Nothing can derail a potentially successful fantasy football season quicker than injuries. That’s especially true at the ever-so-critical wide receiver position, where elite-level players can make or break a contending fantasy team. As we head into Week 18 and fantasy championships, several WRs find themselves on the injury report for their respective teams. Thus, fantasy managers need to pay close attention to any WR injury updates and reports as NFL kickoffs draw near.
Fantasy WR Injury Report Week 18 | AFC
In the middle of what has seemed like a brutal season full of injuries, these are the fantasy-relevant WRs in the AFC currently on the NFL’s Week 18 injury report. With some players trending in the wrong direction, fantasy managers might need to start considering secondary options.
Emmanuel Sanders | Buffalo Bills
Per Sal Capaccio of WGR Sports Radio 550 Buffalo, Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott stated Emmanuel Sanders (knee) is day-to-day on Monday heading into Week 18 against the Jets.
Sanders has missed two of the last three games and reportedly suffered a reaggravation of the ankle injury he sustained in Week 14. He has been off fantasy radars for weeks and is highly benchable even if he plays.
Jerry Jeudy and Tim Patrick | Denver Broncos
Ben Swanson of the Broncos’ official site reported on December 31 that Denver placed Jerry Jeudy on the reserve/COVID-19 list following a positive test. Jeudy missed Week 17 and hopes to clear protocols ahead of Week 18. Assuming he returns Saturday, he’ll be a risky WR3/4 given Denver’s weak aerial attack.
Aric DiLalla of the Broncos’ official site reported on December 31 that Denver placed Tim Patrick on the reserve/COVID-19 list. He will miss Week 18 per Broncos head coach Vic Fangio, opening a tiny window for other receivers like Courtland Sutton to pick up an extra target or two.
Danny Amendola and Chris Moore | Houston Texans
The Houston Texans placed Danny Amendola and Chris Moore on the reserve/COVID-19 list on December 30. Brandin Cooks remains the only worthy WR3+ fantasy starter, with Nico Collins potentially serving as a desperation option over Amendola and Moore assuming they return.
Nelson Agholor | New England Patriots
Per the Patriots’ official site, the team ruled out Nelson Agholor in Week 17 due to a concussion and missed his second straight game. Even if he returns for Week 18, he’d be a low-floor WR4/5.
Jamison Crowder and Elijah Moore | New York Jets
The Jets ruled Jamison Crowder (calf) inactive for Week 17 against the Buccaneers. Crowder did not participate all week, and the team initially listed him as doubtful heading into the game. If he returns for Week 18, given the development of Braxton Berrios, Crowder would be a long shot for 8+ fantasy points, especially if Elijah Moore returns as well.
Speaking of, Al Iannazzone of Newsday reported on Monday [January 3] that Jets head coach Robert Saleh said Moore (quadriceps) had a good workout and has a chance to play in the season finale against Buffalo. The team also placed him on the reserve/COVID-19 list, but his return to the facility suggests he has cleared protocols. Moore would slot in as the Jets’ highest-upside fantasy WR, worthy of streaming in most leagues.
Fantasy WR Injury Report Week 18 | NFC
Which NFC wide receivers currently sit on the injury report ahead of Week 18? Who is in danger of missing their matchup this week, leaving fantasy managers in a difficult position?
Rondale Moore | Arizona Cardinals
Darren Urban of the Cardinals’ official site reported that the team listed Rondale Moore as inactive for Week 17 due to an ankle injury. If he returns in Week 18, he’ll be a low-floor WR4/5.
Kalif Raymond | Detroit Lions
Detroit did not activate Kalif Raymond off the reserve/COVID-19 list ahead of Week 17. Even if he suits up in Week 18, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Detroit’s backfield will continue to lead this offense, with Josh Reynolds (if he returns) likely taking more scraps than Raymond.
Tre’Quan Smith | New Orleans Saints
Katherine Terrell of The Athletic reported that Tre’Quan Smith missed Week 17 due to a chest injury, marking his first absence since missing the first six weeks of the season due to a hamstring injury.
Smith is almost entirely off the fantasy radar regardless of his Week 18 status. Marquez Callaway is entrenched as the Saints’ No. 1 receiver, and this passing attack isn’t proficient enough to effectively feed multiple receivers most weeks.
Collin Johnson, Darius Slayton, and Kadarius Toney | New York Giants
Dan Salomone of the Giants’ official site reported Collin Johnson missed Week 17 because of a hamstring injury. He’s off most fantasy radars for many reasons.
Patricia Traina of Sports Illustrated reported Darius Slayton did not play in Week 17 after the Giants did not activate him off the reserve/COVID-19 list. Slayton exceeded 8 fantasy points in three of his first four games but hasn’t done so since. That sums up his Week 18 fantasy outlook.
The Giants ruled out Kadarius Toney (shoulder) in Week 17, though he did manage to work out on the side with trainers last week. The Giants hope Toney can suit up for the season finale in Week 18. He would be a desperation play in a painfully weak aerial attack.
Quez Watkins | Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles’ official site listed Quez Watkins as a limited participant for Tuesday’s [January 4] walkthrough due to a knee injury. Watkins played over half of the snaps and is expected to play in Week 18, assuming he can get in a full week of practice, even if on a limited basis. He would be a low-floor WR4/5.
Curtis Samuel | Washington Football Team
According to Washington’s inactive list, Curtis Samuel missed Week 17 due to a hamstring injury. It marked the second week in a row where a questionable Samuel did not suit up despite logging a full week of limited participation sessions. If you’re still hoping Samuel can help your fantasy team, take a nap and wake up in August 2022.