. Washington will get more playing time due to Kirk's absence, but that doesn't make him a good receiver.

All of Parker Washington's targets vs. the Packers.

He will have a big opportunity in Christian Kirk's role. pic.twitter.com/7T1CODQyza

— John Shipley (@_John_Shipley) October 29, 2024

Realistically, Thomas is extremely likely to play, and Washington is a risky start even if he can't.

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