Pure carnage. Every week is rough, and it is also in the eye of the beholder, but Week 6 was not kind to fantasy football managers. There is way too much star power that we have to be monitoring heading into next week.  Our NFL injury update for Week 7 features Christian McCaffrey, Justin Fields, Trevor Lawrence, and David Montgomery, among others.  As news breaks, be sure to update your Week 7 fantasy football rankings and NFL projections either way. This information can also help to focus on important Week 7 start/sit lineup decisions and fantasy football advice surrounding some injured players. The first step though is the NFL injury report as you set Week 7 fantasy football lineups. 

 

Fantasy Football Injury Report 

(Latest Update: Friday, October 20th, 12:30 pm ET)

Week 7 NFL Injury Report for Quarterbacks

Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills (Shoulder)

After a full practice on Thursday, there is nothing to worry about with Josh Allen and his shoulder. After two rough games, this should be a full bounce back effort for a healthy Allen and the Bills this week against the Patriots. 

Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars (Knee)

FRIDAY UPDATE: Ultimately, Lawrence did play on Thursday and appears to be no worse for it. 

At this point, we have mixed signals regarding the status of Trevor Lawrence’s knee. Further tests are coming and there is some bruising but beyond that, we don’t know much. The outlook doesn’t sound great considering he is going for tests, but there wasn’t anything on the knee in question after the game. 

Justin Fields, Chicago Bears (Hand)

The good news is that X-Rays on Justin Fields’ throwing hand were negative, but we do have to wait for the MRI. The bad news though, is that with a dislocated right thumb, the question appears to be how long will Fields be sidelined. What we do is that Tyson Bagent will be back under center, but without Fields, this is an offensive situation to avoid. 

Jimmy Garoppolo, Las Vegas Raiders (Back)

Not only did a back injury force Jimmy Garoppolo out of action on Sunday, but it also sent him to a hospital for further evaluation. Given those circumstances, it’s hard to feel confident in Garoppolo for Week 7 as Brian Hoyer could get a start after coming in for relief. Regardless, I’m not sure there will be a huge impact on the Raiders’ skill position players as Hoyer will be starting on Sunday in place of Garoppolo.

Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns (Shoulder)

After not practicing on Wednesday, Deshaun Watson was limited on Thursday as he deals with a shoulder injury. Watson hasn’t played the last two games, so I am still skeptical here but it looks like he might return. While it is obviously better for the Browns’ offense than PJ Walker, it’s still not a situation I feel great about. 

Daniel Jones, New York Giants (Neck)

With the Giants continuing to struggle on the offensive line and lose players, it is not a good situation. While Daniel Jones has been limited in practice, he has yet to be cleared for contact so it is shaping up to be another Tyrod Taylor week. Regardless, I’m keeping my distance here, if possible, as if Jones does take the field, he likely won’t be active as a runner. 

Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Hand)

While it was not the best effort from Baker Mayfield, it appears we can’t blame the bruise he suffered to his non-throwing hand. It didn’t force him out of action, and it doesn’t appear that there will be any lingering impact either. With Mayfield not listed on the Injury Report this week, there is nothing to worry about here. 

Ryan Tannehill, Tennessee Titans (Ankle)

The fact that the Titans have a bye week coming up certainly helps here after Ryan Tannehill exited Sunday’s game and was on crutches following an ankle injury. While you shouldn’t be relying on Tannehill other than in the deepest of leagues from a fantasy perspective, there is some impact to Deandre Hopkins with Malik Willis in line to take over. In a relief role on Sunday, Willis failed to impress. While surgery is not needed, we still don’t have clarity on when Tannehill will return.

Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals (Knee)

While Kyler Murray was activated off the PUP list and is practicing some, there is a 21-day window for Arizona to activate him. At this point it appears that, rightfully so, the Cardinals are taking things slow with Murray and he won’t be a factor this week as Joshua Dobbs remains under center. With that being said though, he should be on your radar. 

 

Week 7 NFL Injury Report for Running Backs

Damien Harris, Buffalo Bills (Neck)

FRIDAY UPDATE: Harris has not returned to practice, so I wouldn’t expect to see him on the field this week. 

From a fantasy football standpoint there isn’t much impact here, but it was concerning to see Damien Harris leave the field in an ambulance. With movement in his arms and legs, things appear to be good from that perspective, but there is obviously concern on the human level; especially since it took place in Buffalo. With Harris sidelined though, Latavius Murray then becomes the true second running back behind James Cook. 

Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers (Oblique/Ribs)

FRIDAY UPDATE: The problem here is that San Francisco doesn’t play until Monday. While the MRI didn’t reveal anything troubling, McCaffrey didn’t practice on Thursday and a backup plan must be in place as we follow the news on this one. 

It was a rough day all around for Christian McCaffrey against a tough Cleveland run defense. While he did score a touchdown, McCaffrey only finished with a combined 52 yards before exiting due to injury. McCaffrey did return for one play in the third quarter but he spent the fourth quarter in the locker room. There will be further tests coming this week for McCaffrey. Jordan Mason, who did score a touchdown, and Elijiah Mitchell should be on your radar in a handcuff situation. 

Saquon Barkley, New York Giants (Ankle)

I wouldn’t read anything into Saquon Barkley being limited in practice on Thursday as the Giants manage his workload. Considering he had 24 carries and four receptions last week, the only concern here is New York’s offensive line. 

Roschon Johnson, Chicago Bears (Concussion)

With Roschon Johnson still not returning to practice following a concussion, it is hard to feel good about his status for this week. With Justin Fields out, the Chicago offense will be a mess, but D’Onta Foreman is in place for another leading role with support from Darrynton Evans. 

Aaron Jones, Green Bay Packers (Hamstring)

After Green Bay’s bye week, it is not a good sign to see Aaron Jones still limited in practice with a hamstring injury. The Packers signing James Robinson wasn’t great, but we also shouldn’t overreact to it, and it’s hard to feel confident in Jones heading into a good matchup against Denver. With that being said, Jones did better in practice on Thursday so this might be a situation to not invest too heavily in between him and AJ Dillon. 

Kyren Williams, Los Angeles Rams (Ankle)

FRIDAY UPDATE: We now know that we will be without Williams for the next few weeks. With Ronnie Rivers now on Injured Reserve, the backfield shifts to Zach Evans with Royce Freeman, Myles Gaskin, and Darrell Henderson on the practice squad. If anything, target Evans unless news breaks, but tread carefully as this is quite cloudy. 

It was another great day for Kyren Williams as he finished with 158 yards and a touchdown. However, the rookie did get an ankle injury at the end of the game for his troubles. 

David Montgomery, Detroit Lions (Ribs)

FRIDAY UPDATE: Montgomery didn’t practice Wednesday or Thursday, and we likely will be without him in Week 7. 

Entering Sunday, it was a true smash spot for David Montgomery, but when do things really go according to plan? That certainly was the case in Week 6 as Montgomery exited with an injury to his ribs. 

Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions (Hamstring)

With Montgomery likely out on Sunday, this could the time for Jahmyr Gibbs to make his emergence. He was upgraded to limited in practice on Thursday so things are trending in the right direction for the potentially dynamic rookie. Gibbs with be supported by Craig Reynolds who was also limited in practice on Thursday but should be ready to take the field. 

Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots (Head/Ankle)

10/20 UPDATE: With a full practice on Thursday, Stevenson can be fired up as needed on Sunday despite a potentially poor game script. 

Considering Rhamondre Stevenson returned to action, I am operating that neither his head or ankle injuries were that serious. However, this is something to monitor throughout the week as New England has Ezekiel Elliot in reserve. It seems though that the only issue here for Stevenson is New England’s offense, or lack thereof. 

Kareem Hunt, Cleveland Browns (Hamstring)

While Jerome Ford does have the edge in Cleveland’s backfield, Kareem Hunt has carved out a solid supporting role. On 15 touches last week, he picked up 71 yards, and it doesn’t appear that his hamstring will limit him this week. 

Jeff Wilson, Miami Dolphins (Ribs)

With a full practice under his belt, it appears that Jeff Wilson is set to return in a supporting role to Raheem Mostert. We have already seen that the Miami backfield could support two running backs, and this could be an interesting situation. 

Zach Charbonnet, Seattle Seahawks (Hamstring)

After missing practice again on Thursday, things aren’t trending well for Zach Charbonnet to take the field on Sunday. At this point though, his sole fantasy value is as a handcuff to Kenneth Walker. 

 

Week 7 NFL Injury Report for Wide Receivers

Davante Adams, Las Vegas Raiders (Shoulder)

After nine targets in two weeks and Brian Hoyer under center, it is clear what the issues are for Davante Adams as it is not his shoulder. Adams did practice in full on Thursday and we have to move forward with him in our lineups this week. 

DeVonta Smith, Philadelphia Eagles (Hamstring)

While it appears that DeVonta Smith isn’t completely in the clear with his hamstring injury, things are moving in the right direction for him to take the field on Sunday. It will be a dynamic offensive matchup against Miami in what could be the game of the week, and it looks like Smith will be on the field for it. 

DK Metcalf, Seattle Seahawks (Hip)

FRIDAY UPDATE: Metcalf has yet to practice this week, but that hasn’t limited his status in taking the field on Sunday to this point in the season. 

It was only a brief departure for DK Metcalf as he quickly returned to action. Considering Metcalf was targeted 10 times, I’m not sure the hip was an issue, but the problem is that he only turned that into four catches for 69 yards. 

Tyler Lockett, Seattle Seahawks (Hamstring)

With limited practices on Wednesday and Thursday, Tyler Lockett appears to be in a better position than Metcalf, with the expectation that he assumes his normal role this week against Arizona. With that being said, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Jaxon Smith-Njigba take on a larger role this week. 

Deebo Samuel, San Francisco 49ers (Shoulder)

FRIDAY UPDATE: Samuel has yet to return to practice, so prepare a contingency plan and look towards Jauan Jennings for increased volume. 

While the X-Ray on Deebo Samuel’s shoulder was negative, it still managed to keep him out of action for the rest of the afternoon. This will be something to keep an eye on as Samuel gets further tests during the week as Brandon Aiyuk could be in place for an expanded role. 

Diontae Johnson, Pittsburgh Steelers (Hamstring)

After a full practice on Wednesday, it appears that we will see Diontae Johnson make his return from Injured Reserve. With six teams on bye this week, Johnson could be a nice addition even if we don’t go crazy with our expectations. 

Alec Pierce, Indianapolis Colts (Shoulder)

FRIDAY UPDATE: With a limited practice on Thursday, things are moving in the right direction here. 

After a shoulder injury forced Alec Pierce out of action in the fourth quarter, things are not looking great for him heading into next week. Pierce being sidelined would lead to more work for Michael Pittman and Josh Downs with Isaiah McKenzie slotting in behind them. 

JuJu Smith-Schuster, New England Patriots (Concussion)

It is hard to feel great about the New England offense, but JuJu Smith-Schuster is trending towards making his return from his concussion. What could work in his favor here is Buffalo going up early and the Patriots being forced to take to the air in garbage time. With that being said, it is still difficult to rely on Smith-Schuster. 

Wan’Dale Robinson, New York Giants (Knee)

As the Giants look to generate offense, the focus is increasingly on Wan’Dale Robinson.  It is good news then that Robinson practiced in full on Thursday and he appears to now be truly without restriction from last year’s knee injury.

 

Week 7 NFL Injury Report for Tight Ends

Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers (Hamstring)

After taking a step backward on Thursday, Pat Freiermuth will remain out of action on Sunday with a hamstring injury. That will lead to increased volume for Darnell Washington, but there isn’t much to see there from a fantasy perspective. 

Dallas Goedert, Philadelphia Eagles (Groin)

At this point, there doesn’t appear to be anything to see here with Dallas Goedert’s groin injury, and he should be good to go for Sunday. 

Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions (Calf)

After being targeted 11 times last week, I wouldn’t read anything into Sam LaPorta being limited in practice so far this week. LaPorta should be busy and highly involved in Detroit’s offense once again as he continues to have a strong rookie season. 

Dalton Kincaid, Buffalo Bills (Concussion)

After clearing concussion protocol, Dalton Kincaid is slated to make his return this week. The problem is that is still in a relative timeshare with Dawson Knox. 

Greg Dulcich, Denver Broncos (Hamstring)

After aggravating his hamstring injury in his return last week, it appears that Greg Dulcich will be heading back to Injured Reserve. That means we will get more of Adam Trautman although it is an option best left for extremely deep leagues. 

Hunter Henry, New England Patriots (Ankle)

FRIDAY UPDATE: Henry has yet to practice this week, and it is looking like it will be a Mike Gesicki week in New England. 

After a hot start to the season, things have cooled off considerably for Hunter Henry. The good news, is that at least from a health perspective, things are good for Henry as he returned to action after a brief departure due to an ankle injury.