You thought it would be easy in Week 1, didn’t you? Well, the NFL season is back with a bang and reminds us that nothing is guaranteed, even if you drafted healthy players with just over 48 hours to go until kickoff. Fantasy football owners who were hoping to avoid monitoring injury reports in the early going are in for a rude awakening, as some of the league’s solid options at wide receiver are in doubt for their season openers.
Players like Christian Watson, Terry McLaurin, Jerry Jeudy, Jaylen Waddle, and more find themselves on Week 1’s list of banged-up options. Will they log enough practice time to suit up for their season debuts this weekend, or will they be sidelined, leaving you to scramble right out of the gate?
Below, we’ll give you the latest news on these WRs and break down how their injuries could potentially affect the Week 1 fantasy landscape. For updates on injured TEs Mark Andrews and George Kittle, click here; for news on banged-up RBs Zack Moss and Breece Hall, go here.
WEEK 1 FANTASY PICKS: Sleepers | Busts | Start ’em, sit ’em
Christian Watson injury update, Week 1 fantasy outlook
UPDATE (9/7): Watson missed practice again on Thursday, putting his status for Sunday’s game against Chicago in further jeopardy.
Watson’s 2023 season is already off to a rocky start after the Packers’ official injury report indicated the second-year receiver didn’t practice on Wednesday because of a hamstring injury. While the severity of the injury is unclear, it isn’t a great sign that Watson missed the Wednesday practice of Week 1, so fantasy owners should have some level of concern.
In Jordan Love’s official debut as the Packers full-time starter, it’s not ideal to be potentially without their top receiver. Those matters are even further complicated by the possible absence from another second-year receiver, Romeo Doubs, who is also dealing with a hamstring injury. If Watson and Doubs aren’t good to go, that will leave Love with an even more inexperienced group of receivers than he was already working with. Owners that were hoping to include Watson in their Week 1 lineup can look to the Packers’ rookie Jayden Reed on the waiver wire, but it’s probably best to opt for an option off your bench.
WEEK 1 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Terry McLaurin injury update, Week 1 fantasy outlook
McLaurin (turf toe) left the Commanders’ second preseason matchup against the Ravens, leaving his status for Week 1 unclear. Despite what originally felt like an uphill climb, McLaurin returned to practice on Wednesday. That outing left him feeling confident about the chances he could suit up for the team’s season opener against Arizona on Sunday.
Since it’s only Week 1, we should assume that if McLaurin plays, it will be with him at or near 100 percent. The Commanders’ official injury report listed “Scary Terry” as limited, though the receiver claimed he was a full participant. Regardless, his status on Thursday and Friday will be something to monitor, as he’s currently on track to play in front of a sold-out FedEx Field. If McLaurin doesn’t play, Jahan Dotson will likely take over WR1 duties and leave Curtis Samuel as the best add from the Washington offense that’s available in over 50 percent of Yahoo leagues. TE Logan Thomas could also see more targets against a vulnerable TE defense.
WEEK 1 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Jerry Jeudy injury update, Week 1 fantasy outlook
Jeudy (hamstring) has been a thorn in fantasy owner’s sides for the past few years as they eagerly await a big breakout campaign from the former Alabama star. Now sidelined with a hamstring injury that he suffered in training camp, the Broncos receiver practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday. His Week 1 status has been unclear from the start, but logging a limited day will be enough to warrant optimism regarding Sunday’s availability. NFL Network’s James Palmer also reported that Jeudy has a chance to play thanks to a quicker return than expected.
Despite Denver’s offensive struggles a year ago, the hiring of Sean Payton has been reason for optimism. Jeudy led the team in receptions (67), receiving yards (972), and touchdowns (6) in 2022. If he’s active, Jeudy should see even better results in what should be an improved offense. If he’s out, Marvin Mims Jr. is the best Broncos-centric add, as he’s available in over 50 percent of Yahoo leagues and would be in line for a bigger target share alongside Courtland Sutton.
WEEK 1 DFS LINEUPS: FanDuel | DraftKings
Jaylen Waddle injury update, Week 1 fantasy outlook
Waddle (midsection) was back on the practice field this week, logging a limited practice on Wednesday ahead of Miami’s showdown in Los Angeles. The oblique injury left Waddle’s Week 1 availability up in the air, but his participation in practice is a good sign. The former Alabama star has been as durable as they come, so missing Week 1 would be more of the exception rather than the rule.
If Waddle suits up, he’s an obvious start in what could turn into a high-scoring affair. His presence alongside Tyreek Hill made life difficult for defenses in 2022, and we should expect more of the same if Tua Tagovailoa can stay healthy. If he is a surprise scatch, we will have to downgrade the Miami offense, as the Chargers would be able to dedicate more attention to slowing down Hill on a team that doesn’t have many other explosive, inspiring options behind the duo.
MORE WEEK 1 DFS: Best values | Best stacks
Marquise Brown injury update, Week 1 fantasy outlook
Brown (hamstring) was a surprise add to the injury report on Wednesday after a limited practice. It’s not the first time we’ve seen Brown deal with an injury of that sort, logging multiple hamstring injuries in the past. His status is uncertain for Sunday, but if he manages a full practice before the weekend, it will have owners feeling good about including him in the lineup.
The Cardinals aren’t expected to be winning many games this season, leading to plenty of negative game scripts. With that in mind, Brown should receive countless targets, and it won’t matter who the starting quarterback is. If he’s out, you probably have a decent replacement on your bench, but Rondale Moore is the next-best option at receiver for Arizona. Rookie Michael Wilson could also be peppered with targets, but he’s more of a deep-league stash than a Week 1 starter.
Adam Thielen injury update, Week 1 fantasy outlook
UPDATE (9/7): Thielen didn’t practice on Thursday, which is notable considering his limited status on Wednesday. If he doesn’t get back on the practice field Friday, that would be likely indicate he won’t play on Sunday.
Thielen (ankle) is ready to embark on a new journey for the first time since joining the Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2014. However, his time in Carolina isn’t off to the greatest start, as the receiver was limited with an ankle injury on Wednesday. Thielen isn’t the only injury in Carolina’s receiving room, though. DJ Chark (hamstring) and Terrace Marshall Jr. (back) also find their status in doubt for Sunday.
The Panthers’ offense struggled in the preseason with a leaky offensive line, and considering it’s Bryce Young’s regular season debut, it might be wise to steer clear of this offense. If that is not an option, Thielen should be in your lineup if he’s active, especially if Chark or Marshall can’t go. The former Viking has been a consistent red-zone option and has a knack for getting open despite losing a step in recent years. If there are multiple absences in Carolina’s lineup, Jonathan Mingo profiles as a worthwhile target who’s available in over 50 percent of Yahoo leagues.