Allen Lazard missed Green Bay’s game at Buffalo in Week 8 with a lingering shoulder injury that has kept him in limbo for a few weeks now. He is averaging almost 12 points in half-PPR leagues when he is healthy and is by far Aaron Rodgers‘ favorite target when he is on the field. The Packers have a tasty matchup against the tepid Lions’ defense, and fantasy managers would certainly be buoyed by being able to put him in their lineups. So will Allen Lazard play in Week 9? Here’s where things stand.
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Allen Lazard (shoulder) questionable to play Sunday
Allen Lazard (shoulder) remained limited during the Packers’ practice on Friday. As a result, he is listed as questionable ahead of Week 9 against the Lions.
Fantasy Impact
Lazard missed last week’s game but has looked solid this season, catching 26 passes for 340 yards and four touchdowns. Although the Lions’ corners have done a decent job covering perimeter receivers like Lazard, he still ranks as a strong WR3 option in fantasy football this week.
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What the Experts are Saying
Lazard has been named a game-time decision. If he plays, it’s risky because he could easily be on a snap count with on usage in high-leverage situations like the red zone. Lazard is 15th in deep targets and 25th in red zone targets (seven in six games). Lazard is a risky WR4/5 that could easily be a touchdown or bust receiving option. It’s also in his range of outcomes to blow this projection out of the water if his playing time is more than what I’m projecting.
-Derek Brown
Week 9 status TBD. His comments suggested a shoulder subluxation (partial dislocation) and labral tear. WRs average 2-3 weeks to return. He’s now at two, and based on his practice reports, we’d lean slightly towards Lazard playing. I wouldn’t be looking to start him in DFS since he projects to have a moderate (15-20%) production hit this soon from the injury.
-Deepak Chona
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