Washington receiver DeSean Jackson hasn't played since Week 1 due to a hamstring injury, but his Week 6 opponents are preparing as if he'll be back on Sunday.
DeSean Jackson being prepared for by Jets, fantasy status unclear for Sunday
If DeSean Jackson returns on Sunday, a favorable matchup won’t be in the cards. We break down the fantasy implications.
According to The New York Post's Brian Costello, New York Jets head coach Todd Bowles expects Jackson to be on the field since he practiced at a limited capacity in the days preceding Washington's Week 5 loss to Atlanta. Jackson participated in individual drills on Wednesday and was in full pads for the first time since injuring his hamstring on his season's only target.
Per the New York Post:
“We’re counting on him to play,” Jets coach Todd Bowles said. “He’s been practicing for two weeks now. I’m pretty sure he’ll come out ready to play. We’re expecting all their guys to play, and then if they don’t play on Sunday that’s not going to change what we do.”
Fantasy impact: Bowles' strategy for how to prepare his team doesn't mean Jackson will take the field, but if there was no chance, Bowles wouldn't waste his time game planning for him. Washington could use all the receiving help they can find, with Jordan Reed uncertain to take the field soon due to a concussion.
If Jackson does play, and is at 100 percent, he would still be just a boom-or-bust WR3 since he would likely draw the coverage of shutdown corner Darrelle Revis. Until his status is decided, fantasy owners will have to watch out for practice reports and hope Washington’s speedy No. 1 resumes practicing with the team.
