As is always the case, a full slate of NFL games always comes with a few new names on the injury report. Week 1 of 2023 is no different with several injuries taking place on Sunday.
Who are the players that suffered a setback this week? What is the latest news on their status as fantasy football managers head into Week 2? Let’s dive in and take an early look at the wide receivers we will need to monitor on this week’s injury reports.
Looking to make a trade in your fantasy league? Having trouble deciding who to start and who to sit? Check out PFN’s Free Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer and Start/Sit Optimizer to help you make the right decision!
Injury Updates for Top Fantasy Football WRs
Here is the latest news on fantasy-relevant wide receivers at the start of Week 2.
Diontae Johnson, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers were defeated in every aspect of their Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. And they may be without one of their best offensive weapons going into Week 2.
Wide receiver Diontae Johnson exited the game early in the third quarter with a hamstring injury. Johnson appears to suffer the injury while making a cut on the play, prior to being met with contact on the ground.
Diontae Johnson suffers an injury on a big catch and run #HereWeGo pic.twitter.com/gYQqnhiUka
— Pro Football Culture (@proftblculture) September 10, 2023
Hamstring injuries have been, unfortunately, common place across the league’s wide receivers. Several pass catchers were hobbled or missed Week 1 of the season with hammy issues. If this injury is a decent strain, Johnson could be sidelined for a week or two.
We will have to monitor Johnson’s status throughout the week and wait to hear any official word from the Steelers on his status. Hopefully any clarification of whether or not Johnson is playing will come before Sunday. Johnson plays Monday night in Week 2 and managers will need to put in a replacement for the wideout (should he be out) ahead of time.
Jakobi Meyers, WR, Las Vegas Raiders
Jakobi Meyers had a strong debut with the Las Vegas Raiders in their win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday, with nine catches, 81 yards, and two touchdowns. However, Meyers left near the end of the game after taking a big hit following a reception. The hit was penalized by officials.
The official word for now is that Meyers is in concussion protocol.
Meyers being in concussion protocol puts his status for Week 2 against the Buffalo Bills up in the air. Concussions can last for several weeks, while some players are only in protocol for a few days.
We will have to monitor Meyers’ status throughout the week to see if he can return after a strong first week of the season.
Christian Watson, WR, Green Bay Packers
Christian Watson was inactive for the Green Bay Packers’ win against the Chicago Bears on Sunday. He had been hampered by a hamstring injury leading up to the game.
As of now, we do not know if Watson will be able to make his debut in Week 2 when the Packers travel to Atlanta to play the Falcons. We will find out more about Watson’s status this week in practices and injury reports.
Romeo Doubs, WR, Green Bay Packers
While listed on the injury report throughout the week, Romeo Doubs was able to play for the Packers on Sunday. Doubs was limited to only 48% of the Packers’ offensive snaps, but he was able to secure four of five targets for 26 yards and two touchdowns.
Being that Doubs was able to play Sunday, I would expect he will also be on the field in Atlanta next week, barring any setbacks. This is great news for the Packers who may still be without Christian Watson in Week 2.
Tyler Lockett, WR, Seattle Seahawks
Tyler Lockett briefly left Sunday’s loss to the Los Angeles Rams when he was evaluated for a possible concussion. However, Lockett was able to return to action and he was on the field for 88% of the Seattle Seahawks’ offensive snaps.
As of today, there should not be lingering issues as Lockett was able to return to action on Sunday. He should be fit to start Week 2 when the Seahawks visit the Detroit Lions in Motor City.
Mike Williams, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
Mike Williams briefly exited Sunday’s home loss to the Miami Dolphins. He was being evaluated for a possible concussion but was able to return to action.
Williams was still on the field for 77% of the Los Angeles Chargers’ offensive plays and was able to finish the game with the team. I would not expect Williams to be in concussion protocol this week as he was cleared to play on Sunday. He should be available for Week 2 when the Chargers play the Tennessee Titans.