Van Jefferson injury update & fantasy outlook

The Los Angeles Rams have stayed alive after six weeks, notwithstanding the multiple injuries to important role players, including Van Jefferson. The Rams defeated the Carolina Panthers in Week 6. Still, it was yet another costly victory when left tackle Joseph Noteboom sustained an Achilles tendon tear, ending his season.

On the other hand, wideout Van Jefferson could potentially play in his first match of the year on Sunday, October 30, when the Rams take on the San Francisco 49ers. Jefferson had knee surgery during training camp, which put him on the sidelines until now.

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Van Jefferson's value as a fantasy football option

Rams head coach Sean McVay has stated that he anticipates the wideout to be capable of contributing immediately. In light of this, the wide receiver is a valuable addition in leagues where he is still available.

Van Jefferson, who missed the first six weeks of the season, might make a comeback in Week 8 and assist the Rams in opening up the field. If everything works out, he could overtake Tyler Higbee and Cooper Kupp as the third option in the running game. So if you have a deep fantasy bench or an open IR space in Week 7, keep him during the Rams' bye week.

Last season, Jefferson spent most of the year as the team's No. 3 receiver. He amassed an impressive 418 receiving yards and four touchdowns in one seven-game stretch. After that, he almost vanished, recording an average of 30.8 receiving yards over the last four games of the regular season and 26.3 yards over the first three games of the postseason.

Notwithstanding the lackluster result, Jefferson appears to be the favorite to reclaim the No. 3 spot in a potent passing attack. He'll be playing behind target-hogging Cooper Kupp and offseason acquisition Allen Robinson.

During this week's bye, the Rams get a chance to start fresh. It's a brief respite from the season's challenging and draining start, which has seen a number of starters go down with injuries.

This year, the Rams' attack hasn't met their expectations. Cooper Kupp has been the only one delivering enough production to establish himself as a trustworthy fantasy football option. Additionally, wideout Ben Skowronek might be moved back down the depth chart by Jefferson. Moreover, the latter will likely eat into Allen Robinson's meager target rate.

Nonetheless, Jefferson's value in the struggling Rams offense will only be tested when they head out again in Week 8.