We've reached the home stretch of fantasy football draft season, or, if you've already drafted, the dawn of Week 1 start 'em, sit 'em season. Regardless of of what side you're on (maybe both), you need to know the latest injury updates on key players like Drake London, JK Dobbins, Zach Ertz, Allen Lazard, and more.
Below, we'll give you the latest news on these players and break down how their injuries could potentially affect their fantasy outlooks heading into the season. For detailed outlooks and updates on key banged-up players Chris Godwin and James Robinson, click their names.
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Drake London injury update, fantasy outlook
London, who's missed almost all of the preseason due to a knee injury suffered early in the Falcons' first preseason game, returned to practice on Monday. This would certainly seem to indicate that London will be on the field against the Saints in Week 1.
Obviously, London is a bit of a wild card given the fact he's a rookie who missed so much time. The Falcons' offense as a whole is a work in progress, so we largely suggest keeping London on your Week 1 bench if you can afford to. He should see a good amount of targets, but until we're sure he's healthy and Marcus Mariota can be effective under center, consider London no more than a boom-or-bust flex. He has WR3 upside for the season.
2022 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers | Top 200 | Superflex
JK Dobbins injury update, fantasy outlook
Fantasy owners are still waiting for concrete news on Dobbins (knee), who is reportedly "in doubt" for Week 1 against the Jets, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
If Dobbins is active, he might see fewer snaps than usual, especially if Baltimore can get a big lead on the Jets (a real possibility). However, if the Ravens think he's healthy enough to play, he still has flex value in 12-team leagues. Mike Davis and Kenyan Drake would start and split carries in Dobbins' absence, making both low-end flexes. Even if Dobbins misses Week 1, he should be back shortly after, preserving his season-long RB2 outlook.
2022 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers | Top 200 | Superflex
Zach Ertz injury update, fantasy outlook
Cardinals' coach Kliff Kingsbury referred to Ertz (calf) as "day to day" on Monday, indicating the veteran TE is more "probable" than "questionable" heading into Arizona's Week 1 showdown against the Chiefs.
As long as Ertz is active, he's a sure starter given the expected volume he's set to receive with DeAndre Hopkins suspended. If Ertz is out, Trey McBride and Maxx Williams would split TE snaps, but neither can be trusted in fantasy lineups. WR Rondale Moore could also see a few more targets, enhancing his sleeper outlook.
2022 FANTASY SLEEPERS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | One from each team
Allen Lazard injury update, fantasy outlook
Packers' coach Matt LaFleur was reportedly "non-committal" when asked if Lazard (undisclosed) would suit up in Week 1 against the Vikings.
With rookie Christian Watson (knee) also up in the air for Week 1, this could be big for rookie Romeo Doubs and even veteran Sammy Watkins. For now, we're not too concerned about Lazard, who still has WR3 upside for the season. If he starts, he's a solid flex option, but clearly fantasy owners will need to stay on top of this situation.
