Elijah Moore has been a difference-maker for fantasy football managers and the Jets this season, which makes seeing his name appear on this week’s injury report all the more upsetting. Moore is dealing with a quad injury and his status for Sunday’s game is up in the air. What do we know about Moore’s injury, and what would the Jets’ wide receiver situation look like if Moore can’t play?
Elijah Moore’s injury
Unfortunately, we know very little about Moore’s quad or what happened to it. Head coach Robert Saleh indicated Moore has a quad injury, and he’s “hopeful that he’ll be able to make it Sunday.”
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but when a coach says “hopeful,” it’s not a good sign. At this point, I would consider Moore more doubtful than questionable to play this week. We’ll see if he can get in a limited practice Thursday or Friday, which would greatly increase his chances of playing.
What would the Jets’ WR situation be for fantasy purposes if Moore can’t play?
The Jets are having some serious issues right now at wide receiver. Corey Davis underwent core muscle surgery and is done for the season. Moore is dealing with this thigh issue. Keelan Cole was just activated off the reserve/COVID-19 list on Wednesday.
As of now, if Moore can’t play, the Jets are looking at a starting receiver duo of Cole and Jamison Crowder. Denzel Mims would be active as either the WR3 or WR4. Also in that mix is Braxton Berrios.
Update: On Saturday, the Jets placed Moore on injured reserve.
Would any Jets WR be fantasy-relevant if Moore is out due to injury?
Last week, Crowder played 78% of the snaps against the Eagles. He caught 4 of 6 targets for 62 yards. It marked his seventh game (out of nine total) with at least 6 targets. Crowder has a proven track record of being PPR-viable when thrust into a primary role. We could very well see that happen again this week.
The Saints are a pass-funnel defense. They allow the fewest fantasy points to running backs but the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers. The way to beat the Saints is through the air. Crowder would be on the WR3/4 borderline if Moore can’t play.
The only other Jets WR of any interest would be Cole. I’ve always liked Cole as a talent. He’s just a good, technical wide receiver that consistently plays above his athleticism. Last week, he played 96% of the snaps but only saw 2 targets.
Cole has the ability to produce. We’ve seen it before. He posted a 3-92 line back in Week 4 and 5-66 in Week 9. However, I have a difficult time recommending that anyone start him outside of the deepest of leagues.