Fantasy Injury Updates Week 8: News on DK Metcalf, Tank Dell affecting WR rankings

Nick Brinkerhoff

Fantasy Injury Updates Week 8: News on DK Metcalf, Tank Dell affecting WR rankings image

Most key wide receivers escaped Week 7 unscathed. Naturally, that's after seeing the likes of Justin Jefferson on IR, but we take the wins where we get them. DK Metcalf and Tank Dell will try to make their return to game action and fantasy lineups in Week 8. How will this impact your team?

Below, we'll give you the latest news on these starting receivers and break down how their injuries could potentially affect the Week 8 fantasy landscape.

For updates on ailing RBs Bijan Robinson and Jerome Fordclick here; for news on key passing-game pieces Christian Watson, Deshaun Watson, and Jaylen Waddle, go here; for the latest on banged-up RBs David MontgomeryMiles Sanders, and Roschon Johnsonclick here; for more on hurting QBs Daniel JonesJustin Fields, and Kyler Murraygo here.

WEEK 8 FANTASY: Top waiver pickups | FAAB budget planner | Trade advice

DK Metcalf injury update, Week 8 fantasy outlook

Metcalf was a surprise inactive in Week 7, sidelined with hip and rib injuries. It was the first game he's missed in his NFL career, meaning his status is one to monitor as the week progresses. Metcalf's first attempt at getting back on the practice field will come Wednesday, and considering the lack of an update from the team, we'll assume that he returns. The receiver practiced in a limited capacity on Friday after logging two DNPs to start the week and was a game-time decision before being ruled out.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Jake Bobo helped replace Metcalf on Sunday, with JSN having a breakout game and scoring his first touchdown. Those two will be the players to have in the Seattle passing game if Metcalf can't play. However, their status is downgraded if Metcalf plays, especially against a Browns' secondary that has been mostly impressive despite a poor Week 7 showing. 

WEEK 8 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers

Tank Dell injury update, Week 8 fantasy outlook

A concussion suffered during the first half of the Texans' Week 5 matchup with the Falcons sidelined Dell for the remainder of that game as well as Houston's Week 6 contest. The team was on a bye in Week 7, leaving the rookie to target a Week 8 return. The receiver did end up returning to practice on Monday. His status is worth watching as the week continues, though it appears the receiver is headed for no injury designation in advance of the Texans' game against the Panthers on Sunday. 

WEEK 8 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers

Dell has been a weapon for fellow rookie C.J. Stroud. He broke out in Week 2 and followed it up with another terrific performance the following week. He'll see a banged-up Panthers secondary on the other side in this game, so consider him a flex option while we swing back and forth between him and Nico Collins as the preferred pass-catcher in the Houston offense. 

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.