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With Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott dealing with a hamstring injury, fantasy football managers should be looking elsewhere for a new signal-caller.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported on Monday that Prescott’s hamstring issue is “not looking like a short-term injury” and he’s expected to be sidelined for “multiple weeks.”
For fantasy managers attempting to secure playoff positioning, here are a few options on waivers and potential trade targets that could help mitigate the loss of Prescott until he’s able to potentially return.
Russell Wilson, Pittsburgh Steelers
Wilson has started each of the Steelers’ past two games, leading Pittsburgh to a 2-0 record. The veteran passer has been efficient, completing 63.2 percent of his passes for 542 yards and three touchdowns without throwing an interception.
While he may no longer be accumulating high rushing totals compared to his days with the Seattle Seahawks, he did score a touchdown on the ground during Pittsburgh’s 37-15 win over the New York Jets in Week 7.
Wilson is currently available in 84 percent of Yahoo fantasy leagues and 78 percent of ESPN leagues, via FantasyPros.
Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
After a slow start to the season, Herbert has started to look like his old self as of late. While the Chargers own an impressive 5-3 record, the Pro Bowl passer’s individual production initially wasn’t at the same level compared to past years.
In Herbert’s first six starts of the season, he averaged just 194 yards per game through the air and threw six touchdown passes.
The 26-year-old has bounced back, passing for 561 yards and four touchdowns without an interception in his previous two appearances.
While a trade may be required to add Herbert considering he’s rostered in 43 percent of ESPN leagues, a deal could be worth it if he’s able to continue building momentum going forward.
Drake Maye, New England Patriots
Relying on rookies to be consistent fantasy contributors is always risky, but Maye has shown enough promise to warrant an extended look from managers searching for a Prescott replacement.
The No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft hasn’t been flawless during his first four career starts, but he’s shown promise in the pocket and has been surprisingly effective with his legs.
While he threw for just 206 yards and one touchdown compared to two interceptions against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Maye also rushed for a team-high 95 yards on just eight attempts.
If head coach Jerod Mayo gives the rookie signal-caller more freedom to take off and extend plays as the 2024 season continues, the former North Carolina standout should be on the radar of managers.
Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets
Similar to Herbert, Rodgers’ recent play is encouraging for a possible fantasy addition. Despite the Jets’ 3-6 record, the veteran signal-caller has racked up touchdowns and avoided turnovers over the past two weeks.
In his last two games, Rodgers has completed 65 percent of his passes for 444 yards and five touchdowns without getting picked off.
As he continues to grow more comfortable with Garrett Wilson and Davante Adams, it’s fair to expect his production improving as well.
The Jets’ upcoming schedule should also benefit Rodgers. Their next two opponents, the Arizona Cardinals and Indianapolis Colts, own the ninth and seventh-worst pass defenses in the NFL, respectively.
Rodgers is available in 57 percent of Yahoo leagues and 48 percent of ESPN leagues.