Week 7 Fantasy Football Injuries, Coachspeak and News to Help You Win: Lamar Jackson Injury Watch

Baker Mayfield and Chris Godwin

Baker Mayfield is expected to start but remains officially questionable. Emeka Egbuka is out with a concussion, and Tampa Bay will also be without its starting right tackle.

Todd Bowles, Zac Robinson, and Mayfield had already discussed getting Chris Godwin more touches before Egbuka was ruled out. Mayfield specifically mentioned getting the ball out to Godwin quicker and fixing the timing of the passing game. 

Godwin is WR45 for me, even with Mayfield back and Egbuka out. Ted Hurst and Tez Johnson should play more, but they're deep fliers. Mayfield is QB17 and Bucky Irving RB13.

Chuba Hubbard and Carolina's Receivers

Trevor Etienne returned last week and played only 3 snaps. Chuba Hubbard still handled 28 carries on a 94% snap share, with Carolina finally getting a full game from its starting offensive line. Hubbard is my RB9, and I'm expecting him to handle nearly all the carries again.

Tampa Bay is without Antoine Winfield Jr. in the secondary. Its matchup previews point to Zyon McCollum (he’s not anything to be afraid of) covering Tetairoa McMillan, but Carolina moves McMillan between outside and the slot. Last week’s game was always going to be more of a Coker game - this time without a dominant outside corner, I think we get a bigger McMillan game. Both remain WR2s for me.

New York Giants at Houston Texans

J.J. McCarthy and the Giants Offense

J.J. McCarthy will start, and John Harbaugh said the plan extends beyond this week. Matt Nagy is bringing back zone reads, designed QB runs, and RPOs that were removed with Jameis Winston at QB.

I expect McCarthy to run more and drop back less often than Winston did, especially against Houston's edge rush. Malik Nabers and Isaiah Likely drew 26 of the Giants' 47 targets last week. Theo Johnson is doubtful with a neck injury. Nabers is my WR17 and Likely TE6, and I'm starting both. I'm not starting McCarthy at QB25. It’s a tough matchup, and I am not sold on the one-quarter sample size we received last week.

Andrew Thomas has no game designation after dealing with his groin injury, but right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor is questionable. Houston has ruled out starting safeties Jalen Pitre and Reed Blankenship, along with tackle Blake Fisher.

The Giants also released Najee Harris, but this is still a three-back rotation. Harbaugh said Tyrone Tracy Jr. earned more snaps, and Cam Skattebo is expected to rejoin the mix after getting no touches last week. Skattebo is RB38 and Tracy is RB39. I'd bench both until someone actually takes over, especially with McCarthy adding another rushing option. 

Woody Marks and Marvin Harrison Jr.

David Montgomery is out again, and Jawhar Jordan is now on the practice-squad injured list. I'd expect another big workload for Marks, with Dare Ogunbowale still handling some passing downs.

Woody Marks is my RB15 against a Giants defense allowing 2.02 yards before contact per carry (4th most in the NFL). New York also ruled out starting linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and corner Greg Newsome. DeMeco Ryans said Houston will keep leaning on Marks. Houston used six or more offensive linemen on over a third of its snaps last week.

Harrison Jr. played roughly a dozen snaps in his debut, below the 15-17 Ryans had planned. Ryans expects more snaps for Harrison this week, but he's still just a stash at WR51. Tank Dell is officially questionable, but DeMeco Ryans expects him to return Sunday. He still needs to be activated from IR. Nico Collins is my WR12 and an auto-start.

Indianapolis Colts at Minnesota Vikings

Jordan Mason and Aaron Jones

Mason is questionable with the thumb injury after three full practices. Kevin O'Connell sounded positive about his availability, and Minnesota released DeeJay Dallas Friday. Mason still needs to be activated from IR.

I have Aaron Jones at RB19 and Mason RB20 if he's back. Mason had 15 carries to Jones' 12 in the opener, before the thumb injury. Jones also revealed to ESPN's Kevin Seifert that he's been playing through a sprained MCL since Week 2. Jones is cleared, and I'd expect the two to split the carries if Mason is activated.

Dan Graziano reported that Mason will get a chance to be Minnesota's lead ball carrier, possibly as soon as this week. Mason already out-carried Jones in the opener, and I'm starting both as RB2s if he's activated.

Minnesota has no other game designations, including on its starting tackles. Indianapolis has two linebackers questionable, including a Thursday addition who missed Friday.

Tyler Warren and the Colts Passing Game

Warren is out again. Indianapolis rotated three TEs in his absence last week, and I'm not streaming any of them against Brian Flores' defense.

Indianapolis has been using Jonathan Taylor in protection, and I'd expect more of that against Flores' blitz packages. Taylor stays my RB7, but I'm not counting on a big receiving game against this defense. Josh Downs is WR30 and Keenan Allen WR33, with Daniel Jones down at QB28.

On the other side, the Colts have ruled out Sauce Gardner, and their slot corner is questionable too. Justin Jefferson is my WR8, with Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson both cleared to return. Addison is a WR3 at WR36 and Hockenson a fringe TE1 at TE13.

Miami Dolphins at New York Jets

Breece Hall and Braelon Allen

Breece Hall is questionable with the quad injury and a game-time decision. Aaron Glenn called Hall the starter, then said the Jets would share the responsibilities in the same answer.

Braelon Allen has run for 253 yards in the three games Hall missed. Glenn has been clear that Allen will keep getting carries, and Frank Reich still calls Hall his bell cow. If Hall plays, I'm expecting a committee from the start.

If Hall sits again, Allen is my RB14 and a strong start. If Hall plays, Allen drops into the flex range for me. Hall is an RB2 for me if active without a snap restriction. Neither coach has said who handles the passing downs or goal line if Hall plays.

Allen handled short-yardage attempts last week, but that was without Hall, and the team also used Isaiah Davis on a key third-and-1. I'm holding Allen even if Hall plays. 

Garrett Wilson, Omar Cooper Jr. and Miami's Receivers

Adonai Mitchell is cleared to return, joining Garrett Wilson and Omar Cooper Jr. for the first time since Week 1. Cooper had 103 yards in his return, but Mitchell's presence adds another WR to the rotation. Wilson is my WR18 and Cooper is WR34. Wilson had just 2 targets through three quarters last week, and Reich said he needs to get him involved earlier.

Miami has cleared Caleb Douglas, who gives Malik Willis another outside option. Malik Washington is still the receiver I'd use in PPR at WR35. Miami moves Washington between the slot and the backfield. Douglas is a deeper option at WR48.

Cleveland Browns at Tennessee Titans

Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson

Quinshon Judkins has no injury designation and is my RB23. Dylan Sampson is questionable in his return window. 

If Sampson is activated, I'd expect Judkins to keep most of the carries and lose some passing downs. Cleveland has ruled out starting guard Teven Jenkins, a tough loss against Jeffery Simmons and Tennessee's interior. I'm starting Judkins as a low-end RB2.

Todd Monken wants Jerry Jeudy more involved, but Jeudy has been fifth on the team in targets. I'm leaving him on the bench at WR60. Denzel Boston remains the WR I'd use at WR29.

Tony Pollard and the Titans Passing Game

Tyjae Spears is questionable again. Tony Pollard is my RB21 with Spears in the mix and would get a bigger receiving opportunity if he sits. Tyjae’s been limited the past few weeks, even though he’s been active, which is my suspicion as to why Pollard has received a strong workload. I think we see it again in this one even if Spears is active.

Cleveland has Denzel Ward and Grant Delpit both questionable. Carnell Tate is my WR23, and Calvin Ridley is also questionable for Tennessee. I'm starting Tate as a WR2.

Denver Broncos at Arizona Cardinals

Tyler Allgeier and Bam Knight

Jeremiyah Love is officially out again. I'm treating Tyler Allgeier and Bam Knight as similar flex options, with Allgeier RB30 and Knight RB32.

Allgeier played slightly more than Knight last week, but Knight had full-body cramps through much of the second half. He still gained 80 yards on 15 carries. Allgeier handled the late carries with Arizona protecting a lead. Arizona has also lost another guard in Jon Gaines II, its third guard unavailable with an injury.

LaFleur said Knight will get a lot of the early-down work with Love out, and he trusts Allgeier on passing downs and in short yardage. Knight is an interesting flex flier, especially if you need rushing upside.

Denver's Backfield and the Arizona Passing Game

Jonah Coleman is questionable after three full practices and still needs to be activated from IR. J.K. Dobbins is my RB22 and RJ Harvey is RB26. 

Arizona blitzed more last week, and Nix has been checking it down a lot. Tyler Badie is out with the thumb injury after sharing some passing-down snaps with Harvey. I like Harvey as a PPR flex in this matchup. I'm not starting Coleman in his first game back.

Denver has cleared Riley Moss, but Patrick Surtain II remains questionable, and Talanoa Hufanga is out. Michael Wilson is a WR3 at WR27, and Trey McBride stays my TE3. If Surtain plays, I'd lower my expectations for Wilson on the outside.

Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions

Josh Jacobs

Jacobs is eligible again, and Matt LaFleur said Friday that he appears on track to play. He's my RB18. I expect him to lead the backfield.

Jacobs practiced in pads Thursday for the first time since training camp. LaFleur said the staff would use the "eyeball test" in practice to decide how much he could handle. Jacobs said Wednesday's walkthrough gave him few real reps. 

Pierre Strong led the backfield with 41 snaps last week. MarShawn Lloyd was still involved, and both have been used on checkdowns. The staff has also called out the backs' protection against twists. Jacobs is returning behind new starters, and how quickly he handles those protection calls could affect his passing-down snaps. 

I'm starting Jacobs as an RB2.

Christian Watson and Matthew Golden remain my WR10 and WR11. Brian Branch is questionable despite three full practices. Detroit isn't putting a set snap count on him and plans to see how he handles his first game back. Green Bay's outside receivers still get plenty of deep opportunities. Savion Williams returned to 40 snaps and some backfield touches last week. He's a deeper stash, with Tucker Kraft still the underneath option I'm starting at TE5.

Green Bay is missing both starting inside linebackers. Zaire Franklin was ruled out Friday, and Edgerrin Cooper is already on IR. Jonathan Gannon has been using disguised pressure and man coverage to make up for the missing edge rush. Jahmyr Gibbs is my RB1 and Sam LaPorta is my TE4.

Detroit also plans to start Cade Mays at center without a rotation once he's activated. He remains questionable. Mays will be making his first start at center against a Green Bay defense that has been disguising pressure on third downs.

Los Angeles Rams at Las Vegas Raiders

Ashton Jeanty and Mike Washington Jr.

Mike Washington Jr. played a season-high 23 snaps last week, and Klint Kubiak said the Raiders plan to keep all three backs involved. Washington also started handling passing downs, a role Dylan Laube had handled for much of the season. Kubiak said Washington has earned a larger role.

Ashton Jeanty fell to a 58% snap share and had only 10 carries. Some of Washington's extra snaps came from Laube's old passing-down role, but Jeanty also lost playing time. 

Washington is questionable with foot and back injuries after missing Thursday and Friday. Kubiak expects him to play. Jeanty is my RB16 if Washington plays, and I'd move him up if Washington sits.

The Rams are missing two important interior defensive linemen and have ruled out Nate Landman. The Rams are missing multiple starters in the defensive front, but Las Vegas has struggled badly with its outside-zone blocking. I'm still starting Jeanty as an RB2. Washington is a stash at RB40, but I want to see him play passing downs again before starting him.

Puka Nacua, Kyren Williams and the Rams Passing Game

Puka Nacua is questionable after injuring his calf Thursday and missing Friday. Sean McVay called it minor, but said Nacua couldn't generate his normal power and explosion. Davante Adams is already on IR.

Puka is my WR1 if he plays. It's a late kickoff, and I'd keep another afternoon receiver available in case he sits. Tre Tucker is WR37 in the same game. If Puka sits, Konata Mumpfield and Jordan Whittington are deeper alternatives, and Tyler Higbee becomes a better stream than his current TE12 ranking. I'd move Stafford down from QB9 if Nacua sits with Adams already on IR.

Kyren Williams played 40 snaps to Blake Corum's 16 last week, even though the carries were nearly even. Kyren still handled most of the passing downs. He's my RB6, and Corum is a bye-week flex at RB28.

Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer each drew 9 targets last week. Las Vegas has used 12 personnel on 57.9% of its plays since Bowers returned in Week 3, the highest rate in the league. Mayer is my TE16 and a stream if you need one, especially against a Rams defense missing starting linebacker Nate Landman.

Kansas City Chiefs at Seattle Seahawks (Sunday Night)

Kenneth Walker III and Xavier Worthy

Andy Reid confirmed that Kansas City is using Patrick Mahomes under center more because he likes how his backs run from those looks. Kenneth Walker III also received all four carries on a failed goal-to-go possession last week. 

Walker is my RB4, and Brashard Smith is out with a hamstring injury. Kansas City is without both starting tackles against Seattle. Walker is the 1.02 if we drafted today so we are always playing him, but Mahomes is only QB14 for me behind that line.

Rashee Rice is out again. Reid described Xavier Worthy running shallow and deep crossers, with more chances to catch the ball moving across the formation rather than only on vertical throws. Worthy is my WR31 and a flex. Jalen Royals and Andrew Armstrong played plenty last week, but their roles haven't made either a reliable fantasy receiver. Cyrus Allen looks the best of the bunch but he didn’t get enough snaps to matter. That could change this week, but we can’t put that in lineups.

Travis Kelce has no game designation and is my TE8. Seattle is missing two linebackers and has Nick Emmanwori questionable after a new hip issue Friday.

Emanuel Wilson and the Seahawks Run Game

Zach Charbonnet was activated Thursday but is officially out Sunday. Mike Macdonald said there was no setback. Seattle had to make the roster move because his practice window was expiring.

Charbonnet is out, but I'm only using Emanuel Wilson as a desperation flex against Kansas City. He played just 33% of Seattle's snaps last week, with George Holani taking most of the passing downs. Wilson handled 15 of the 25 RB opportunities, and Seattle has also started using Velus Jones in the rotation.

Brian Fleury said Seattle is cutting the run concepts that haven't worked and leaning into the blocking combinations the line has handled best.

Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles (Monday Night)

Saquon Barkley and Philadelphia's Pass Catchers

Saquon Barkley has been limited in both practices this week. Philadelphia hasn't issued its final designations yet. Dameon Pierce played 95% of the snaps last week, and I'd use him as an RB2 if Barkley sits again. If Barkley is active without restrictions, Pierce goes back to the bench.

DeVonta Smith, Dontayvion Wicks and Dallas Goedert missed Thursday and Friday. Jeff McLane reported Friday that Smith and Wicks were trending toward missing Monday, with more optimism around Goedert. Smith had 14 targets on a snap restriction in his return last week, but the hamstring has kept him out of practice again. I wouldn't wait on his WR14 ranking Monday without a replacement.

Makai Lemon led the WRs with 52 snaps last week. Lemon is my Monday fallback for Smith and a flex if Wicks also sits. Darius Cooper is a super sicko deep play as well if you hold out for Devonta Smith. My suspicion is he is ruled out - he’s had a string of recurring hamstring injuries, and it would be logical to rest for a few games to get that right. Another fallback option is Ryan Flournoy for the Cowboys if you do hold out hope for Smith.

Goedert has been staying in to chip more often behind this line, and now he's dealing with a knee injury. I'd have another TE ready.

Tanner McKee is my QB20. Sean Mannion wants to keep the under-center runs and play-action, but Philadelphia ran mostly from shotgun without Barkley last week.

George Pickens, Jake Ferguson and Dallas' Run Game

Brian Schottenheimer wants to move George Pickens around more and involve him earlier. He's also tied Pickens' playing time to his run blocking. Pickens practiced fully with the shoulder injury and is my WR19. He still runs almost all his routes outside.

Brevyn Spann-Ford started ahead of Jake Ferguson last week for blocking, although Ferguson still played slightly more snaps and remained the receiving TE in hurry-up personnel. Ferguson is TE28 for me. Most of his useful receiving opportunities are coming in hurry-up situations, and I'm not starting him in a normal league.

Javonte Williams is my RB8. Dallas threw on 37 of 38 plays after his touchdown last week as it fell behind. Schottenheimer said he wants to get back to the run. Philadelphia's edge group is also banged up.