We’re on to Week 5, and the injuries somehow keep piling up in the NFL. We have new injuries to NFL stars Saquon Barkley and Lamar Jackson. Let’s dive into the Week 5 injuries before we lock in our lineups!
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The Notable Injured
Saquon Barkley | RB, Philadelphia Eagles (OUT)
Saquon Barkley exited early last week with a hamstring injury, and his injury was described as “week-to-week.” The Eagles haven’t placed him on injured reserve, suggesting he could return before the four-game IR minimum. However, even when he returns, hamstring injuries can make it difficult to get back to 100%. Tank Bigsby was the backup, but he landed on IR (more on him later), leaving Will Shipley and Dameon Pierce to carry the load.
Lamar Jackson | QB, Baltimore Ravens (OUT)
Lamar Jackson is recovering from an ankle sprain that has been described as “neither low nor high.” Timelines for recovery have been all over the place, but a one or two-week absence appears to be the consensus. Tyler Huntley is the backup and will step in for Jackson. Historically, we have seen Baltimore go into a run-heavy approach on offense without Jackson. But that was with a different coaching staff, so it will be interesting to see how it plays out.
Terry McLaurin | WR, Washington Commanders (QUES)
Terry McLaurin is questionable headed into Sunday, and after getting in a limited practice on Friday, his status remains up in the air. McLaurin had a hamstring injury pop up last week, which forced him to miss Week 4. With Stefon Diggs already ruled out, head coach Dan Quinn has stated that he is optimistic about McLaurin. Still, keep an eye on reports over the weekend. If McLaurin goes, he is a very strong start against a weak secondary.
Ladd McConkey | WR, Los Angeles Chargers (QUES)
Last week during practice, Ladd McConkey popped up on the injury report with a foot injury. He was able to play against Seattle but had to leave the game early due to the foot injury. He wasn’t seen by any media during the open portion of Friday’s practice, so his chances are murky — at best. If he is unable to suit up, look for Tre Harris to benefit. Unfortunately, this Chargers offense isn’t printing fantasy points like we all predicted this summer, so Harris may not be very usable.
Justin Jefferson | WR, Minnesota Vikings (QUES)
Justin Jefferson is questionable headed into Sunday, and with limited practices logged this week, it is possible he can play. Still, with the Vikings being 4-0, the team could take a cautious route and have him rest. T.J. Hockenson is fresh off a 13-reception performance, and he appears to be Kyler Murray‘s key target when Jefferson is out.
Jayden Daniels | QB, Washington Commanders (ACTIVE)
Jayden Daniels will be returning to action this Sunday against the Giants. David Blough, the offensive coordinator for the Commanders, said Daniels will be a “full go” with no restrictions. There’s always a chance of reinjury, but with backup quarterback Marcus Mariota dealing with a knee injury, Daniels’ return is certainly needed.
Ashton Jeanty | RB, Las Vegas Raiders (QUES)
Ashton Jeanty got the dreaded late-week downgrade after practicing limited on Wednesday and Thursday, but sitting out Friday. He famously had the preseason ankle injury, but now he’s listed with an ankle/foot injury. If he doesn’t go, Mike Washington steps in as the lead back. He would be a fine RB2/flex option. I know he’s rostered in most places, but if Washington is out on waivers, he needs to be added expeditiously.
Ja’Marr Chase & Tee Higgins | WRs, Cincinnati Bengals (QUES)
Both Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are questionable heading into Sunday. Chase needs to clear concussion protocol, while Higgins has groin and neck injuries holding him back. We could see this go several ways, but if one of them is out, Dohnte Meyers has some flex appeal in a strong matchup against Miami. If both are out, Meyers is still worth a start, and Mike Gesicki has extra appeal in a revenge game against his former team. It should be noted that both Higgins and Chase did log full practices on Friday, so it’s leaning toward both being active, but this deserves monitoring Sunday morning.
Dallas Goedert | TE, Philadelphia Eagles (ACTIVE)
Dallas Goedert will return to the field Sunday after missing the last two weeks due to a knee injury. Goedert returns just in time, with Dontayvion Wicks and DeVonta Smith dealing with hamstring injuries. Goedert could realistically get 10 targets on Sunday.
RB Quick Hitters
Tank Bigsby | RB, Philadelphia Eagles (IR) – Tank Bigsby suffered a core muscle injury that required surgery, which will keep him out for a minimum of four games. The Eagles will lean on Will Shipley and Dameon Pierce in the absence of Bigsby and Saquon Barkley.
Breece Hall | RB, New York Jets (OUT) – Breece Hall will be out again for the Jets after going down with a quad injury. He was given a week-to-week timeline to recover, and with the team not putting him on IR, we could see him returning to action in Week 6 or 7. Braelon Allen handled all the work last week against Chicago and remains a quality RB2 option while Hall is out.
Kyle Monangai | RB, Chicago Bears (OUT) – Kyle Monangai was diagnosed with turf toe, and his availability over the next one to two weeks is uncertain. While Monangai is out, Swift will continue to operate as the lead back in the Bears’ offense, but we could see more of Roschon Johnson.
Rico Dowdle | RB, Pittsburgh Steelers (QUES) – Rico Dowdle has missed some time with a toe injury, and he is questionable to play against the Colts. There is optimism that he will be returning to the lineup soon, but you should cram Jaylen Warren into your lineup while Dowdle is still out. Warren has finished the last two weeks with at least an 87% snap share and an average of 17 fantasy points per game. If Dowdle returns, I’d still start Warren.
WR Quick Hitters
DeVonta Smith | WR, Philadelphia Eagles (OUT) – DeVonta Smith is still out with a hamstring strain. He had a hamstring issue in the preseason and played well early in the regular season before this setback. He’s been at practice, and while he’s been unable to participate, he has been running, jogging, and stretching with the team. His return will provide a much-needed spark to the sputtering Eagles’ offense.
Michael Pittman Jr. | WR, Pittsburgh Steelers (IR) – Michael Pittman re-aggravated his foot injury, and he will not be available for the next four games. With Pittman out, look for Roman Wilson to operate as the No. 2 receiver. In deeper leagues, keep an eye on Germie Bernard. Wilson is the big beneficiary, though, as he’s reached six targets in every game this year.
Stefon Diggs | WR, Washington Commanders (OUT) – Stefon Diggs is out this Sunday due to a hamstring injury. He aggravated it during the week, and even with Jayden Daniels‘ return looming, he will have to go without Diggs.
Jaylin Lane | WR, Washington Commanders (IR) – Jaylin Lane suffered a nasty ankle fracture/dislocation Sunday, which will keep him out for the remainder of his second season. He will look to bounce back in 2027. Look for more opportunities for Dyami Brown and Treylon Burks as secondary weapons in the Washington offense.
