It’s getting ugly out there. Fantasy managers can’t catch a break — quarterbacks are dropping, tight ends are tearing, and even solid depth pieces are limping off the field. Let’s break down the Week 7 carnage, what it means for your roster, and who might step up next.
Jayden Daniels, QB – Washington Commanders
Injury: Hamstring Strain
Projected Return: Week 9–10 (Week-to-Week)
Jayden Daniels went down late in Washington’s blowout loss to Dallas with a hamstring injury, cutting short an otherwise decent fantasy day (191 total yards, 2 TDs). Unfortunately, this is déjà vu — Daniels already missed time earlier this year with a similar issue.
Impact: Marcus Mariota takes over again, and that’s not as bad as it sounds. He’s been a capable streamer when starting, tossing 3 TDs and rushing for one earlier this year. Washington faces Kansas City next, which could mean volume — but also turnovers.
Fantasy Take: Keep Daniels benched until he practices fully. Mariota is a serviceable short-term fill-in in superflex formats and could give Luke McCaffrey steady value.
Bryce Young, QB – Carolina Panthers
Injury: Ankle Sprain
Projected Return: Week 8–9
Bryce Young was ruled out in the fourth quarter against the Jets after twisting his ankle. Andy Dalton stepped in and finished the game without issue. Early reports indicate a mild sprain, and the Panthers may hold Young out one week to be cautious.
Impact: The offense shouldn’t see a major change under Dalton — he’s proven competent in spot starts, throwing for 200+ yards in three of five games last season.
Fantasy Take: No downgrade for Tetairoa McMillan. In fact, Dalton could even improve consistency. Keep an eye on Xavier Legette, who just posted 9 receptions for 92 yards and a touchdown — he’s a must-add in deeper leagues.
Darren Waller, TE – Miami Dolphins
Injury: Pectoral Strain (Possible Tear)
Projected Return: TBD (Likely Multi-Week)
Waller exited early versus Cleveland after just a few snaps and did not return. The team ruled him out mid-game, which suggests a more significant issue.
Impact: Julian Hill will step in, but fantasy managers shouldn’t waste a waiver claim. Hill has never topped 31 receiving yards in a game and has yet to score in his career.
Fantasy Take: Pivot now — Waller managers should look to emerging streamers like Cade Otton, Pat Freiermuth, or even Michael Mayer depending on availability. Miami’s passing offense looks out of sync, so this is not a “next man up” situation.
Kendre Miller, RB – New Orleans Saints
Injury: Knee Injury
Projected Return: Week 9+
Miller left early after just one carry, and head coach Kellen Moore admitted there’s “real concern.” It’s been a frustrating season for the rookie, who was carving out steady volume behind Alvin Kamara.
Impact: Kamara now has a firm grip on all rushing work, and rookie Devin Neal should see a small bump in usage as the new RB2.
Fantasy Take: Kamara becomes a locked-in RB2 with increased goal-line volume. In deeper leagues, stashing Devin Neal isn’t a bad idea — he could earn flex-level touches if Miller’s injury lingers.
Cole Kmet, TE – Chicago Bears
Injury: Back Injury
Projected Return: Week 8–9
Kmet exited early against the Saints after just one reception. He’s been inconsistent all season, alternating between games with heavy targets and near goose eggs.
Impact: Chicago’s passing attack continues to revolve around DJ Moore and rookie TE Coleston Loveland may see additional snaps.
Fantasy Take: Unless you’re desperate, it’s time to move on from Kmet in standard leagues. He’s a TD-dependent streamer, not a weekly starter.
Dontayvion Wicks, WR – Green Bay Packers
Injury: Calf Strain
Projected Return: Week 9–10
Wicks can’t catch a break — after dealing with an ankle issue last week, he exited with a calf injury in Week 7.
Impact: Expect Matthew Golden to continue to carve out a role. Rookie Golden has quietly emerged with 50+ yards in three of his last four games, and Romeo Doubs remains the steady WR2 with reliable targets.
Fantasy Take: Wicks can be dropped in most formats. Golden is worth a speculative add, especially if Christian Watson remains inconsistent.
Justin Fields, QB – New York Jets
Injury: Possible Shoulder/Bench Combo
Projected Return: Week 8 (Healthy but Benched?)
Fields briefly left the game but later returned — only to get benched. While officially “fine,” there’s growing speculation the Jets could use his injury as a smokescreen to pivot at quarterback.
Impact: The Jets’ offense is in disarray, regardless of who’s under center.
Fantasy Take: Fields is borderline droppable in single-QB leagues. Superflex managers may want to hold for one more week, but it’s time to prepare alternative options.
Kene Nwangwu, RB – New York Jets
Injury: Concussion
Projected Return: Week 9+
Nwangwu left the Jets’ loss to Carolina with a concussion. He’s been a non-factor all season, so this has no fantasy ripple effect.
Fantasy Take: None — this backfield remains Breece Hall or bust.
What It Means for Fantasy Managers
Week 7 was more about clarity than catastrophe — but that’s almost worse. We now have confirmed durability issues for Jayden Daniels, a possible Waller shutdown, and Bryce Young trending toward a week off. Meanwhile, Alvin Kamara managers quietly win again.
Prepare early for bye-week chaos, monitor injury reports, and if you’re rostering Waller, Daniels, or Young, consider it open season on waiver wire replacements.
