It might only be Week 2, but the fantasy football injury bug is already operating in midseason form.
A string of premium wide receivers are suddenly in danger of missing time, leaving fantasy managers scrambling for viable plug-and-play options on the waiver wire. Roster depth is being tested far sooner than anyone anticipated, making it crucial to immediately target the high-volume beneficiaries in these depleted receiving corps.
Texans alpha receiver Nico Collins is not expected to suit up after suffering a hamstring injury during Wednesday’s practice. Though losing a top-tier fantasy asset is a brutal blow, it directly illustrates why the Texans made the move to trade for Kayshon Boutte this offseason.
The ideal plan was for Boutte to play opposite Collins, but the former Patriot possesses a remarkably similar skill set as Collins, capable of stretching the field vertically and drawing coverage as Houston’s primary X receiver. Boutte explicitly sought a fresh start to secure a featured role in an offense. Now, the opportunity is right in front of him to prove what he can do in a high-powered system.
Two other high-profile receivers haven’t been officially ruled out yet but carry significant health red flags heading into Sunday: Ladd McConkey of the Chargers and Zay Flowers of the Ravens. Fortunately, contingency plans exist for both situations.
Should McConkey sit out this Sunday, second-year wideout Tre Harris steps into a prime role. Harris entered the season behind McConkey and Quentin Johnston on the depth chart, but when McConkey went down last week, Harris immediately stepped up, earning a 75 percent snap share and commanding six targets. The Chargers will be hungry to shake off their frustrating Week 1 loss to the Cardinals, and Harris is primed to play a central role in their passing attack if given the nod.
In Baltimore, Flowers exploded in Week 1 for 150 receiving yards and a touchdown before leaving early with a hamstring strain. Replacing that kind of elite production is no easy task, but veteran wideout Rashod Bateman is positioned for a sizable volume spike. Bateman saw an immediate jump in snaps and targets last week after rookie Ja’Kobi Lane fractured his wrist.
Betting on the NFL?
Even if Flowers plays, Bateman is a strong flex option replacing Lane as the team’s primary split end. If Flowers is ultimately ruled out, Bateman will likely absorb Flowers’ featured duties as the primary slot and flanker option, while rookie Elijah Sarratt could see a bump in deeper leagues as the new perimeter split-end. Even Devontez Walker would deserve a nod, though that is probably more of a DFS dart-throw than it is a seasonal streamer.
When the injury bug strikes early, do not panic. Dig deep into depth charts, seize the volume shifts and grab the ready-to-produce replacements sitting right on the waiver wire before your leaguemates beat you to the punch.
Howard Bender is the head of content at FantasyAlarm.com. Follow him on X @rotobuzzguy, catch him on the award-winning “Fantasy Alarm Radio Show” on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio (Ch. 87) weekdays from 6-8 p.m. and dominate your leagues with the latest football news and advice from Fantasy Alarm.
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