Welcome back to the injury updates, Christian Watson and Deshaun Watson. It's been a season filled with constantly monitoring their statuses ahead of what feels like almost every game. Are you regretting those picks yet, fantasy owners? Or perhaps the better question would be, are you regretting those decisions yet, Packers and Browns? Regardless, the two were banged up on Sunday along with Jaylen Waddle, who has also been on and off the injury report this season.
Below, we'll give you the latest news on these impact players and break down how their injuries could potentially affect the Week 8 fantasy landscape.
For updates on ailing RBs Bijan Robinson and Jerome Ford, click here; for the latest on banged-up RBs David Montgomery, Miles Sanders, and Roschon Johnson, click here; for more on hurting QBs Daniel Jones, Justin Fields, and Kyler Murray, go here; for updates on injured WRs DK Metcalf and Tank Dell, click here.
WEEK 8 FANTASY: Top waiver pickups | FAAB budget planner | Trade advice
Christian Watson injury update, Week 8 fantasy outlook
After getting off the injury reports for a few weeks, Watson appears set to make a return to them before the Week 8 kickoffs. Watson injured his knee on the Packers' second-to-last play in their loss to the Broncos. Since it was so close to the end of the game, we didn't receive an update yet on his condition, but clutching a knee is typically never a good sign.
Green Bay's offense remains largely a mess, meaning that you wouldn't be missing that much without the former North Dakota State star in your lineup if he's forced to miss time. Watson hauled in three catches on five targets, finishing with 27 yards. Since returning in Week 4 after an early-season hamstring injury, Watson only has one touchdown in three games and just one outing with more than 27 receiving yards. It would be hard to start him if he was healthy until the Packers figure it out. A matchup with the lowly Broncos seemed like a good spot to correct those problems, but that wasn't the case. Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed are the receivers to have in this offense if Watson is out, so grab Reed in deep leagues ahead of a favorable Week 8 matchup against Minnesota.
WEEK 8 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Deshaun Watson injury update, Week 8 fantasy outlook
UPDATE: Watson is awaiting MRI results and considered "day to day," according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
We're not doctors, but it doesn't take a doctor to know that the Browns' Watson (shoulder) came back too quickly in what has been a bad week for the Watsons of the league. Throwing the ball has seemingly been a problem ever since the embattled quarterback arrived in Cleveland, and that was definitely the case on Sunday. After Watson took a hard hit, he entered concussion protocol but was quickly cleared. Still, he remained on the sideline and watched as P.J. Walker led the team to victory.
Watson's inability to return leaves more questions than answers as it relates to the Browns' starter. Head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters after the game that the decision was made to protect Watson. He was clearly hindered, routinely coming up short on throws down the field, and finished with just five passing yards. Stefanski later added that Watson will start in Seattle when the Browns take on the Seahawks in Week 8, but it would be tough to trust him or his receivers in terms of fantasy. Walker would be in line to start in Seattle if the team reverses course and sits Watson.
WEEK 8 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Jaylen Waddle injury update, Week 8 fantasy outlook
UPDATE: Dolphins' coach Mike McDaniel said Monday that he expects Waddle to practice on Wednesday.
The Dolphins were dealt a dose of reality on Sunday night. Miami couldn't contain the Eagles, falling to 0-2 against teams with a winning record this season. While the Dolphins' speed didn't do enough on offense against a well-rounded Eagles group, it was impacted by the loss of Waddle, who left the game with a back injury in the first half. However, the receiver felt good enough to return in the second half, collecting six catches for 63 yards. Considering he wasn't forced out of action again after returning, that should be taken as a good sign. Waddle followed that after the game with a reassuring quote, saying, “I feel good. Solid.”
Back injuries can be a nuisance for players to battle, but the fact that Waddle was able to return and finish the game appears to be a good sign. The Dolphins return home for a battle with the Patriots on Sunday as they hope to right the ship after the disappointing loss in Philadelphia. Cedrick Wilson Jr. played the role of Waddle in his absence, but you can hit the pause button on any Dolphins-related waiver claims for now.
