Fantasy Injury Updates: Latest news on A.J. Brown, Tyler Lockett, Sterling Shepard, more affect Week 4 WR rankings

Wide receivers A.J. Brown, Tyler Lockett, Sterling Shepard, Darius Slayton, and JuJu Smith-Schuster all exited last week’s games early, with all but Lockett not returning to the field. The wide receiver position is deep, but it obviously takes a hit if a number of these guys can’t go. We’ll dive into the latest news in our fantasy injury updates and explain who might become fantasy relevant (and worthwhile waiver pickups) their absences. These injuries will surely affect Week 4 rankings.

For updates on RBs Christian McCaffrey and James White, go here. For all the latest fantasy news, follow us on Twitter @SN_Fantasy.

WEEK 4 STANDARD RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker

A.J. Brown injury update

Brown left his Week 3 game against Indianapolis with a strained hamstring. The severity of the strain is unknown at this time, but even a slight strain could sideline him for a few weeks. This is an obvious blow to superstar WR, so what’s the plan beyond him?

Julio Jones should surely step up and be on the edge of a WR1 in his absence, especially with matchups against the Jets and Jaguars in Weeks 4 and 5. The weak competition is another reason why Brown could be held out even if he could play. After Jones, Chester Rodgers, and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine both caught touchdowns in Week 3, so they’re on the radar in deep leagues. However, the Titans might opt to just ride Derrick Henry to blowout wins, so the volume might not be there.

For Week 4, we initially have Brown ranked as the WR18 in standard and in PPR leagues. We rank Julio WR22 in both formats, but he’ll take a jump if Brown is inactive. 

WEEK 4 PPR RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker

Tyler Lockett injury update

Lockett took a brutal hit in the fourth quarter in Week 3, but he was able to walk off under his own power after being down on the field for a while. He’s reportedly avoided a serious knee injury and even returned to the game, but he might carry the “questionable” tag into next week (@ 49ers). We expect him to play, but weird things can happen, so stay tuned.

He comes in at WR15 in PPR leagues for Week 4, and WR14 in standard. If he can’t go, a window for targets opens for Freddie Swain and D’Wayne Eskridge (if healthy).

WEEK 4 WAIVERS: Top pickups

Sterling Shepard, Darius Slayton injury updates

Both Shepard and Slayton suffered hamstring injuries during New York’s Week 3 game against Atlanta and did not return to the game. This WR room is a mess, as Kenny Golladay (hip) isn’t fully healthy either. We’re unsure how their timetables are shaping up, but Collin Johnson looks to be the first guy behind those two. He drew seven targets for five catches and 51 yards. Those aren’t monster numbers, but he has to be on the radar in deep leagues.

Does Kadarius Toney finally find his footing in the offense in any sense? We shall see.

JuJu Smith-Schuster injury update

Smith-Schuster left his Week 3 game vs. Cincinnati because of a rib injury. His injury timeline is unknown at this point, but we’ll keep this post updated with the latest news. With Diontae Johnson (knee) already being banged up, this situation is getting complicated.

If both Johnson and Smith-Schuster are inactive in Week 4 against Green Bay, Chase Claypool and James Washington should be heavily targeted. Look out for potential breakout tight end Pat Freiermith, as well.