Injury Status: Week 5

Thu Oct 3 9:05am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

This is not a great week for fantasy owners. Not only do the byes start and several big-time players are out, but this injury page is as big as it has been all year. This is going to be a tough one for a lot of fantasy owners. Hopefully, you can fill out a competent lineup in Week 5. The only positive is a few marquee players are close to returning from major injuries. This could provide a lift for some fantasy teams.

Brandin Cooks, WR, Cowboys. Cooks has already been ruled out for Week 5 and could miss more time. He is dealing with an infection in his knee after having a procedure done. Jalen Tolbert should slide into a starting role for the Cowboys while Cooks is out.

Nick Chubb, RB, Browns. Chubb is back practicing after missing the first four weeks of the season. He is recovering from a devastating knee injury but has progressed very well. He is looking pretty good on the practice field and a return could happen sooner than later. Chubb is not expected to play this week but could be back in another week or two.

Jonathan Taylor, RB, Colts. Taylor suffered the dreaded high-ankle sprain last week. He is out of practice to start the week. He still has a chance to play this week but will need to get in some work before the week is out if he hopes to play. At this point, we think he misses this week but won’t be out too long with this injury. The Colts claim it is a pretty mild sprain. Trey Sermon will start while Taylor is out of the lineup.

Devin Singletary, RB, Giants. Singletary is out of practice to begin the week because of a groin injury. This is a new one and could make him sidelined for the week. Keep an eye on the practice reports the rest of the week to see if Singletary gets in any work. If he does, look for Singletary to play Week 5. If Singletary misses, look for Tyrone Tracy and Eric Gray to split the work at running back for the Giants. 

Anthony Richardson, QB, Colts. Richardson was forced from last week’s game because of an abdomen injury. He is out of practice right now and his status is up in the air for Week 5. We think the Colts will sit Richardson since he likely won’t be 100 percent for the game and has been struggling on the field. Look for Joe Flacco to get a start in Week 5.

Malik Nabers, WR, Giants. Nabers is in the concussion protocol after getting knocked from last week’s game. The good news is the Giants had the Thursday game, giving him more time to get ready for Week 5. We think he has a decent chance to play but keep an eye on the practice reports to be sure. We should know before the week is out if he is cleared to play.

Bijan Robinson, RB, Falcons. Robinson is dealing with a hamstring injury and been limited in practice this week. He says he is ready to go for the game, though, and should be just fine. We wouldn’t worry too much about his status. He might get a few less touches but should be just fine to play for fantasy owners. 

Trey McBride, TE, Cardinals. McBride missed last week because of a concussion but is about to be cleared to play for Week 5. He should be ready to go, barring a late-week setback. And as long as he is active, McBride is a must start for fantasy owners.

Austin Ekeler, RB, Commanders. Ekeler is another player trying to return from a concussion. He is trending the right way and has a good chance to be cleared before the week is out. He should return to his backup and pass-catching back role immediately.

T.J. Hockenson. TE, Vikings. Hockenson is back officially practicing with the team. He is trying to return from his torn ACL, suffered very late last season. He has made quick progress from the injury and could be back sooner than later. Most think a Week 7 or 8 return is most likely for Hockenson. And once he returns, he will be a must start for fantasy owners.

Khalil Shakir, WR, Bills. Shakir suffered an ankle injury last week and is out of practice to start the week. This is not a good start for Shakir. He did play with the injury last week after getting hurt, though, so it might not be too serious. If he can get in some practice the next day or two, Shakir should be able to play Week 5. But if he keeps missing, get other options ready.

Diontae Johnson, WR, Panthers. Johnson is dealing with an ankle injury but expected to be ready for the Week 5 game despite missing practice to start the week. The veteran is resting as much as anything, so don’t get too worried about this injury. It seems fairly minor.

Joe Mixon, RB. Texans. Mixon continues to deal with an ankle injury and remains out of practice. It is looking like he will miss another week of action. And backup Dameon Pierce is in the same boat with his hamstring injury. Look for Cam Akers to get another start for the Texans in Week 5.

Brian Robinson, RB, Commanders. Robinson is dealing with some sort of knee injury. This is a new one. We aren’t sure the severity just yet but missing practice to open the week is not a great sign. We would not rule him out by any means, though, Hopefully, the Commanders reveal more on the injury in the coming days. If he were to miss, look for Austin Ekeler and Jeremy McNichols to split the work at running back for the Commanders.

Evan Engram, TE, Jaguars. Engram is back practicing on a limited basis this week. This is a step in the right direction for Engram after missing the last few weeks because of his hamstring injury. He could make his return this week. Consider him a game-time decision for now but things are finally trending the right way for Engram.

Tank Dell, WR, Texans. Dell missed the game last week because of a chest injury. He is practicing on a limited basis but expected to make his return to the lineup Week 5. He should be ready to go and be just fine to use for fantasy owners this week.

David Njoku, TE, Browns. Njoku has been out since Week 1 but is practicing on a limited basis this week. He is finally back on the practice field, trying to return from his high-ankle sprain. He still isn’t 100 percent to be cleared to play this week but does have a chance to play Week 5. Consider him a game-time decision. 

George Kittle, TE, 49ers. Kittle returned from injury last week but now has a new injury. He injured his ribs last week and is out of practice to open the week. He is being called day-to-day. The 49ers aren’t ruling him out but he is questionable to play right now. Hopefully, he can get in some practice before the week is out. If that happens, look for Kittle to play. 

Davante Adams, WR, Raiders. Adams missed last week because of a hamstring injury. He is expected to miss another week of action. Plus, he wants to be traded, so Adams won’t rush back until he is fully healthy. Jakobi Meyers will serve as the No. 1 receiver for the Raiders while Adams is out.

Christian Watson, WR, Packers. Watson sprained his ankle last week and left the game early. He is going to be out a few weeks of action because of this injury. Dontayvion Wicks and Romeo Doubs should play bigger roles in the passing game while Wicks is out.

Cooper Kupp, WR, Rams. Kupp remains out of action because of a sprained ankle. He is not practicing and likely to miss a few more weeks of action.

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Player Notes
Zay Flowers Nov 3 6:50pm ET
Zay Flowers

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers posted his first multi-score game of the season and broke the century mark in a 41-10 blowout over the Denver Broncos. The speedy wideout finished the game with 127 yards, two touchdowns, five receptions, and six targets. He was able to get open at all different levels of the field and was able to shed tacklers in the process. Flowers' longest play of the day was a 53-yard score where he caught the ball in the middle of the field, broke a tackle, and outran the rest of the defense. He'll look to continue this momentum in Week 10 against their AFC North foes the Cincinnati Bengals.

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Josh Palmer Nov 3 6:50pm ET
Josh Palmer

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer scored his first touchdown of the season in a Week 9 win over the Cleveland Browns. Palmer was targeted four times, making two catches for 63 yards. His touchdown came in the first quarter on a 28-yard pass from Justin Herbert to open the scoring. His other catch was a 35-yarder. Palmer seems to be settling into a role as a big-play wide receiver instead of the heavily targeted one many expected before the season. He'll be hard to trust in Week 10 despite a good matchup against the Tennessee Titans.

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Will Dissly Nov 3 6:50pm ET
Will Dissly

Los Angeles Chargers tight end Will Dissly (shoulder) only made two catches in a Week 9 win over the Cleveland Browns. Dissly has been dealing with a shoulder injury but came into the game without an official injury designation. He'd been very heavily involved in the passing game over the past three games, but with Quentin Johnston returning from an ankle injury, Dissly again faded into a support role at best. He was targeted just three times, making his two catches for nine yards total. Dissly could have some touchdown-dependent value in fantasy leagues going forward, but his brief stint as a TE1 is likely over.

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A.J. Brown Nov 3 6:50pm ET
A.J. Brown

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (knee) won't return to Sunday's game against Jacksonville. The wideout came back to the field with his team to start the second half of the contest. However, he wasn't on the sidelines long before leaving for the locker room. Brown will finish Week 9 with only two catches for 36 yards. As expected, fantasy managers are now wondering if he'll be available in Week 10 for the NFC East meeting with the Cowboys. If he's not, DeVonta Smith, Jahan Dotson, and Saquon Barkley would presumably get more involved on the receiving end. Dallas Goedert (hamstring) would also likely see more targets, assuming he returns from his stint on the shelf. But if Goedert isn't available versus Dallas, Grant Calcaterra would also be in the mix for more attention from Jalen Hurts.

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Cameron Dicker Nov 3 6:50pm ET
Cameron Dicker

Los Angeles Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker attempted five kicks in a Week 9 win over the Cleveland Browns. Dicker made three of his four extra point tries and missed his only field goal attempt. Dicker's field goal try came from 44 yards out. He's still one of the more consistent kickers in the NFL, but this was far from his best performance. Luckily, the Bolts were comfortably ahead and were able to wrap up a 27-10 win.

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Dak Prescott Nov 3 6:40pm ET
Dak Prescott

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring) exited Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons. The signal-caller had a decent showing. Unfortunately, a hamstring injury ended his day abruptly. Of course, there are concerns about the severity of his injury. However, Prescott will undergo an MRI on Monday. He'll likely miss some practice time throughout the week, assuming the injury isn't serious. But if Prescott can't suit up in Week 10 versus the Eagles, Cooper Rush, finishing with 115 yards and a touchdown off 13-for-25 passing on Sunday, would presumably remain under center.

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Kimani Vidal Nov 3 6:40pm ET
Kimani Vidal

Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Kimani Vidal continued in his clear backup role in a 27-10 win over the Cleveland Browns in Week 9. Vidal carried the ball five times, gaining just seven yards total while not seeing a target in the passing game. Starter J.K. Dobbins scored twice in this game and recorded 16 touches, with Vidal again sticking to an occasional change of pace and backup role. On his own, Vidal won't have any real fantasy value, but if Dobbins were to miss time, Vidal would step into his role and skyrocket into the RB2 ranks.

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Quentin Johnston Nov 3 6:40pm ET
Quentin Johnston

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston (ankle) had a big game in his return to the starting lineup in Week 9. Johnston missed two games with an ankle injury but came back strong and looked good. He was targeted five times, making four catches for 118 yards and a touchdown. His touchdown was on a big 66-yard play in the second quarter. Johnston ended up leading the team in receiving yards and was second in catches and targets. He should continue to be heavily involved and could move into a consistent WR3 fantasy rank if the Chargers keep their offense going. They'll face the Tennessee Titans in Week 10.

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Ladd McConkey Nov 3 6:40pm ET
Ladd McConkey

Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey made five catches in a 27-10 win over the Cleveland Browns in Week 9. McConkey led the team in targets with seven, and in catches with five. He was second in receiving yards with 64, behind Quentin Johnston. McConkey was once again the main first look for quarterback Justin Herbert and should continue to be a high-floor WR2/3 option throughout the season, especially in Week 10 with a game coming up against the Tennessee Titans.

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J.K. Dobbins Nov 3 6:30pm ET
J.K. Dobbins

Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins scored two touchdowns in a Week 9 win over the Cleveland Browns. Dobbins commanded the backfield once again, carrying the ball 14 times, gaining 85 yards and scoring twice. He added two catches for 20 yards through the air, catching both of his targets. His first touchdown was a 16-yard run in the second quarter and his second was a seven-yard scamper in the fourth quarter. Dobbins continues to be the clear three-down RB1 in the LA backfield, as Kimani Vidal was the only other Chargers back to record a carry, and he had only five. Dobbins and the Chargers will take on the Titans in Week 10, where Dobbins should again be in the RB1/2 conversation.

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Justin Herbert Nov 3 6:20pm ET
Justin Herbert

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert played well in a 27-10 Week 9 win over the Cleveland Browns. Herbert attempted 27 passes, completing 18 of them for 282 yards and two touchdowns. He added two yards on the ground on three recorded carries while taking six sacks, losing 36 yards. Herbert's first touchdown was a 28-yard pass to Joshua Palmer in the first quarter, and he followed it up with a 66-yard pass to Quentin Johnston in the second. Herbert didn't need to do much in the second half as the Chargers just chewed lock and nursed their lead. He could have had a bigger game, but the Bolts defense held the Browns to just three points until the last drive of the game. Herbert and the Chargers will take on the Titans in Week 10.

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Lamar Jackson Nov 3 6:20pm ET
Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is now tied for the most games with a perfect passer rating (4) in NFL history. The only other QB with four is AFC North rival Ben Roethlisberger. In the 41-10 win over the Denver Broncos, Jackson posted 280 yards and three touchdowns while throwing 16-for-19 and adding four yards on three carries. He's considered the front-runner for his third MVP by most outlets and Jackson remains atop the position in fantasy as well. He'll go up against the Cincinnati Bengals again in Week 10 on Thursday Night Football.

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Tyreek Hill Nov 3 6:10pm ET
Tyreek Hill

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill caught four out of five targets for 80 yards in Miami's 30-27 loss to the Buffalo Bills. The offense made it clear early that their mission was to establish the run against a vulnerable defensive line for the Bills. Hill would've had a much better day if Tua Tagovailoa had hit him in stride on a deep ball he severely underthrew, which may have ended in a touchdown. Contrary to the defense's poor performance, the offense gave a great showing. Nonetheless, Hill made the most of the limited number of targets he received. At (2-6), Miami will be desperate for wins for the rest of the season, which should equal more targets for the speedster. The 30-year-old looks to have more looks next week when the Dolphins travel to Los Angeles to take on the Rams.

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Jaylen Waddle Nov 3 6:10pm ET
Jaylen Waddle

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (ankle) caught both his two targets for minus-four yards and a receiving touchdown in their 30-27 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Other than the touchdown, Waddle was relatively quiet during the day. His second reception came on the game's last play, where Miami lateraled, and he ran close to 25 yards backwards. He left the game briefly with an ankle injury but soon re-entered the game with no further issues. The lack of targets came from the offense electing to establish the run and expose Buffalo's weakness of stopping the run. Still, this season has not been what fantasy managers have hoped for from the 25-year-old after three straight 1,000-yard campaigns. With Miami falling to 2-6 and the schedule looking a bit easier in the next couple of weeks, Waddle has the potential to break out. Next week, a matchup with the Los Angeles Rams could be a shootout.

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A.J. Brown Nov 3 6:10pm ET
A.J. Brown

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (knee) is questionable to return to Sunday's game versus the Jaguars. The wideout was back on the field with his team for the start of the second half. But, it didn't take long before he was shown jogging back to the locker room. It's unknown how or when the injury occurred. But if Brown doesn't return, he'll finish with two receptions for 36 yards, with DeVonta Smith, Jahan Dotson, and Grant Calcaterra potentially in line to see more attention from Jalen Hurts for the rest of Week 9.

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Derrick Henry Nov 3 6:10pm ET
Derrick Henry

Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry extended his scoring streak to nine games and scored his 100th career rushing touchdown while he dominated the Denver Broncos in a 41-10 win on Sunday. The King ended the game with 106 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries and even added one reception for 27 yards. Henry extended his lead as the RB1 even further and is the first running back to 1,000 yards this season. He's on pace to break his yard mark for all of last season by their next game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday Night Football.

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Puka Nacua Nov 3 6:10pm ET
Puka Nacua

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua was ejected from Sunday's meeting with the Seattle Seahawks. The wideout wasn't a lock to play after re-aggravating his knee injury. While he was on the field, he didn't last long before getting disqualified for punching Seahawks cornerback Coby Bryant near the end of the second quarter. Nacua will finish this one with only one catch (four targets) for 11 yards, leaving room for Cooper Kupp, Kyren Williams, Demarcus Robinson, and Tutu Atwell to get more involved on the receiving end for the rest of the contest.

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Tua Tagovailoa Nov 3 6:00pm ET
Tua Tagovailoa

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa completed 25 of 28 passes for 231 yards and two touchdowns in their 30-27 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. It was a second straight outing where the offense looked much improved from weeks prior. The Miami rushing attack created a lot of open space in the secondary for Tagovailoa to create chunk plays. In their previous meeting with Buffalo back in Week 2, Tagovailoa threw three interceptions. It was encouraging to see no turnovers from him against an excellent defense. This also marks back-to-back games where the former Alabama Crimson Tide finished with no turnovers, and the offense scored 27 points. With Miami now sitting at (2-6), they're more desperate than ever to get wins. Look for Tagovailoa to air the ball out next week when they travel to take on the Los Angeles Rams in a game that could be a shootout.

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Puka Nacua Nov 3 6:00pm ET
Puka Nacua

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua was ejected from Sunday's meeting with the Seattle Seahawks. The wideout wasn't a lock to play after re-aggravating his knee injury. While he was on the field, he didn't last long before getting disqualified for punching Seahawks cornerback Coby Bryant near the end of the second quarter. Nacua will finish this one with only one catch (four targets) for 11 yards, leaving room for Cooper Cupp, Kyren Williams, Demarcus Robinson, and Tutu Atwell to get more involved on the receiving end for the rest of the contest.

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J.K. Dobbins Nov 3 5:50pm ET
J.K. Dobbins

The Cleveland Browns defense allowed 27 points while notching six sacks in a 27-10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 9. While Cleveland's pass rush was a problem for the Chargers, they struggled to contain the running game as J.K. Dobbins ripped off 85 yards and two touchdowns in the lopsided loss. The Browns were led by Myles Garrett, who had three sacks, and Dalvin Tomlinson, who had 1.5 sacks. Cleveland will be on bye in Week 10 before a road matchup against the New Orleans Saints.

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