Vikings Beat: Team may need WR Jalen Nailor to step up

Sep 10, 2024

All opposing defenses magnetically float toward Justin Jefferson, regardless of who is on the field with him, dictating one-on-one opportunities for teammates. Having players who can win in those instances is partially why the Vikings traded for T.J. Hockenson and drafted Jordan Addison. It’s also why Sunday might serve as an inflection point for third-year receiver Jalen Nailor.

Fantasy Impact:

Kevin O'Connell was quoted in the story saying, "But I’m going to tell (Nailor) to prepare as if he’s going to be playing a lot more snaps and a lot more … early down snaps. Because that’s why he’s here.” Addison's status is uncertain for Week 2. We reported Monday he's dealing with significant soreness, so it's possible he can't go. But even if he can, he'll likely be limited, meaning Nailor could have a more significant role. With Hockenson already out, and if Addison can't go, teams will likely turn their attention to Jefferson, which mean Nailor could be poised for a lot of snaps and targets. He's a name to consider if you've already found yourself lacking at the WR position.

today

Eagles WR A.J. Brown (hamstring) said he will miss a couple of weeks

Adam Schefter on X

today · 1:04 AM GMT

Eagles WR A.J. Brown told ESPN that he does expect to miss a couple of weeks due to the hamstring injury he suffered Friday.

Related players: DeVonta Smith, Jahan Dotson, Johnny Wilson, Britain Covey

Fantasy Impact:

Owners can expect him to now be out for Week 3, but perhaps Week 4 is possible given the Eagles bye week comes in Week 5. This will be something to monitor. The hope is Brown is back for Week 4, which is an early game at the Bucs. The Eagles have an early game in Week 6 as well, home against the Browns. Smith should be the team's WR1 with Brown out and newly acquired Dotson should start to see more reps. Wilson is a rookie who really stood out this summer and could end up seeing some snaps as well. Covey played well in Week 2.

yesterday

Saints QB/TE Taysom Hill avoided serious chest injury

Pro Football Talk

yesterday · 11:07 PM GMT

Saints tight end Taysom Hill had to go to the hospital after suffering a chest injury during Sunday’s win in Dallas, but head coach Dennis Allen provided a positive update on his condition on Monday.

Hill flew back to New Orleans with the team and Allen said Hill went for more tests on Monday, but the team believes he’s avoided a major injury.

“He’s doing good. He feels good. I don’t know if we’ve gotten all the results back on him. He went and got some more imaging today. I think we avoided anything real serious,” Allen said, via Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com.

Fantasy Impact:

Allen said Hill, who had one catch on Sunday, that he will “be in the rehab process” during the practice week and further word on his status should come later in the week, according to the rest of the story.

49ers WR Deebo Samuel (calf) to miss a few weeks

Ian Rapoport on X

yesterday · 10:56 PM GMT

49ers coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters that WR Deebo Samuel has a calf strain and will miss a few weeks. Another star injury for the Niners.

Fantasy Impact:

It's a big blow to the Niners offense, which is already without Christian McCaffrey for an extended time. There was no mention on whether or not Deebo could end up on IR. Aiyuk should take over as the team's WR1, but who takes over as the WR2 is the bigger question. Kittle is likely next up after Aiyuk, which then leaves Jennings, Bell, Conley and Cowing at WR. Jennings is probably the leading candidate, but probably won't be a safe play in typical leagues. Cowing is a rookie who has stood out over the spring and summer and has been returning kicks, so it's possible he earns a bigger role with Deebo out.