Davante Adams is one of the few players in the NFL that is both matchup- and quarterback-proof for fantasy purposes. However, there's nothing he -- or we -- can do if he's not out there. As we head into Week 5's Monday Night Football matchup against Green Bay, he's officially "questionable" after suffering a shoulder injury in the first half last week. Now, he's causing some start 'em, sit 'em headaches for nervous fantasy football owners, who are frantically checking for the latest updates.
We'll continue to update this article with news on Adams until the official active/inactive report comes out on Monday around 6:45 p.m. ET.
Is Davante Adams playing Monday night Week 5?
UPDATE: NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported Monday morning that Adams is expected to play against Green Bay.
UPDATE 2: Adams is officially ACTIVE.
Adams (shoulder) did not practice on Thursday or Friday, but he got in a limited session on Saturday, easing some concerns about his Week 5 status despite his "questionable" tag. With Jimmy Garoppolo clearing concussion protocol and in line to start, the Raiders will hope to have their star receiver available in what sets up to be a revenge game for No. 17.
The Raiders, their fans, and fantasy owners rightfully held their breath last week when Adams exited without recording a catch in the first quarter last week. However, he did end up returning right before halftime and turned in a final stat line that saw him haul in eight catches on 13 targets for 75 yards and a would-be TD had the Raiders challenged a play near the goal line. It's not the Adams game we are used to, but for a half of football, it was more than enough. The receiver didn't originally think he'd be able to return, according to NFL Network's Bridget Condon, but the fact that he did should be encouraging.
Adams is one of those rare players who doesn't need to practice in order to play, but it was still nice to see him get back on the field on Saturday. Going up against the Packers' defense is something that Adams is used to, and there's no doubt he'd like to put on a show against his old team. PFF grades the Packers as the ninth-ranked team in coverage, but Adams is as matchup-proof as he is quarterback-proof. No. 17 can produce in all situations with all quarterbacks, meaning if he's active, there's no doubt that you're starting him.
The biggest challenge facing fantasy owners in regard to Adams is his Monday night kickoff. He's obviously a player worth waiting around for, but the idea of taking a donut on the scoresheet isn't as glamorous. At that point, it comes down to your willingness to take a risk and live with the results. There isn't an exact science to injuries, and you're looking at Hunter Renfrow as a replacement option on the Vegas side. You could also look to Packers' WR Jayden Reed or TE Luke Musgrave as potential flex pivots if Adams is a surprise scratch. Our official recommendation is to take the plunge and wait for Adams, even if it isn't the most responsible thing to do. After all, "scared money don't make money."
