If you drafted anyone involved with the Cincinnati Bengals' passing attack, chances are you're scrambling to get your lineup set for Week 1. Joe Burrow could realistically be without his top two wideouts as the Bengals host the Patriots in their 2024 season opener.
Unfortunately for fantasy managers, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins aren't the only receivers who could miss time in Week 1. We've got injury updates on every fantasy-relevant wide receiver and the necessary analysis to make start-sit decisions.
WEEK 1 FANTASY PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Is Ja'Marr Chase playing in Week 1?
UPDATE: Chase is officially ACTIVE.
Although it's not technically an injury, there are plenty of questions surrounding Bengals' star receiver Ja'Marr Chase. Following a lengthy contract dispute that has taken twists and turns throughout the offseason, Chase is officially listed as questionable for Week 1. This comes after he was both present and a non-participant in practice at various points over the last two weeks.
In an interview with the media this week, Chase made some comments that are quite conflicting for fantasy managers. He shared that he is willing to play without a new contract, but he also said that he may be playing in a limited capacity on Sunday. We'll have to stay tuned to see if Chase does indeed suit up, but if he's active, it's incredibly difficult to bench him even with the comments on his "limited" usage.
Is Tee Higgins playing in Week 1?
UPDATE: Higgins is officially OUT.
The Week 1 concerns in Cincinnati's wide receiver room continue with their No. 2, Tee Higgins. Higgins popped up on the injury report on Thursday, logging a limited practice on due to a hamstring issue. Following a DNP (Did Not Practice) on Friday, Higgins is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game.
Players are rarely able to overcome the doubtful tag, meaning fantasy managers should operate under the assumption that they will be without Higgins this week. Bengals second-year receiver Andrei Iosivas could very easily become a plug-and-play option for managers in a pinch.
WEEK 1 FANTASY FOOTBALL ADVICE
Buy Low/Sell High | Sleepers | Busts | Weather | Flex Finder
Is Keenan Allen playing in Week 1?
UPDATE: ESPN's Adam Schefter reported late Saturday that Bears coach Matt Eberflus said he expects Allen to play Sunday against Tennessee.
UPDATE 2: Allen is officially ACTIVE.
It appears that Keenan Allen's heel injury that ended his 2023 campaign is still lingering. Allen was limited in practice early in the week but was able to practice in full on Friday. Chicago has listed him as questionable, but considering he was a full participant in practice to close out the week, he should play. This injury could limit his effectiveness to some degree, but the expectation is that he'll take the field on Sunday.
Is DeAndre Hopkins playing in Week 1?
UPDATE: Hopkins is officially ACTIVE.
It was revealed this week that DeAndre Hopkins' knee injury from late July was actually an MCL tear. The initial timeline for return was set at 4-6 weeks, but recent reports indicated that Hopkins was trending towards playing in Tennessee's matchup with the Bears. Hopkins is listed as questionable, but it seems like a true toss-up as to whether he'll be available, making this is a situation to monitor throughout the weekend. Even if he is able to get on the field, it may be best to leave him on the bench this week as he may be limited due to the injury.
Is Tyler Lockett Playing in Week 1?
Tyler Lockett has been dealing with a leg injury throughout the latter stages of the preseason. He missed practice for a week-plus but was able to return to the field this week. He was a full participant on Friday and has no injury designation as a result. He will play on Sunday but could realistically be used in a limited capacity.
