We are just under a month away from the start of the 2024 NFL regular season. Over the past two weeks, we’ve seen far too many training camp and preseason injuries. Here is the latest injury update on every relevant fantasy football wide receiver.
To stay up-to-date on the latest injury news, check out PFN’s injury tracker.
Puka Nacua Injury Update
Puka Nacua suffered a knee injury during a joint practice with the Los Angeles Chargers last week. The injury occurred during a red-zone drill, and it initially caused concern in Rams camp when Nacua was seen icing his knee on the sidelines.
However, McVay offered a reassuring update, confirming that Nacua suffered a ruptured bursa in his knee. This is not considered severe, but can be tricky if not fully healed.
Additionally, there’s a potential ligament sprain, which is adding to the concern.
The Rams head coach told NFL Insider Adam Schefter that Nacua’s recovery is being monitored weekly, and the team expects him to be ready for the Week 1 matchup against the Lions.
Mike Williams Injury Update
The oft-injured big outside receiver is on his way back from a torn ACL he sustained early last season. Mike Williams opened training camp on the PUP list. He’s been spotted doing a little something at Jets practices.
Williams is on the fringe of draftable in fantasy this year, but he does project to be the team’s WR2 opposite Garrett Wilson if healthy.
By all accounts, Williams is on track to be activated before the start of the season but will likely not be 100% for another couple of months. He’s worth a late-round dart throw.
Roman Wilson Injury Update
The Steelers’ rookie third-rounder sprained his ankle at practice a couple of weeks ago. Although he was carted off the field, fantasy managers shouldn’t fear the worst, as carts are used much more liberally during training camp.
According to Ian Rapoport, Wilson should be ready for the start of the season.
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Unfortunately, given that he’s a rookie, this is going to delay Wilson’s progression. The Steelers will likely ease him back into action.
This injury removes Wilson from late-round dart-throw consideration, as he is unlikely to come into any fantasy value until later in the season.
Jordan Addison Injury Update
Earlier this week, Jordan Addison landed awkwardly after leaping for a contested catch. Although he was carted off the field, carts are used very liberally, much like with Roman Wilson.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell revealed Addison is dealing with an ankle sprain but should be fine. Fantasy managers should have no concerns over Addison’s Week 1 availability.
Hollywood Brown Injury Update
The presumptive WR2 of the Chiefs fell awkwardly on his shoulder in the team’s first preseason game. He was taken to the hospital as a precaution but is otherwise fine in terms of his overall health. However, the shoulder is not fine.
Brown is dealing with an SC joint injury. It’s a rare injury that, to my knowledge, only otherwise happened to Tyreek Hill in 2019. That injury cost Hill four games.
The Chiefs will now have to say goodbye to Hollywood for at least the next month.
While Week 1 statuses will not be known for a while, fantasy managers looking to draft Brown should fully expect him to miss his revenge game against the Ravens to open the season.
Brown should be back by the end of September, though.
Christian Kirk Injury Update
This is an injury we weren’t even aware of until Thursday. Christian Kirk has apparently been dealing with a bit of a calf strain. It’s not anything to be overly concerned about, but Kirk will be held out of practice for the remainder of the week.
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As long as Kirk is back by the end of the month, he should be all set for Week 1.
Malik Nabers Injury Update
The Giants had a scare at practice last week when Malik Nabers left with a foot issue. It was since revealed to be a very minor ankle sprain.
Nabers has already returned to practice and is not at risk of missing Week 1.
Diontae Johnson Injury Update
For the past few days, Diontae Johnson has been held out of practice with a groin strain, but this doesn’t sound overly serious. Expect Johnson to be fine well before the regular season starts.
Tyler Lockett Injury Update
This is one injury that has largely been flying under the radar, probably because no one is particularly excited about Tyler Lockett as a fantasy asset. Nevertheless, he is a relevant player and he has not been practicing lately.
The good news is that Lockett’s leg injury is deemed minor and is not expected to keep him out for an extended period of time. There is no concern here. Fantasy managers should continue not drafting Lockett as normal.
Brandin Cooks Injury Update
Brandin Cooks left Thursday’s practice early. He is merely dealing with some knee soreness and is expected to be fine. No cause for alarm here.