It’s never too early to check in on player injury statuses ahead of the 2022 season, and our news desk has you covered. Let’s take a look at the latest injury news and notes around the NFL.
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Zach Wilson (knee) undergoes successful surgery Tuesday
Jets quarterback Zach Wilson underwent arthroscopic knee surgery to assess and repair a torn meniscus on Monday according to ESPN’s Rich Cimini. (Source: Rich Cimini on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: There were reportedly “no surprises from the original diagnosis” during the surgery and it was deemed a “success.” This is good news for the Jets and fantasy managers with shares in Wilson and other Jets skill position players, after the initial fear of a torn ACL. The Jets will be cautious with their second-year signal caller and reportedly won’t let him return to the field until he is back to 100 percent. Veteran Joe Flacco will start for New York until Wilson is able to return.
JuJu Smith-Schuster (knee) misses practice Tuesday
JuJu Smith-Schuster did not practice on Tuesday due to a sore knee as reported by ArrowheadPride.com’s Pete Sweeney. (Source: Pete Sweeney in Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Smith-Schuster has looked good so far in training camp, making acrobatic catches and developing chemistry with quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Fantasy managers should not worry about JSS not being targeted in the Chiefs’ preseason loss to the Broncos this past weekend despite starting the game, as Mahomes only played one drive. Smith-Schuster will look to fill part of the large target vacuum left by four-time Tyreek Hill and has the potential to be a sleeper in a high-powered Kansas City offense if he can stay healthy.
Jaylen Waddle (undisclosed reasons) misses practice Tuesday
Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle was present but did not participate in practice on Tuesday according to the South Florida Sun Sentinel’s David Furones. (Source: David Furones on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Jaylen Waddle was reportedly at practice in his jersey but did not take part. However, he was spotted catching balls from the Jugs machine after practice and “seems fine.” Waddle is poised to explode in his second year starting opposite four-time All-Pro Tyreek Hill after hauling 104 receptions for 1,015 yards and six touchdowns in his rookie year. Fantasy managers should expect huge numbers from Waddle this season with defenses focusing on Hill, but as has been the case since college, his health will play the biggest factor in his fantasy ceiling.
Ken Walker III dealing with a hernia injury
Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll stated that Ken Walker III did not practice Tuesday and is dealing with a hernia issue. Carroll added “We’ve just got to make sure that he’s OK by the opener.” (Source: Brady Henderson on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Walker III figures to split time with Rashaad Penny in the Seattle backfield. Both have dealt with injuries early in the preseason, so it is going to take some time to gauge each players fantasy value. Look for the Seahawks to be cautious with the first-year running back’s injury.
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