Time is running out for injury updates before fantasy football drafts as Week 1 is fast approaching. We need to get some clarity on players who carry 'questionable' injury tags ahead of the season opener. D'Andre Swift, Odell Beckham Jr., Hunter Henry, and DJ Chark have been in the news cycle over the past few weeks, and we have the latest updates regarding their availabilities. Whether they are currently projected to play or not, continue to follow the latest scoop before Sunday arrives.
Before diving into those, get an updated look at Michael Thomas' fantasy value here. For a take on whether you should draft Deshaun Watson, go here. We also have help for those wondering if they should draft Saquon Barkley in the first round (click here). For position battle news, click here. For all the latest fantasy news, follow us on Twitter @SN_Fantasy
DOMINATE YOUR DRAFT: Ultimate 2021 Cheat Sheet
2021 PPR FANTASY RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker | Top 200
Will D'Andre Swift Play in Week 1?
Swift's Week 1 availability has seemingly been up in the air for all offseason, but at last, we finally receive the good news. Dan Campbell says Swift will be ready to go for their season opener against the 49ers. Swift has been dealing with a groin injury, so it's certainly promising for his season-long prospects that he'll suit up right away.
It remains to be seen how much work Swift will get though, so there are a lot of risks involved with placing him in your starting lineup. Still, at such a valuable position, it can be difficult to bench him. Jamaal Williams is one of the top fantasy RB handcuffs, and he gets flex consideration this week.
Swift sits as a high-tier flex option this week due to the uncertainty of his situation. Obviously, he could impress and handle a full workload, but it's better to bet against it.
2021 STANDARD FANTASY RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker | Top 200
Odell Beckham Jr. injury update
Beckham Jr. looks to be a full-go for Week 1 after an ACL tear a season ago. The Browns have been cautious with him this offseason, so we'll see how he settles in early on in the season. In Week 1, the Browns get the Chiefs, and we expect Browns to have to pass to keep up with Kansas City's firepower. This could mean targets early and often for Beckham.
For Week 1, he comes in at WR23 in our standard rankings and WR28 in PPR, though he has a wide range of outcomes in an expected shootout and as he returns from a major injury.
2021 FANTASY SLEEPERS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Each team
Is Hunter Henry playing in Week 1?
Henry is expected to make his Patriots debut after missing the entire preseason with a shoulder injury. Going into a matchup with a good Miami defense and competing for targets with Jonnu Smith, we'll see early on just how healthy he is. In deciding between the two New England tight ends, we give Smith the edge for Week 1.
This week, Henry is our TE15 in standard leagues and ranks as the TE12 in PPR. His uptick in PPR leagues is an indication that Mac Jones will rely on him, but he may not be as explosive downfield as some other tight ends in our rankings.
2021 FANTASY TIERS & DRAFT STRATEGY:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST
DJ Chark injury news
Chark (finger) is also ready to go for Week 1. He currently ranks as our top Jaguars WR for Week 1, but we'll get an early indication of who will take over the No. 1 WR role against the Texans. There's a good chance Chark, Laviska Sheanult, and Marvin Jones could produce at least flex fantasy outings, but there will obviously be plenty of competition.