As we near the start of the fantasy football playoffs, injuries are going to play a huge factor into which teams will win the championship. The wide receiver position saw a couple of young stars get hurt, but one of the game’s very best receivers is expected to be back this week.
Let’s take a look at the injury status of Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson, Green Bay Packers WR Christian Watson, and Houston Texans WR Tank Dell, as we get close to the start of Week 14.
Latest News and Injury Updates Impacting Fantasy
Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings
When healthy, it’s undeniable that Jefferson is as good of a wide receiver as there is in the NFL. He was injured in Week 5 against the Kansas City Chiefs, and at that point in the season, the Vikings were 1-4. It felt like the season was going to be lost for the Vikings when Jefferson went on injured reserve.
After Jefferson got hurt, QB Kirk Cousins also got hurt. Yet, Minnesota traded for backup QB Joshua Dobbs, and the team is currently sitting at 6-6 and very much in the race for an NFC playoff spot.
Coming off a bye, the Vikings will face the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. Jefferson was added to the active roster and will be ready to go. Don’t be surprised if the Vikings use him early and often and for him to be right back to having big games.
Christian Watson, Green Bay Packers
Over the last two weeks, the Packers have gotten wins against two great teams, the Detroit Lions and the Chiefs. They are looking like a team that is more than capable of getting into the playoffs, but Watson suffered a potentially tough injury for the team.
Green Bay was trying to run the clock out against the Chiefs. Watson got past the first down and then pulled up after with a hamstring injury.
MORE: PFN’s FREE NFL Playoff Predictor
It’s the same hamstring (right) that he missed three games early in the season for, but after the game, Watson wasn’t extremely worried about it.
“I’ll go talk to the trainers, figure out what’s going on. But, yeah, we’ve got to get that sorted out,” Watson told reporters after the game.
A hamstring injury can be a major issue for a wide receiver, and the fact that Watson has already dealt with this same issue is worrisome. I know the Packers are in a playoff race, but they’re going to be careful with him. Keep an eye on Wednesday’s injury report to see his status. But right now, it’s hard to tell.
Tank Dell, WR, Houston Texans
The Texans are one of the more surprising teams in the NFL this year, especially on the offensive end. Rookie QB C.J. Stroud is having one of the best seasons ever for a rookie, and the receiver play has been tremendous.
Dell has been an absolute steal in the third round for the Texans. He has 47 catches for 709 yards and seven touchdowns. However, he suffered an injury against the Denver Broncos and will miss a lot of time.
Dell suffered a fractured left fibula, and he had surgery on Monday to repair it. The future is still very bright for Dell, but right now, his season is over. WR Nico Collins has been great all year, and WR Noah Brown has shown big-time potential as well.
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