Washington Commanders wide receiver Luke McCaffrey (shoulder) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice. Any sort of appearance on the injury report is less than ideal, but the good news for McCaffrey and the Commanders is that he did participate in a limited capacity. Plus, he still has two more days to upgrade to a full participant before Washington publishes its final injury report. McCaffrey, a rookie out of Rice University, has delivered modest production this season, catching 17 of 21 targets for 155 yards. He's still looking for his first career touchdown, but his chances to find the end zone could improve as he earns more targets in the wake of Noah Brown (kidney) landing on injured reserve.
Washington Commanders wide receiver Luke McCaffrey hasn't had a productive inaugural year. In 11 appearances this season, the 2024 No. 100 overall pick has only 13 catches for 134 yards. Without a doubt, production like that won't earn him a spot in any fantasy lineup in Week 12 versus the Dallas Cowboys. But McCaffrey may get a chance to show his stuff, so he's worth stashing in dynasty formats in case he shows signs of life in the years ahead.
Luke McCaffrey Could Move Up Depth Chart On Sunday
Washington Commanders rookie wide receiver Luke McCaffrey could be deployed as the No. 2 wideout on Sunday afternoon with Noah Brown (groin) ruled out. Last week, Brown was deployed alongside Terry McLaurin, which limited McCaffrey's opportunities. However, fantasy managers should expect the Rice product to see regular playing time against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. After tallying a season-high 44 yards in Week 3, McCaffrey took a step back in Week 4 and caught only one pass. The 23-year-old remains a desperation flex play in 14-plus-team leagues, as he has yet to show much consistency, but he could enjoy a breakout game with Brown sidelined.
Luke McCaffrey Could Break Out In Favorable Matchup On Sunday
Washington Commanders rookie wide receiver Luke McCaffrey had a career-best 44 yards in their Week 3 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals but should not be relied upon in any starting lineups this weekend. After catching three passes in the season opener, the Rice product was held off the scoresheet in Week 2. However, McCaffrey responded in Week 3 by logging the third-most snaps at the position and bringing in three passes. His best catch of the night came on a fourth down when quarterback Jayden Daniels found him for 30 yards. Fantasy managers should continue to view the third-round pick as a solid stash candidate. He could emerge as a consistent weapon in this offense later in the fall, but for now, he remains a high-risk play in DFS formats on Sunday.
Washington Commanders rookie wide receiver Luke McCaffrey bounced back in a big way on Monday night. After catching three passes for 18 yards in his NFL debut, the Rice product was held out of the box score last weekend. However, on Monday, McCaffrey caught all three of his targets for 44 yards, good for second-most among Washington pass catchers. His best play of the night came on a fourth down where Washington needed just two yards but the 23-year-old went on to pick up 30 and set up their first score of the evening. This was an excellent rebound game for the young wideout as he continues establishing himself as the No.2 receiver in this offense. For now, McCaffrey remains an excellent stash candidate and is a name to keep a close eye on going forward as he continues to build a connection with his fellow rookie QB.
Luke McCaffrey Looks To Emerge As No. 2 Pass Catcher
Washington Commanders rookie wide receiver Luke McCaffrey led all Commander wideouts in receiving yards in the season opener and will look to continue to stake his claim on the open No. 2 spot against the Giants. The Rice product logged the second-most snaps at the position, only behind Terry McLaurin, and caught all three of his targets for 18 yards in Week 1. While 18 yards is not an impressive feat and will rarely be the most out of the wide receiving corps, seeing the 23-year-old look comfortable in an every-down role in his regular-season debut was promising. McCaffrey is worth taking a flier on as a stash option in deeper leagues but should not be relied on in any starting lineups this weekend.
When asked about Washington Commanders wide receiver Luke McCaffrey on Wednesday, head coach Dan Quinn gave reporters a shining endorsement. Specifically, Quinn was asked about the wideout and how he has fit into the Commanders' WR corps. He said: "I think we're seeing it go like this [*plane taking off gesture*]. And so that's why more reps and more playing time to go. We've really seen kind of that confidence grow, especially inside in the slot where he can use some of that strength and work guys through." McCaffrey acquired just three targets in the team's 37-20 loss to the Buccaneers, catching all of them for 18 yards. However, rookie QB Jayden Daniels spread the ball around pretty evenly, with four Commanders racking up four targets -- including both running backs -- and another finishing tied with McCaffrey for three. The rookie third-round pick ran the most snaps (36) of all Washington receivers not named Terry McLaurin and took 29 of those from the slot. No other player received more than six.
Luke McCaffrey Listed With Starters To Begin Career
Washington Commanders wide receiver Luke McCaffrey was listed as one of three starting wideouts on the team's first official depth chart heading into a matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Following the departure of Jahan Dotson, who was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, the WR2 job behind Terry McLaurin is up for grabs. McCaffrey was selected in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft following his final season at Rice which saw him post just under 1,000 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. McCaffrey has name recognition from NFL fans thanks to his relatives who have played or are playing in the league, but his Year 1 fantasy expectations should be tempered. Washington will be led by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, and rookies historically fail to support multiple fantasy-relevant pass-catchers. McCaffrey should be on the waiver wire watchlist, but for now, he should not be in starting lineups.
Luke McCaffrey Hasn't Emerged As An Obvious Starter
Washington Commanders rookie third-round wide receiver Luke McCaffrey has not emerged as an obvious top-four wideout to open his first year in the NFL. However, McCaffrey showed the ability to play physical and even helped as a gunner in the second preseason game against the New York Jets, and he can help on underneath routes as he develops. It should come as a huge surprise, as he has played the receiver position for only two seasons. It's disappointing news for fantasy managers that took a flier on the 23-year-old from Rice, especially after the Commanders dealt Jahan Dotson to the Philadelphia Eagles this week. Washington's top four receivers appear to be Terry McLaurin, Dyami Brown, Olamide Zaccheaus and veteran Jamison Crowder. McCaffrey still has a lot to learn and can be avoided in redraft fantasy leagues for now.
Luke McCaffrey Involved Outside More Than Expected
Washington Commanders wide receiver Luke McCaffrey "lined up outside more than expected" during Day 1 of OTAs on Tuesday, according to Ben Standig of The Athletic. Washington selected McCaffrey, a product of Rice University, with the 100th overall selection in the third round of April's NFL Draft. McCaffrey impressed in the slot throughout his college career, demonstrating the physicality, athleticism, and ball security skills needed to succeed there at the next level. However, it appears that Washington has different plans or at least wants to explore all their options with the rookie. Perhaps he has impressed the coaching staff enough for them to experiment with him outside. Such positional versatility could allow McCaffrey to carve out a decent role in his first pro season, though he's still off the radar in most redraft leagues. For dynasty purposes, he's a fringe top-25 rookie heading into the 2024 campaign.
Luke McCaffrey
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