It was another week where most fantasy contributors survived significant injuries. This is good timing because four teams are on bye next week and six teams are on bye in week 13.
As always, practice reports are the most solid information we have throughout the week, and my opinions here are educated guesses based on limited information early in the week.
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The Top 7 Injuries To Know for the Week 11 Waiver Wire
Tee Higgins (WR – CIN)
Tee Higgins injured his hamstring last week in practice and missed last week’s game. He is already considered week-to-week and not likely to play this week. The normal time missed for a hamstring injury is three to six weeks. Also, consider that reinjury risk is high for the first two weeks after returning to play from a hamstring injury, so hold Tyler Boyd for a few weeks after Higgins returns.
Waiver considerations: If Boyd is somehow still available, if not, consider Trenton Irwin, who ran 38 routes last week.
Alexander Mattison (RB – MIN)
Alexander Mattison suffered a concussion in Week 10’s matchup against the Saints. Players with a concussion typically remain in protocol for around seven days, so I expect him to miss next week with a small chance he is cleared. Either way, Ty Chandler is an interesting pickup for more than just a one-week fill-in, as he took advantage of his opportunity by scoring a touchdown.
Waiver considerations: Ty Chandler
Keenan Allen (WR – LAC)
Keenan Allen injured his shoulder in Sunday’s game but returned after missing some time. I expect he will be limited in practice most of the week, but I am projecting him to suit up with negligible performance deficits.
Waiver considerations: If he doesn’t play, Quentin Johnston likely becomes a viable flex option
Baker Mayfield (QB – TB)
Baker Mayfield injured his thumb in Sunday’s game. The most recent report from Monday said that everything checked out and that he expects to practice all week and play next week. I expect him not to miss time.
Waiver considerations: None
Derek Carr (QB – LVR)
Derek Carr suffered a shoulder injury and a concussion in Sunday’s game. The latest report says that his shoulder checked out fine, although he is still in concussion protocol. As we know, with concussion protocol, most players are in it for at least seven days, so expect Carr to be OK after their bye week.
Waiver considerations: Jameis Winston is a solid weekly streamer if Carr misses any time
Taylor Heinicke (QB – ATL)
Taylor Heinecke suffered a hamstring strain and left the game this week. As mentioned with Higgins, a hamstring strain is typically a three-to-six-week injury. However, they are already calling it a low-grade injury, and QB is the best position to have a hamstring injury. There is a decent chance he misses no games due to the Falcons being on bye this week.
Waiver considerations: Desmond Ridder is worth a stash if desperate in a 2QB league
Michael Thomas (WR – NO)
Michael Thomas suffered a knee injury in Sunday’s game, and the reports today are that it’s a significant injury but not season-ending. Based on the video, it seems like an MCL sprain, but that’s just an educated guess. If that diagnosis is true, he could miss two to six weeks, depending on severity.
Waiver considerations: Rashid Shaheed
Other Notes
Justin Jefferson and De’Von Achane have their practice windows open, and I expect both to play this week.
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Follow me on Twitter @TheDynastyPT for more information as the week unfolds and more information is released.