Injuries are the worst, and Week 4 of the 2025 NFL season featured a number of devastating ones. New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers tore his ACL and is out for the season, and Miami Dolphins wideout Tyreek Hill appeared to suffer a potentially season-ending injury one day later.
With these two star wide receivers going down, who are some waiver-wire options fantasy managers can target to replace their production? Here are some targets who are rostered in less than 50% of Yahoo leagues.
I eliminated FAAB recommendations last year, as there are too many variables to account for. Instead, I replaced them with my opinion on how aggressive fantasy managers should pursue the player on a scale of 1-10.
Darius Slayton, New York Giants
Rostered: 2%
Nothing against Darius Slayton, but this is easily the most unfortunate name to have to include. Malik Nabers tore his ACL. Whenever Nabers was out last season, Slayton was the direct replacement, occupying his exact role.
Of course, Slayton is not even 1/4 the player Nabers is. But Slayton has posted big games in the past without Nabers. He averaged 18.9 fantasy points per game in his two contests sans Nabers in 2024. That’s a small sample size, but it’s at least indicative of Slayton’s upside. He is worth a speculative add, at worst.
Aggressiveness Rating: 4.0
Isaiah Bond, Cleveland Browns
Rostered: 0%
Cedric Tillman’s injury certainly played a role, but this changing of the guard may have been coming anyway. Isaiah Bond was the clear WR2 behind Jerry Jeudy. The rookie UDFA ran the second-most routes on the team and saw six targets.
Bond probably would’ve been a Day 2 pick if not for off-the-field concerns. He’s more talented than Tillman and Jamari Thrash. There’s a strong case to be made that he’s better than Jeudy, too.
great grab for a HUGE gain#CLEvsDET on FOX and NFL+ pic.twitter.com/MCydufCGxe
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 28, 2025
The Cleveland Browns will be in a negative game script for most of their games. Bond is only going to get better, especially since he joined the team so close to the start of the season. This one is highly speculative, but could be useful.
Aggressiveness Rating: 3.0
Malik Washington, Miami Dolphins
Rostered: 3%
Malik Washington has already been part of the Dolphins’ game plan. He typically sees a couple of designed touches each game, both through the air and on end arounds or gadget plays.
With Hill done for the season, Washington is the direct backup and should elevate to playing more in two-receiver sets. He didn’t do much after Hill went down, but that was partially due to the Dolphins having positive game script and not having to throw.
With a full week to prepare, Washington will likely be further integrated into the offense. He is obviously not going to be anything close to Hill, but you might be able to get WR4 production, which is at least something.
Aggressiveness Rating: 5.5
NFL Waiver Wire Gems: Hidden Fantasy Football Stars Ready to Break Out
The waiver wire remains a critical battleground where championships are won and lost through strategic pickups and calculated risks. Slayton, Washington and Bond represent the type of speculative adds that can pay massive dividends for managers willing to think ahead of the competition.
Slayton offers immediate short-term value while Nabers recovers, making him a priority pickup for teams needing immediate help at receiver. His proven ability to step up in expanded roles gives him a clear edge in weekly matchups.
Bond and Washington presents a longer-term investment with potentially higher upside, especially as Cleveland’s offense continues to develop chemistry throughout the season, and the Dolphins adjust their offense for life after hill.
The most successful fantasy managers understand that these waiver wire gems often emerge from the most unexpected circumstances. Whether you prioritize Slayton’s immediate opportunity or Bond’s developmental potential depends entirely on your roster construction and playoff timeline. Both players exemplify why staying active on waivers separates championship contenders from also-rans.
