Fantasy Injury Updates Week 7: News on DK Metcalf, Diontae Johnson

Nick Brinkerhoff

Fantasy Injury Updates Week 7: News on DK Metcalf, Diontae Johnson image

While fantasy football owners are left to navigate numerous QB and RB injuries and countless teams on a bye, WRs are aiming to make life easy in Week 7 by not complicating matters any further. DK Metcalf and Diontae Johnson headline the list of names to watch at the receiver spot at an otherwise healthy position heading into the Sunday slate. 

Below, we'll give you the latest news on the list of solid WRs and break down how their injuries could potentially affect the Week 7 fantasy landscape. 

WEEK 7 INJURY UPDATES:
QBs | RBs | McCaffrey | Deebo

Is DK Metcalf playing Week 7?

UPDATE: ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Sunday morning that Metcalf will be a game-time decision.

UPDATE 2: Metcalf is officially OUT.

Metcalf (hip) is listed as "questionable" heading into the Seahawks' matchup with the Cardinals at 4:05 p.m. ET on Sunday. The receiver missed the first two practices of the week, putting his status in doubt until Friday, when Metcalf returned to the field. After practicing in a limited capacity, it appears that Seattle's WR1 has a decent chance to play against Arizona. However, Pete Carroll still said Metcalf will be a "game-time decision," making for an uncomfortable few hours for fantasy owners. 

WEEK 7 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers

While he hasn't lived up to expectations this season, Metcalf is still someone who should be in your lineup on a week-to-week basis. He's the type of player that can explode at any time, in terms of production or on-field fights, making Metcalf one that shouldn't be riding the bench. And considering there are six teams on a bye this week, he's worth waiting around for. We anticipate that Metcalf will play, but Jaxon Smith-Njigba figures to see a bigger workload in the event of an unlikely absence. If you're going to hold out for Metcalf, make sure to have a late-game/prime-pivot ready, such as Rashee Rice, Michael Wilson, Rondale Moore, or Jayden Reed.

WEEK 7 FANTASY ADVICE:
Sleepers | Busts | Projections | Start 'em, sit 'em

Is Diontae Johnson playing Week 7?

UPDATE: Johnson is officially ACTIVE.

Johnson (hamstring) was officially activated off injured reserve in advance of Week 7, making the Steelers' 4:05 p.m. ET matchup in L.A. against the Rams his first game since Week 2. He doesn't carry an injury designation for Sunday, which is great news for a Steelers offense that was forced to play five games without him. Johnson recorded three full practices after having his practice window opened, meaning that there should be no limitations for him in Week 7. 

WEEK 7 DFS:
DK lineup | FD lineup | Best values | Best stacks

Pittsburgh's leading receiver over the past three seasons should provide a boost to a struggling offense. Injuries have hampered the group along with the much-maligned offensive coordinator, Matt Canada. Still, unless you're in a bind, we wouldn't recommend starting Johnson this week against the Rams. He's a flex option at best for Week 7.

Nick Brinkerhoff

Nick Brinkerhoff Photo

Nick Brinkerhoff is a content producer at The Sporting News covering the NFL, NBA and other sports. A proud New Jerseyan, Nick is also a graduate of Rutgers University. He is always in the mood for a good joke, the day’s best bets, or a debate about the mediocrity of the New York sports scene.