Fantasy Injury Updates: Calvin Ridley, Mike Evans, DeVante Parker, DJ Chark affect Week 15 waiver wire pickups

Billy Heyen

Fantasy Injury Updates: Calvin Ridley, Mike Evans, DeVante Parker, DJ Chark affect Week 15 waiver wire pickups image

Calvin Ridley, Mike Evans and DeVante Parker were all forced from their games Sunday with injuries and did not return. Heading into Week 15 and more fantasy playoff matchups, owners will be hoping their starting fantasy wide receivers can make quick recoveries. But if they don't our WR rankings, sleepers and waiver wire suggestions will include each of their replacements.

For updates on injured QBs Patrick Mahomes, Jameis Winston, and Tom Brady, click here; for the latest on injured RBs Derrius Guice, Derrick Henry, and more, go here; for the latest on ailing TEs  Noah FantRyan Griffin, Mark Andrews, and Jared Cook, click here; for updates on injured TEs Gerald Everett, Evan Engram, and Greg Olsen, go here; for updates on WRs Adam ThielenJuJu Smith-SchusterWill Fuller, and T.Y. Hilton, go here; for news on RBs James Conner, Josh JacobsLe'Veon Bell, and more, click here. Follow us on Twitter for more news and updates @ SN_Fantasy.

WEEK 15 NON-PPR RANKINGS: 
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker

Calvin Ridley injury update

Ridley sustained what was termed an abdominal injury Sunday that was at least visually scary. He came out of the medical tent during the third quarter, then collapsed to the ground and had to be carted off, according to the Gwinnett Daily Post. The team did not provide a further update after the game.

(Update: Ridley announced on his Instagram that he's done for the season.)

This didn't appear to be some standard football injury, so it's hard to anticipate potential time Ridley may miss. His absence would probably elevate Russell Gage back into the WR3/FLEX consideration he had with Julio Jones out, although Gage saw only four targets Sunday, perhaps because the Falcons were winning big by the time Ridley exited. Don't rush to pick up Olamide Zaccheaus after his 93-yard TD -- he's still well down the depth chart in Atlanta. 

WEEK 15: Top Waiver Pickups

Mike Evans injury news

Evans appeared to injure his left hamstring on his touchdown catch Sunday, not fully celebrating as he limped off to the sideline. He headed to the locker room and didn't return to the game. In his absence, both Breshad Perriman and Justin Watson caught touchdowns.

(Update: Bruce Arians told reporters Monday that Evans is "very doubtful" for Week 15. Update 2: Evans is expected to miss the rest of the season, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.)

We'd claim Perriman before Watson based on their usage before Evans was hurt, although Tampa Bay runs enough three-wide sets for them both to have some appeal against the Lions in Week 15. 

WEEK 15 PPR RANKINGS: Running back | Wide receiverTight end

DeVante Parker concussion update

Parker's head was slammed to the ground Sunday after a catch, forcing him from the game with a concussion. Miami's Albert Wilson left the game shortly after with a concussion of his own, depleting the Dolphins' receiving corps further.

A matchup with the Giants in Week 15 makes having a piece of this passing attack a worthwhile pursuit. We'd bet on Allen Hurns being the de facto No. 1 if Parker is out, but youngster Isaiah Ford could also play a role after catching six-of-nine targets Sunday. Hurns is worth a waiver claim, especially for Parker owners.

WEEK 15 DFS LINEUPS:
FD Cash | FD GPP | DK Cash | DK GPPY! Cash | Y! GPP

DJ Chark injury update

Chark limped off the field late in Sunday's game with an ankle injury. He was deemed questionable to return but didn't come back in the blowout loss. He left the stadium with a protective boot on his left foot

(Update: Doug Marrone told reporters Chark is "week-to-week.")

MORE WEEK 15:
Waiver pickups | FAAB planner | Stock watchSnap counts | Fantasy playoff tips

Jacksonville doesn't have anything to play for, so they might play it safe with Chark. If he misses time, both Dede Westbrook and Chris Conley can be used at least as FLEX options in PPR leagues and probably in standard formats too against a WR-friendly Raiders' secondary in Week 15.

Billy Heyen