Fantasy players were already sent into a frenzy on Wednesday after Stefon Diggs missed practice with a hamstring injury. But panicking doesn't do anyone any good; it's more productive to start coming up with some backup plans if Diggs were to miss this game.
We'll aim to do just that with this article, giving a brief rundown of some of the players who are entering the week with a questionable tag, along with where our fantasy rankers (Sean Koerner, Chris Raybon and Matthew Freedman) will have each player ranked if he plays. Additionally, we'll give you an idea of who benefits the most if said player is ruled out, and who you could pick up on waivers if you're in a pinch.
Here's a quick list of the five players we'll cover:
- Stefon Diggs, WR, Minnesota Vikings
- Mike Evans, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Keke Coutee, WR, Houston Texans
- Robby Anderson, WR, New York Jets
- Jordan Reed, TE, Washington Redskins
Keep a close eye on our experts' real-time fantasy rankings, too, which will be continuously updated until kickoff.
Note: Beneficiaries and waiver options highlighted in green indicate players our rankers would actually play. All info and rankings as of 8 a.m. ET.
Stefon Diggs, WR, Minnesota Vikings
Diggs missed practice on Wednesday with a hamstring injury but was able to return to limited sessions on Thursday and Friday, which is encouraging for his status heading into Sunday.
Additionally, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Diggs is expected to suit up, so all signs are pointing to Diggs being ready to roll Week 1. But it doesn't hurt to be prepared, right?
Fantasy Ranking If Diggs Is Active:
- Koerner: WR16
- Raybon: WR19
- Freedman: WR15
Biggest Beneficiary If Diggs Is Inactive: Josh Doctson (Koerner), Kyle Rudolph (Freedman, Raybon)
Potential Waiver Wire Pickup If You're In A Bind: Chad Beebe (Koerner, Freedman, Raybon)
Mike Evans, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
All seemed well in Buccaneers camp until Evans showed up on the injury report with an illness that caused him to miss practice on Friday. Again, a massive concern for fantasy players.
However, Schefter dropped another late-night report stating that Evans will play today against the 49ers. Time to exhale fantasy players.
Fantasy Ranking If Evans Is Active:
- Koerner: WR7
- Raybon: WR13
- Freedman: WR13
Biggest Beneficiary If Evans Is Inactive: Justin Watson (Koerner, Freedman, Raybon)
Potential Waiver Wire Pickup If You're In A Bind:Brashad Perriman (Koerner, Freedman, Raybon)
Robby Anderson, WR, New York Jets
Anderson injured his calf just before the first week of the season. He got in limited practice sessions all week and it appears he'll be healthy enough to suit up against the Bills.
Fantasy Ranking If Anderson Is Active:
- Koerner: WR36
- Raybon: WR45
- Freedman: WR41
Biggest Beneficiary If Anderson Is Inactive: Josh Bellamy (Koerner), Quincy Enunwa (Freedman, Raybon)
Potential Waiver Wire Pickup If You're In A Bind:Quincy Enunwa (Koerner, Freedman, Raybon)
Keke Coutee, WR, Houston Texans
Coutee's ankle continues to be an issue for him. He got in limited practice sessions all week, but there's been nothing but pessimism from Texans camp regarding his Week 1 outlook.
It's also not ideal to have a receiver suffering from a high ankle sprain. Even if he does suit up, our rankers are rather low on him. And since he plays on Monday night, you're probably better off penciling in someone else.
Fantasy Ranking If Coutee Is Active:
- Koerner: WR74
- Raybon: WR84
- Freedman: WR70
Biggest Beneficiary If Coutee Is Inactive: Deandre Carter (Koerner), Kenny Stills (Freedman, Raybon)
Potential Waiver Wire Pickup If You're In A Bind: Deandre Carter (Koerner), Kenny Stills (Freedman, Raybon)
Jordan Reed, TE, Washington Redskins
Bonus player here: Reed was in concussion protocol all week and was ultimately ruled out Saturday afternoon.
Biggest Beneficiary With Reed Inactive: Vernon Davis (Koerner, Freedman, Raybon)
Potential Waiver Wire Pickup If You're In A Bind: Vernon Davis (Koerner, Freedman, Raybon)
