The Final Whistle: Who’s IN and Who’s OUT Before Kickoff
Sunday morning: the donuts are gone, the injury reports are long, and your opponent is probably hungover and hasn’t checked his lineup since Thursday. Don’t lose to that manager.
Week 7 brings a major quarterback absence, several high-profile receivers on the shelf, and a few questionable stars who could turn your carefully prepared lineup into a last-minute guessing game. Here’s the news that matters before you lock in your starters.
The Big Names Who Are OUT
Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens — OUT
Jackson has been ruled out with an ankle injury, marking another missed game. Tyler Huntley is expected to handle the quarterback duties against Cincinnati.
Fantasy fallout: Jackson managers need another quarterback. Huntley is a potential Superflex option, but don’t expect him to automatically reproduce Jackson’s fantasy production. Baltimore’s pass catchers also take a hit from the change under center.
Mike Evans, WR, San Francisco 49ers — OUT
Evans is sidelined with rib and Achilles issues. Deebo Samuel is also out with a hamstring injury, leaving San Francisco without two significant receiving options against Atlanta.
Fantasy fallout: With Evans and Samuel unavailable, other 49ers receivers could see additional opportunities. Christian Kirk is active, so he may be an option. More targets are appealing; an uncertain role is less so.
Rashee Rice, WR, Kansas City Chiefs — OUT
Rice will miss the Chiefs’ Sunday-night matchup against Seattle with hamstring and knee issues.
Fantasy fallout: Xavier Worthy becomes an important option in Kansas City’s receiving game, while Travis Kelce remains relevant. Worthy is the more obvious candidate for additional wide-receiver work, but don’t assume every missing Rice target will land in one player’s lap.
Tyler Warren, TE, Indianapolis Colts — OUT
Warren is ruled out with a groin injury for Indianapolis’ game against Minnesota.
Fantasy fallout: Warren managers need a replacement. If you’re shopping the waiver wire on Sunday morning, prioritize a tight end with a reliable route and target share rather than chasing a touchdown from a player who may run only a handful of routes.
David Montgomery, RB, Houston Texans — OUT
Montgomery is still out with a groin injury ahead of Houston’s game against the New York Giants.
Fantasy fallout: Last week’s RB darling, Jawhar Jordan, is also out so Woody Marks becomes a solid play.
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Arizona Cardinals — OUT
Love will miss another game with an ankle injury as Arizona prepares to face Denver.
Fantasy fallout: Love managers should move on to an available option. Both Tyler Algeier and Bam Knight split carries last week, so neither is an equal replacement for Love. Choose wisely.
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers — OUT
Egbuka is unavailable with concussion and foot issues for Tampa Bay’s matchup with Carolina.
Fantasy fallout: Tampa Bay’s other receivers could benefit from the missing targets. Chris Godwin and Ted Hurst are the next two up.
Zach Charbonnet, RB, Seattle Seahawks — OUT
Charbonnet is out with a knee injury ahead of Seattle’s Sunday-night matchup with Kansas City.
Fantasy fallout: Emanuel Wilson will get his fourth start of the year and there will most likely be a healthy dose of George Holani and Velus Jones mixed in. If you’ve been riding Wilson the last few weeks, there is no real reason to stop now.
Questionable: The Players Who Could Make Your Sunday
Puka Nacua, WR, Los Angeles Rams — QUESTIONABLE
Nacua is dealing with a calf injury ahead of the Rams’ matchup against Las Vegas. The Rams have expressed optimism that he will play, but he remains officially questionable.
Fantasy fallout: Nacua is a major decision for managers who have him rostered. If he’s active, consider his expected workload as well as the risk of aggravating a calf injury. Have a backup ready, especially if your alternative plays in an earlier window.
Baker Mayfield, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers — QUESTIONABLE
Mayfield is listed with a right-thumb injury before Tampa Bay faces Carolina. He practiced during the week, and reports have indicated optimism that he will play.
Fantasy fallout: Mayfield managers should check his final status before kickoff. If he’s active, monitor any signs that the thumb issue could affect his throwing. In standard one-quarterback leagues, compare your alternatives rather than accepting unnecessary risk.
Breece Hall, RB, New York Jets — QUESTIONABLE
Hall is listed with a quadriceps injury ahead of the Jets’ matchup with Miami. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Hall was unlikely to play.
Fantasy fallout: Treat Hall as a risky start until his status is confirmed. Braelon Allen could benefit if Hall sits, but don’t automatically project a full workhorse workload. Verify the active list and the expected backfield split before making the switch.
Rico Dowdle, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers — QUESTIONABLE
Dowdle is dealing with a knee injury, but he was not included on Pittsburgh’s published inactive list for the Saints game.
Fantasy fallout: Dowdle’s availability is encouraging, but it doesn’t guarantee his usual workload. If he’s in your lineup, remember that an active player can still be limited. Keep expectations tied to his likely role rather than treating “active” as a clean bill of health.
Calvin Ridley, WR, Tennessee Titans — QUESTIONABLE
Ridley is listed with a hip injury ahead of Tennessee’s game against Cleveland. Running back Tyjae Spears is also questionable with a knee issue.
Fantasy fallout: Ridley managers should check his status before committing. If he plays, consider whether there are any indications of a limited role. Spears’ availability also matters for Tennessee’s backfield rotation, so managers in deeper leagues should keep an eye on both reports.
Monday Night Heads-Up: Cowboys at Eagles
Sunday’s lineup decisions can spill into Monday night, too. Philadelphia has several important players on its injury report, including running back Saquon Barkley. Wide receivers DeVonta Smith and Dontayvion Wicks have both already been ruled OUT.
Fantasy fallout: If you have Barkley in your lineup, don’t leave yourself without a backup plan. Monday-night flexibility can be valuable, but only if you have an eligible replacement available. Check the latest report before the Eagles kick off against Dallas.
Fantasy football is hard enough without giving away points because you ignored the injury report. Check your starters, check your backups, and check the news one last time.
May your players stay healthy, your opponents forget to set their lineups, and your questionable starters turn into Sunday heroes instead of Monday excuses.
