Four more teams will be on a bye in Week 7, one of which is the Buffalo Bills. Combine four teams being idle with a litany of injuries across the league and it might be difficult to set some fantasy football lineups. Let’s highlight some of the noteworthy injuries and decide what action to take in fantasy football. For those who need reinforcements, check out our Week 7 waiver wire targets.
Fantasy Football Week 7 Injuries: Jalen Hurts, QB, Philadelphia Eagles
Hurts did not play against the Panthers last week because of blood clots. It has since been reported that he is expected to be sidelined for multiple months after imaging found several blood clots in his lungs. Tanner McKee is now Philadelphia’s starting quarterback, and his job won’t be made any easier if Saquon Barkley (hamstring) can’t return Sunday following a two-week absence. The bright side is that Barkley will have an extra day to recover with the Eagles facing the Cowboys on Monday Night Football.
Week 7 fantasy outlook: Given the serious nature of his injury, Hurts might not play again this season, making him someone to drop in fantasy. If Barkley plays, he would step right into a favorable matchup against a Cowboys team that allows 26.5 points per game.
Fantasy Football Week 7 Injuries: Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens
Jackson missed the Ravens’ last two games with an ankle injury. He is still considered as day-to-day, although head coach Jesse Minter said that he will potentially practice this week. The Ravens are 1-1 since he was sidelined with both games being played on the road.
Week 7 fantasy outlook: If Jackson returns, he is a must-start for a great matchup against the Bengals, who rank 20th in yards allowed per pass attempt. His return would also provide a boost for Zay Flowers, who only posted 119 receiving yards despite catching 14 passes the last two games.
Fantasy Football Week 7 Injuries: Davante Adams, WR, Los Angeles Rams
Following their disappointing loss to the Cardinals last week, the news only got worse for the Rams. Adams suffered a hamstring injury in the loss that is expected to sideline him for 6-10 weeks. Los Angeles has a bye during Week 11, so best case scenario for Adams might be a return against the Packers in Week 12.
Week 7 fantasy outlook: It’s a tough time right now with so many players injured and bye weeks coming fast and furious. Hold onto Adams if you can, but if you’re fighting just to stay alive in your league and need someone who is healthy and can contribute now, it’s not crazy to drop Adams.
Fantasy Football Week 7 Injuries: Rashee Rice, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs had a bye in Week 5, but the time off still wasn’t enough for Rice (hamstring/knee) to be able to play against the Chargers in Week 6. He didn’t practice at all leading up to the game, so he’ll likely need to progress in that department if he is going to face the Seahawks in Week 7.
Week 7 fantasy outlook: It’s tough to bench Rice if he is cleared to play, but he doesn’t have a good matchup against the Seahawks. Among teams who have played six games, they are tied for the second-fewest receptions allowed to wide receivers. They also allow the fewest yards per target to the position.
Fantasy Football Week 7 Injuries: Tyler Warren, TE, Indianapolis Colts
Warren popped up on the Colts’ injury report last Friday with a groin injury that eventually led to him sitting out against the Titans. Indianapolis lost 26-20 without him and fired GM Chris Ballard following the defeat. Even with him missing a game, Warren is third on the Colts with 36 targets this year.
Week 7 fantasy outlook: Considering that Warren landed on the injury report so late in the week, it’s possible he is forced to miss another game. If he does, Keenan Allen and Josh Downs will be left to lead their passing attack.
Fantasy Football Week 7 Injuries: Mike Evans, WR, San Francisco 49ers
It might have been wise for the 49ers to sit Evans on Monday against the Commanders because he entered the game with injuries to his ribs and Achilles. He played, but left late in the second quarter because of his Achilles issue. Following their Week 7 matchup with the Falcons, the 49ers have a bye in Week 8. Reports indicate that he could be held out until the team’s Week 9 matchup against the Raiders.
Week 7 fantasy outlook: Already without Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring), the 49ers will have to rely even more on tight end George Kittle if Evans is forced to miss time. They could get back Christian Kirk (calf), who practiced on a limited basis leading up to the game against the Commanders.
Fantasy Football Week 7 Injuries: Terry McLaurin, WR, Washington Commanders
McLaurin was carted off the field because of a knee injury against the 49ers. Tests revealed a torn patellar tendon that will end his season.
Week 7 fantasy outlook: Stefon Diggs is set to assume the WR1 job for the Commanders following their bye in Week 7. Chig Okonkwo should see more targets out of the tight end position, while Antonio Williams will be someone to consider adding at wide receiver in deeper formats.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com