Dontayvion Wicks: ruled out, Eagles down two receivers
THE FACT. The Eagles ruled out wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks for Sunday night's game at Washington with an ankle injury, according to Philadelphia's official Friday injury report, with SB Nation's Brandon Lee Gowton reporting the same five-player list. Wicks did not practice at any point during the week.
THE VERDICT. Philadelphia is now without both Wicks and DeVonta Smith, who was ruled out with a hamstring, and that concentrates the target share on whichever receivers are available in a prime-time spot. Redraft: Wicks is a bench hold this week, and the healthy pass catchers in that offense gain value. Dynasty: hold, this is a week-to-week absence rather than a lost role. DFS: the cheapest Philadelphia pass catcher who suits up is a live tournament punt.
Twenty years of doing this and the trickle-down punt still almost never pays. Last time Philly played without Smith and Wicks, Makai Lemon was the clear beneficiary and he went 7 of 8 for 67 and a score in a 38-21 loss, and he is still only running about a 16 percent target share over his last two games. That is a flex ceiling, not a value unlock. Give me Barkley and the run game in a spot where Philly could be chasing, and let somebody else pay for the cheap Eagles receiver.