Michael Thomas, Darren Waller, and Jahan Dotson have all been dealing with their fair share of injuries over the past few weeks, causing fantasy owners to look elsewhere for production at the wide receiver and tight end spots. The status of all three pass-catchers will impact Week 8 fantasy rankings and start 'em, sit 'em decisions, knowing the latest updates is key ahead of your roster moves.
Below, we'll give you the latest news on these pass catchers and break down how their injuries could potentially affect the Week 8 fantasy landscape. For the latest on banged-up running backs Breece Hall and Chuba Hubbard, click here; for more on injured pass-catchers Mike Williams, Amon-Ra St. Brown, DK Metcalf, David Njoku, and Allen Lazard, go here; for updates on ailing QBs Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, click here; for more on RBs D'Andre Swift, James Conner, and Cam Akers, go here.
Follow your fantasy team and watch every week during the 2022 NFL season on Sling TV. Stream Sling Orange or Blue for $35/month, or both for $50/month. Right now, get half off your first month, plus SHOWTIME, STARZ, AND EPIX -- first month on us! SIGN UP FOR SLING!
WEEK 8 FANTASY: Top waiver pickups | FAAB planner | Trade advice
Michael Thomas injury update, Week 8 fantasy outlook
Thomas has been out for the past four games due to a foot injury he sustained in Week 3 against the Panthers. The veteran wide receiver was reportedly set to return in Week 6 but did not practice that week.
Before getting injured, Thomas was off to a solid start with 16 receptions (22 targets) for 171 yards and three touchdowns. This week would be an ideal spot for Thomas to return. The Raiders' defense has struggled against wide receivers this season, allowing the 10th-most fantasy points per game to the position. If Thomas can get on the field, he instantly becomes a WR2. However, if the vet is still out, then Tre'Quan Smith would have some boom-or-bust flex value.
WEEK 8 PPR RANKINGS
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Darren Waller update, Week 8 fantasy outlook
Waller (hamstring) failed to suit up last week after initially injuring his hamstring in Week 5 ahead of the Raiders' bye. Soft tissue injuries can be tricky, so Waller's status is truly up in the air again this week.
If Waller is out against the Saints, Foster Moreau will once again start and see five-plus targets, but fantasy owners should look to pick up Juwan Johnson (vs. Las Vegas), Mike Gesicki (@ Detroit), or Irv Smith Jr. (vs. Arizona) as streamers.
WEEK 8 STANDARD RANKINGS
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Jahan Dotson injury update, Week 8 fantasy outlook
Dotson did not play in last week's game against the Packers after aggravating his sore hamstring in practice during the week. The rookie wide receiver has missed the past three games due to this injury.
The rookie wide receiver got off to a fast start, recording 12 receptions (22 targets) for 152 yards and four touchdowns. Dotson quickly emerged as the Commanders' No. 2 wide receiver and a borderline every-week starter. If the rookie wideout does not suffer any setbacks in practice, there could be a chance that he plays on Sunday. However, Dotson has a tough matchup against a Colts defense that allows the second-fewest fantasy points per game to WRs this season.
