Fantasy Updates: Michael Thomas injury, potential Allen Robinson trade impact Week 2 WR rankings

by 24USATVSept. 16, 2020, 9 p.m. 76
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Michael Thomas was the top WR off the board in your fantasy football drafts, but heading into Week 2, he's just the latest wide receiver dealing with an injury. Thomas' high-ankle sprain has the potential to throw the whole New Orleans offense out of whack. There's also drama in Chicago, with Allen Robinson unhappy about his contract and altering his Instagram bio to let everyone know about it. Could a trade be coming soon?

For all the latest fantasy injury news and updates, check back here and on Twitter @SN_Fantasy.

Thomas fantasy owners were likely already disappointed with his three catches for 17 yards Sunday, but it's getting worse before it gets better. Thomas sustained a high-ankle sprain in Week 1 and is expected to miss "several weeks," according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, who added that the injury is "worse than originally believed."

Speculation on Twitter included the idea that Thomas may be placed on Injured Reserve, where he'd have to stay for three weeks rather than trying to push through his injury and play. The whole Saints offense takes a hit without Thomas, aside from maybe Emmanuel Sanders and Tre'Quan Smith. One will have to step up, with Sanders moving into WR2/3 territory for a Week 2 matchup with the Raiders. Gadget player Deonte Harris, who already saw an increased role in Week 1, could find himself on the field more, as well, while Taysom Hill and Josh Hill could join Jared Cook in more two-TE sets. Cook could also benefit with more targets, particularly in the red zone.

Drew Brees struggled in Week 1 along with Thomas, and now Brees isn't as sure a thing to bounce back right away. The Raiders allowed some success to Teddy Bridgewater, but New Orleans might be better served riding their ground game with Thomas out. Brees is only a borderline fantasy starter this week now. Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray should receive equal or more work and maintain their similar values, although their touchdown chances likely drop without Thomas to help move the chains.

Why people closely monitor athletes' Instagram bios is beyond us, but Robinson apparently removed any Bears connections from his Instagram on Tuesday. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Robinson has not requested a trade but is "unhappy" about his contract. NFL Network and the Chicago Tribune also had reports about Robinson being unhappy with his contract. Robinson played his usual No. 1 WR role in Week 1, catching five-of-nine targets for 74 yards.

A in-season trade for a wide receiver like Robinson likely wouldn't hurt his value too much -- we saw it boost Amari Cooper a few years ago -- though he could miss a game depending on when the trade occurs. There could also be an adjustment period that keeps Robinson from contributing heavily for a week or two. If Robinson remains in Chicago, even unhappy, he's a WR2 in fantasy while he's on the field. Any Robinson trade away would elevate Anthony Miller into consistent WR3 territory as the new top dog for the Bears, albeit one catching passes from Mitchell Trubisky or Nick Foles.

Robinson owners should hold tight for now, as it's likely he'll go somewhere with a better QB, but just know there could be a disruption that causes him to miss a game, though he could make that up by not having a bye week depending on the timing of a trade and who it's with. Fortunately, the Bears have a late bye, so Robinson won't have "two byes" because of a trade.

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