The injuries continue to pile up in what is easily the most brutal start to the season that I can remember. Among several big-name wide receivers not practicing on Wednesday is DK Metcalf. What’s going on with Metcalf’s injury? Should fantasy football managers expect to have the Seattle Seahawks‘ WR in Week 3?
Will DK Metcalf Play in Week 3 vs. the Dolphins?
If you’ve read any of my injury updates over the past couple of years, this will sound like a broken record. Nevertheless, it must be said: Once the season gets going, Wednesday practices are largely meaningless.
Football is a dangerous game. Pretty much every player is dealing with something. Thursday DNPs are when we really need to start worrying.
For most injured players, we see it coming. Typically, a player picks something up in a game and leaves before it ends. When that player ends up not practicing or being limited the following week, it’s not a surprise.
Metcalf played the entirety of the Seahawks’ overtime win over the New England Patriots. He was not noticeably injured at any point. Nevertheless, he’s clearly dealing with something, as Metcalf did not practice on Wednesday.
It’s a new coaching staff in Seattle, which makes relying on previous years’ procedures a bit tricky. However, in the past, the Seahawks have been extra cautious with players at practice.
Metcalf, specifically, spent the better part of one season dealing with a foot issue. He was on the injury report every week, often sitting out multiple practices entirely. Even a DNP-LP-DNP would often result in him playing.
The fact that Metcalf is dealing with a hand injury suggests it is not overly serious. Metcalf was his usual jovial self at Wednesday’s press conference.
DK Metcalf with an entertaining answer on Tyler Lockett’s ability to draw OPI. pic.twitter.com/KY0RQ0BXVi
— Bob Condotta (@bcondotta) September 18, 2024
This does not sound like a guy who is worried about his game status. Metcalf fully participated in Thursday’s practice.
Given the slew of injuries across the NFL, fantasy managers should not assume anything. However, there’s no need to panic right now. As long as Metcalf gets in at least a limited session on Thursday, he will be on track to play this week.
Should You Start Metcalf in Fantasy Lineups?
As long as Metcalf is ready to go for the Seahawks, he is ready to go for your fantasy team.
Metcalf followed up a Week 1 dud with 10 catches for 129 yards and a touchdown against a very respectable Patriots defense. Now, he gets a Dolphins defense that was in the bottom half of the league in fantasy points against wide receivers last year.
Their current status of having allowed the seventh-fewest points to WRs is a bit of a mirage, as James Cook ran wild on them in Week 2, resulting in Josh Allen having to do very little with his arm. Fantasy managers should confidently start Metcalf this week.
Who Are the Other Fantasy Options To Consider on the Seahawks?
Regardless of Metcalf’s status, the number of fantasy-relevant Seahawks does not change. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is coming off what I hope is his breakout game, commanding a career-high 19 targets.
Although JSN played firmly ahead of Tyler Lockett, the veteran is still worthy of being on fantasy rosters and is startable as a Flex option. That is the extent of Seahawks pass-catchers worth putting in fantasy lineups, though.