D.J. Moore Injury Update Boosts Curtis Samuel Fantasy Outlook for Week 17 Against Saints

Carolina Panthers wide receiver D.J. Moore didn’t get much of an opportunity to prove he could still be an effective fantasy asset with rookie Will Grier under center. He caught one pass for one yard before he was forced from last Sunday’s game with a concussion

Per Wednesday’s estimated practice report, he still isn’t ready to return. 

Moore played with backup Kyle Allen for most of his sophomore campaign, logging 1,175 yards and four touchdowns on 87 receptions. He’s currently ranked as the WR12 in PPR formats.

The effect that rookie quarterback Will Grier might have on the second-year receiver is still unclear, considering how little time Moore actually saw against the Colts. Grier finished with 224 yards, no touchdowns and three interceptions against an Indianapolis secondary allowing the 19th-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. 

If Moore is unable to go, Curtis Samuel would likely operate as Carolina’s de-facto No. 1 wideout for their Week 17 matchup against the New Orleans Saints. New Orleans is allowing the fifth-most points to opposing wide receivers this season, but as the top wideout he could also spend plenty of time matched up with top Saints corner Marshon Lattimore.

Accounting for Moore's absence, Samuel checks in at WR32 in our Week 17 PPR fantasy football rankings.

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