Evan Engram Headed for Season-Ending Surgery

2024 Fantasy Football Impact

Engram missed four games early this season, weeks 2 through 5. Strange played at least 68% of snaps in each of those contests, averaging:

• 4.5 targets
• 3.0 receptions
• 30 yards
• 0.5 TDs

Jacksonville also had its top 3 WRs healthy at that point, though. And all three drew more targets than Strange did over that span.

Rookie Brian Thomas Jr. led with 30 over that span, edging Christian Kirk by one.

The point: Engram's injury creates obvious opportunity for Strange. But can also boost the target outlooks for Thomas and WR Parker Washington.

Dynasty Impact

Barring some offseason setback, this issue shouldn't challenge Engram's start to the 2025 season. There is a potential "out" in his contract after this year, though, according to Spotrac.

Dumping Engram ahead of 2025 would clear about $6 million in cap space but still leave roughly $13.5 million in dead cap.

So I'd bet right now on Engram sticking around. Of course, we'll have to see how a potential coaching change might impact that.

Other Winners & Losers

Brian Thomas Jr. looks like an even safer bet for targets the rest of the way. He already set season highs in that category each of the past two weeks.

Waiver Wire Targets

Parker Washington hit 12 targets in a narrow loss to Houston two weeks ago. He followed that with a mere 2 targets in the win over Tennessee, though.

Washington could help a PPR lineup in a deep league. But he could also offer you next to nothing. Don't get excited. A Week 16 visit to Las Vegas looks like his best remaining chance.

Strange also becomes a potential add for TE-needy teams. But consider him a mid-to-low TE2.

Check your Free Agent Finder for the best available TEs in your league.

Injury Impact: Estimated Return Timeline & Performance Upon Return

According to Johns Hopkins, surgery for a torn shoulder labrum typically requires a 2-3 month timeline for recovery and regaining strength. We'll obviously watch for details on Engram's case specifically.