New Orleans’ WR Tre’Quan Smith (hamstring) has been on the IR all year, and Seattle’s RB Rashaad Penny (calf) has been out of action since Week 1. However, both could be activated in Week 7 when the Saints and Seahawks meet on Monday Night Football. While it’s tough to recommend starting either in season-long leagues, fantasy owners will still be checking for the latest injury updates so they know whether Smith or Penny are worth picking up off waivers or starting in single-game DFS contests.
That’s why we’ll continue to update this article with news on Penny and Smith up until the official active/inactive report comes out on Monday around 6:45 p.m. ET. For all the latest fantasy updates, follow us on Twitter @SN_Fantasy.
MORE MNF: DK lineup | FD lineup | Collins injury update
Is Rashaad Penny playing on Monday night?
UPDATE: Penny was activated off the IR on Monday afternoon, indicating he’s likely to play tonight against the Saints.
UPDATE 2: Penny is officially ACTIVE, as is Alex Collins.
Penny (calf) hasn’t played since Week 1, but after being designated to come off the IR earlier this week, he’s expected to return Monday night against the Saints. It’s possible he’ll remain out another week, but all signs point to him suiting up.
It’s not an ideal matchup, as the Saints sport the No. 2 run defense. Penny has never been much of a pass-catcher, so most of his production will likely come on the ground. With Alex Collins (hip) also expected to play, Penny has marginal season-long fantasy value.
There’s an outside chance Penny operates as Seattle’s lead back, but until we see him in action, we can’t say for sure. He’s worth stashing — especially with Jacksonville on tap in Week 8 — but for now, he should only be considered in DFS single-game contests.
Is Tre’Quan Smith playing in Monday night?
UPDATE: Smith was activated off the IR on Monday afternoon, indicating he’s likely to play tonight against the Seahawks.
UPDATE 2: Smith is officially ACTIVE.
Smith (hamstring) hasn’t played this year, but he was designated to return from the IR last Tuesday and practiced throughout the week. There’s a decent chance he suits up Monday night against the Seattle’s 27th-ranked pass defense.
If Smith plays, he could immediately become New Orleans’ top outside pass-catcher. Smith has plenty of big-play potential, but he’s yet to show any level of consistency. Perhaps this is the year, but Smith had plenty of opportunities in 2020 and failed to produce.
It’s tough to recommend immediately inserting Smith into season-long lineups, but like Penny, he’s worth stashing on the chance he takes off. The Saints have Tampa, Atlanta, and Tennessee in Weeks 8-10, and all three are well below average against WRs.