The injury picture heading into 2026 Week 5 for fantasy football managers, with an AI-written breakdown of each player: what the injury is, how long players with the same injury have historically missed, who picks up the role, and what to do in your lineup. 40 players are covered: 11 new this week, 13 still on the report, 6 out for the season, 10 recently returned. Both Bengals wideouts are new and both are Questionable — Chase is in concussion protocol with his Miami start hinging on clearance, and Higgins exits with a groin right as he was peaking. Add Lamar Jackson's ankle (Questionable, and Baltimore's QB room behind him is empty) and you've got three Thursday-through-Sunday sweats that can swing a lineup. On the good side, Puka Nacua is off the report after a two-week hip absence, so you can stop streaming around that one. The read: don't lock anything in early this week — most of the damage is day-to-day, which means the news that matters hasn't landed yet.
Player breakdowns
Lamar's ankle: Questionable, and Baltimore's QB room behind him is empty
Lamar Jackson
· Baltimore Ravens
· QB · Ankle · Questionable · New this week
Jackson hurt his ankle late in the first half against Tennessee and didn't come back out for the third quarter, leaving him questionable to return. Worth noting he'd already cleared a back issue and was off the injury report Friday.
The base rate for QBs first listed with an ankle at Questionable or lighter is friendly — 68% played that week — so the default is you start him, but you want to see him practice before locking it in. If he does sit, the comps get murkier: those who missed games missed a median of two, and 42% missed three or more, which is the scenario where you need a streamer, because Tyler Huntley, Skylar Thompson and Joe Fagnano have no stats to lean on. Returning QBs in this bucket posted a median 92% of their pre-injury scoring over three games back, so expect a slightly muted Lamar rather than a broken one. Home against Tennessee is a fine spot if he's upright.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 59 cases of QBs first listed with an ankle injury as Questionable or lighter): 68% played that week. Those who sat missed a median of 2 game(s); 47% missed exactly one, 42% missed three or more, and 26% did not play again that season. Returning players scored a median 92% of their pre-injury PPR average over their first three games back (n=29). 14% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Higgins exits with groin issue — Questionable, and he was peaking
Tee Higgins
· Cincinnati Bengals
· WR · Groin · Questionable · New this week
Higgins picked up what Zac Taylor called an adductor issue late in the fourth quarter of Sunday's 22-17 loss to Jacksonville, after a 19-yard grab. He's listed Questionable; that's the extent of what's been said.
Awful timing, because he'd gone 8.9, 14.5, 21.0, 26.7 across four weeks and was trending toward every-week WR1 usage on a 79% snap share. Historically, 71% of receivers first listed Questionable or lighter with a groin played that week, so lean toward starting him at Miami if he practices in any form — but have a bench plan ready by Friday. With Ja'Marr Chase also banged up, Dohnte Meyers (15.2 last week) is the Cincinnati pass-catcher worth a speculative add if both miss. One more thing worth knowing: among comps who did sit, the median was two games, so this isn't automatically a one-week thing.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 135 cases of WRs first listed with a groin injury as Questionable or lighter): 71% played that week. Those who sat missed a median of 2 game(s); 49% missed exactly one, 26% missed three or more, and 15% did not play again that season. Returning players scored a median 82% of their pre-injury PPR average over their first three games back (n=75). 10% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Coker ruled Out with a quad, then Carolina hits its bye
Jalen Coker
· Carolina Panthers
· WR · Quadricep · Out · New this week
Coker was inactive Sunday night against Detroit with a quadriceps injury after a week of limited practices. Carolina ruled him out before kickoff; the team hasn't put a timeline on it.
The bye buys you a free week, which is the one bit of luck here. The comps are not cheerful, though — of receivers first listed with a quad, 51% played that week, and the ones who sat missed a median of three games, with 53% missing three or more. He's droppable in shallow leagues given his week 3 dud (3.8) and 15% target share; in deeper formats, stash him and watch the first practice report coming out of the bye. Tetairoa McMillan (45.2 last game, 18.6 per game) is already the Carolina receiver you actually want, and he doesn't need Coker's absence to be startable.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 88 cases of WRs first listed with a quadricep injury): 51% played that week. Those who sat missed a median of 3 game(s); 28% missed exactly one, 53% missed three or more, and 26% did not play again that season. Returning players scored a median 79% of their pre-injury PPR average over their first three games back (n=41). 2% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Chase in concussion protocol — Miami start hinges on clearance
Ja'Marr Chase
· Cincinnati Bengals
· WR · Concussion · Questionable · New this week
Chase went to the blue tent in the second quarter after being brought down by the facemask, with his head hitting the turf, and was ruled out for the rest of the Jacksonville loss with a concussion. He carries a Questionable game status.
Protocol is protocol — there's no shortcut here, and the only thing that matters is whether he clears in time for Miami. Comps are mildly encouraging: 66% of receivers first listed with a concussion as Questionable or lighter played that week, and of those who sat, 74% missed exactly one game. You're not benching the WR4 from last season on a maybe, so hold and plan around him, but you need a real contingency plan in case Wednesday and Thursday come and go without clearance. If both he and Tee Higgins are down, Dohnte Meyers (15.2 Sunday) is the cheap Cincinnati dart throw.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 103 cases of WRs first listed with a concussion as Questionable or lighter): 66% played that week. Those who sat missed a median of 1 game(s); 74% missed exactly one, 14% missed three or more, and 17% did not play again that season. Returning players scored a median 80% of their pre-injury PPR average over their first three games back (n=67). 3% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Allen out in London, and Josh Downs just got a target bump
Keenan Allen
· Indianapolis Colts
· WR · Groin · Out · New this week
Allen was questionable Friday with a groin issue and got downgraded to out for Sunday's game against Washington. It comes right after his best game of the year, which is the kind of timing that makes you throw your laptop.
He's a lineup scratch this week, full stop. The Colts were already down Alec Pierce (heel, injured reserve per the block), so Josh Downs is the pickup here — 10.9 PPR per game on the season and 12.7 last time out, with Allen's 21% target share needing somewhere to go. Hold Allen if you have the bench room; the comps on WRs first listed Out/Doubtful with a groin show a median of two games missed and 42% missing exactly one, so a quick return isn't crazy, but 40% missed three or more. Check whether he practices at all next week before you pencil him back in.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 54 cases of WRs first listed with a groin injury as Out/Doubtful): They missed a median of 2 game(s); 42% missed exactly one, 40% missed three or more, and 23% did not play again that season. 6% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Rice tweaks a hamstring in Vegas, and the Chiefs' bye follows
Rashee Rice
· Kansas City Chiefs
· WR · Hamstring · Questionable · New this week
Rice left Sunday's game in Las Vegas in the first quarter with what was reported as a tweaked hamstring, was downgraded to doubtful, and never returned. He's carrying a Questionable tag; Kansas City is on bye next.
A bye immediately after a soft-tissue injury is about the best schedule break you can get — effectively two weeks of rest before he has to prove anything. The hamstring base rate says 60% of receivers listed Questionable or lighter played that week, and those who sat missed a median of two games, with 12% getting re-listed with the same injury later, so don't assume he's automatically fine on the other side of the bye. Hold him, don't panic-drop, and watch the first practice report after the break. In the meantime, Tyquan Thornton (28.1 last game, 11.2 per game) is the Chiefs receiver doing damage and is worth an add if you need bodies.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 363 cases of WRs first listed with a hamstring injury as Questionable or lighter): 60% played that week. Those who sat missed a median of 2 game(s); 50% missed exactly one, 32% missed three or more, and 13% did not play again that season. Returning players scored a median 83% of their pre-injury PPR average over their first three games back (n=201). 12% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Dak's throwing hand got wrapped — he finished the game, so relax
Dak Prescott
· Dallas Cowboys
· QB · Hand · Reported · New this week
Prescott had his throwing hand wrapped after the win over Houston, saying he took a cleat to it and is trying to keep the swelling down. It's a reported issue with no game status attached.
He played the whole game and talked about it himself afterward, which is roughly the mildest version of a hand note you can get. Start him against Tampa Bay unless something changes at practice — he's been steady (29.8, 18.9, 18.1 the last three weeks) on 100% of the snaps. For what it's worth, 64% of players first listed with a hand injury as Questionable or lighter played that week, and the ones who came back actually scored a bit above their pre-injury rate. Sam Howell is a non-factor for your roster; just check the Wednesday report and move on.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 239 cases of players first listed with a hand injury as Questionable or lighter): 64% played that week. Those who sat missed a median of 2 game(s); 40% missed exactly one, 42% missed three or more, and 25% did not play again that season. Returning players scored a median 109% of their pre-injury PPR average over their first three games back (n=45). 2% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Monangai hurt a thumb in the win — 28-point week muddies the call
Kyle Monangai
· Chicago Bears
· RB · Thumb · Questionable · New this week
Ben Johnson said after Chicago's 23-12 win over the Jets that Monangai suffered a thumb injury during the game. He's listed Questionable and that's all the team has offered.
He just put up 28.0 on a 36% snap share, so this is a frustrating note to get on a week you were about to buy in. The comps split: 67% of players first listed with a thumb as Questionable or lighter played that week, but of the ones who sat, 53% missed three or more games — a thumb on a ball carrier is worth taking seriously. Hold and watch practice participation and whether he shows up with a wrap or club at Green Bay. If he's out, D'Andre Swift (15.9 per game) soaks up the backfield work and becomes a confident start.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 181 cases of players first listed with a thumb injury as Questionable or lighter): 67% played that week. Those who sat missed a median of 3 game(s); 34% missed exactly one, 53% missed three or more, and 29% did not play again that season. Returning players scored a median 92% of their pre-injury PPR average over their first three games back (n=44). 2% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Chargers D/ST already thin, and now James is out with a hamstring
Derwin James Jr.
· Los Angeles Chargers
· S · Hamstring · Out · New this week
James is listed out for Sunday's game at Seattle with a hamstring injury after playing every snap in Week 3. That's the extent of what's been said.
Los Angeles was already allowing 25.3 a game with just seven sacks in three games, and our model only has the D/ST at 5.8 next week — that's a sit-or-drop number in most formats, and losing a 100%-snap safety on the road doesn't make it better. Defensive backs first listed Out or Doubtful with a hamstring missed a median of two games and 49% missed three or more, so don't plan on a quick fix. On the other side, the Chargers were already middling against the pass (WR #14, 32.9 a game allowed), and this nudges Seattle's passing game up a tier — I'd feel a little better starting their QB and borderline WRs than I did last week. Their tight end is the one spot I wouldn't chase; LA has been stingier there (#18).
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 435 cases of defensive backs first listed with a hamstring injury as Out/Doubtful): They missed a median of 2 game(s); 24% missed exactly one, 49% missed three or more, and 21% did not play again that season. 11% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Benford inactive with a toe — Buffalo's secondary was already the soft spot
Christian Benford
· Buffalo Bills
· CB · Toe · Out · New this week
Benford was inactive for Sunday's game against New England with a right toe injury after playing nearly every snap through the first two weeks. The team hasn't said more than toe.
Here's the thing: Buffalo is already the fifth-most generous defense to receivers (38.8 a game) and fourth to running backs (29.7), while giving up 26.0 points a game. Pulling a near-every-down corner out of that doesn't make the Bills D/ST a sell — nine sacks in three games and a 7.6-point projection keep them streamable in a pinch — but it's a matchup-dependent start, not a set-and-forget. The flip side is the one I'd act on: opposing QBs and wideouts facing Buffalo at home next week get a bump, and their tight end is the one position to fade (#23). Among defensive backs first listed with a toe, 57% played that week and those who sat missed a median of two, so this could go either direction quickly.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 94 cases of defensive backs first listed with a toe injury): 57% played that week. Those who sat missed a median of 2 game(s); 25% missed exactly one, 48% missed three or more, and 30% did not play again that season. 7% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Winfield out with ribs; Tampa's soft spot vs TEs just got softer
Antoine Winfield Jr.
· Tampa Bay Buccaneers
· S · Ribs · Out · New this week
Winfield left Sunday's 17-14 loss to Green Bay with what the Buccaneers' site described as an abdomen/ribs injury and is listed Out. No timeline beyond that, though ESPN's estimated return date lands about a week out — that's an estimate, not a team statement.
He was on the field for 99% of Tampa's snaps, so this matters for the whole secondary. The Bucs already rank eighth-most generous to tight ends at 17.9 fantasy points per game, which makes Dallas's tight end an appealing start this week, and the pass rush (six sacks in four games) isn't bailing anyone out. I'd leave the Buccaneers D/ST on the bench as a streamer on the road in Dallas. Historically, defensive backs first listed Out or Doubtful with ribs missed a median of two games and 40% missed just one, so watch practice reports before writing off multiple weeks.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 30 cases of defensive backs first listed with a ribs injury as Out/Doubtful): They missed a median of 2 game(s); 40% missed exactly one, 37% missed three or more, and 33% did not play again that season. 3% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Smith ruled out and could miss more — bench him, don't panic-drop
DeVonta Smith
· Philadelphia Eagles
· WR · Hamstring · Out · Still out / ongoing
Smith went from Questionable to Out for Sunday against the Rams after not practicing all week with the hamstring he played through Monday night. Bo Wulf of PHLY reported he could also be sidelined beyond Week 4.
This is the direction you didn't want. He was at 100% of snaps and 33% of team targets, so there's no shortage of volume waiting when he's right — the question is just when. League-wide, receivers first listed Out with a hamstring missed a median of two games and 45% missed three or more, which is why the "could miss more than one" reporting deserves to be taken seriously. Bench him, use an IR slot if your league has one, and watch Wednesday's practice report — hamstrings tend to announce themselves by whether a guy practices at all. Dontayvion Wicks is the only teammate with the per-game numbers (11.0 average) to be worth a bench spot in deeper formats.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 196 cases of WRs first listed with a hamstring injury as Out/Doubtful): They missed a median of 2 game(s); 26% missed exactly one, 45% missed three or more, and 15% did not play again that season. Returning players scored a median 93% of their pre-injury PPR average over their first three games back (n=80). 10% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Jefferson out vs. Miami, hasn't practiced since the ankle sprain
Justin Jefferson
· Minnesota Vikings
· WR · Ankle · Out · Still out / ongoing
Jefferson left the Week 3 win over Tampa Bay with a left ankle sprain, played just 12% of snaps that day, and hasn't practiced all week. Kevin O'Connell ruled him out for Sunday against the Dolphins.
The part that stings is the messaging shift — he was supposedly close after the game and then didn't take a single practice rep. That's one you monitor closely rather than panic over, but the comps for WRs first listed Out/Doubtful with an ankle aren't cheerful: a median of two games missed, with 48% missing three or more. You're obviously holding, you're just also making sure your bench has a real Week 4 fill-in. Jordan Addison is the Minnesota pass-catcher to grab or start, coming off a 20.0 PPR game, with Myles Price a distant deep-league thought.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 145 cases of WRs first listed with an ankle injury as Out/Doubtful): They missed a median of 2 game(s); 26% missed exactly one, 48% missed three or more, and 34% did not play again that season. Returning players scored a median 93% of their pre-injury PPR average over their first three games back (n=51). 9% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Hall out Week 4 with a quad; Allen and Davis split the work
Breece Hall
· New York Jets
· RB · Quadricep · Out · Still out / ongoing
Hall hurt his right quad late in the Detroit loss, didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday, and has been ruled out for Sunday at Chicago. The Jets have called him week-to-week and, per ESPN, he's hoping to avoid injured reserve after an MRI showed it wasn't as bad as first feared.
Hold him — nobody's dropping a back who was going in the early third round, and the "week-to-week, avoiding IR" framing is about as encouraging as a quad report gets. Historically, RBs first listed with a quad who sat missed a median of one game, with 52% missing exactly one, so a Week 5 return is live but not promised. The backfield behind him is Braelon Allen (5.7 PPR per game) and Isaiah Davis, and until the Jets say otherwise it looks like a split, which makes Allen the slightly better flier in deeper leagues. Watch next week's Wednesday practice report — a full participation would be the tell.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 57 cases of RBs first listed with a quadricep injury): 49% played that week. Those who sat missed a median of 1 game(s); 52% missed exactly one, 31% missed three or more, and 21% did not play again that season. Returning players scored a median 102% of their pre-injury PPR average over their first three games back (n=31). 4% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Williams out again; Keenum's 24.5-point debut makes him streamable
Caleb Williams
· Chicago Bears
· QB · Hamstring · Out · Still out / ongoing
Williams has been ruled out for Week 4 against the Jets, moving from Doubtful last week to Out, and will miss his second straight game with the Grade 2 hamstring strain he suffered in Week 2. Schefter reported an expected absence of three to four weeks.
Stow him on your bench and stop checking — the reported three-to-four-week window plus the Out designation means Week 5 is the earliest realistic target, and QB hamstring comps are thin but lean long (those who sat missed a median of two games, 42% missed three or more). If you're in a one-QB league and streaming, Case Keenum just put up 24.5 against a live defense and draws the Jets at home, which is a perfectly fine one-week bridge. Watch for Williams getting actual practice reps rather than walkthrough absences before you plan on him.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 29 cases of QBs first listed with a hamstring injury): 34% played that week. Those who sat missed a median of 2 game(s); 37% missed exactly one, 42% missed three or more, and 42% did not play again that season. 3% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Daniels out in London and waiting on the bye — Mariota's your stream
Jayden Daniels
· Washington Commanders
· QB · Elbow · Out · Still out / ongoing
Daniels dislocated his left (non-throwing) elbow in Week 2 and, after practicing in limited fashion this week, Dan Quinn ruled him out for Sunday against the Colts. The reporting is that he'll wait until after the Week 5 bye to return.
The status moved from Questionable to Out, which is the wrong direction, but the context is encouraging — limited practice plus a bye sitting right there means the team is buying time rather than hiding a setback. Hold him; if you need a Week 4 arm, Marcus Mariota has put up 14.6 a game and went for 20.4 last time out, and he's the direct replacement. The comps for QBs with elbow injuries who sat are ugly (median four games missed), but they also don't know about Washington's bye, so I'm weighting the reporting over the base rate here.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 26 cases of QBs first listed with an elbow injury): 50% played that week. Those who sat missed a median of 4 game(s); 23% missed exactly one, 62% missed three or more, and 31% did not play again that season. 0% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Goedert out again with the MCL sprain — streaming TE for a while yet
Dallas Goedert
· Philadelphia Eagles
· TE · Knee · Out · Still out / ongoing
Goedert sprained his right MCL in Week 2 and was given a multi-week timeline then; he's now officially out for Week 4 after missing practice all week. He's gone from Doubtful to Out, and ESPN's estimated return is Oct 11.
He opened the year with a 23.7-point game, so the ceiling is real, but this is week three of the absence and nothing in the reporting suggests imminent. TEs first listed Out or Doubtful with a knee have historically missed a median of three games, with 58% missing three or more — so plan on streaming the position again and treat his return as a bonus, not a date you can pencil in. Good news for whoever holds him: that same comp group scored a median 104% of their pre-injury PPR rate once back, so he's worth holding through this if you have the roster room or an IR spot. None of Johnny Mundt, Grant Calcaterra, E.J. Jenkins or Eli Stowers has produced enough to be worth a pickup in a standard league.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 137 cases of TEs first listed with a knee injury as Out/Doubtful): They missed a median of 3 game(s); 23% missed exactly one, 58% missed three or more, and 35% did not play again that season. Returning players scored a median 104% of their pre-injury PPR average over their first three games back (n=37). 11% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Mayfield out at least three weeks with dislocated thumb — go get a QB
Baker Mayfield
· Tampa Bay Buccaneers
· QB · Thumb · Out · Still out / ongoing
Mayfield dislocated his right thumb in Sunday's loss to Minnesota and is listed Out. Todd Bowles said Monday he's expected to miss a minimum of three weeks, though Monday's MRI showed no additional ligament damage and Tampa isn't putting him on IR.
He's unstartable until further notice, so if you were riding Mayfield as your QB1 you need a streamer this week and probably next month. Hold him in one-QB leagues only if your bench can carry it — ESPN's estimate has him back in late October, but that's an estimate, not a team announcement. The comps are a mixed bag: of 40 QBs first listed with a thumb injury, 42% played that week, but among those who sat the median absence was four games and 70% missed three or more. Jalon Daniels is the only other QB listed here and he's at -1.1 on the season, so there's nothing to chase in Tampa's QB room. Watch Bowles' practice updates before the Green Bay game.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 40 cases of QBs first listed with a thumb injury): 42% played that week. Those who sat missed a median of 4 game(s); 22% missed exactly one, 70% missed three or more, and 30% did not play again that season. 2% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
McLaurin out with a hamstring right after his best game of the year
Terry McLaurin
· Washington Commanders
· WR · Hamstring · Out · Still out / ongoing
McLaurin tweaked a hamstring at Friday's practice, was added late to the injury report as questionable, and ended up inactive for the London game against the Colts. Washington hasn't put a timeline on it beyond that.
Rough timing — he'd just gone for 19.7 in Week 3, easily his best of the season, and now he's sitting. The league-wide history here is a mixed bag: of WRs first listed Out or Doubtful with a hamstring since 2009, the median absence was two games, 26% missed just one, and 45% missed three or more, so one week off is not the safe assumption. Hold him everywhere — he's a top-60 ADP piece — but you need a plug-in, and Stefon Diggs (14.8 PPR per game) is the obvious one to lean on with Antonio Williams (8.4 per game) as the cheaper flex dart. Watch whether he practices at all this week; soft-tissue stuff tends to show up on Wednesday reports before it shows up in a ruling.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 196 cases of WRs first listed with a hamstring injury as Out/Doubtful): They missed a median of 2 game(s); 26% missed exactly one, 45% missed three or more, and 15% did not play again that season. Returning players scored a median 93% of their pre-injury PPR average over their first three games back (n=80). 10% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
McConkey adds a foot to the list — limited Wednesday, still the WR1
Ladd McConkey
· Los Angeles Chargers
· WR · Foot · Questionable · Still out / ongoing
McConkey was a limited participant Wednesday with a foot injury and is Questionable. He'd already dealt with a rib issue earlier this season and played through it in Week 2.
History says lean toward playing him: 70% of WRs first listed with a foot injury at Questionable or lighter suited up that week. His snap rate actually jumped to 88% in Week 3, which is the encouraging part. The caution is what comes after — returning players in this comp group managed a median 83% of their pre-injury PPR average over their first three games back, so a soft line at Seattle wouldn't be shocking even if he suits up. Tre Harris (13.6 last week) is the Chargers receiver I'd want if McConkey is ruled out; watch Friday's designation.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 135 cases of WRs first listed with a foot injury as Questionable or lighter): 70% played that week. Those who sat missed a median of 1 game(s); 54% missed exactly one, 34% missed three or more, and 20% did not play again that season. Returning players scored a median 83% of their pre-injury PPR average over their first three games back (n=83). 6% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Dowdle ruled Out again — Jaylen Warren is the Steelers backfield
Rico Dowdle
· Pittsburgh Steelers
· RB · Toe · Out · Still out / ongoing
Pittsburgh ruled Dowdle out for Thursday night in Cleveland with a right toe injury, his second straight missed game. He didn't practice at all on the short week.
Sit him and, in shallow leagues, he's droppable — he was at 13% of team touches before this and Jaylen Warren just put up 20.6 PPR on a 90% snap share. Among backs first listed with a toe injury, those who sat missed a median of two games, and returning players managed about their previous scoring rate, so there's a usable player here later if the role comes back. If you have the bench space, holding one more week to see how he practices coming out of the short week is defensible. Warren is the actual add and the actual start.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 69 cases of RBs first listed with a toe injury): 54% played that week. Those who sat missed a median of 2 game(s); 41% missed exactly one, 44% missed three or more, and 9% did not play again that season. Returning players scored a median 94% of their pre-injury PPR average over their first three games back (n=44). 1% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
White out in London; Croskey-Merritt gets the backfield
Rachaad White
· Washington Commanders
· RB · Shoulder · Out · Still out / ongoing
White hurt his shoulder in the Week 3 win over Seattle, never practiced this week, and has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Colts in London. No timeline beyond that from the team.
At 16% of team touches, White wasn't carrying lineups anyway, so this matters mostly as a role question. Jacory Croskey-Merritt is the pickup — he's averaging 7.9 PPR and already handled 20% of the touches last season, and he's the obvious beneficiary of the extra work in a home-ish London matchup with Indy. On the timeline, RBs first listed Out or Doubtful with a shoulder missed a median of two games, and 42% missed three or more, so I'd plan on more than one week unless Washington says otherwise after the bye-adjacent stretch. White is a bench hold in deep leagues, a drop in 10-teamers.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 40 cases of RBs first listed with a shoulder injury as Out/Doubtful): They missed a median of 2 game(s); 25% missed exactly one, 42% missed three or more, and 40% did not play again that season. 5% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Baun out with a concussion — Eagles D/ST stays a marginal stream
Zack Baun
· Philadelphia Eagles
· LB · Concussion · Out · Still out / ongoing
Baun has been ruled out for Sunday against the Rams with a concussion, after playing 92% of snaps in Week 3. ESPN's estimated return is Oct 11, which is an estimate rather than a team announcement.
Philadelphia's defense was already thin on splash plays — three sacks and zero interceptions in three games, 23 points allowed per game — and losing a linebacker who logged 22 tackles in three games and 122 last season doesn't help the floor. We've got them at 6.4 D/ST points this week, which is streamable only if your waiver wire is barren. For the other side of the ball: the Eagles have been middling against QBs (6th most generous at 20.7 per game) and soft against receivers (10th, 36.0 per game), so Rams pass-catchers stay in lineups without hesitation. They've been stingy to tight ends (31st) and backs (25th), so don't chase a Rams TE streamer here. Concussion timelines move fast in either direction — league-wide, linebackers first listed Out with a concussion missed a median of one game.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 136 cases of linebackers first listed with a concussion as Out/Doubtful): They missed a median of 1 game(s); 51% missed exactly one, 29% missed three or more, and 27% did not play again that season. 3% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Al-Shaair out vs. Dallas — Houston's pass rush still carries the D/ST
Azeez Al-Shaair
· Houston Texans
· LB · Groin · Out · Still out / ongoing
Al-Shaair is listed as Out for Sunday against Dallas with a groin injury, his first appearance on the report after playing 76% of snaps in Week 3. ESPN estimates an Oct 11 return, which is a projection, not a team statement.
Houston's calling card is the rush — 11 sacks in three games — and that doesn't walk out the door with a linebacker, so the Texans stay a usable D/ST at a 6.7-point projection even allowing 25 a game. The nuance: they're the second-most generous defense to receivers at 40.0 points per game but the stingiest in the league to running backs (32nd, 11.8), so Dallas pass-catchers are strong plays and the Dallas backfield is a fade. Tight ends have found middling room (16th). Losing a guy with 31 tackles in three games mostly nudges the run defense, and that's the one area they've been elite. Groin comps for linebackers listed Out are gloomier than concussions — a median of two games missed, with 45% missing three or more — so treat this as more than a one-week thing until the team says otherwise.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 66 cases of linebackers first listed with a groin injury as Out/Doubtful): They missed a median of 2 game(s); 26% missed exactly one, 45% missed three or more, and 14% did not play again that season. 11% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
De'Von Achane: Knee — Injured Reserve
De'Von Achane
· Miami Dolphins
· RB · Knee · Injured Reserve · Knocked out of the fight
De'Von Achane is listed with a knee injury (left ACL), game status Injured Reserve. Latest: De'Von Achane Tears ACL, Done for the Season
What we have on file — Injury as reported: Knee (left ACL) — game status Injured Reserve; was Active before the weekend; Status on this report: KNOCKED OUT — done for the season (Injured Reserve); first listed Sep 27; ESPN estimated return date: 2027-02-15; ESPN note: The Dolphins placed Achane (knee) on injured reserve Monday; News (Mon Sep 28): De'Von Achane Tears ACL, Done for the Season; Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (knee) has been diagnosed with a torn ACL and will miss the remainder of the 2026 season, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Achane initially suffered the injury during the first half of Sunday's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs , and testing has confirmed.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 164 cases of RBs first listed with a knee injury as Out/Doubtful): They missed a median of 3 game(s); 19% missed exactly one, 53% missed three or more, and 35% did not play again that season. Returning players scored a median 71% of their pre-injury PPR average over their first three games back (n=59). 11% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Etienne lands on IR — four games minimum, and the Saints backfield is a mess
Travis Etienne Jr.
· New Orleans Saints
· RB · Hamstring · Injured Reserve · Knocked out of the fight
New Orleans is placing Etienne on injured reserve with the left hamstring he aggravated in Week 3 against the Raiders. He's ineligible to return before Week 9.
Four games minimum off your roster: if you have an IR slot, use it, because an RB10 finish last year and a 35 ADP are worth parking rather than cutting. In a shallow league with no IR relief, he's droppable — he was only at 21% of the team's touches and hadn't cleared 15 PPR points all season anyway. The replacement picture isn't exciting: Alvin Kamara (6.2 per game) and Kendre Miller (6.5) split what's left, and Kamara's the one with the pedigree and the touch share to chase first. For what it's worth on timeline, RBs first listed Out or Doubtful with a hamstring have historically missed a median of two games and returned at about 90% of their prior scoring — but the IR designation is the number that matters here, not the comps.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 100 cases of RBs first listed with a hamstring injury as Out/Doubtful): They missed a median of 2 game(s); 24% missed exactly one, 46% missed three or more, and 16% did not play again that season. Returning players scored a median 90% of their pre-injury PPR average over their first three games back (n=39). 11% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
A.J. Brown's on IR for the year — Mack Hollins is the target to chase
A.J. Brown
· New England Patriots
· WR · Ankle · Injured Reserve · Knocked out of the fight
Brown landed on injured reserve Sept. 12 with a right ankle injury and is out for the season on this report. He was seen walking through the locker room Monday without a limp, wearing a small wrap.
In redraft he's a drop unless you have an IR slot, in which case stash him and forget about him. He only played one game (5.6 points, 44% of snaps, 5% target share), so this isn't a hole so much as an asset you never got to use — and as a WR11 finisher last season, he's an easy keeper hold in any format that allows it. The New England targets have spread to Mack Hollins, who just went for 14.7 and leads this group at 9.2 per game, with Romeo Doubs (6.8) the secondary option. Hollins is the waiver add if he's out there; the Bills game is not a friendly first test but volume is volume.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 145 cases of WRs first listed with an ankle injury as Out/Doubtful): They missed a median of 2 game(s); 26% missed exactly one, 48% missed three or more, and 34% did not play again that season. Returning players scored a median 93% of their pre-injury PPR average over their first three games back (n=51). 9% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Pierce lands on IR with an aggravated heel — Downs is the pickup
Alec Pierce
· Indianapolis Colts
· WR · Heel · Injured Reserve · Knocked out of the fight
Pierce aggravated the left heel he had surgically repaired in March during Sunday night's loss to Kansas City, and the Colts placed him on injured reserve. Steichen says he'll miss at least four games while he rehabs; Pierce is hoping for four to six weeks, and Rapoport noted there's no guarantee on midseason.
He was already down to 42% of snaps and a 12% target share, so this isn't a lineup you're scrambling to replace — in a 12-team league he's droppable unless you have an IR slot, in which case park him and forget about him. The target that actually matters is Josh Downs, who's averaging 9.9 PPR with a 14.2-point Week 2 and last year's 17% target share; Laquon Treadwell (9.1 last game) is a deeper-league flier only. Colts get Houston at home next. If you're in a keeper format, a fifth-year WR working back from a re-aggravated surgical heel isn't someone you protect on faith.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 73 cases of players first listed with a heel injury): 56% played that week. Those who sat missed a median of 2 game(s); 34% missed exactly one, 31% missed three or more, and 28% did not play again that season. 0% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Dart to IR after meniscus surgery — Winston inherits the Giants offense
Jaxson Dart
· New York Giants
· QB · Knee · Injured Reserve · Knocked out of the fight
The Giants placed Dart on injured reserve Thursday and he's set for season-ending surgery on his left meniscus. Reporting says his ACL is intact and a full recovery is expected; the team hasn't ruled out a postseason return if New York gets there, but for fantasy purposes the 2026 season is over.
Drop him in any redraft league without an IR slot — a hypothetical January cameo does nothing for you. If you do have IR, there's no cost to parking him there. Jameis Winston is the only quarterback listed behind him and is the one taking the job in Week 3 against Tennessee; he's a two-QB/superflex add at best right now. In a keeper league, the full-recovery language plus a QB13 finish last year makes him worth holding at a 96 ADP price. The comps for QBs first listed Out or Doubtful with a knee are grim anyway — a median of three games missed and 44% not playing again that season — and this case is already resolved beyond them.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 32 cases of QBs first listed with a knee injury as Out/Doubtful): They missed a median of 3 game(s); 12% missed exactly one, 59% missed three or more, and 44% did not play again that season. 9% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Cooper's season is over, and Green Bay's run defense was already the problem
Edgerrin Cooper
· Green Bay Packers
· LB · Achilles · Out · Knocked out of the fight
Cooper is listed Out with an Achilles injury after Sunday's 17-14 win at Tampa Bay, and per Ian Rapoport it's a torn Achilles that ends his season. He'd been Questionable heading into the weekend; he was playing 92% of the snaps before this.
For fantasy purposes this is a Packers defense question, not a Cooper question. Green Bay was already surrendering 26.2 points a game and ranks second-most generous to running backs at 28.9 fantasy points per game, and now the unit loses a linebacker who had 27 tackles, three sacks and a pick in four games. I'd be careful streaming the Packers D/ST against Chicago at home, and anyone starting a Bears back in that spot has a defense worth attacking on the ground. The historical base rate backs up the reporting here — of linebackers first listed with an Achilles injury since 2009, 65% didn't play again that season — so don't wait on this one.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 28 cases of linebackers first listed with an achilles injury): 29% played that week. Those who sat missed a median of 7 game(s); 25% missed exactly one, 60% missed three or more, and 65% did not play again that season. 7% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Josh Allen is off the injury report — plug him back in at LA
Josh Allen
· Buffalo Bills
· QB · Knee · returned · Recently returned
Allen is no longer on the injury report as of Oct 5 after being listed with a knee issue since Sep 28. The listing never went past "reported."
Clean exit from the report is exactly what you want, and there's nothing in the block suggesting any lingering restriction. Start him at the Rams; Kyle Allen isn't a consideration. The one caveat the comps offer is that QBs returning from a knee listing have historically scored around 92% of their pre-injury rate over their first three games back, so if he's a touch off the ceiling for a week, that's normal rather than alarming. Keep half an eye on whether the knee resurfaces on Wednesday's report — about 9% of these cases got re-listed later in the season.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 58 cases of QBs first listed with a knee injury as Questionable or lighter): 53% played that week. Those who sat missed a median of 1 game(s); 59% missed exactly one, 30% missed three or more, and 33% did not play again that season. Returning players scored a median 92% of their pre-injury PPR average over their first three games back (n=33). 9% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Hurts clears the report after a concussion listing — start him at JAX
Jalen Hurts
· Philadelphia Eagles
· QB · Concussion · returned · Recently returned
Hurts had been on the report with a concussion since Sep 29 and came off it as of Oct 5. No further detail was given beyond the listing itself.
Coming off the report is the signal that matters with head injuries — there's no partial clearance. He's your starter at Jacksonville, and neither Tanner McKee nor Andy Dalton is a roster consideration if you have Hurts. Worth noting the comp set is small and skewed by players who never cleared quickly: of QBs who sat with a concussion listing, 54% missed three or more games. He isn't one of them, which is the point. Just confirm he's a full participant on Wednesday and move on.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 31 cases of QBs first listed with a concussion as Questionable or lighter): 58% played that week. Those who sat missed a median of 4 game(s); 38% missed exactly one, 54% missed three or more, and 23% did not play again that season. 6% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Swift is off the report after a short back scare — start him
D'Andre Swift
· Chicago Bears
· RB · Back · returned · Recently returned
Swift was listed with a back injury on Oct 2 and came off the injury report two days later. Short stay, no games missed.
This barely qualifies as an injury story — he's back, he played 69% of the snaps in Week 3, and he's carrying 32% of Chicago's touches. Start him against the Jets without a second thought; the comps line for RBs with a back issue listed Questionable or lighter has returners at a median 95% of their pre-injury scoring, which is noise-level given he's not actually coming off missed time. His game log has cooled off since the 32.4 opener to 12.9 and 10.8, and Kyle Monangai at 10.4 a game is a real committee presence, so this is an RB2 with upside rather than a locked RB1. Watch for any back mention popping back up Wednesday, but the re-listing rate on this one is tiny.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 65 cases of RBs first listed with a back injury as Questionable or lighter): 69% played that week. Those who sat missed a median of 1.5 game(s); 50% missed exactly one, 20% missed three or more, and 35% did not play again that season. Returning players scored a median 95% of their pre-injury PPR average over their first three games back (n=33). 3% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Irving off the report after one day — start him, but watch the snap count
Bucky Irving
· Tampa Bay Buccaneers
· RB · Back · returned · Recently returned
Irving popped onto the report Oct. 2 with a back injury and was already off it by Oct. 3. Barely a blip, and he never carried a game status beyond being listed.
He's startable against Green Bay, and the matchup does a lot of the work — the Packers are the second-most generous defense to running backs at 30.7 fantasy points per game. The thing I'd keep an eye on is the trend line underneath: 52% of the snaps in Week 3 against a 70% average, and his PPR output has slid from 20.3 to 13.0 to 7.8. Kenny Gainwell hasn't done much with his touches (3.4 per game), so this isn't a committee panic yet, but if the snap share stays in the 50s two weeks running, that's a real conversation. For what it's worth, RBs returning from a back listing historically scored about 95% of their pre-injury PPR pace over their first three games back, so no need to ease him in.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 65 cases of RBs first listed with a back injury as Questionable or lighter): 69% played that week. Those who sat missed a median of 1.5 game(s); 50% missed exactly one, 20% missed three or more, and 35% did not play again that season. Returning players scored a median 95% of their pre-injury PPR average over their first three games back (n=33). 3% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Nico Collins is off the report — fire him up against Dallas
Nico Collins
· Houston Texans
· WR · Hamstring · returned · Recently returned
Collins has come off the injury report as of Oct 3 after being listed since Sep 17 with a hamstring, last carrying a Questionable tag. He hasn't played since Week 1, when he put up 21.2 PPR points.
He's a 22nd-overall pick who's back and facing a Houston-friendly script against a Dallas defense — start him, no hesitation. Just temper the first week a bit: receivers coming back from a hamstring have historically scored a median 83% of their pre-injury PPR average over their first three games, so a ramp-up snap count or a quieter line wouldn't be shocking. Nothing in the Houston receiver room — Xavier Hutchinson, Jaylin Noel and Kayshon Boutte all sitting in the mid-single digits per game — threatens the target hierarchy once he's upright. Watch whether the hamstring reappears on the Wednesday report; about 12% of these cases show up again later in the season.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 363 cases of WRs first listed with a hamstring injury as Questionable or lighter): 60% played that week. Those who sat missed a median of 2 game(s); 50% missed exactly one, 32% missed three or more, and 13% did not play again that season. Returning players scored a median 83% of their pre-injury PPR average over their first three games back (n=201). 12% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Nacua back off the report after a two-week hip absence
Puka Nacua
· Los Angeles Rams
· WR · Hip · returned · Recently returned
Nacua has been cleared off the injury report as of Oct 2 after being listed with a hip issue since Sep 24, last carrying a Questionable tag. He missed Week 3 and hasn't played since Week 1.
He's a top-five pick and he's healthy, so he's in your lineup at Philadelphia — the comps back that up, with WRs returning from hip injuries scoring a median 99% of their pre-injury average over their first three games. The caveats are that his one game this season was a 12.4 on 8% of the targets at a 70% snap share, and Davante Adams (21.9 a game) has been the one eating in the meantime. I'd still start Nacua and expect the target share to normalize, but don't be stunned if Week 4 looks more like a ramp than a 25-point explosion.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 122 cases of WRs first listed with a hip injury as Questionable or lighter): 83% played that week. Those who sat missed a median of 1 game(s); 62% missed exactly one, 24% missed three or more, and 29% did not play again that season. Returning players scored a median 99% of their pre-injury PPR average over their first three games back (n=83). 2% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Waddle's off the report after a two-day back scare — start him at SF
Jaylen Waddle
· Denver Broncos
· WR · Back · returned · Recently returned
Waddle popped up Sep 29 with a right back injury, got as far as Questionable, and is now off the injury report entirely as of Oct 1. Total time listed: about two days.
Nothing here changes his role — he was on 73% of the snaps in Week 3 and owns 23% of the target share. He's a start at San Francisco. The comps say WRs returning from a back injury put up a median 91% of their pre-injury PPR average over their first three games back, which is close enough to neutral that I wouldn't discount him at all. His week-to-week range has been wild (1.2, 21.8, 6.4), but that's volatility, not injury. No need to roster Pat Bryant or anyone else in that room on Waddle's account.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 121 cases of WRs first listed with a back injury as Questionable or lighter): 79% played that week. Those who sat missed a median of 1 game(s); 56% missed exactly one, 32% missed three or more, and 16% did not play again that season. Returning players scored a median 91% of their pre-injury PPR average over their first three games back (n=73). 7% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Flowers off the report after a brief hamstring scare — start him
Zay Flowers
· Baltimore Ravens
· WR · Hamstring · returned · Recently returned
Flowers was on the report with a hamstring from Oct 2, last listed Questionable, and cleared it entirely by Oct 5. It never cost him a game.
He's put up 26.0, 15.4 and 25.8 in his three games with a 22% target share, so this is a start at Atlanta without much thought. The thing to track is the 31% snap share — if that's a workload cap tied to the hamstring, it's worth watching how heavily Baltimore uses him this week, since 12% of receivers listed with a hamstring get re-listed with it later in the year. No action needed on Rashod Bateman or the rest of that room; they're depth, not replacements. Just roll Flowers out.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 363 cases of WRs first listed with a hamstring injury as Questionable or lighter): 60% played that week. Those who sat missed a median of 2 game(s); 50% missed exactly one, 32% missed three or more, and 13% did not play again that season. Returning players scored a median 83% of their pre-injury PPR average over their first three games back (n=201). 12% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Bowers is off the report and already dropped 27.6 — start him, no caveats
Brock Bowers
· Las Vegas Raiders
· TE · Knee · returned · Recently returned
Bowers had been carrying a knee designation since Sep 9 and is now clear of the injury report as of Oct 1. He played 79% of the snaps in Week 3.
He answered the question himself with 27.6 PPR in his one game — there's no easing-in discussion to have. Historically, TEs coming back from a knee have averaged a median 90% of their pre-injury production over three games, but Bowers is already past that stage. Start him against Kansas City without a second thought. Michael Mayer's 12.2 last week is worth noting if you're in a deep league needing a TE2, but it doesn't eat into Bowers' usage at a 79% snap rate.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 218 cases of TEs first listed with a knee injury as Questionable or lighter): 64% played that week. Those who sat missed a median of 2 game(s); 46% missed exactly one, 33% missed three or more, and 18% did not play again that season. Returning players scored a median 90% of their pre-injury PPR average over their first three games back (n=110). 12% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Warren is clear of the back issue and just ate 90% of the snaps
Jaylen Warren
· Pittsburgh Steelers
· RB · Back · returned · Recently returned
Warren has come off the injury report after a short stay — listed Sept. 27 with a back injury, cleared by Sept. 30. He played through Week 3 and posted a season-best game.
Start him with confidence Thursday at Cleveland. He went 90% snaps and 20.6 PPR in Week 3 with Rico Dowdle out, and Dowdle has already been ruled out again, so the workload should hold. Backs coming back from a back issue have historically scored about 95% of their pre-injury rate over three games, which is basically noise given what his role looks like right now. The only thing to monitor is the snap split whenever Dowdle is healthy again.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 65 cases of RBs first listed with a back injury as Questionable or lighter): 69% played that week. Those who sat missed a median of 1.5 game(s); 50% missed exactly one, 20% missed three or more, and 35% did not play again that season. Returning players scored a median 95% of their pre-injury PPR average over their first three games back (n=33). 3% were listed with the same injury again later that season.