As if six teams on bye in Week 7 wasn't enough, the statuses of several steady fantasy wide receivers (Deebo Samuel, DeVonta Smith, DK Metcalf, Diontae Johnson) are up in the air as we near the weekend. Which of these wideouts look to be on the right side of any potential "questionable" tags, and which are trending toward missing game action?
Below, we'll give you the latest news on these WRs and break down how their injuries could potentially affect the Week 7 fantasy landscape. For updates on ailing QBs Deshaun Watson, Jimmy Garoppolo, and Daniel Jones, click here; for the latest on hurting RBs Christian McCaffrey, Kareem Hunt, Jahmyr Gibbs, Roschon Johnson, and Aaron Jones, click here.
WEEK 7 FANTASY ADVICE:
Sleepers | Busts | Projections | Start 'em, sit 'em
Deebo Samuel injury update, Week 7 fantasy outlook
UPDATE: Samuel didn't practice on Thursday.
Earlier this week, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Samuel's shoulder injury isn't considered long-term and he has a chance to suit up in Week 7. However, with the 49ers playing on Monday night, they've yet to release their official injury report as of Thursday morning.
Even if Samuel (shoulder) ends up being active, there's a good chance he enters Monday night with a "questionable" tag. If Samuel can log a limited practice session or two prior to Monday night, fantasy owners should feel confident in his playing status, rolling him out as their WR2 in a favorable matchup against a Vikings defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points per game to WRs.
If Samuel ends up being a surprise inactive, look for Brandon Aiyuk to assume an even higher target share, along with fellow WR Jauan Jennings.
WEEK 7 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
DeVonta Smith injury update, Week 7 fantasy outlook
UPDATE: Smith (hamstring) is practicing on Thursday, all but confirming his playing status for Sunday.
Smith (hamstring) was estimated as a "DNP" during the Eagles Wednesday's walkthrough. Fantasy owners shouldn't be all too concerned about Smith's Week 7 playing prospects unless he fails to practice on Thursday.
Given Smith played the entirety of Philadelphia's Week 6 contest, he should be all systems go for Sunday night's showdown against the Dolphins. Despite his rather underwhelming 44-yard effort in last week's loss to the Jets, Smith garnered 11 targets, and he remains a must-start in a potential shootout against Miami.
WEEK 7 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
DK Metcalf injury update, Week 7 fantasy outlook
UPDATE: Metcalf didn't practice on Thursday.
According to the Seahawks' official injury report, Metcalf (ribs, hip) didn't suit up during Wednesday's practice session. Despite being banged up, fantasy owners shouldn't be worried about Metcalf's playing status this week, as Metcalf tends to sit out of the Seahawks' early-week practices.
As long as he logs at least a limited session on Friday, expect the Seahawks WR1 to remain a crucial part of Seattle's offense in a plus matchup against Arizona. Despite hauling in just four-of-10 targets in Week 6, Metcalf saw a season-high 143 air yards, as he and Geno Smith nearly connected on several chunk plays. The results may not have been there in Week 6, but a big-time effort from Metcalf feels imminent.
WEEK 7 DFS:
DK lineup | FD lineup | Best values | Best stacks
Diontae Johnson injury update, Week 7 fantasy outlook
Johnson (hamstring) was a full participant during Wednesday's practice session, putting him on track to suit up for the first time since Week 2. Johnson is still on injured reserve, but it looks as if it's only a matter of time until Pittsburgh activates him.
Even if Johnson returns to game action this week, he profiles as a risky WR3/flex play given how inefficient the Steelers offense has looked through five games.
