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As we head into Week 7, there are many impactful injuries that fantasy managers need to be aware of. Here are some of the biggest ones to watch.
WR Puka Nacua (calf), Los Angeles Rams
Nacua is officially listed as questionable for Sunday afternoon's game against the Raiders. He suffered a calf injury during Thursday's practice but returned on Friday in a limited capacity. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said it's "more minor than anything else" and "not significant." The 4:25 pm E.T. kickoff makes things tricky if we don't have clarity before the early slate kicks off. Nacua's managers should pick up Konata Mumpfield as a convenient same-game pivot. Isaac TeSlaa is also available in many leagues after last week's bye and could be a nice option in a game with a week-high 53.5-point over/under. If Nacua plays, he's in your lineup. But the dreaded late-game uncertainty will require managers to plan ahead.
QB Lamar Jackson (ankle), Baltimore Ravens
After logging a week of limited practice, Lamar Jackson told the media, "Right now, I'm heading in the right direction." If we had to guess, we'd say he's playing. Head coach Jesse Minter said they were "still working on" whether Jackson (ankle) will play. Heading into a divisional game against the Bengals, this could be some gamesmanship. It sounds like Jackson will make the final call based on how he feels on Sunday. If he's active, start him as a QB1. If he can't go, Tyler Huntley becomes a high-end QB2.
RB Mike Washington Jr. (foot/back), Las Vegas Raiders
Washington was limited at Wednesday's practice and has missed both practices since. Despite Klint Kubiak's "We're expecting him to be ready" comment, there's reason to have doubt. Leading up to Week 1, when asked about Brock Bowers' availability following his knee surgery, Kubiak said, "I expect everyone to play Week 1." He's careful with his wording so he doesn't outright lie or show his opponents his cards. We've only had half a season with Kubiak as head coach, but it's reasonable to assume he's not entirely truthful about his injury expectations. If Washington can't go, Ashton Jeanty would move from a shaky RB2 into the RB1 discussion, pushing him ahead of a few guys loaded managers may have otherwise benched him for. Washington, if active, is mostly off the fantasy radar, except for desperate managers in deep leagues. But his availability would affect Jeanty's projection, so managers should check in on Sunday morning for a hopeful update.
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