It feels like every NFL team has at least one wide receiver dealing with an injury this week. While there are some players of note at other positions to consider picking up this weekend, the overwhelming majority are receivers. Most of the players below could see their value increase thanks to injuries ahead of them on the depth chart, though there are a few players potentially returning from injury who you can possibly grab a week early. The players are listed roughly in the order I would seek to add them, though things could change drastically based on injury reports. Each player is listed along with his ownership percentage in Yahoo! leagues.
Marlon Mack, RB, IND (39%) – Mack had an impressive long run on Indianapolis’s first drive of the game Sunday, but didn’t touch the ball after that drive. With Robert Turbin expected to wind up on IR, Mack should get some more opportunities. Indy’s schedule looks very tough before their Week 11 bye, so Mack is strickly a stash or Frank Gore handcuff at this point.
Mohamed Sanu, WR, ATL (27%) – Sanu was limited at practice Wednesday, and with a Sunday night game, you may have to make a roster decision before you know if he is active or not. That being said, every Falcon is startable against the terrible Patriots defense. Sanu had at least four receptions in all three games before he got hurt.
Kenny Stills, WR, MIA (20%) – DeVante Parker appears unlikely to play again this week, and Stills caught four passes for 49 yards and a touchdown with Parker out last week. Miami’s passing offense has been underwhelming, but Stills did have four receptions for 51 yards against these same Jets in Week 3, so Stills may have a decent floor with Parker out.
Nick Boyle, TE, BAL (0%) – Benjamin Watson is 15th in fantasy points among tight ends this season, but he has yet to practice this week. With Maxx Williams missing practice as well, Nick Boyle has a chance at all of the tight end targets from Joe Flacco. If Watson is ruled out or fails to practice Friday, Boyle will be a sneaky pickup in deep leagues, especially with all of the injuries to Ravens receivers.
Jordan Matthews, WR, BUF (27%) – Matthews is practicing on a limited basis, and while he probably won’t play this week, he appears to have a good chance to return in Week 8. Matthews appears to have a very favorable schedule the rest of the way, so it would probably be worth it to pick him up now even if he sits again this week.
Kenny Britt, WR, CLE (25%) – Britt had at least 50 receiving yards in each of his last two games before suffereing knee and groin injuries. He has returned to limited practice this week, and he would have some upside against Tennessee’s weak pass defense if he can go Sunday.
Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, TB (1%) – Jameis Winston could be a game-time decision, and if he is out, Ryan Fitzpatrick has proven upside. He could also ruin your fantasy day, so only pick him up if you are in a deep league or if you feel the need to swing for the fences.
Laquon Treadwell, WR, MIN (1%) – Treadwell caught three passes for 51 yards last week, and he could get even more work in Week 7 with Stefon Diggs and Michael Floyd both questionable. Treadwell would be worth a look with Diggs out, and he would get a small boost in value if Floyd is out as well.
John Ross, WR, CIN (3%) – Ross has been a limited participant in practice this week, and he appears likely to return to games either this week or next. Tyler Boyd has an MCL sprain and Brandon LaFell had a season-high 32 receiver yards in Week 5, so there is a significant opportunity for Ross when he returns. The rookie may be a bit of a long shot, but his game-breaking speed makes him an intriguing pick up.
Chris Moore, WR, BAL (0%) – Moore and Michael Campanaro (0%) are the only Baltimore receivers not dealing with injuries right now. Moore caught three passes for 44 yards last week, and he would likely see even more work if Jeremy Maclin, Mike Wallace and Breshad Perriman are out.
Russell Shepard (0%) and Curtis Samuel, WR, CAR (1%) – Kelvin Benjamin is dealing with swelling in his knee, which could leave extra targets for Shepard and Samuel. Samuel is probably the more interesting talent, but with just four receptions for 12 yards on the season, he has shown no signs of being useful for fantasy.
Keelan Cole, WR, JAX (0%) – Marqise Lee still hasn’t practiced this week. If he is out, Cole would likely be Jacksonville’s number two receiver behind Allen Hurns. That role isn’t likely to offer a ton of value, but you could do worse in deep leagues.