Brian Thomas Jr.’s return could be just what fantasy football managers have been waiting for. The Jaguars’ wideout was tantalizingly close to suiting up last week before the team decided to hold him out a little longer. Now, new practice reports hint that his comeback might finally be near.
The question is whether his time off will spark a turnaround or signal deeper concerns about his season.
Brian Thomas Jr. Injury Update
Thomas Jr. was close to returning to the field for the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 12, but the team ultimately opted to give him another week to recover from his high-ankle sprain. Reports indicate that the second-year receiver is expected to return in Week 13 against the Tennessee Titans.
Thomas logged a limited practice on Wednesday, a positive first step toward his return.
— PFSN Fantasy Football Analyst Dan Fornek
Thomas Jr. Fantasy Outlook
An ankle injury has kept Thomas Jr. sidelined since he was banged up late in Week 9’s win in Vegas, and at this point, is it possible that his sitting out is saving you from yourself?
I know that’s the case for me.
He’s averaging 6.01 fewer PPR PPG this season than last, and he’s just never looked comfortable. As a rookie, he produced 22.3% more than expected, but this season, he sits at 15.8% below.
READ MORE: Soppe’s Week 13 Fantasy Football Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em: Analysis for Every Player in Every Game
The aDOT is up a touch and the slot rate down a little, but not nearly enough to explain away this dismal season. With a 50% catch rate when healthy, I think it’s plenty reasonable to want to see proof of concept before assuming that he’ll return from a near-monthly layoff with the magic production potion in hand.
The only thing concerning about this matchup is that the Jags could elect to run the ball at a high rate, and the last thing an inefficient receiver needs is a lack of work. If you’re in a position where you have to swing for the fences and we get word that Thomas will play, you can go this route and hope, but you have to understand that you’re betting against everything we’ve seen up to this point in 2025.
— PFSN Fantasy Football Analyst Kyle Soppe
