Michael Thomas Injury: Waiver Wire Replacements to Target (2022 Fantasy Football)

With the injury to Michael Thomas, fantasy football managers are left with a potential void on their roster. Let’s check out the extent of the injury and players you can target on your waiver wire this week.

• Week 4 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Advice

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Michael Thomas Injury Outlook

Waiver Wire Replacements to Target

Treylon Burks (WR – TEN): 45% rostered

• Next opponents: @IND, @WAS, BYE
• True value: $10
• Desperate need: $15
• Budget-minded: $8

Analysis: Treylon Burks exited Week 3 with a paltry two targets and one carry – numbers that don’t begin to describe the step we saw him take this week. Burks became a full-time player, leading the Titans with 27 routes run and ranking second in snaps among wide receivers. While the box score didn’t reflect this change in role, we need to be buying in. Entering Week 3, Burks was eighth in target per route run rate and seventh in yards per route run. These numbers reflect talent, and Burks now has the runway clear to compete with Robert Woods weekly for the team lead in targets.

Russell Gage (WR – TB): 42% rostered

• Next opponents: KC, ATL, @PIT
• True value: $4
• Desperate need: $8
• Budget-minded: $2

Analysis: Russell Gage stepped up in Week 3 as Tom Brady‘s security blanket. Gage led the Buccaneers in every conceivable receiving category, snagging 12 of his 13 targets with 87 receiving yards and a score. Gage earned a 30.9% target share. Even with Mike Evans returning next week, Julio Jones and Chris Godwin are still laid up with injuries. Gage should continue to garner high-value looks from Tom Brady.

Romeo Doubs (WR – GB): 25% rostered

• Next opponents: NE, NYG, NYJ
• True value: $4
• Desperate need: $8
• Budget-minded: $2

Analysis: The Packers discussed getting Romeo Doubs more involved this week, and it happened. Doubs led the Packers with a 22.8% target share while ranking first in routes run. With Sammy Watkins hitting the IR and Christian Watson now dealing with another injury, the mercurial Aaron Rodgers might be forced to lean on Doubs along with Allen Lazard. Lazard has rapport with Rodgers, but it’s not insane to think that Doubs could take over the lead role in Green Bay if he continues to play this well.

Greg Dortch (WR – ARI): 17% rostered

• Next opponents: CLE, @TB, SF
• True value: $4
• Desperate need: $6
• Budget-minded: $2

Analysis: Greg Dortch SZN remains in full effect as long as Rondale Moore is sidelined. After three weeks, Dortch has a 16.3% target share. He ran circles around the Rams, securing 9 of 10 targets with 80 receiving yards. This after finishing as the WR29 and WR22 in the first two games of the season. Dortch looks primed to continue his WR3 production as long as he holds the starting job.

Zay Jones (WR – JAC): 10% rostered

• Next opponents: @PHI, HOU, @IND
• True value: $2
• Desperate need: $3
• Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: Three games into the season, ones has seen a 25% or higher target share in two games (25%, 13%, 30%). Jones entered this week 12th among wide receivers in red zone targets. Add his volume on top of this red zone role, and you have a solid flex play in any week. With Trevor Lawrence looking revitalized, grab Jones to strengthen your roster depth and survive the upcoming bye weeks.

Joshua Palmer (WR – LAC): 27% rostered

• Next opponents: @HOU, @CLE, DEN
• True value: $2
• Desperate need: $3
• Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: Joshua Palmer nearly crossed the century mark this week (99 receiving yards) with his 20% target share. Palmer will continue to see heavy volume in this offense as long as Keenan Allen is sidelined. With Palmer’s next two matchups against weaker secondaries, he is an upside flex who could easily put up top-24 numbers in any given week.