Following the release of most team's initial Week 8 injury reports, several key pass-catchers, including Tyreek Hill, Tyler Lockett, T.J. Hockenson, and Joshua Palmer, logged "DNPs" to start the practice week. While Wednesday can serve as a de facto "off-day" for veterans like the pass-catchers mentioned above, it's never a good sign to see impactful players pop up with ailments to begin practice week.
Below, we'll give you the latest news on these pass catchers and break down how their injuries could potentially affect the Week 8 fantasy landscape.
For updates on ailing RBs David Montgomery, Kenneth Walker III, Zack Moss, and Raheem Mostert, go here; for the latest on hurting QBs Brock Purdy, Jimmy Garoppolo, and Daniel Jones, click here.
WEEK 8 FANTASY ADVICE:
Sleepers | Busts | Projections | Start 'em, sit 'em
Tyreek Hill injury update, Week 8 fantasy outlook
UPDATE: According to NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe, Hill (hip) is back at practice on Thursday. Fantasy owners can now breathe a sigh of relief, as the fantasy WR1 is on track to suit up in Week 8.
Hill (hip) was a surprise "DNP" during the Dolphins Wednesday practice, putting the receiving leader and fantasy WR1 on track to get hit with a "questionable" tag ahead of Sunday's home tilt against the Patriots.
Hill's fellow wideout, Jaylen Waddle, was non-committal on Hill's status for Week 8, saying, "That's above my pay grade." It seems unlikely Hill will return to practice on Thursday, but if he can log a limited session at least today or tomorrow, he has a chance to play this Sunday. However, if Hill can't go, Waddle will see a significant boost in his Week 8 ranking alongside receivers Cedrick Wilson and Braxton Berrios.
WEEK 8 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Tyler Lockett injury update, Week 8 fantasy outlook
Lockett sat out Wednesday's practice with a hamstring injury. The steady veteran popped up on Seattle's Week 7 injury report with the same injury and ended up suiting up in Week 7, so fantasy owners should remain optimistic about his Week 8 prospects. That said, another "DNP" on Thursday likely leads to Lockett getting labeled "questionable" ahead of Sunday's home contest against the Browns.
If Lockett's hamstring injury forces him to miss Week 8, DK Metcalf, who returned to practice in full after missing last week's game, figures to see plenty of work operating as Geno Smith's go-to wideout. Rookies Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Jake Bobo, who both hauled in receiving TDs in Week 7, will also see upticks in usage.
WEEK 8 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
T.J. Hockenson injury update, Week 8 fantasy outlook
UPDATE: Hockenson was a limited participant in practice on Thursday.
Hockenson (foot) logged a "DNP" to start the practice week. Hockenson briefly exited Monday night's win over San Francisco after suffering an apparent lower-body injury, and a "DNP" to begin the practice week complicates his Week 8 status. Ultimately, we're not too worried yet since Minnesota played on Monday night last week, and it's customary for banged-up veterans to get the following Wednesday off.
A Vikings offense down Justin Jefferson (hamstring) and potentially Hockenson doesn't bode well in their prospects of securing a road in Green Bay this week, but it's still too early to gauge Hockenson's playing status. If Hockenson can't go, fellow TE Josh Oliver will see a boost in his snap share and be a legit streaming considering in deep leagues. Wideouts Jordan Addison and K.J. Osborn could be force-fed targets, making both at least flexes.
WEEK 8 DFS: DK lineup | FD lineup | Best values | Best stacks
Josh Palmer injury update, Week 8 fantasy outlook
Palmer (knee) began the practice week as a "DNP." Following a strong five-catch, 133-yard effort in Week 7, the last thing the Chargers need is their de facto No. 2 receiver watching Week 8 from the sidelines.
If Palmer's knee injury forces him to miss Week 8, look for rookies Quentin Johnston and Derius Davis to see an uptick in snap share, giving both deeper-league flex appeal against an exploitable Bears' pass defense.
