Several WRs popped up on injury reports this week, and some are getting ready to return. Which WRs should you monitor for your fantasy football start/sit decisions heading into Week 4?
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Injury Updates for Top Fantasy Football WRs
Jaylen Waddle, WR, Miami Dolphins
Miami was without speedster Jaylen Waddle in Week 3 as he was still in the concussion protocol. He started Wednesday still in the protocol but did practice for the team, which is the first step to coming out of the protocol. Things look to be trending up for Waddle to play on Sunday against the Bills.
Cooper Kupp, WR, Los Angeles Rams
Rams WR Cooper Kupp remains on the IR for another week because of a hamstring injury, but on Wednesday, head coach Sean McVay said he is still hoping that Kupp can return to the field in Week 5. Kupps’ recovery has been progressing, and until he takes the field, Puka Nacua and Tutu Atwell will continue to be Matthew Stafford’s prime targets.
Treylon Burks, WR, Tennessee Titans
The Titans’ young receiver injured his knee in training camp this year but has been playing through it so far. On Wednesday, Burks was limited in practice and had his left leg heavily wrapped.
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If Tennessee is without Burks, expect more DeAndre Hopkins through the air and more Derrick Henry on the ground.
Zay Jones, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars head across the pond to play in London in Week 4, and they may be without WR Zay Jones. Jones was held out of practice due to a knee injury on Wednesday, and even though he is progressing, he might not play this Sunday. “Zay is still day-to-day. We’re going to see how he works this week; probably a long shot for the game, but we’ll see. He’s progressing very nice,” head coach Doug Pederson said on Wednesday.
If Jones misses the game, expect Calvin Ridley and Christian Kirk to get more targets.
Puka Nacua, WR, Los Angeles Rams
Rookie Puca Nacua was battling an oblique issue last week, which seems to be lingering. Nacua was limited on Wednesday, and the Rams hope he is good to go on Sunday with Cooper Kupp still out. It might be the Tutu Atewell show against the Colts if he can’t go.
Brandon Aiyuk, WR, San Francisco 49ers
The Niners managed fine against the Giants without Brandon Aiyuk, who was sitting out due to a shoulder injury, but they no doubt would like to get him back. Aiyuk practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday, which is good news.
If he misses another game, expect continued use of Deebo Samuel, CMC, and George Kittle; however, Deebo could also be banged up.
Brandon Aiyuk is practicing today
🎥 @KNBR pic.twitter.com/ONUc4xDCuP
— Glock Purdy 🔥😈 (@ninerznation) September 25, 2023
Deebo Samuel, WR, San Francisco 49ers
Samuel received a brutal hit to the ribs on the Thursday night game, making fantasy managers hold their breath. He continued playing, but you could see that he was in pain. It was revealed there were no fractures, so hopefully, he will return soon, but he did not practice on Wednesday.
Odell Beckham Jr., WR, Baltimore Ravens
Just as he started showing rapport with his QB, Odell Beckham Jr. suffered an ankle injury in Week 2. Beckham did not play in Week 3 and remains sidelined in practice.
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If OBJ sits out another week, rookie Zay Flowers and TE Mark Andrews should get even more targets.
Rashod Bateman, WR, Baltimore Ravens
In addition to missing OBJ, the Ravens might be without Rashod Bateman on Sunday. Bateman did not practice on Wednesday due to his hamstring; it is uncertain if we will see him on Sunday.
Christian Watson, WR, Green Bay Packers
Fantasy managers are still waiting for Christian Watson to make his 2023 debut. Watson is listed as questionable for the Thursday game against Detroit, and he could be a game-time decision. Even if he is playing, waiting a week to start him to see his rapport with Jordan Love would make sense.
If Watson has another game on the bench, expect to see the continued use of Romeo Doubs and Jaylen Reed.