A few wide receivers flew under the radar all offseason in fantasy football leagues. One of these players is Jakobi Meyers. Unfortunately, Meyers is also being monitored for injury issues. What is the latest on the Raiders’ wide receiver, and do we expect him to suit up on Sunday in Buffalo? What are his chances of success in Week 2?
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Latest News Surrounding Meyers
While coming off two straight 800-plus-yard seasons in New England with the Patriots, Meyers had become a reliable receiver who could win at the top of his routes and give his quarterback a strong-handed target.
And even though Meyers moved to an offense in Las Vegas with a stronger passing attack, he continued to be drafted much later in fantasy drafts. But after a big Week 1, Meyers is back on everyone’s radar.
Meyers didn’t take long to make an impression on his new team. In the Raiders’ Week 1 win over the Denver Broncos, Meyers collected nine catches for 81 yards and two touchdowns. In a close 17-16 win, Meyers’ two touchdowns made up 12 of the Raiders’ 17 total points.
The Jakobi Meyers hit… pic.twitter.com/LUPfoU0HW1
— Raiders Beat (@RaidersBeat) September 10, 2023
But unfortunately, Meyers didn’t finish the contest on Sunday. Late in the game, Meyers took a major hit that was flagged for unnecessary roughness by referees. Meyers left the game in concussion protocol and never returned.
The hit was brutal and has had an impact on Meyers. The wide receiver has been in concussion protocol the entire week and unable to practice with the Raiders. His outlook for this weekend is in question.
Update: Meyers has now been ruled out for Week 2.
Will Meyers Play This Week?
As it stands right now, Meyers would not be able to play on Sunday. Until the wide receiver clears concussion protocol, he cannot suit up for the Raiders.
This is rough news for a Raiders team that has to travel across the country to Buffalo to take on one of the AFC’s best teams in the Buffalo Bills. If Meyers is unable to go, the Raiders will have to look for help from Hunter Renfrow in the passing game.
We will have to monitor the status of Meyers on Friday and all the way up until Sunday. If he clears concussion protocol, there wouldn’t be any reason for Meyers to miss the game against the Bills. But concussions can last some time, and his status is questionable.
What Does This Mean for Meyers’ Fantasy Ranking?
There have been instances of concussions (and the effects from them) lasting weeks for players in the NFL. But typically, a concussion is an injury that a player will miss only one to two games at max, if any at all.
While Meyers continuing to miss practice does not bode well in the short term, Meyers’ Week 1 performance is something fantasy managers have to be thrilled about. The receiver out-targeted and out-gained teammate Davante Adams in the Raiders’ win.
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If Meyers can return to form when he gets back from his concussion, he is a player who could bring life to a struggling fantasy team. With the average position Meyers was being selected in drafts, he is completely outperforming for his managers.
We will have to simply hope and wait for now. But when Meyers comes back, fantasy managers should be ready to get him into their lineups.