Odell Beckham Jr. is out for the year, and fantasy owners are in need of injury updates on Deebo Samuel and Diontae Johnson once again. These WR issues could have an impact on waiver wire pickups, Week 8 rankings, and start 'em, sit 'em decisions.
For updates on injured running backs, such as Chris Carson, Jeff Wilson Jr., Kenyan Drake, and more, click here; for news on Andy Dalton, click here. For more fantasy injury updates and news, follow us on Twitter @SN_Fantasy.
WEEK 8 STANDARD RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker
Odell Beckham Jr. injury update
Beckham (knee) suffered an injury on the Browns' first passing play of the game as he tried to make a tackle following a Baker Mayfield interception. Beckham was originally listed as questionable before being declared out for the game. Now, he's out for the season, according to NFL reporter Josina Anderson. Beckham texted her that he has a torn ACL and will miss the rest of the year.
With Beckham out moving forward, Rashard Higgins will become the No. 2 receiver for the Browns. Higgins had six catches for 118 yards against the Bengals after Beckham left, so if he can continue to develop chemistry with Mayfield and serve as a downfield threat, he will be a solid matchup-based flex play. If you're a Beckham owner who now needs a receiver, Higgins could be a good waiver wire option for you.
WEEK 8 WAIVER WIRE: Top pickups
Deebo Samuel injury update
UPDATE: Samuel is expected to miss at least two games.
Samuel (hamstring) pulled up lame on a run in the second half in the 49ers' win over the Patriots and was declared out of the game. According to Chris Biderman of The Sacramento Bee, Kyle Shanahan implied that Samuel could miss time with the injury, and given that soft-tissue injuries tend to linger, Samuel's owners should be prepared to be without him in Week 8, at the very least.
If Samuel is out, Brandon Aiyuk will be the No. 1 receiver for the 49ers after he logged six catches for 115 yards against the Patriots. He's definitely worth picking up on waivers as he and George Kittle will be the primary receiving options for the 49ers moving forward.
If you're looking for a deeper sleeper on the 49ers roster, Kendrick Bourne was the only receiver besides Samuel and Aiyuk to log a target on Sunday, so he may be in line for an increased workload if Samuel is out. He could be a valuable pickup or low-budget DFS option in a great matchup against the Seahawks.
WEEK 8 PPR RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker
Diontae Johnson injury update
Johnson was enjoying a big comeback game against the Titans on Sunday, catching nine passes for 80 yards and two TDs. However, Johnson left the game late after suffering some sort of leg injury. As a result, there are now questions about his health ahead of a Week 8 matchup with the Ravens.
So far this season, Johnson has dealt with a concussion as well as back and toe injuries. In total, he has missed one full game and exited two other games early. He will need to be monitored this week, and watching his practice status will be critical in deciding whether to start or sit Johnson.
If Johnson can't play, Chase Claypool will be in line for more targets, and James Washington could potentially sneak his way into flex territory. That said, a tough matchup with the Ravens dampens the potential off all available Steelers weapons, so there are probably better options to trust than Washington if Johnson is out.
