As if wide receiver wasn’t already a volatile fantasy football position from year to year, now fantasy owners are having to deal with several potential early-season absences from key WRs, whether because of injury or suspension (looking at you, Martavis Bryant). If you draft Bryant, Randall Cobb, T.Y. Hilton, Victor Cruz or any of the risky receivers below, you’ll need a backup plan.
Here’s a look at the key fantasy wide receivers who might (or definitely will) miss time to start the season, their replacements and when they’re expected to return.
MORE: RB injury updates | WR sleepers | Fantasy football cheat sheet
Randall Cobb’s fantasy outlook
Randall Cobb suffered a shoulder injury in the Packers' third preseason game, which could have been a devastating blow to the Packers, who have already lost Jordy Nelson for the season. Cobb is expected to be ready for Week 1, but if he's limited in any way, Davante Adams could be forced into an even bigger role than expected. If Cobb aggravates the injury, Ty Montgomery and Jeff Janis will suddenly be on the fantasy sleeper radar.
Will T.Y. Hilton miss games?
T.Y. Hilton suffered a concussion in the Colts' third preseason game, but ESPN's Britt McHenry reports the receiver is expected to be cleared in the concussion protocol on Thursday. That puts him on track to be ready for Week 1, so there's not much concern, but it's a reminder that second-year receiver Donte Moncrief and rookie speedster Phillip Dorsett should be on fantasy watchlists just in case.
Martavis Bryant’s suspension
As expected, the NFL upheld Martavis Bryant's four-game suspension for violating the substance-abuse policy. That obviously hurts Bryant's fantasy stock, but it makes him an interesting sleeper to stash until Week 5. In the meantime, Markus Wheaton gets a chance to carve out a role as the Steelers' No. 2 receiver without opposition. Meanwhile, keep an eye on Sammy Coates too.
MORE: Updated WR rankings | Must-have fantasy sleepers
Will Victor Cruz be ready Week 1?
Even Victor Cruz isn't sure he'll be ready for Week 1 because of a calf injury that's costing him valuable preseason time while he continues to recover from last year's devastating knee injury. Any setback is a concern for Cruz and his fantasy owners. Even if he's ready for Week 1, we don't like his prospects of being healthy or effective all season, so don't forget about Rueben Randle.
When will Brandon LaFell return?
It's the Patriots, so we're not getting much information, but multiple beat writers have suggested that Brandon LaFell could open the season on the PUP list. Further complicating matters is that the Patriots will have some roster flexibility early with Tom Brady and LeGarrette Blount suspended, so they may not make a decision on LaFell before Week 1. I'm not sure LaFell is a risk worth taking here, especially if Brady is missing four games. Reggie Wayne appears to be the LaFell replacement.
Is Julian Edelman out too?
Again, it's the Patriots, so your guess is as good as ours. Edleman hasn't really practiced with the team since Aug. 2 because of an ankle injury, so his status for Week 1 is very uncertain. Once again, the Patriots aren't doing fantasy owners any favors with their tight-lipped policy on injured players. Our guess: Edelman suits up for Week 1. If you're banking on that, stash Danny Amendola, the rare wide receiver handcuff, just in case.
Bears quiet on Alshon Jeffery's calf injury
The Bears remain optimistic that Alshon Jeffery's calf will be fine for Week 1, but the star receiver still hasn't practiced since Aug. 11 and coach John Fox isn't being very cooperative with the media. The Bears could rest Jeffery for more than a month leading up to the opener on Sept. 13, so Jeffery's calf should have plenty of time to heal. If not, more targets for Eddie Royal and Marquess Wilson.
Michael Floyd’s injury update
It's bad enough that Michael Floyd dislocated three fingers on his left hand this preseason, but the fingers also went THROUGH HIS PALM. Still, the Cardinals are optimistic Floyd will be ready for Week 1. (Notice a trend?) If he's out, this could be John Brown's time to shine.
When will Roddy White return?
Falcons receiver Roddy White had surgery on his right elbow last week, but the team expects him to be ready for Week 1 (surprise, surprise). If there's a silver lining: at least White isn't dealing with his usual lower-body injuries that slow him down. If White misses time, expect Leonard Hankerson to start opposite Julio Jones.
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