Phil Agius
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We’ve had 6 weeks of tough, physical action in the NFL and injuries are starting to have a major effect on team lineups and the outcomes of games. Week 6 was particularly brutal on quarterbacks, with around a quarter of the league either already using backup QBs or hoping their starter can shrug off an injury to stay on the field.
We’ve compiled a list below of the key injuries you need to know about before locking in any bets or setting your fantasy lineups for NFL Week 7. We’ll assess which situations are most worrisome, which teams have the depth to cover for injuries and who you should consider picking up off the fantasy waiver wires if any of them miss time in Week 7.
Week 7 NFL Injury Report for Quarterbacks
Trevor Lawrence (Jaguars) injury update
Trevor Lawrence is at the top of this list as his situation is the most urgent with the Jaguars playing the Saints in New Orleans on Thursday Night Football this week. Lawrence injured his left knee in Sunday’s win over the Colts and didn’t return to the game. The problem is not serious and T-Law is rated day-to-day, so it’s not time to tear up your bets on the Jags winning the AFC South yet. However, there aren’t many days until he’s due back on the field, so we may see former 49er CJ Beathard pressed into action if Lawrence is not risked.
Wednesday update: Lawrence seems to be trending toward playing after practising with a knee brace. “I’m optimistic, but of course we’re gonna have to make that decision Thursday and we’ll go from there,” he said.
Josh Allen (Bills) injury update
Bills QB Josh Allen emerged from the unconvincing win over the Giants with a sore right shoulder but it doesn’t appear to be too serious and he’s also rated day-to-day, so should be able to suit up against the Patriots. Bills fans don’t have to change their jerseys even if he is ruled out, as his backup is Kyle Allen.
Justin Fields (Bears) injury update
Justin Fields has had a rollercoaster of a season already and it took another steep dip when he reportedly dislocated the thumb on his throwing hand in the loss to the Vikings. If he can’t grip the football properly by Sunday he can’t play against the Raiders and that would be bad news for the Bears’ chances, as Fields’ backup is undrafted rookie Tyson Bagent. Bagent completed 10 passes for 83 yards and an interception against the Vikings.
Jimmy Garoppolo (Raiders) injury update
Jimmy G missed the second half of the Raiders’ win over the Patriots with a back injury that was serious enough that he was taken to hospital. He has not been ruled out of the Bears game yet, however, and the Raiders’ QB room is much stronger than Chicago’s with veteran Brian Hoyer and rookie Aidan O’Connell both capable performers.
Wednesday update: The Raiders say they “dodged a bullet” and the injury is not as bad as they feared, but his status for the Bears game is still uncertain.
Ryan Tannehill (Titans) injury update
The good news for the Titans is that they have their bye this week after playing the Ravens in London, but they will hope that is long enough for veteran starter Ryan Tannehill to recover from the ankle injury that forced him out of the game. Malik Willis struggled to get anything going in relief and it doesn’t say much for rookie Will Levis that Willis is ahead of him on the depth chart.
Wednesday update: Willis and Levis are reportedly throwing to receivers during their bye week in case one of them needs to start next week.
Baker Mayfield (Buccaneers) injury update
Baker Mayfield injured his non-throwing hand in the Bucs’ loss to the Lions and X-rays were negative, so that’s mostly good news, but it could still affect him when taking snaps and handing off the ball. It seems as if he should be good to go against the Falcons.
Anthony Richardson (Colts) injury update
This one isn’t a new injury, but it emerged over the weekend that Colts QB Anthony Richardson’s shoulder injury may be serious enough for him to have season-ending surgery. That would leave Gardner Minshew running the offense for the rest of the season, so the former Jaguar is one to target if you’re short of a quarterback in your fantasy team. It’s maybe not a great week to start Minshew, though, as he faces the Browns defense in Week 7.
Wednesday update: Colts owner Jim Irsay announced that Richardson will indeed undergo surgery and miss the rest of the season.
Deshaun Watson (Browns) injury update
You may have heard this one before, but the Browns are “day-to-day” with Deshaun Watson’s availability for Sunday, although the general vibes around his rotator cuff issue do seem to be more positive now. PJ Walker will know more about what he can and can’t do if he gets a second start this week.
Wednesday update: The Browns are reported to be “cautiously optimistic” that Watson will play in Indianapolis.
Week 7 NFL Injury Report for Running Backs
Christian McCaffrey (49ers) injury update
The most significant injury of the week for fantasy football in Week 6 was the one that sidelined 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey. His oblique issue is not ideal for a running back but he hasn’t been ruled out for the Vikings game yet. Elijah Mitchell and Jordan Mason are both capable backups and would be excellent fantasy pickups if Run CMC is out for a prolonged spell. Mason got more snaps at Cleveland as Mitchell was just coming back from injury himself in that game.
David Montgomery (Lions) injury update
David Montgomery has been one of the stars of the season so far for the Lions, but head coach Dan Campbell said he’s “probably going to be down for a little bit” after injuring his ribs against the Bucs. Fans (and many fantasy managers) would love for rookie Jahmyr Gibbs to get all the carries if he’s healthy enough to return this week himself, but he’s not the battering-ram player Campbell seems to like, so expect to see Craig Reynolds still getting his share.
Kyren Williams (Rams) injury update
The Rams suffered injuries to two RBs in Week 6, with starter Kyren Williams possibly set to miss this week’s game against the Steelers due to a sprained ankle, while backup Ronnie Rivers may be out for around a month. With original starter Cam Akers traded to the Vikings, that leaves LA with rookie Zach Evans and veteran Royce Freeman on their practice squad if Williams can’t go this week.
Wednesday update: ESPN reported that Williams is now expected to miss multiple games but should be back no later than after their Week 10 bye.
Week 7 NFL Injury Report for Wide Receivers
Deebo Samuel (49ers) injury update
McCaffrey wasn’t the only injury victim for the 49ers in Cleveland as they also lost WR Deebo Samuel. It doesn’t sound to be too serious from the team’ comments, and the 49ers have shown before that they can operate just fine against most defenses without Samuel in the lineup.
