DK

Metcalf

It was an eventful game for Metcalf, who suffered another knee injury in the fourth quarter. He returned after passing some sideline stability tests, however. Before that, Metcalf took a 30-yard reception down to the Jets’ four-yard line and drew an end-zone DPI three plays later. This, after he was targeted in the end zone two plays prior. As you can surmise, none of this action ended with a score. Metcalf was again out-gained by Jaxon Smith-Njigba, though he out-targeted JSN 9-4. All sorts of banged up and battling JSN for primary reads, Metcalf is a mid-range WR2 heading into a Week 14 date with the Cardinals.

Metcalf was unable to practice on Wednesday and Thursday but practiced in full on Friday, suggesting the Seahawks were just playing things safely with their No. 1 perimeter WR. The Jets’ talented yet discombobulated defense will struggle to contain the high-end, fantasy football WR2.

Metcalf has now missed two straight practices with the shoulder issue. It’s possible the Seahawks are just taking precaution with the wideout, but missing back-to-back sessions is at least a smidgen concerning. Fantasy managers will hope he can get in at least a limited session Friday before Sunday’s contest against the Jets.

Metcalf popped up on the Seahawks’ practice report with a new shoulder injury, listed as a non-participant for Wednesday. We have not yet heard about Metcalf’s shoulder issue, so the severity of the injury is still up in the air. If Metcalf can practice over the next couple days, he has a better chance of suiting up for Week 13. Otherwise, Metcalf is at risk of missing the Seahawks’ game against the Jets. With Tyler Lockett (knee) also missing practice, Jaxon Smith-Njigba is slated for a big game this week.

Metcalf was targeted just five times on a lackluster day for the Seahawks offense. He had a clutch third-down 18-yard catch to midfield in the fourth quarter, but was silent for much of the rest of the game. Jaxon Smith-Njigba has earned more looks in offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb’s offense, denting the more downfield looks Metcalf gets. Metcalf is a fantasy WR2 against the Jets in Week 12.

Metcalf showed no ill effects in his return from a Week 7 MCL sprain, making physical plays along the boundary against the 49ers’ secondary. Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s ascension could hurt Metcalf’s scoring ceiling at times but the Seahawks now have two wide receivers that can force defenses to roll coverage and attention their way. Metcalf should erupt for a WR1 showing soon enough. He is a WR1/2 against the Cardinals in Week 12.

Metcalf has been a full participant in practice all week and won’t return with any limitations. He missed two games with the knee issue but used the Week 10 bye to get back to full strength. Metcalf is returning for a tough outing versus the 49ers defense. Despite the matchup, he is immediately back in the WR2 ranks for Week 11.

It’s back-to-back full practices for Metcalf, and it’s obviously a great sign that he’ll be back in action for Week 11 against the 49ers. It may even be a foregone conclusion this point barring a setback. He should see plenty of targets for Sunday’s divisional tilt, and the player who gets “hurt” the most by his return is likely Tyler Lockett.

Metcalf first missed Week 8 with the knee issue. He appeared to have a shot at suiting up for Week 9 but Seattle held him out with their bye week on tap next. Coming out of the week off, Metcalf should be able to return to action this week, starting with a full practice after it was initially thought he would be limited. Jaxon Smith-Njigba broke out with 180 yards and two scores before the bye and would be in line for a high-end WR2 ranking if Metcalf misses any more time.

If he doesn’t practice, it will mark the first time Metcalf has been on the practice field since suffering a Grade 1 MCL sprain in Week 7’s win over the Falcons. Metcalf didn’t play in Weeks 8 or 9, and had the Week 10 bye to get in some additional rest. There’s a good chance he’ll be ready to go in Week 11 against the 49ers if he can get on the field this week. Wednesday’s injury report will be one to watch, but Metcalf is undoubtedly trending in the right direction.