Hunter Henry among top fantasy football free-agent finds for Week 7

We were reminded of a lesson this past week in fantasy football that is worth storing away: the waiver process does not ever stop. This column debuts weekly on Monday afternoon, with any refreshing needed all the way through Tuesday pending topical news that would dictate a new player be added. In standard leagues on ESPN.com, waivers run overnight Tuesday into Wednesday morning, leading to a flurry of activity.

But things can happen after that first run of movement that lead to the need to add certain players. For example, Rams running back Todd Gurley II‘s quad injury flared up on our radar when he missed Wednesday’s practice. It was — at least to my knowledge — the first sign of any issue with the quad. When the team announced him as doubtful for Sunday’s game this past Friday, people scurried to the waiver wire to grab Malcolm Brown (if they hadn’t already).

Once the Tuesday night waiver process has run its course, it’s first come, first serve on the waiver wire until the games begin again on Sunday for those using ESPN.com standard settings. Those looking to add a player like Brown were rewarded by being the fastest to act, regardless of record. We encourage fantasy managers to be attentive throughout the week: that includes to the waiver process.

Without further ado, here’s the Week 7 waiver wire adds.

Week 7 Byes: Browns, Buccaneers, Panthers, Steelers

Note: All players on this column are available in more than 50% of leagues on ESPN.com.

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Hunter Henry, TE, Los Angeles Chargers (48.7%)

An injury that cost Henry four games led to his roster percentage taking a nosedive, but he needed just one game to remind us all of the star player he can be. In his return for the Chargers, Henry snatched eight catches for 100 yards and two touchdowns, good enough for the top scoring tight end of Week 6. He’s an exceptional talent playing in an offense that — given how poor the overall play of the Chargers has been so far — is going to throw it aplenty. He’s the obvious add of the week.

Malcolm Brown, RB, Los Angeles Rams (25.4%)

It wasn’t a standout performance in Week 6 from Brown, but he did lead the Rams in carries (11) against the 49ers in Gurley’s absence. While the tenor around Gurley’s quad injury is that it shouldn’t be a long-term issue, Brown is in line for another start should Gurley sit in Week 7. The Rams offense is in a bit of a funk, but there’s still value there.

Auden Tate, WR, Cincinnati Bengals (18.8%)

Tate continues to be busy for what is one of the league’s pass-happiest offenses given that Cincinnati plays from behind so frequently. He piled up a career-high 91 yards on 12 targets (also a career-high) against the Ravens in Week 6 and should stay really busy. He’s one of the few young developmental bright spots for Cincy and a consideration in any size league.

Jakobi Meyers, WR, New England Patriots (1.0%)

We’re still unsure as to how significant Josh Gordon‘s knee injury that knocked him out of Week 6’s game is, but Meyers stepped in to help fill his role with 54 yards on four targets. He was a preseason standout who not only earned a role on the roster, but also Tom Brady‘s trust. With Phillip Dorsett also out, Meyers might just be a starting wideout for the Patriots next Monday night.

Chris Herndon, TE, New York Jets (17.8%)

A hamstring delayed Herndon’s return to the lineup, but he showed moments of budding stardom as a rookie in 2018. It may be that Ryan Griffin has played well enough to limit Herndon’s snaps a bit, but he’s a player the organization holds in high regard and should be a valuable part of their red zone offense. He’s an intriguing upside add.

Chase Edmonds, RB, Arizona Cardinals (17.7%)

While Edmonds does not have stand-alone value yet, we’re starting to see him being used more and more in this Arizona offense, with 24 touches over the past three games after eight in the first three games of the season. We’ve seen Arizona use him in tandem with David Johnson in an offense that adds new wrinkles by the week. Johnson dealt with a back issue leading up to the game last week, something we’ll keep an eye on going forward; Edmonds would be a top 15 option if Johnson were to sit in a game and I’m hopeful he’ll continue to be involved more weekly even with Johnson on the field.

Darrell Henderson, Jr., RB, Los Angeles Rams (20.7%)

The same caveat applies as we mentioned with Malcolm Brown — Gurley could return any week — but Henderson finally saw his first meaningful action of the season in Week 6. He showed some signs of the explosiveness that the Rams were excited about when using a third-round pick on him, including a 22-yard run. The add value here is if Gurley sits again in Week 7 and there are indications that Henderson might take on a larger role next week.

Devante Parker, WR, Miami Dolphins (7.3%)

The Dolphins will have to throw it a ton given how poor their defense is, part of the reason why Parker is up to 28 targets through just five games. He’s scored double-digit fantasy points in three of those five games and is coming off of back-to-back games with a touchdown. It’s hard to trust the Dolphins’ offense, but he’s a deeper league add.

Demaryius Thomas, WR, New York Jets (3.7%)

Now healthy, Thomas is showing some signs of a steady role in New York, as he has 14 targets over the past two weeks and four catches in each contest. While a massive challenge looms against New England next Monday, Sam Darnold breathes all sorts of life into the Jets offense and should be a huge benefit to Thomas. A deeper league consideration who has helped many people win fantasy championships during his standout career.

Tight end roulette: While we normally isolate players individually in this space, the truth is that there is a lack of standout tight end options. So, while we have a few names to consider, none should be considered the kind of player you add and immediately presume to be a weekly starter. Hence, some names to consider: Ricky Seals-Jones, Browns (1.7%): Has a Week 7 bye, but a touchdown in two of three games. Darren Fells, Texans (2.4%): A touchdown or five catches in three of his last four games. Luke Willson, Seahawks (.2%). Expected to play a notable role in place of Will Dissly.

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