With fantasy football managers getting into the heart of the draft season, the injury status of some of the game’s biggest wide receivers continues to be a question. With names like Tee Higgins, Chris Godwin, Drake London, and Diontae Johnson all carrying some sort of injury designation, do managers need to think twice before selecting them? Here is the latest fantasy football injury report for pass catchers.
You can also see our most recent updates on RBs like Brian Robinson, Cam Akers, and Najee Harris.
Fantasy football injury report | WRs
Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals
One marquee name that did not see the field during the entire 2022 NFL preseason was Bengals WR Tee Higgins. Higgins had a huge season last year, racking up 1,091 receiving yards and six touchdowns. He was instrumental to the team’s success and helped take Cincinnati to the Super Bowl.
However, following that Super Bowl loss, Higgins needed offseason shoulder surgery. He saw limited participation during training camp but was given the green light for full practice participation at the beginning of August. It looks like he was held out of game action as a precaution.
“On the physical part of things, he’s ready,” Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said, via Jay Morrison of TheAthletic.com. “I know he feels great. I know he’s ready to go, and trust me, he tells me every day. But it’s good to slowly integrate him in there, so he’s been doing the one-on-ones. He’ll do seven-on-sevens going forward. I think that he feels really good, and man, he’s really attacked that rehab the right way and looks really good.”
Although he has yet to see the field this year, it looks like Higgins should be good to go for Week 1, barring any setbacks during practice.
Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin went down with a season-ending knee injury in Week 15 of last season. His absence was clearly felt as Tom Brady and the team’s offense did not look the same once he was gone. An integral part of this team, Godwin has reportedly been working hard during the offseason to make his way back.
However, he has yet to practice with contact and did not see any playing time during the preseason. New head coach Todd Bowles has been optimistic regarding Godwin’s health but has yet to give a definitive answer as to whether or not Godwin will play Week 1.
“He’s been working out every day. He’s one of the hardest workers on the team. It’s going to be hard to try to hold him back if he’s healthy.” Bowles told The Athletic’s Greg Auman.
Drake London, Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons selected WR Drake London with the eighth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. After a huge season at USC, all we got to see from London in the NFL was one 24-yard catch before he went down with a knee injury against the Lions during the team’s first preseason game.
New head coach Arthur Smith sounded optimistic about the chances of London playing in Week 1 of the 2022 NFL regular season; however, he was not able to make a definite date of return for the former Trojans star.
“I feel good about where he’s at, but I’m not going to make a prediction. But I feel good about where he’s at.”
Diontae Johnson, Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers’ top receiving option Diontae Johnson was injured during their last preseason game of the year. He landed awkwardly on his left shoulder as he was hit bringing in a 38-yard catch from QB Mitch Trubisky. After signing a two-year extension earlier in August, Steeler fans held their breath when Johnson was being evaluated in the blue tent.
However, head coach Mike Tomlin quelled any concerns after the game when he said that there were “no long-term concerns” surrounding Johnson. He added that if the game was a regular season matchup, Johnson likely would have returned. We can expect to see Johnson on the field in Week 1.