Miami Dolphins wide receiver Rishard Matthews may not be cleared in time to play in Week 13, according to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald.
Rishard Matthews might not play Week 13 for Dolphins, fantasy owners
The Dolphins are finding themselves thinner at wide receiver due to a Rishard Matthews rib injury. We break down the fantasy implications.
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Matthews was forced an early exit during Sunday's loss to the New York Jets due to a rib injury, and interim coach Dan Campbell indicated during a Monday press conference that Matthews may not be available for the team's next game. Rookie DeVante Parker played an extended role in Matthews' place, participating in 82 percent of the snaps on offense.
Fantasy impact: Parker responded to his role expansion with four catches for 80 yards and a garbage-time touchdown, the first of his NFL career. It’s an encouraging amount of usage for a first-round pick who hadn’t made an impression prior to his Week 12 performance, but at the very least, eyebrows are being raised at his totals.
If Matthews is cleared, it muddies Parker’s fantasy viability for Week 13, although coaches may still opt to give him a bigger role even if Matthews is cleared. For now, fantasy owners should monitor injury reports throughout the week and keep Parker stashed in 12- and 14-team leagues. Matthews has a decent floor, but is nothing more than a WR3/flex option.
