At nearly the halfway mark of the 2023 NFL season, plenty of players are banged up and beaten down. The pass-catchers are no different, evidenced by the popular No. 1 pick in fantasy drafts, Justin Jefferson, being on IR for the Vikings. While there isn't a name that big on this week's WR and TE injury report, Darren Waller, Tyler Lockett, Taysom Hill, and Curtis Samuel will all be in start 'em, sit 'em discussions if they're able to suit up in Week 8.
Below, we'll give you the latest news on these impact pass-catchers and break down how their injuries could potentially affect the Week 8 fantasy landscape.
WEEK 8 INJURY UPDATES: QBs | RBs | Josh Palmer
Is Darren Waller playing Week 8?
UPDATE: Waller is officially ACTIVE.
Waller (hamstring) remained on the injury report Friday, officially listed as "questionable" heading into Sunday's 1 p.m. ET contest with the Jets. It is notable that the tight end popped up on it this week after not being listed in Week 7. It also marks the first time that the Giants have listed Waller on the injury report for a hamstring ailment since Week 2. Waller is not new to the injury concerns, but this one appears more notable even if he did log three limited practices this week.
WEEK 8 FANTASY ADVICE:
Sleepers | Busts | Projections | Start 'em, sit 'em
If the Giants' tight end manages to suit up on Sunday -- the likely scenario considering his history -- then Waller is a worthy start against a Jets' defense that struggles versus the position. Gang Green has allowed the most fantasy points per game to TEs, meaning Waller is the perfect candidate to have a solid showing at home during what might be a messy weather day at MetLife Stadium. If he's out, Daniel Bellinger will start and have some sleeper appeal given the matchup. You could also try Jake Ferguson (vs. LAR), Logan Thomas (vs. PHI), Luke Musgrave (vs. MIN), or Michael Mayer (@ DET)
WEEK 8 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Is Tyler Lockett playing Week 8?
UPDATE: Lockett is officially ACTIVE.
Lockett (hamstring) is officially listed as "questionable" ahead of the Seahawks' 4:05 p.m. ET kickoff against the Browns on Sunday. The receiver missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday before returning Friday, making it through the day without incident. Head coach Pete Carroll said that he expects Lockett to play on Sunday.
If Lockett plays, he'll have his hands full against a Cleveland defense that has been among the league's best in 2023 despite a rough showing last week. He still projects as a worthy starting receiver for fantasy, so there would be no change there. If he's out, then the rookies Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Jake Bobo would fill in. JSN and Bobo impressed in similar spots last week when DK Metcalf was out, both scoring TDs. We'd recommend JSN over Bobo, but both are low-ceiling plays given the matchup.
WEEK 8 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Is Taysom Hill playing Week 8?
UPDATE: NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Sunday morning that Hill is expected to play against the Colts.
UPDATE 2: Hill is officially ACTIVE.
Hill (chest) practiced in a limited capacity again on Friday, the third straight day of limited work for the Saints' Swiss Army knife. He's been up to his usual antics in 2023, playing quarterback, running back, and tight end at times for a New Orleans offense that hasn't truly found a rhythm yet. With Derek Carr dealing with a shoulder injury, Hill is the type of player who can have an impact all over the place and potentially be a replacement under center if Carr continues to struggle.
With Juwan Johnson slated to return in Week 8 when the Saints travel to Indianapolis at 1 p.m. ET, Hill's ceiling as a pass-catcher is a little bit limited, but he'll still be involved if he's active. Officially listed as a tight end for fantasy purposes, Hill is worth rostering simply because of the value he can provide in the event of injuries. He's obviously riskier than usual in Week 8 given the injury and Johnson's return, but he's worth considering in deep standard leagues, at the very least.
WEEK 8 DFS: DK lineup | FD lineup | Best values | Best stacks
Is Curtis Samuel playing Week 8?
UPDATE: NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Sunday morning that "there's optimism" that Samuel will play today.
UPDATE 2: Samuel is officially ACTIVE.
Samuel (foot) was limited in practice again on Friday, officially listed as "questionable" heading into the Commanders' 1 p.m. ET game against the Eagles. The Commanders haven't been very forthcoming with updates surrounding Samuel ahead of their Week 8 contest, but it appears he should be good to go.
The Washington receiver projects as a flex if he plays, especially after becoming a trusted option for Sam Howell. Samuel scored touchdowns in three straight games before last week, and he's also seeing a consistent workload that has him getting around 5.5 targets per game.
