In the Week 18 WR injury report, we examine the fantasy football implications of the latest NFL injury updates. With the likes of Christian Watson, Tyler Lockett, Diontae Johnson, Treylon Burks, and others dealing with issues this week, what should fantasy managers do heading into Week 18?
WR Injury Report Heading Into Week 18
The below WR injury report can help managers navigate their Week 18 lineups in fantasy championships or in Underdog Fantasy Best Ball drafts. Either way, knowing the latest implications of the injuries around the league can be a huge boost ahead of the final week of the regular season.
Christian Watson, GB | Hip (LP)
It’s good to see Christian Watson open the week limited with his hip injury after he played last week. He managed to play 60% of the offensive snaps, seeing five targets, with one reception for 11 yards. Despite the reasonable snap count, he still saw a slight drop in targets and struggled to convert opportunities into production.
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It looks like Watson will be closer to 100% this week, and that makes it hard to bench him in fantasy if he is active. The rookie WR had been on a good run in recent weeks, with seven touchdowns over a four-week span. Watson is a risk-reward play, but the potential reward is high enough to merit taking the chance.
Tyler Lockett, SEA | Hand (DNP)
Ahead of practice on Wednesday, head coach Pete Carroll told reporters that Tyler Lockett is sore and will not practice today. Lockett returned in Week 17 after surgery for a broken finger had kept him out of Week 16. He played on just 32% of the offensive snaps and hauled in two receptions on his two targets.
While Carroll added that Lockett is determined to play, the Seattle Seahawks will be cautious with their usage of him. Even if Lockett is active, it will be hard to start him outside of 16-team leagues. His potential usage is too uncertain at this stage.
Diontae Johnson, PIT | Hip (DNP)
Opening the week as a non-participant with his hip issue is a downgrade for Diontae Johnson after he opened last week as a limited participant. He has now been dealing with this hip injury on and off since Week 5. So far, Johnson has not missed a game this season. While this is the first time he has opened the week as a non-participant, it is not the first practice he has missed practice time with the issue.
Johnson’s practice status over the next day or two will be telling as to his potential availability. However, it only really matters in 14-team leagues and deeper, with Johnson having been an inconsistent option this season. If Johnson does not suit up, George Pickens sees a boost in value, but it’d be hard to trust him fully in this offense.
Treylon Burks, TEN | Groin (LP)
After being a full participant in practice on Tuesday, Treylon Burks was downgraded to limited on Wednesday with a groin injury. The rookie WR has missed six games this year, four due to turf toe and two with a concussion. The mid-week downgrade with a soft tissue issue is a concern for his status this week.
We will need to see whether Burks can practice Thursday. If he can practice through the injury, then he should have a chance to play Saturday. The arrival of Joshua Dobbs at QB reignited Burks’ fantasy value last week. He had four receptions for 66 yards on eight targets. Combining the uncertainty over the Titans’ offense with this injury, it would be hard to trust Burks in 12-team leagues.
Jaylen Waddle, MIA | Shoulder (LP)
We have seen a lot of Jaylen Waddle on the injury report this year, but rarely has it had a considerable impact. Opening the week limited with this shoulder issue should present a similar story in Week 18. Waddle should be expected to play and be in fantasy lineups as normal.
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Jerry Jeudy, DEN | Ankle (LP)
Jerry Jeudy is once again opening the week limited with his ankle injury. He was limited all last week but suited up and played 89% of the offensive snaps. Jeudy saw eight targets with seven receptions for 38 yards. With the Broncos having nothing to play, there is a risk we see them decide not to play Jeudy as they have him under contract for 2023, when he will be seeking an extension.
DeAndre Hopkins, ARI | Knee (DNP)
DeAndre Hopkins has already been ruled out for Week 18 with a knee injury. Marquise Brown sees a slight boost in value, but his ceiling is still limited by David Blough at QB.
Jakobi Meyers, NE | Shoulder (LP)
Jakobi Meyers has likewise been a mainstay on the injury report, and for the most part, he has played through his injuries. With a playoff spot on the line, that should be the case once again. Meyers has now found the end zone in each of the last two weeks, scoring double digits in all scoring formats. If Meyers is active, he is an intriguing PPR option despite the tough matchup in Week 18.
