Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images. Pictured: Kenny Golladay
Coming off a season in which Kenny Golladay played in just five games, any injury is enough to raise concern.
The New York Giants receiver received relatively good news when it was announced his hamstring injury would only cost him 2-to-3 weeks. If that timeline holds true, the free agent acquisition would not miss any regular season games.
Still, hamstring injuries have been a problem for Golladay in the past and leg injuries in the preseason are not what fantasy managers want to hear heading into their drafts.
Expectations are high for the receiver after signing a four-year, $72-million deal with New York in the offseason. With such an investment, there’s reason to understand the team taking a cautious approach.
What does this all mean for fantasy managers who may be targeting Golladay in upcoming drafts? Our fantasy experts weigh in.
Sean Koerner
It sounds like the Giants are just being cautious with Golladay and trying to prevent a hamstring injury from flaring up in-season. I’m not downgrading him too much, considering his Week 1 status isn’t in doubt (yet).
However, early reports out of camp are that Daniel Jones and Kenny Golladay haven’t been on the same page. Missing 2-3 weeks of practice time could prevent the two from forming chemistry heading into the season.
As a result, I’ve moved Golladay down to WR30 but will move him lower if his Week 1 availability comes into question. He still offers enough upside as a mid-range WR3 to take a gamble on, even after Thursday’s news.
Managers in deeper leagues should consider taking a flier on Darius Slayton, who will benefit the most if Golladay ends up missing any time.
Samantha Previte
In a vacuum, Golladay being out 2-to-3 weeks isn’t necessarily concerning since that puts a timeline for return before Week 1. However, the former Lions star has already missed five games as a rookie in 2017 with a strained hamstring and missed the first two games of the 2020 season with a hamstring injury. Even if the Giants are exercising an abundance of caution in sidelining the 27-year-old, it’s more than enough to raise concern for fantasy football.
The Giants offense as a whole remains a big question mark heading into this year. Their offensive line — which ranked second-to-last in the NFL in 2020 in sacks allowed — and Daniel Jones’ inconsistency both negatively impact every potentially fantasy-relevant player on the team.
Golladay has WR2 upside, but should be more appropriately drafted as a WR3/flex option due to injury risk and the Giants’ system, which is a significant downgrade for the 2019 receiving touchdowns leader.
