Eric Hund PT, DPT | Tue, Nov 28th 2023, 7:18am EST

Top 6 Injuries to Know: Week 13 Waiver Wire (2023 Fantasy Football)

It was a good week for most fantasy-relevant players, as major injuries were avoided this week. As always, practice reports are the most solid information we will have throughout the week and are the best information on the severity of an injury.

Let’s get into this week’s injuries.

Top 6 Injuries to Know: Week 13 Waiver Wire

Chris Olave (WR – NO)

Olave suffered a concussion in Sunday’s game. As we know, with concussions, most players will miss one game with this, but around 30% will be able to clear protocol in time to play next week. Monitor his practice reports towards the end of the week. With Olave and Shaheed injured, this leaves waiver wire opportunities for Juwan Johnson. In deeper leagues, consider AT Perry and Lynn Bowden.

Waiver considerations: Juwan Johnson, AT Perry, Lynn Bowden

Rashid Shaheed (WR – NO)

Shaheed suffered a quad injury, and the initial report is that he’ll likely miss one week and then return. Although it’s surprising to report that he is expected to miss next week so early and only miss one game, monitor his practice reports. Either way, this should pave the way for the above waiver targets and will lead to Alvin Kamara and Taysom Hill being more involved on offense.

Waiver considerations: See above

Baker Mayfield (QB – TB)

Mayfield suffered an ankle injury in Sunday’s game. Initial imaging showed no ligament damage, which is a good sign, although I’m sure he’ll be sore and have plenty of swelling throughout the week. Baker is tough, so I expect him to be able to play next week with limited mobility.

Waiver considerations: None

Demario Douglas (WR – NE)

Douglas suffered a head/neck injury after taking a huge hit on a punt return. Surprisingly, he was cleared from concussion protocol, but he may still have some pretty significant pain or possibly enter protocol later in the week. Monitor his practice report. If he misses time, the best option will probably be DeVante Parker and Tyquan Thornton, although neither is enticing due to the terrible Patriots’ offense.

Waiver considerations: DeVante Parker, Tyquan Thornton

Amari Cooper (WR – CLE)

Cooper suffered a rib injury at the end of Sunday’s game and did not return to the game after. It’s hard to say what the exact injury is, although if it’s just bruising, he will likely play through. If fractured, he will miss two to five weeks, depending on severity. Elijah Moore becomes more valuable if Cooper misses time and likely more valuable if Flacco gets the start over PJ Walker.

Waiver considerations: Elijah Moore

Dorian Thompson-Robinson (QB – CLE)

DTR suffered a concussion in Week 12 against the Broncos. As mentioned above, he will likely miss next week’s game, barring a speedy run through concussion protocol. If he misses, expect PJ Walker or Joe Flacco to get the start, and both are not very enticing fantasy options, although Flacco may be better for Browns pass catchers.