Injuries are inevitable in fantasy football. How you prepare for and react to them is what can make or break your fantasy team. Each week we will be looking at the most impactful injuries and what players will step up their fantasy production in their absence.
In week one here were the injuries you need to be aware of.
Dak Prescott
Prescott will miss 6-8 weeks after injuring his right thumb on this play.
This is a huge blow to the Cowboys and their fantasy prospects. The entire offense figures to take a large step back. This is compounded when you figure they just lost Pro Bowl tackle Tyron Smith.
Fantasy Impact: Cee Dee Lamb led Dallas with a 25% target share in week one but that only manifested into a two reception, 29 receiving yards stat line. With Cooper Rush manning the helm for Dallas it is hard to see Lamb living up to the WR1 billing he received in fantasy drafts.
Najee Harris
Rappoport states here that Harris’ injury may be related to the Lisfranc sprain he suffered in pre-season. He goes on to say that it does not appear to be major. However, Travis Etienne missed the whole season with his Lisfranc injury so this is certainly something to pay very close attention to if you are a Najee Harris owner.
Beneficiaries: Preseason hype darling Jaylen Warren took every snap after Najee Harris went down and figures to be the workhorse if Harris misses time.
Elijah Mitchell
Mitchell was injured after rushing 6 times for 41 yards. For those who rostered Mitchell last year, this is just more of the same. In his brief career, Mitchell already has an extensive injury history.
Source: Draft Sharks
Reports are he could be looking at an MCL injury.
If he is indeed out 4-6 weeks Jeff Wilson becomes a priority waiver add. If you were a Mitchell owner he should have already been on your roster as the clear number two and Mitchell’s extensive injury history. Jordan Mason is still available in 55% of Sleeper leagues and needs to be added for dynasty. Tyrion Davis Price was inactive in week one but should serve as third string next week. Also look for more designed runs for Deebo Samuel and Trey Lance.
Keenan Allen
It appears Allen has avoided a serious injury. However, hamstrings are tricky and can linger. They can also recur if not healed completely. This is a situation to monitor but not panic about. The Chargers are playing Thursday so it would make sense to rest him at least this week.
Fantasy beneficiaries: Mike Williams figures to step up after a slow two reception four target performance in week one.. He received a three-year, $60 million contract in the offseason. He led the Chargers in routes run. Second on the Chargers in routes run was Josh Palmer so look for him to take a step up in Allen’s absence as well.
Chris Godwin
After surprisingly returning early from his ACL injury Chris Godwin perhaps unsurprisingly came down with a hamstring injury in week one. Was he rushed back before he was in game shape?
The hamstring doesn’t appear major but expect him to miss at least a game.
Fantasy Beneficiaries: Look for Mike Evans to continue to be the focal point of the passing attack for Brady. Julio Jones had a respectable 11.6 fantasy points in week one and should also see increased production in Godwin’s absence.
Tee Higgins
Higgins exited the game after recording two catches for 27 yards.
Higgins has no known concussion history to date. This makes him more likely to return quickly than those with prior concussion history. Per Dr. Jesse Morse, there is an 84% chance Higgins will miss either zero or one game.
Given the statement below we can be hopeful he plays week 2.
Fantasy beneficiaries: Tyler Boyd would instantly become a player with WR 2 upside for any games Higgins were to miss.
I hope you enjoyed reading my article. My goal is to provide actionable advice you can utilize to improve your dynasty team. You can follow me on Twitter @force_fantasy. #DFFArmy #FantasyFootball #AlwaysBeBuilding #NFL #NFLDraft #NFLTransactions #NFLTrades #AlwaysBeScouting
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