2026 Week 5 Fantasy Football Injury Preview

Lamar Jackson, Saquon Barkley, and DeVonta Smith are out, while several other fantasy starters enter Week 5 with uncertain availability. Here’s what you need to know before setting your lineup.

Quarterbacks

Lamar Jackson — Left Ankle

Injury: Jackson missed all three practices and has been ruled out for Week 5 with what is believed to be a medial (deltoid) sprain.

Practice Status: DNP/DNP/DNP

Expected Time Missed: Week to week; out for Week 5.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Tyler Huntley

Analysis: 

This is a tricky injury for Lamar. He is believed to have a medial ankle sprain involving the deltoid ligament on the inside of his left ankle. This ligament helps stabilize the ankle during cutting and changes of direction, so lingering pain or instability could limit his rushing upside for several weeks after he returns.

Because this is his left ankle rather than his primary push-off side when throwing, I’m less concerned about his passing. But his legs are what separate him from other elite fantasy quarterbacks, and that part of his game may take longer to return to full strength.

Jayden Daniels — Left Elbow Dislocation

Injury: Daniels practiced fully throughout the week and carries no game designation after missing time with his elbow injury.

Practice Status: FP/FP/FP

Expected Time Missed: No additional time missed expected.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Athan Kaliakmanis; Marcus Mariota is out.

Analysis: 

Daniels will play this week, and I’m not expecting a major impact on his passing. This is his non-throwing elbow, and the brace allows him to hand off and pitch the ball while limiting elbow extension. His speed and cutting ability should remain intact, though he may be more selective about running to avoid unnecessary contact.

The bigger concern is re-injury. This is his second dislocation of the same elbow, and damage to the stabilizing ligaments can leave an elbow vulnerable to recurrent instability. The brace adds protection, but it does not eliminate that risk. We saw that last season when a hard fall aggravated the elbow without another dislocation.

Fantasy managers will be holding their breath every time Daniels takes a hit. Still, if he avoids another setback, he can play well, and his return is a boost for Washington’s healthy pass catchers.

Jalen Hurts — Calf

Injury: Hurts appeared on Friday’s report with a calf injury but practiced fully and carries no game designation.

Practice Status: Not listed/Not listed/FP

Expected Time Missed: No time missed expected.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Tanner McKee

Analysis: 

Hurts may have set the record for the shortest injury scare. After not being listed Wednesday or Thursday, he appeared Friday with a calf issue but practiced fully and carries no game designation.

That suggests a minor issue, although there is no confirmation that it was a cramp or a muscle strain. The calf contributes to push-off when running and generating force through the legs when throwing, but his full participation is reassuring. I’m not expecting a major impact on his fantasy production, and he remains a strong start.

Re-injury would be more concerning if this is a true calf strain. Medical research on elite athletes found recurrence rates of roughly 13–21%. However, being a quarterback will reduce that risk. Given his practice status, though, this looks like something to monitor rather than a reason to bench him.

Caleb Williams — Right Hamstring

Injury: Williams returned to limited practice Friday but remains questionable for Week 5.

Practice Status: DNP/DNP/LP

Expected Time Missed: Day to day.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Tyson Bagent

Analysis: 

Caleb is officially questionable, but Tyson Bagent is still expected to start. He has missed two games with a reported grade II hamstring strain. At this stage, pain may have improved considerably while the tissue is still repairing and remodeling. Feeling better does not necessarily mean the hamstring has regained its strength or tolerance for explosive movement, so returning before those qualities recover would increase his re-injury risk.

Another week gives him more time to build strength and progress through football-specific rehab, though it does not guarantee full recovery. Re-injury risk is highest in the first two weeks after returning and can remain elevated for months. Quarterbacks generally face less repeated sprinting than receivers and running backs, but Caleb’s scrambling still exposes the hamstring to substantial stress.

Because this is his right hamstring, it could also affect how comfortably he drives off his back leg when throwing. Quarterback biomechanics research highlights the rear leg’s contribution to force generation, making reduced throwing power a possibility to monitor rather than a certainty. His acceleration and rushing upside are my bigger concerns when he returns.

Tyler Shough — Left Hand

Injury: Shough progressed to full practice Thursday and Friday and carries no game designation.

Practice Status: LP/FP/FP

Expected Time Missed: No time missed expected.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Spencer Rattler

Analysis: Shough’s left hand injury won’t keep him out this week, as he practiced Thursday and Friday fully and carries no game designation. Because this is his non-throwing hand, I’m not expecting a direct impact on his throwing grip, power, or accuracy. The left hand still helps with receiving snaps and securing the ball, but his full participation suggests those tasks are manageable. Shough has been impressive to start the year and remains a viable fantasy starter this week. 

Running Backs

Saquon Barkley — Right Hamstring

Injury: Barkley missed all three practices and has been ruled out for Week 5.

Practice Status: DNP/DNP/DNP

Expected Time Missed: Week to week; out for Week 5.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Will Shipley

Analysis: 

Barkley will miss this week after injuring his hamstring early in Week 4. With no practice participation, a return this week never looked realistic. He is approaching 30, and older age is associated with greater hamstring injury risk, and slower healing. Our dataset shows running backs miss an average of 1.8 games with a hamstring strain. I would not be surprised if he misses next week as well, but his practice progression will give us a better idea.

The good news is that Barkley can still be a strong fantasy starter when he returns. Our dataset shows no average decline in running back fantasy production after hamstring injuries. The bigger concern is staying healthy: hamstring re-injury risk is particularly elevated early after returning. Hold Barkley and expect him to remain valuable once he is ready to play.

Ashton Jeanty — Ankle and Foot

Injury: Jeanty’s participation declined throughout the week, ending with no practice Friday and a questionable designation.

Practice Status: FP/LP/DNP

Expected Time Missed: Day to day.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Mike Washington

Analysis: 

Jeanty’s situation is especially concerning this week. His practice participation declined from full Wednesday to limited Thursday and no participation Friday, and he is now listed with a foot injury in addition to the ankle. That is an unfavorable trend heading into Sunday.

Jeanty has shown he can produce through his ankle injury, but the new foot issue adds uncertainty. Pain in the foot can make planting, pushing off, and changing direction more difficult, potentially reducing his explosiveness. Our dataset shows minimal average fantasy decline after running back ankle injuries, compared with nearly a 15% dip after foot injuries. The exact diagnosis is unclear, but his declining practice participation makes this harder to dismiss as a minor issue.

Jeanty could miss Week 5, and even if he plays, I would not be surprised to see Mike Washington Jr. take on more work. If Jeanty is active, you’ll likely still start him, but his usual upside may be limited this week.

Breece Hall — Quadriceps

Injury: Hall remained out of practice throughout the week and has been ruled out for Week 5.

Practice Status: DNP/DNP/DNP

Expected Time Missed: Week to week; out for Week 5.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis

Analysis: 

Hall will miss another game with his quad injury. The quadriceps help generate force for acceleration and support the knee when driving through contact. Pain or weakness can make it difficult for a ball carrier to explode through a hole or move the pile, so returning before he regains that strength would be challenging.

The good news is that our dataset shows almost no average change in running back fantasy production after quad injuries. Hall needs more time to recover, but there is reason to expect him to remain a reliable fantasy starter once he returns.

Alvin Kamara — Back

Injury: Kamara returned to limited practice Thursday and Friday after missing Wednesday. He is questionable.

Practice Status: DNP/LP/LP

Expected Time Missed: Day to day.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Kendre Miller

Analysis: 

Kamara is dealing with a back injury, but his ability to practice Thursday and Friday is encouraging. That suggests his symptoms are manageable, although it does not establish the exact diagnosis. If this is muscular soreness or tightness, rehab can help restore comfortable movement and strength, allowing him to play effectively.

Kamara has not been a reliable fantasy starter this year, but based on his practice participation, I’m not expecting this injury to be the main reason for any struggles. If he is active, his recent production is a bigger concern than the back issue.

Jeremiyah Love — Ankle

Injury: Love progressed to full practice Friday and carries no game designation.

Practice Status: LP/LP/FP

Expected Time Missed: No time missed expected.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Tyler Algeier

Analysis: 

Love is expected to play through his new ankle injury after practicing all week and progressing to full participation Friday. That progression is reassuring and suggests the injury is not significantly limiting his movement.

Ankle pain or instability can affect a runner’s ability to push off, cut quickly, and drive through contact, but Love’s practice participation gives me confidence he can remain effective. Our dataset shows almost no average decline in running back fantasy production after ankle injuries. Love should be in your lineup this week.

Cam Skattebo — Shoulder

Injury: Skattebo practiced fully Friday and carries no game designation.

Practice Status: LP/LP/FP

Expected Time Missed: No time missed expected.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Najee Harris

Analysis: 

Skattebo is set to play through a shoulder injury after logging a full practice Friday and receiving no game designation. Our dataset of 32 running backs shows no average change in fantasy points after shoulder injuries, which is encouraging.

The shoulder does not directly power his running, but pain can affect ball security, blocking, and absorbing contact. Contact is central to Skattebo’s game, and I doubt he will shy away from it. His full practice gives me confidence that he can handle those demands, so I’m not expecting a significant injury-related dip this week.

D’Andre Swift — Hip and Knee

Injury: Swift progressed to full practice Friday and carries no game designation.

Practice Status: DNP/LP/FP

Expected Time Missed: No time missed expected.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Roschon Johnson

Analysis: 

It’s not a true NFL practice week without D’Andre Swift being limited before getting cleared for game day. This week, he progressed to full practice Friday and carries no game designation despite hip and knee issues.

He followed a similar pattern last week before taking a back seat in snap share, though Kyle Monangai’s strong performance may have mattered more than the injuries. With Monangai ruled out this week, Swift should see the bulk of the backfield work. His full practice is reassuring, and I’m not expecting these issues to keep him from being productive.

Rhamondre Stevenson — Knee

Injury: Stevenson remained limited throughout the week and is questionable.

Practice Status: LP/LP/LP

Expected Time Missed: Day to day.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: TreVeyon Henderson

Analysis: 

Stevenson remains questionable after three limited practices with a knee injury, but the expectation is that he plays. Practicing all week is encouraging, though without a specific diagnosis, it is difficult to predict how much the injury could affect him.

Knee pain can make cutting, accelerating, and driving through contact more difficult. Stevenson’s participation suggests he can tolerate some football activity, but the lack of a full practice leaves uncertainty about his workload. If active, he remains a flex option, though I would temper expectations. TreVeyon Henderson could see more work if Stevenson is limited.

Rico Dowdle — Toe

Injury: Dowdle logged three limited practices and is questionable for Week 5.

Practice Status: LP/LP/LP

Expected Time Missed: Day to day.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Jaylen Warren

Analysis: ​

Dowdle is questionable after three limited practices as he attempts to return from a toe injury that cost him two games. He reported that the toe dislocated twice during the Week 2 game, making this more concerning than simple soreness.

Lingering pain or instability can make loading the forefoot and pushing off uncomfortable, potentially limiting acceleration and cutting. Returning to practice is a positive step, but without a full session, I’m not confident he is ready for his usual workload. Even if active, Dowdle is a risky fantasy start this week, with both effectiveness and workload concerns.

Tony Pollard — Foot

Injury: Pollard practiced fully Thursday and Friday after missing Wednesday and carries no game designation.

Practice Status: DNP/FP/FP

Expected Time Missed: No time missed expected.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Tyjae Spears

Analysis: 

Pollard practiced fully Thursday and Friday and carries no game designation after missing Wednesday with a foot injury. Two full practices give me confidence that he can handle the planting and push-off demands of running, so I’m not expecting a significant injury-related limitation.

Our dataset shows roughly a 14–15% average decline in running back fantasy production after foot injuries, but that includes injuries of varying severity. Pollard’s practice progression is reassuring, and I would not automatically apply that decline to him. He remains a viable starter this week.

Rachaad White — Shoulder

Injury: White logged three limited practices and carries no game designation after missing Week 4.

Practice Status: LP/LP/LP

Expected Time Missed: No additional time missed expected.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Austin Ekeler

Analysis: 

White is set to return after logging three limited practices and receiving no game designation. The shoulder should not directly limit his speed or cutting ability, but pain can make absorbing contact, securing the ball, and pass protection more challenging.

Our dataset of 32 running backs shows no average decline in fantasy production after shoulder injuries. That is encouraging, though his limited participation leaves some uncertainty about how much contact he can comfortably tolerate. I’m more concerned about his workload alongside Jacory Croskey-Merritt than a major drop in effectiveness from the injury. White is a flex consideration this week.

Kyle Monangai — Thumb and Toe

Injury: Monangai did not practice this week and has been ruled out.

Practice Status: DNP/DNP/DNP

Expected Time Missed: Out for Week 5.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: D’Andre Swift

Analysis: 

Monangai has thumb and toe injuries, with the toe keeping him out this week. Turf toe can be particularly troublesome for ball carriers because the tissues beneath the big-toe joint provide stability during push-off. Sprinting and cutting require comfortable motion at that joint, and pain or instability can reduce how forcefully a runner drives off the foot. He may compensate by turning the foot outward or shifting pressure away from the big toe, potentially sacrificing efficiency and power.

Monangai has reportedly seen a specialist, but the injury grade has not been confirmed. A shorter absence would be encouraging, and would likely indicate a grade I or II injury. More severe turf-toe injuries can leave persistent stiffness, pain, and reduced push-off strength, making recovery of comfortable movement important even after he returns.

Our dataset shows running backs average 1.7 games missed with toe injuries, followed by a 41% dip in fantasy points in their first game back. Production returns close to baseline in game two, which is encouraging. D’Andre Swift is the primary beneficiary this week.

Jaylen Wright — Foot

Injury: Wright was limited Thursday and Friday and is questionable.

Practice Status: Not listed/LP/LP

Expected Time Missed: Day to day.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Ollie Gordon II

Analysis: 

Wright is questionable after limited practices Thursday and Friday with a foot injury. Foot pain can make planting, pushing off, and changing direction more difficult, which is concerning for a running back whose game relies on speed and explosiveness.

Our dataset shows roughly a 15% average decline in running back fantasy production after foot injuries. That does not guarantee Wright struggles, but the limited practices and uncertain workload alongside Ollie Gordon II make him difficult to trust. I would keep Wright out of fantasy lineups this week. Gordon is the primary beneficiary if Wright misses time.

George Holani — Ribs and Knee

Injury: Holani remained limited throughout the week and is questionable.

Practice Status: LP/LP/LP

Expected Time Missed: Day to day.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Emanuel Wilson

Analysis: 

Holani is questionable after three limited practices with rib and knee injuries. Rib pain can make absorbing contact and securing the ball uncomfortable, while the knee adds concern about his ability to cut and drive through tackles. The combination makes this more concerning than the rib injury alone.

Our dataset shows a roughly 10% average dip in running back fantasy points in the first game back after chest or rib injuries, followed by a return to baseline. However, that does not account for Holani’s additional knee issue. Emanuel Wilson already led the backfield with 60% of the offensive snaps last week, compared with Holani’s 37%. Holani should remain on your bench, while Wilson is the primary beneficiary if he is unavailable or limited.

Wide Receivers

Ja’Marr Chase — Concussion

Injury: Chase progressed to full practice Friday but remains questionable while completing the concussion protocol.

Practice Status: DNP/LP/FP

Expected Time Missed: Day to day.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Tee Higgins.

Analysis: This is the simplest analysis in this entire article today.  If Chase clears the protocol and plays, you start him.  If he doesn't, you don't. 

Justin Jefferson — Ankle

Injury: Jefferson logged three limited practices and is questionable after missing Week 4 with a presumed medial ankle sprain.

Practice Status: LP/LP/LP

Expected Time Missed: Day to day.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Jordan Addison, if active, and Jauan Jennings

Analysis:  

Jefferson’s case is tricky. My concern is a possible medial ankle sprain involving the deltoid ligament, though that diagnosis and its severity have not been confirmed. Returning before the ankle is ready can lead to aggravation, but that outcome is not inevitable.

Missing last week gave him valuable time to rehab. I would have liked to see a full practice, but he remained limited all week and is questionable. That leaves some uncertainty about how comfortably he can plant and change direction, though it does not necessarily mean he cannot play effectively.

Our medial ankle sample is too small to draw meaningful conclusions about fantasy performance. For comparison, our lateral and high ankle sprain samples show average declines of no more than roughly 15% for wide receivers. Those are different injuries, so that is context rather than a prediction. Still, Jefferson is elite enough to remain a valuable starter even with some reduction in production. If he is active, he belongs in your lineup.

Malik Nabers — Knee

Injury: Nabers progressed to full practice Friday and carries no game designation.

Practice Status: DNP/LP/FP

Expected Time Missed: No time missed expected.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Malachi Fields, Isaiah Likely.

Analysis: Nabers missed some practice time due to soreness and maintenance, but is full-go this week.  He played well last week, but is clearly not yet at 100% coming off the ACL and meniscus repair.  He should continue to steadily improve as the season progresses. 

Chris Olave — Foot

Injury: Olave progressed to full practice Friday and carries no game designation. His report also included rest.

Practice Status: DNP/LP/FP

Expected Time Missed: No time missed expected.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Devaughn Vele, Jauan Johnson

Analysis: 

Olave’s foot injury appears mild, with full participation Friday and no game designation. Foot pain can affect a receiver’s push-off, acceleration, and ability to cut sharply, but his practice progression is reassuring.

Our dataset shows an average 46% decline in wide receiver fantasy points after foot injuries, though that includes injuries of varying severity. I do not expect Olave’s issue to produce that kind of drop. He should remain a strong fantasy option this week.

Tee Higgins — Groin and Neck

Injury: Higgins missed Wednesday and Thursday before practicing fully Friday. He remains questionable.

Practice Status: DNP/DNP/FP

Expected Time Missed: Day to day.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Ja’Marr Chase, if active.

Analysis: 

Higgins’ progression to full practice Friday is reassuring, though he remains questionable with groin and neck injuries. A mild neck issue may have little effect on production, provided he can comfortably turn his head, track the ball, and tolerate contact.

The groin muscles help stabilize the pelvis and control the leg during running and cutting, so pain or weakness can affect route running. Still, our sample of 80 wide receivers shows no average change in fantasy points after groin injuries. His full practice gives me confidence that he can handle those demands. If active, Higgins should remain a reliable fantasy start this week.

DeVonta Smith — Hamstring

Injury: Smith missed all three practices and has been ruled out for Week 5.

Practice Status: DNP/DNP/DNP

Expected Time Missed: Week to week; out for Week 5.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Dontayvian Wicks, Makai Lemon

Analysis: 

Smith will miss his second consecutive game with a hamstring injury. The Eagles are wise not to rush him back, as high-speed running places substantial demands on the hamstrings. That is especially relevant for a receiver whose deep-threat ability depends on explosive acceleration and top-end speed.

Our dataset of more than 200 wide receivers shows an average of 1.7 games missed and only a 7.5% decline in fantasy production upon returning. Next week could be in play, but his practice progression will determine how realistic that is. Once he is ready, Smith should be valuable right away, with re-injury remaining the bigger concern.

Ladd McConkey — Foot

Injury: McConkey missed all three practices but remains questionable.

Practice Status: DNP/DNP/DNP

Expected Time Missed: Day to day.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Tre’ Harris. Quentin Johnston is also out.

Analysis: 

McConkey delivered a good old goose egg last week, crushing fantasy managers who trusted him. All week, I pointed to our dataset of 30 wide receivers showing an average 46% decline in fantasy points after foot injuries and recommended sitting him. Hopefully you listened.

This week does not look much better. McConkey missed all three practices and remains questionable, giving us little reason to trust his health even if he is active. As a slot receiver, he relies on sharp plants and quick changes of direction to create separation. Foot pain or instability can make those movements slower and less explosive.

There is a real chance he does not play. If he does, I still recommend starting someone else until his practice participation and movement give us more confidence. Being active does not automatically make McConkey a reliable fantasy option.

Zay Flowers — Foot

Injury: Flowers logged three limited practices and is questionable with a foot injury.

Practice Status: LP/LP/LP

Expected Time Missed: Day to day.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Rashod Bateman and Mark Andrews

Analysis: 

Flowers is expected to play through a foot injury, though he remains questionable after three limited practices. Practicing all week is encouraging, but the continued limitations suggest this deserves attention.

As mentioned with McConkey, our dataset of 30 wide receivers shows an average 46% decline in fantasy points in the first game back after foot injuries. I’m less concerned about Flowers than McConkey because he has been able to practice, but that does not eliminate the possibility of reduced effectiveness. Flowers relies on quick plants and sharp changes of direction, which foot pain can make slower and less explosive.

Working in his favor is a massive 30.1% target share. That volume helps support his fantasy floor even if his efficiency takes a hit. If active, Flowers remains a must-start for me, though the foot injury and Lamar Jackson’s absence could cap his upside this week.

Mike Evans — Ribs

Injury: Evans returned to limited practice Friday and carries no game designation.

Practice Status: LP/DNP/LP

Expected Time Missed: No time missed expected.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Deebo Samuel, George Kittle

Analysis: 

Evans was productive enough last week while dealing with his rib injury, without an obvious setback. He carries no game designation this week, and another week of recovery could help him move more comfortably and handle a workload closer to normal.

Rib pain can make trunk rotation, reaching for catches, and absorbing contact uncomfortable, but our dataset shows almost no average decline in wide receiver fantasy points after rib injuries. I’m not expecting a major injury-related limitation. Evans should be in your lineup this week.

Terry McLaurin — Hamstring

Injury: McLaurin returned to limited practice Friday after missing Wednesday and Thursday. He is questionable.

Practice Status: DNP/DNP/LP

Expected Time Missed: Day to day.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Antonio Williams.

Analysis: 

Two missed practices followed by a limited session Friday is not an encouraging progression for a 31-year-old deep-threat receiver with a hamstring injury. McLaurin remains questionable, and if he plays, I’m concerned about both reduced effectiveness and re-injury.

Stretching the field requires repeated high-speed running, which places substantial demands on the hamstrings. His minimal practice participation leaves uncertainty about whether he can tolerate those demands throughout a game. Pain, weakness, or hesitation could make it harder to accelerate and separate downfield, while older age is another recognized hamstring injury risk factor.

Our dataset shows only a 7.5% average decline in wide receiver fantasy points after hamstring injuries, but McLaurin’s practice progression makes me more cautious than that average suggests. Even if active, I would strongly consider other options this week.

DJ Moore — Shoulder

Injury: Moore remained out of practice Friday. Buffalo’s final designation is due Saturday.

Practice Status: DNP/DNP/Pending 

Expected Time Missed: Day to day.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Keon Coleman and Buffalo’s remaining pass catchers

Analysis: 

Moore aggravated his AC joint sprain last week, highlighting the main concern with this injury: another hit or fall onto the shoulder can trigger a setback. Buffalo plays Monday, so Saturday’s practice report and final designation will be especially important after he missed Thursday and Friday.

Our dataset shows an average 22% decline in wide receiver fantasy points in the first game back after an AC joint sprain. Shoulder pain can make reaching for catches and absorbing contact uncomfortable, and Moore’s recent aggravation adds uncertainty about both effectiveness and workload.

If you have another reliable option, I would lean toward using him this week. Waiting for Moore on Monday also leaves fewer alternatives if he is ruled out, so anyone planning to start him should have a Monday-night backup.

Jordan Addison — Hamstring

Injury: Addison returned to limited participation Thursday and Friday and is questionable.

Practice Status: DNP/LP/LP

Expected Time Missed: Day to day.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Justin Jefferson, if active, and Jauan Jennings

Analysis: 

Addison returned to limited practice Thursday and Friday but remains questionable with a hamstring injury. That progression is encouraging, though I would have preferred a full practice before trusting a receiver who relies on acceleration and downfield speed.

High-speed running places substantial demands on the hamstrings, with re-injury risk particularly elevated early after returning. Our dataset shows only a 7.5% average decline in wide receiver fantasy production after hamstring injuries, but his limited participation leaves uncertainty about his effectiveness and workload. If active, Addison is a risky flex option. I would lean toward a healthier alternative, particularly if Jefferson also plays.

Stefon Diggs — Hamstring

Injury: Diggs missed all three practices and has been ruled out for Week 5.

Practice Status: DNP/DNP/DNP

Expected Time Missed: Week to week; out for Week 5.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Terry McLaurin, if active, and Treylon Burks

Analysis: ​

Diggs will miss this week after failing to practice with a hamstring injury. Without any practice participation, there was little reason to expect him to be ready for the repeated acceleration and cutting required to run routes effectively.

Our dataset of more than 200 wide receivers shows an average of 1.7 games missed and a 7.5% decline in fantasy production upon returning. That is encouraging for his eventual return, but his practice progression next week will matter more than the average timeline. Re-injury remains a concern, especially early after returning, so hold Diggs and monitor his recovery.

Michael Pittman — Foot

Injury: Pittman missed Thursday and Friday after limited participation Wednesday and has been ruled out.

Practice Status: LP/DNP/DNP

Expected Time Missed: Out for Week 5.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: DK Metcalf, Germie Bernard.

Analysis: 

This is getting ugly for Pittman. He may have aggravated his foot injury either last week or earlier this week. He went from limited practice Wednesday to no participation Thursday and Friday and has been ruled out. He was also spotted using a scooter to offload the foot, which adds concern and makes it unlikely he returns to action soon.

His production has already been disappointing, and our dataset shows wide receivers can take multiple games to regain baseline fantasy production after foot injuries. Even when he returns, an immediate rebound is difficult to trust. Pittman can be dropped in redraft leagues if you need the roster spot.

Quentin Johnston — Chest

Injury: Johnston logged three limited practices but has been ruled out for Week 5.

Practice Status: LP/LP/LP

Expected Time Missed: Out for Week 5.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Ladd McConkey, if active, and Tre’ Harris

Analysis: 

Johnston’s situation is interesting. He participated on a limited basis in all three practices but has been ruled out. Chest injuries can sometimes be played through, but pain with trunk rotation and reaching overhead can make tracking and securing catches difficult. Those demands may still be holding him back.

We’ll reassess his practice progression next week. For now, his absence opens the door for Tre’ Harris to take on a larger role, especially with Ladd McConkey also questionable.

Carnell Tate — Back

Injury: Tate remained limited Friday and is questionable after appearing on Thursday’s report.

Practice Status: Not listed/LP/LP

Expected Time Missed: Day to day.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Wan'Dale Robinson, Elic Ayomannor.

Analysis: 

Tate is dealing with a back injury but is hopeful to play after logging limited practices Thursday and Friday. Back pain can restrict rotation and make running or adjusting for catches uncomfortable, but muscular soreness and tightness generally improve with treatment and rehab.

If Tate is active and moving comfortably, I’m not expecting a major injury-related decline in production. He remains questionable, so check his status before kickoff.

Tight Ends

Brock Bowers — Knee

Injury: Bowers practiced fully Thursday and Friday and carries no game designation.

Practice Status: LP/FP/FP

Expected Time Missed: No time missed expected.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Michael Mayer

Analysis: Bowers was limited Wednesday, likely as a rest/precaution, but was full-go the rest of the week.  He has shown his return to dominance since his meniscus procedure, and that dominance should continue against a depleted Patriots defense. 

Dallas Goedert — Knee

Injury: Goedert practiced fully Friday and carries no game designation.

Practice Status: LP/LP/FP

Expected Time Missed: No time missed expected.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Dontayvian Wicks and Makai Lemon

Analysis: 

Goedert is set to play as he returns from an MCL sprain after practicing fully Friday and receiving no game designation. The MCL helps resist inward stress at the knee, so lingering pain can make planting, cutting, and blocking more challenging. Historically, our dataset shows a substantial decline in tight end fantasy production after MCL sprains.

However, Goedert’s opportunity could help offset reduced efficiency this week. With Saquon Barkley, DeVonta Smith, and Marquise Brown out, Jalen Hurts may lean more heavily on his tight end, particularly underneath and in the red zone. Goedert remains a viable start despite the injury concerns. 

Isaiah Likely — Knee and Groin

Injury: Likely progressed to full practice Friday and carries no game designation.

Practice Status: LP/LP/FP

Expected Time Missed: No time missed expected.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Malik Nabers and Theo Johnson.

Analysis: ​

Likely progressed to full practice Friday and carries no game designation despite knee and groin injuries. Both areas contribute to planting and changing direction, so pain could affect his route running, but his full participation is encouraging.

I’m not expecting a major injury-related decline this week. Likely remains a viable tight end option, with his role and target opportunities mattering more than these injuries.

Week 5 is a reminder that being active does not always mean being ready to produce. I’m comfortable starting players like Olave, Evans, and Bowers, while McConkey and McLaurin carry enough concern to consider healthier alternatives. Keep Jefferson and Jeanty in your plans if they play, but account for potentially reduced upside. Check the inactive lists before kickoff, have a Monday-night backup if you’re waiting on DJ Moore, and look for opportunities created by absences, particularly D’Andre Swift and Tre’ Harris.