The injury picture heading into 2026 Week 7 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: 15 new this week, 10 still on the report, 5 out for the season, 10 recently returned. Terry McLaurin got carted off and is Out multi-week, which makes Deebo Diggs the Washington receiver to own, and David Montgomery is Doubtful with a groin — Woody Marks is the pickup there. The bigger one is Jalen Hurts landing on IR with a blood clot; his season's over, so if you've been streaming behind him, pivot at QB now. Good news: DeVonta Smith is off the report after a month out with the hamstring — start him, just expect a ramp-up. Mostly a week about replacing bodies rather than sweating Questionable tags, though Bowers, Kelce and Egbuka all deserve a plan B before kickoff.
Player breakdowns
Bowers limited with hamstring and calf, still Questionable for Week 7
Brock Bowers
· Las Vegas Raiders
· TE · Hamstring · Questionable · New this week
Bowers popped up on Wednesday's practice report as a limited participant with both a hamstring and a calf issue, and he's carrying a Questionable game status into Sunday. Per the reporting, he'd already missed the first two games this season after a minor knee procedure, so this is a new problem stacked on a short season.
You drafted him 25th overall and he's played 98% of the snaps in his last game on a 20% target share — he's starting if he's active, full stop. The wrinkle is the base rate: among tight ends first listed Questionable or lighter with a hamstring since 2009, only 47% suited up that week, which is a genuine coin flip and worse than you'd like for a guy you can't replace. Have a bench tight end warm and watch Thursday and Friday participation closely; if he sits, Michael Mayer (16.5 PPR last game, 10.1 average) is the only Raiders tight end with real production behind him. Historically TEs who did miss time came back around 74% of their pre-injury PPR pace over the first three games, so even an early return may not be peak Bowers.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 98 cases of TEs first listed with a hamstring injury as Questionable or lighter): 47% played that week. Those who sat missed a median of 2 game(s); 48% missed exactly one, 31% missed three or more, and 21% did not play again that season. Returning players scored a median 74% of their pre-injury PPR average over their first three games back (n=44). 12% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Jefferson limited again, ankle still lingering from Week 3
Justin Jefferson
· Minnesota Vikings
· WR · Ankle · Questionable · New this week
Jefferson is Questionable with the ankle he tweaked back in Week 3, the one that already cost him Week 4, and he was limited in Wednesday's practice. He also didn't play in Week 6, so his last action was Week 5.
When he's played he's been start-him-anywhere (31.2 in Week 1, 18.8 in Week 5), and 71% of receivers first listed Questionable or lighter with an ankle played that week, so the odds lean toward him suiting up against Indianapolis. The nagging part is this is the same ankle that's already cost him a game, and the comps say returning WRs managed a median 83% of their pre-injury PPR average over their first three games back. Start him if he practices Thursday and Friday, but line up a contingency — Jordan Addison (8.3 per game, 17% target share last season) is the Vikings receiver who'd absorb the most if Jefferson sits again. Watch the Friday designation; limited two days in a row is fine, a Friday DNP is not.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 326 cases of WRs first listed with an ankle injury as Questionable or lighter): 71% played that week. Those who sat missed a median of 1 game(s); 56% missed exactly one, 29% missed three or more, and 24% 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=191). 10% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Love says no chance he misses Detroit — treat the sore back as noise
Jordan Love
· Green Bay Packers
· QB · Back · Questionable · New this week
Love was limited on Wednesday's practice estimate with a back injury and told reporters it's a sore back with "no chance" he misses Sunday's divisional game. He's Questionable, and he played 100% of the snaps in Week 6.
This is about as low-stress as a Questionable tag gets: the player himself says he's playing, he hasn't come off the field all year, and he's scored 13.1 or better in every game since Week 3 with a 25.3 in there. Keep starting him at Detroit. The one thing that keeps me from calling it a total non-event is the comp pool — of 29 QBs first listed Questionable or lighter with a back, only 55% played that week, so backs can be sneaky. Tyrod Taylor is the only quarterback behind him and has nothing on the stat line worth streaming, so there's no pivot here anyway; just confirm Love is on the field Sunday.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 29 cases of QBs first listed with a back injury as Questionable or lighter): 55% played that week. Those who sat missed a median of 2 game(s); 31% missed exactly one, 38% missed three or more, and 38% did not play again that season. 7% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
McLaurin carted off, ruled Out — Diggs is the Washington receiver to own
Terry McLaurin
· Washington Commanders
· WR · Knee · Out · New this week
McLaurin left Monday night's loss to San Francisco in the first quarter with a non-contact left knee injury and was carted off. Dan Quinn told JP Finlay the team fears it's "significant," and McLaurin is now listed Out after going into the weekend Questionable.
Washington's on bye next week, which buys you a free week to see what the team actually says — no need to panic-drop him on Wednesday if you have the bench room, and an IR slot is the clean answer. The comps aren't encouraging: receivers first listed Out or Doubtful with a knee injury missed a median of three games, 51% missed three or more, and a third didn't play again that season. That's league-wide history, not a diagnosis, but it argues against planning around him. Stefon Diggs (13.9 per game, 16.4 last time out) is the clear target-share winner coming out of the bye, with Treylon Burks (7.2) a flier if Washington keeps leaning three-wide.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 146 cases of WRs first listed with a knee injury as Out/Doubtful): They missed a median of 3 game(s); 26% missed exactly one, 51% missed three or more, and 33% did not play again that season. Returning players scored a median 76% of their pre-injury PPR average over their first three games back (n=53). 8% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Irving misses Wednesday with illness — monitor, don't panic yet
Bucky Irving
· Tampa Bay Buccaneers
· RB · Illness · Questionable · New this week
Irving was a non-participant at Wednesday's practice with an illness, per Greg Auman, and he's carrying a Questionable game status into Week 7 at Carolina. That's all the Bucs have put on paper so far.
Illness Wednesdays are usually just that — historically, 67% of running backs first listed with an illness as Questionable or lighter played that week, so the default is you keep starting him. He's coming off an 85% snap game and he's handled a third of the team's touches, so there's no replacing that production on a waiver wire; if you've got the roster space, Kenny Gainwell (5.0 PPR per game) is the only Tampa back with real volume behind him and he's a contingency, not a starter. Watch Thursday and Friday participation — a full practice ends the conversation, and if he's still out Friday you want a flex body ready.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 143 cases of RBs first listed with an illness as Questionable or lighter): 67% played that week. Those who sat missed a median of 1 game(s); 55% missed exactly one, 28% missed three or more, and 36% 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=83). 6% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Watson Questionable with an ankle in a boom-bust Packers room
Christian Watson
· Green Bay Packers
· WR · Ankle · Questionable · New this week
Watson was limited at Wednesday's practice with an ankle injury and is Questionable for the trip to Detroit. The team hasn't said more than that, and this is the first week he's shown up on the report.
His season has been a rollercoaster — 22.6, 7.7, 32.3, 9.4 — but the usage is real at 22% of the targets and 88% of the snaps in Week 6. Historically 71% of receivers first listed Questionable or lighter with an ankle played that week, so plan on him playing and treat him as the volatile WR3 he already was. If Friday goes sideways, Matthew Golden is the clear Packers beneficiary; he's at 16.8 per game with a 22.4 in the last one and would be a straight flex start. For Watson himself, the comps on returning receivers (median 83% of pre-injury scoring across three games back) are a reminder that an ankle can quietly cap a guy whose game is built on speed.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 326 cases of WRs first listed with an ankle injury as Questionable or lighter): 71% played that week. Those who sat missed a median of 1 game(s); 56% missed exactly one, 29% missed three or more, and 24% 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=191). 10% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Egbuka in concussion protocol limbo — have a plan B for Week 7
Emeka Egbuka
· Tampa Bay Buccaneers
· WR · Concussion · Questionable · New this week
Egbuka didn't practice Wednesday with both a concussion and a foot injury, per the team's own site, and he's Questionable for Sunday at Carolina. Both showed up on the first injury report of the week, which is never the timing you want.
Concussions come with a process, not a countdown — he has to clear protocol, and Wednesday DNPs with two issues make Friday's report the whole ballgame. The comps are mildly encouraging (66% of receivers first listed with a concussion as Questionable or lighter played that week, and those who sat usually missed just one), but you should still line up an alternative because he's been your WR2-or-better with 26% of the targets and back-to-back 17-point games. If he sits, Chris Godwin Jr. is the Tampa receiver whose role would most obviously grow, though at 7.7 per game he's a desperation flex. Returning concussion cases historically scored about 80% of their pre-injury average over their first three games back, so even the good outcome here isn't automatically full-strength production.
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.
Waddle's chest injury is a worry, but the cold streak is the real issue
Jaylen Waddle
· Denver Broncos
· WR · Chest · Questionable · New this week
Waddle showed up Questionable with a chest injury and was limited Wednesday; the reporting notes he briefly left the Week 6 win over Seattle with a shoulder issue before returning. Nothing more specific than that has come out of Denver.
Honestly, the health is the smaller problem — 75% of receivers first listed Questionable or lighter with a chest injury played that week, and the ones who sat mostly missed just one game. The production is what should bother you: 6.4, 14.5, 4.8, 6.4 on a 65% snap share, which is WR4 scoring from a guy drafted 42nd. He's a flex-with-your-fingers-crossed play at Arizona. If you need an alternative from this room, Pat Bryant's 8.0 per game is quietly the best average of the Broncos receivers listed, though none of them are lighting it up; watch whether Waddle practices full on Friday before trusting him in a must-win week.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 32 cases of WRs first listed with a chest injury as Questionable or lighter): 75% played that week. Those who sat missed a median of 1 game(s); 75% missed exactly one, 12% missed three or more, and 12% did not play again that season. 3% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Kelce's ankle has a name now — and it may explain the quiet month
Travis Kelce
· Kansas City Chiefs
· TE · Ankle · Questionable · New this week
Kelce is Questionable with an ankle injury and was limited Wednesday. Andy Reid confirmed he played through the ankle in the Week 6 win over the Chargers, where he caught four of five targets for 53 yards.
The useful part here is the context: his snap share dipped to 66% in Week 6 from an 80% average, and he's gone 13.9, 3.5, 9.3 in his last three. He played through it once, which is the best evidence you'll get that he'll play again, and 62% of tight ends first listed Questionable or lighter with an ankle suited up that week. Start him if you don't have a better option, but a banged-up Kelce at Seattle is a low-ceiling TE1 right now, and Noah Gray (8.3 last game) has been nibbling at the edges. Watch the Friday practice level — if he's limited all week again, expect more of the capped snap counts.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 156 cases of TEs first listed with an ankle injury as Questionable or lighter): 62% played that week. Those who sat missed a median of 2 game(s); 47% missed exactly one, 32% missed three or more, and 14% did not play again that season. Returning players scored a median 78% of their pre-injury PPR average over their first three games back (n=89). 8% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Montgomery doubtful with a groin — Woody Marks is the pickup
David Montgomery
· Houston Texans
· RB · Groin · Doubtful · New this week
Montgomery hurt his groin in the Week 5 win over Tennessee, sat out Week 6, and hasn't practiced Wednesday or Thursday. He's listed Doubtful, and Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 reports he isn't expected to play Sunday against the Giants.
Sit him and don't sweat it much — he was managing 47% of snaps and 17% of team touches even when healthy, and his best PPR game in this stretch was 6.8. Woody Marks is the add: 8.9 a game on average and 10.1 last time out while Montgomery watched, which is more than Montgomery's given you all year. Historically, about half of RBs first listed with a groin play that week and those who sit miss a median of two games, so this could be short or it could linger — watch whether he practices at all next week. Hold Montgomery if your bench allows, but Marks is the one you actually want to start.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 87 cases of RBs first listed with a groin injury): 54% played that week. Those who sat missed a median of 2 game(s); 35% missed exactly one, 40% missed three or more, and 15% 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=47). 8% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Judkins sat Week 6 after a pregame test; still Questionable at TEN
Quinshon Judkins
· Cleveland Browns
· RB · Ankle · Questionable · New this week
Judkins tested his right ankle in a pregame workout Sunday and the Browns held him out against Baltimore, per Ian Rapoport, who noted he looked uncomfortable. He's still carrying a Questionable tag and nothing more specific than "ankle" has come out.
History is mildly encouraging here: of RBs first listed Questionable or lighter with an ankle, 69% suited up that week, and the ones who sat missed a median of one game. That lines up with a Week 7 return at Tennessee, but after a game-day scratch you want to see him practice before you lock him into a lineup. Jaleel McLaughlin (9.5 last game) and Audric Estimé (7.9) split the work in his absence, neither convincingly enough to trust as more than a bye-week patch, so hold Judkins and check Wednesday and Friday participation.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 289 cases of RBs first listed with an ankle injury as Questionable or lighter): 69% played that week. Those who sat missed a median of 1 game(s); 58% missed exactly one, 20% missed three or more, and 24% 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=173). 12% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Baker Questionable, but Arizona's defense is unstartable regardless
Budda Baker
· Arizona Cardinals
· S · Groin · Questionable · New this week
Baker missed Wednesday's practice with a groin injury plus an illness and is Questionable. He played every snap in Week 6, putting up six tackles, a sack and a pass defensed in the 18-16 win over the Rams.
Even at full strength this is not a D/ST you're streaming — 29.7 points allowed per game, 13 sacks in six games, and our projection has them at 5.9 points against Denver. Losing a 100%-snap safety who already has 3.5 sacks and four passes defended only widens the door. Arizona is already the 4th-most generous defense to quarterbacks (21.6 per game) and 5th to tight ends (19.1), so Broncos pass-catchers and Bo Nix-level QB production get a bump if Baker can't go. For what it's worth, 60% of defensive backs first listed Questionable or lighter with a groin played that week, so this one could still be a non-event.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 289 cases of defensive backs first listed with a groin injury as Questionable or lighter): 60% played that week. Those who sat missed a median of 1 game(s); 56% missed exactly one, 26% missed three or more, and 17% did not play again that season. 8% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Davis ruled Out with a neck issue — Patriots D/ST slides for Week 7
Carlton Davis III
· New England Patriots
· CB · Neck · Out · New this week
Davis has gone from Questionable to Out with a neck injury, though ESPN notes he was limited in Tuesday's practice. He's been on the field for 95% of New England's defensive snaps this season.
Losing a near-every-down corner matters for a unit that's been stingy — 18.8 points allowed per game, 14 sacks in six games, and 18th-most generous to wide receivers at 31.7 per game. Our projection has the Patriots at 5.3 D/ST points in Chicago with 25.6 points allowed, which is streamer-adjacent at best, so I'd look elsewhere this week. On the other side, this nudges the Bears' passing game up a tick — Chicago's receivers get a secondary down a full-time starter, and the quarterback matchup goes from genuinely tough (New England has been the 27th-most generous defense to QBs at 14.0 a game) to merely firm. Historically, defensive backs first listed Out with a neck injury missed a median of two games, with 45% missing three or more, so plan on this being more than a one-week thing.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 53 cases of defensive backs first listed with a neck injury as Out/Doubtful): They missed a median of 2 game(s); 34% missed exactly one, 45% missed three or more, and 34% did not play again that season. 8% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Holland in the concussion protocol — Giants secondary thins out at Houston
Jevon Holland
· New York Giants
· S · Concussion · Questionable · New this week
Holland did not practice Wednesday with a concussion and is listed as Questionable. He'd been on the field for every defensive snap this season.
Concussions follow their own calendar, so the protocol matters more than any game status; 76% of defensive backs first listed Questionable or lighter with a concussion did play that week, and the ones who sat usually missed just one. The Giants defense has been respectable (23.3 points allowed, six interceptions, a defensive score), but Holland has three of those picks, and taking him out of the back end makes the unit noticeably less likely to produce the turnover that carries a D/ST week. Our projection already has them at 5.1 points at Houston, which isn't a stream. On the other side, if Holland's out, nudge up the Texans' passing game — this is a secondary that just got worse, not better.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 231 cases of defensive backs first listed with a concussion as Questionable or lighter): 76% played that week. Those who sat missed a median of 1 game(s); 75% missed exactly one, 11% missed three or more, and 16% did not play again that season. 5% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
James is Questionable with a hamstring, but the Chargers are on bye
Derwin James Jr.
· Los Angeles Chargers
· S · Hamstring · Questionable · New this week
James popped up Saturday as Questionable with a hamstring; ESPN hasn't added anything beyond that tag. He'd been on the field for 94% of Los Angeles' defensive snaps.
With a bye next, there's no D/ST decision to make this week — the real question is what the back end looks like coming out of it. The base rate is worth sitting with: only 49% of defensive backs first listed Questionable with a hamstring played that week, and those who sat missed a median of two games, so treat this as genuinely uncertain rather than a formality. The Chargers have been tough on fantasy quarterbacks (14.3 per game, 26th most generous) and tight ends, so if he's back, this stays a defense you can stream and an offense you downgrade opposing passers against. If he's not, the pass-funnel profile is the first thing to erode.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 474 cases of defensive backs first listed with a hamstring injury as Questionable or lighter): 49% played that week. Those who sat missed a median of 2 game(s); 50% missed exactly one, 31% missed three or more, and 16% did not play again that season. 10% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Shanahan says Deebo misses a couple weeks — bench or stash now
Deebo Samuel Sr.
· San Francisco 49ers
· WR · Hamstring · Out · Still out / ongoing
Samuel hurt his hamstring on a fumble play in Sunday's 32-29 win over Seattle and was ruled Out shortly after. Kyle Shanahan said Monday he's "going to miss" a couple of weeks, and Samuel was scheduled for an MRI to pin down the severity — no result reported yet.
Nothing to do this week except find a different WR3; he's not playing against Washington. The base rate on this one is sobering: of 196 receivers first listed Out or Doubtful with a hamstring since 2009, the median absence was two games, but 45% missed three or more. If you've got an IR slot, use it rather than burning a bench spot. Mike Evans is the teammate who actually gets fed here — 26.3 PPR last time out, 15.3 a game on the season — and he's already started whether you like it or not. Watch for the MRI result and whether Samuel does anything at practice before you make a drop decision.
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.
Monangai out a third straight game — Swift's backfield for now
Kyle Monangai
· Chicago Bears
· RB · Toe · Out · Still out / ongoing
Monangai has been ruled out for Thursday night against New England with the toe and thumb injuries he picked up in Week 4. That's three straight missed games, and his status has moved from Questionable earlier this month to Out.
The short turnaround was always working against him, and he's now firmly in the "wait for a full practice" bucket — ESPN's estimated return is early November, but that's an estimate, not a Bears announcement. D'Andre Swift has run away with this backfield in the meantime (23.0 last week, 17.3 per game), and Roschon Johnson's 14.5 last time out makes him the handcuff worth a bench spot more than Monangai is right now. In a shallow league he's droppable; in deeper formats, hold, because returning backs with toe injuries historically got back to about 94% of their pre-injury scoring over their first three games. Watch whether he practices at all next week.
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.
Warren upgraded from Out to Questionable after a Week 6 scratch
Tyler Warren
· Indianapolis Colts
· TE · Groin · Questionable · Still out / ongoing
Warren was ruled inactive Sunday against Tennessee with a groin issue after being a game-time call, and he's since moved from Out to Questionable. That's the only change the Colts have signaled.
The arrow points toward a Week 7 return at Minnesota, and the comp group is unusually friendly — TEs coming back from a groin issue first listed Questionable or lighter put up a median 120% of their pre-injury PPR average over their first three games back, albeit on a small sample of 26. He was at 91% of the snaps and 18% of the targets before this, and he'd just dropped 21.4 in Week 5, so he's a starter the moment he's cleared. If Friday's report leaves him in doubt, Mo Alie-Cox (7.1 last game) is the only Colts tight end doing much, and he's a desperation streamer at best.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 49 cases of TEs first listed with a groin injury as Questionable or lighter): 65% played that week. Those who sat missed a median of 1 game(s); 53% missed exactly one, 18% missed three or more, and 18% did not play again that season. Returning players scored a median 120% of their pre-injury PPR average over their first three games back (n=26). 6% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Hall moves to Questionable after three weeks out with the quad
Breece Hall
· New York Jets
· RB · Quadricep · Questionable · Still out / ongoing
Hall hasn't played since Week 3 with a right quad injury and has gone from Out to Questionable on this report. ESPN's note is simply the Questionable tag.
That's the first real movement since Sep 30, and the comps suggest it's usually not a long story: RBs first listed Questionable with a quad played 67% of the time, and the returners posted a median 102% of their pre-injury PPR average over three games back. Still, he's a hold-and-watch rather than a confident Week 7 start against Miami until he practices — and remember his role was only 19% of touches and 57% of snaps even when healthy. Braelon Allen (12.4 last game, 9.5 per game) has been the useful Jet in the meantime and is worth keeping rostered either way.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 42 cases of RBs first listed with a quadricep injury as Questionable or lighter): 67% played that week. Those who sat missed a median of 1 game(s); 71% missed exactly one, 21% 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=25). 2% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Caleb Williams is back on the field and off the Questionable list
Caleb Williams
· Chicago Bears
· QB · Hamstring · Reported · Still out / ongoing
Williams had been sidelined since Week 2 with a hamstring injury and carried a questionable tag two weeks running, but Chicago planned to start him in Week 6 and he played, putting up 16.5 PPR. His status on this report has moved from Questionable to simply Reported.
That's the direction you want — he's playing, he's at 93% of the snaps when he's out there, and the hamstring hasn't knocked him back out. Start him at home against New England; the only alternative on the roster is Tyson Bagent at 4.1 a game, which tells you how much Chicago wants Williams upright. Worth noting the comps on QB hamstrings are ugly in the aggregate, with a chunk never returning that season, but he's already cleared that bar by playing. Just confirm he's a full participant midweek before you lock him in.
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.
Jackson could practice this week; Ravens still calling him day-to-day
Lamar Jackson
· Baltimore Ravens
· QB · Ankle · Questionable · Still out / ongoing
Jackson has been out since Week 4 with a left ankle injury and is now listed Questionable. Jesse Minter said he could potentially practice this week but wouldn't commit to a timetable, describing him as day-to-day.
A practice return is the signal to watch here — if he gets full reps by Friday, he's back in your lineup at home against Cincinnati, no hesitation, given he averaged roughly 20 PPR points over his four starts. The caution flag from history: QBs first listed Questionable with an ankle who did sit missed a median of two games, and 42% missed three or more, so one practice report doesn't close the case. Tyler Huntley has been a functional fill-in at 13.9 per game and is a legitimate two-QB/superflex starter if Baltimore punts another week. Don't drop Jackson under any circumstance.
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.
Rice back to Questionable, but hamstring returns tend to start slow
Rashee Rice
· Kansas City Chiefs
· WR · Hamstring · Questionable · Still out / ongoing
Rice hasn't played since Week 3 with a hamstring and has moved from Out to Questionable. Nothing beyond that tag has come from Kansas City.
The status change is good news, just not lineup-locking news — only 60% of WRs first listed Questionable with a hamstring played that week, and the ones who came back managed a median 83% of their pre-injury PPR average over three games. At Seattle, that makes him a flex you can live with rather than a must-start, and I'd want to see him go through a full week before trusting him in a tight matchup. Xavier Worthy (14.3 last game, 9.5 per game) has been the most consistent Chiefs receiver and stays in lineups regardless. Friday's practice report is the whole ballgame here.
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.
Olave shook the illness, played Week 6 — start him against Pittsburgh
Chris Olave
· New Orleans Saints
· WR · Illness · Reported · Still out / ongoing
Olave was listed questionable with an illness after missing two practices, then was active Sunday against the Giants and caught enough to put up 14.3 PPR. He's no longer carrying a game designation, just a report mention.
Nothing to overthink here. He's on 86% of the snaps with 27% of the target share, which is top-of-the-depth-chart usage, and the comps on receivers with an illness say returning players have scored essentially their pre-injury average — a median 98% over the first three games back. Start him at home against Pittsburgh. The only reason to glance at Devaughn Vele (11.6 a game) is if Olave pops up as a limited practice participant again midweek.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 190 cases of WRs first listed with an illness as Questionable or lighter): 75% played that week. Those who sat missed a median of 2 game(s); 48% missed exactly one, 29% missed three or more, and 46% did not play again that season. Returning players scored a median 98% of their pre-injury PPR average over their first three games back (n=109). 5% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Hufanga to Doubtful; Denver's D/ST is still a top stream at Arizona
Talanoa Hufanga
· Denver Broncos
· S · Ankle · Doubtful · Still out / ongoing
Hufanga has been on this report since Oct 12 with an ankle injury and his status has moved from Out to Doubtful. He was a 93% snap player before the injury.
Doubtful with no stated timeline means plan without him, and the base rate backs that up — defensive backs first listed Out or Doubtful with an ankle missed a median of three games, with half missing three or more. The good news for streamers is that Denver hasn't needed him to be good: 18 sacks in six games, 20.8 points allowed per game, and an 8.1-point D/ST projection at Arizona, which is a start in most formats. Where the softness shows is on the ground — this unit ranks sixth most generous to running backs at 24.6 per game — so Arizona's backfield is more usable than the Broncos' overall numbers suggest. Opposing receivers remain a downgrade here.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 262 cases of defensive backs first listed with an ankle injury as Out/Doubtful): They missed a median of 3 game(s); 23% missed exactly one, 50% missed three or more, and 23% did not play again that season. 6% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Pitre upgraded from Doubtful to Questionable, but still not practicing
Jalen Pitre
· Houston Texans
· S · Shoulder · Questionable · Still out / ongoing
Pitre's left AC joint shoulder issue has been on the report since Oct 12, and his status has moved from Doubtful to Questionable. He still did not participate in Wednesday's practice.
The status change is the news and it points the right direction, though a Wednesday DNP means he's not out of the woods — and defensive backs first listed Questionable or lighter with a shoulder missed a median of two games when they sat. Houston's defense is the better streaming story here: 18 sacks in six games, 23.8 points allowed, and our model projects 9.1 points with three sacks against the Giants, which makes them a legitimate start even without Pitre at his 92% snap rate. The one leak to know about is coverage — the Texans are the 4th-most generous defense to wide receivers at 38.1 points per game, so Giants pass-catchers aren't automatically fade material even in a tough overall matchup.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 355 cases of defensive backs first listed with a shoulder injury as Questionable or lighter): 68% played that week. Those who sat missed a median of 2 game(s); 43% missed exactly one, 28% missed three or more, and 28% did not play again that season. 8% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Hurts to IR with a blood clot — season's over, pivot at QB now
Jalen Hurts
· Philadelphia Eagles
· QB · Calf · Injured Reserve · Knocked out of the fight
The Eagles put Hurts on injured reserve Saturday after a day of conflicting reports, with Schefter tying the move to a superficial blood clot in his leg; he's carried a calf designation on the report. One Philadelphia-area physician quoted by WIP floated a 45-day to three-month recovery, and ESPN's estimated return date sits in November 2026 — an estimate, not a team statement.
He's done for your season, so treat him like it: IR him if your league has a slot, and if it doesn't, he's droppable in redraft once you've secured a replacement. You need a starting quarterback off waivers this week — none of Tanner McKee, Joe Milton III or Cole Payton has an NFL stat line in this block, so I'm not going to pretend I know which one to stream against Carolina. In a keeper league he's an easy hold at a 69 ADP coming off a QB8 finish. For context only, players first listed Out or Doubtful with a calf missed a median of two games and half missed three or more — this situation is well past that, which tells you how unusual the clot wrinkle is.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 342 cases of players first listed with a calf injury as Out/Doubtful): They missed a median of 2 game(s); 25% missed exactly one, 50% missed three or more, and 30% did not play again that season. Returning players scored a median 132% of their pre-injury PPR average over their first three games back (n=30). 8% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Adams to IR with a ruptured hamstring — Nacua is the whole passing game now
Davante Adams
· Los Angeles Rams
· WR · Hamstring · Injured Reserve · Knocked out of the fight
Adams ruptured his left hamstring in the Week 6 loss to Arizona, is reported to need a procedure on the tendon, and the Rams placed him on injured reserve Tuesday. Reports have put the absence at six to 10 weeks.
He's on IR, so he's out of your lineup for a long stretch — if your league has an IR slot, use it and keep the roster spot working for you; dropping a player with his pedigree outright is only an option in shallow leagues with no IR flexibility. Puka Nacua (23.0 PPR per game) was already the engine here and now absorbs the 20% target share Adams was carrying, which makes him a locked-in WR1 against Las Vegas. Nobody else in the room has the numbers to trust — Konata Mumpfield averages 5.3 and Tutu Atwell 2.0 — so this is a Nacua-concentration play more than a waiver opportunity. For what it's worth, receivers who came back from an Out/Doubtful hamstring historically scored a median 93% of their pre-injury PPR average over their first three games, so if he does make it back he's worth a bench spot rather than a write-off.
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.
Doubs to IR with a shoulder — Douglas is the Patriots pickup
Romeo Doubs
· New England Patriots
· WR · Shoulder · Injured Reserve · Knocked out of the fight
Doubs hurt his shoulder catching a 42-yard touchdown from Drake Maye in the first quarter Sunday against the Jets, played just 3% of the snaps after that, and was placed on injured reserve Monday. Jeremy Fowler reports he's hopeful to return after New England's Week 11 bye and isn't expected to face a long-term absence.
IR means a minimum four-game absence, so he's an easy IR-slot stash in a league that has one and a defensible drop in a 10-teamer where your bench is doing real work. The encouraging note in the comps: receivers who came back from a shoulder injury scored a median 100% of their pre-injury PPR average over their first three games back, so if he does return he hasn't historically been a discounted asset — just understand 44% of that group missed three or more games to begin with. For right now, DeMario Douglas (19.6 last week, 9.9 per game) is the one to add off this; Mack Hollins at 9.0 per game is a deeper-league name if New England leans on him at Chicago.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 77 cases of WRs first listed with a shoulder injury as Out/Doubtful): They missed a median of 2 game(s); 32% missed exactly one, 44% missed three or more, and 26% did not play again that season. Returning players scored a median 100% of their pre-injury PPR average over their first three games back (n=28). 9% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Pierce lands on IR — Colts receiver room belongs to Allen and Downs
Alec Pierce
· Indianapolis Colts
· WR · Heel · Injured Reserve · Knocked out of the fight
Pierce is on injured reserve with a left heel injury and our report has him done. He was spotted out of his cast Wednesday, but The Athletic's James Boyd didn't get the sense a return is close.
He's droppable in anything but the deepest leagues — he had played two games, caught 4% of the team's targets, and totaled 10.1 and 2.1 PPR before the injury. If you've got an open IR slot and nothing better to do with it, parking him costs you nothing. The target share in Indianapolis is already flowing to Keenan Allen (9.6 per game) and Josh Downs (9.0), and neither is giving it back. For keeper purposes, last year's WR28 finish is the only argument for holding, and it's a thin one.
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.
Mason to IR with a thumb — Vikings on bye, stash or cut
Jordan Mason
· Minnesota Vikings
· RB · Thumb · Injured Reserve · Knocked out of the fight
Mason is on injured reserve with a thumb injury after playing just one game this season. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports the Vikings are hopeful he's ready for Week 7 against the Colts — hopeful, not announced.
Minnesota is on bye, which buys you a week to decide without burning a lineup spot. If you have an IR slot, use it and see what the Week 7 practice reports say; if you don't, he's cuttable in most 12-teamers given he's handled 5% of the team's touches and scored 11.9 in his only appearance. Players first listed Out or Doubtful with a thumb missed a median of three games historically, which is roughly where he already is. No same-position Vikings backs were listed in his block, so I'm not going to guess who's getting the work.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 73 cases of players first listed with a thumb injury as Out/Doubtful): They missed a median of 3 game(s); 24% missed exactly one, 54% missed three or more, and 33% did not play again that season. 8% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Jeanty is off the report — back injury cleared ahead of the Rams
Ashton Jeanty
· Las Vegas Raiders
· RB · Back · returned · Recently returned
Jeanty had been on the injury report since Oct 11 with a back injury and came off it as of Oct 19. He hasn't logged a game this season.
The injury flag is gone, which is the main thing — no designation heading into the home game against the Rams. Backs first listed with a back injury at Questionable or lighter have historically returned at about 95% of their prior scoring over three games, so there's no built-in discount once he's playing. With no 2026 games on his ledger, I'd want to see how the touches actually split before trusting him as a set-and-forget starter; Mike Washington Jr. (4.5 a game) and Dylan Laube have been soaking up the backfield work. Watch the Week 7 snap count and go from there.
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.
Lamb clears the quad tag just in time for a trip to Philadelphia
CeeDee Lamb
· Dallas Cowboys
· WR · Quadricep · returned · Recently returned
Lamb had been on the report since Oct 9 with a quadricep injury and is off it as of Oct 19. He has no games logged this season.
No designation, no restrictions listed, so he's available for the Eagles game. The comps for receivers first listed with a quad at Questionable or lighter are mildly cautious — returners have put up a median 86% of their pre-injury scoring over the first three games — so if you've got a genuinely great alternative, easing him in isn't crazy. Most managers won't, and shouldn't. George Pickens has carried the room at 13.6 a game and Ryan Flournoy popped for 17.0 last time out, but neither is a reason to sit Lamb once he's healthy; just double-check his practice participation is full all week.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 65 cases of WRs first listed with a quadricep injury as Questionable or lighter): 69% played that week. Those who sat missed a median of 1.5 game(s); 50% missed exactly one, 35% missed three or more, and 20% did not play again that season. Returning players scored a median 86% of their pre-injury PPR average over their first three games back (n=36). 2% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
London's hip was a one-practice blip; fire him up vs. Chicago
Drake London
· Atlanta Falcons
· WR · Hip · returned · Recently returned
London popped onto the report Oct. 17 with a hip injury and a limited practice tag, then came off it entirely the next day. Short, uneventful stay.
Nothing here changes anything. He played 98% of snaps in his last game, he's commanding 29% of Atlanta's targets, and he's gone 28.4, 14.6 and 18.8 across his last three. The comps back it up too: 83% of WRs first listed with a hip as questionable-or-lighter played that week, and returners scored a median 99% of their pre-injury average. Start him against the Bears without a second thought. The only thing to monitor is whether the hip reappears on Wednesday's report — a repeat listing is rare (2%) but it's the one flag worth checking.
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.
Chase is off the report — and heads straight into a bye
Ja'Marr Chase
· Cincinnati Bengals
· WR · Concussion · returned · Recently returned
Chase had been listed since Oct. 11 with a concussion and is off the injury report as of Oct. 18. He played 89% of snaps in his last game.
Clearance is the news, and then the schedule takes over — Cincinnati is on bye, so you're sitting him regardless and getting an extra week of distance from the injury. One honest caveat from the model: WRs coming back from a concussion have historically scored a median 80% of their pre-injury average over their first three games, which is the softest return number on this page. That's a league-wide tendency, not a prediction about Chase, and his recent line (26.5, 24.8, 5.7, 19.7) says the ceiling is intact. He's a WR1 the week Cincinnati comes back — just plan your bye-week fill-in now.
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.
Smith-Njigba is off the report — start him, no asterisk
Jaxon Smith-Njigba
· Seattle Seahawks
· WR · Ankle · returned · Recently returned
JSN came off the injury report Friday after being listed with an ankle issue since Oct. 12, last carrying a questionable tag. He never missed a game, playing 84% of the snaps in Week 5.
Nothing to think about: 35% of the team's targets, 22.8 points last week, and a clean bill as of Friday. The comps line showing returning receivers at 83% of their pre-injury average applies to guys who actually sat out — he didn't, so I'd weight his last four games (42.5, 35.4, 12.6, 22.8) a lot more heavily. He's a WR1 at Denver even against a secondary that's been stingy. The only thing to monitor is the 10% re-aggravation rate on ankles; if he pops back up limited next week, pay attention then.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 326 cases of WRs first listed with an ankle injury as Questionable or lighter): 71% played that week. Those who sat missed a median of 1 game(s); 56% missed exactly one, 29% missed three or more, and 24% 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=191). 10% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Higgins clears the report, then hits a bye — nothing to do
Tee Higgins
· Cincinnati Bengals
· WR · Groin · returned · Recently returned
Higgins is off the injury report as of Friday after being listed with a groin issue since Oct. 11. He played through it in Week 5 at 69% of the snaps.
Cincinnati is on bye, so this is a roster-management note rather than a start/sit one. Hold him and plan on him in your lineup out of the week off — before the quiet Week 5 (4.2) he'd gone 14.5, 21.0 and 26.7 on 23% of the targets. Receivers coming back from a groin have historically scored about 82% of their pre-injury average over three games, which is worth knowing, but Higgins never actually missed a game here. Just confirm he's not back on the report when Cincinnati returns to practice.
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.
Smith is off the report after a month — start him, expect a ramp
DeVonta Smith
· Philadelphia Eagles
· WR · Hamstring · returned · Recently returned
Smith is no longer on the injury report as of Oct 17 after being listed since Sep 24 with a hamstring, most recently as Questionable. He last played in Week 3 and did not play in Week 5.
He's back and he's a starter in anything but the shallowest league — 94% of the snaps and a 27.7-point Week 2 on the resume. Just temper the first game or two: WRs returning from a hamstring have historically scored a median 83% of their pre-injury PPR average over their first three games back, and the Eagles passing game has been scattered with other guys hurt. Carolina at home is a fine spot to find out. Keep Dontayvion Wicks or Darius Cooper rostered if you grabbed them during the absence — both have been productive enough (9.8 and 8.8 per game) to matter if the snap count comes back gradually.
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.
Flowers cleared after a one-day toe scare — full-go WR1 at Cleveland
Zay Flowers
· Baltimore Ravens
· WR · Toe · returned · Recently returned
Flowers was listed with a toe injury on Oct 16 as Questionable and was already off the report by Oct 17. Call it a 24-hour appearance.
Start him without a second thought. He played 82% of the snaps in Week 5, well up from his 45% season average coming in, and he's taken 23% of Baltimore's targets with three games over 14 PPR in his last four. The toe comps are reassuring too — 81% played that week and returning players posted a median 100% of their pre-injury scoring. Cleveland's a tougher road trip than most, but that's a matchup question, not an injury one. Rashod Bateman is the only teammate worth stashing behind him, and only as depth.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 47 cases of WRs first listed with a toe injury as Questionable or lighter): 81% played that week. Those who sat missed a median of 1 game(s); 67% missed exactly one, 0% missed three or more, and 11% did not play again that season. Returning players scored a median 100% of their pre-injury PPR average over their first three games back (n=34). 0% were listed with the same injury again later that season.
Swift clears his back issue with Monangai out — start him in ATL
D'Andre Swift
· Chicago Bears
· RB · Back · returned · Recently returned
Swift is off the injury report after a back injury first appeared Oct. 13 and never rose above "reported." He played 58% of the snaps in Week 5 and scored 17.3.
Healthy and holding 27% of the team's touches, with Kyle Monangai ruled out for a second straight game — that's about as clean a start as a mid-round back gets. He's trending the right way too (7.4, then 17.3). Roschon Johnson (4.1 per game) is the only other Bears back with production in the block, and he's not eating into this enough to matter. Start Swift at Atlanta and move on.
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.
Schultz is off the report after one day — low-end TE1 vs NYG
Dalton Schultz
· Houston Texans
· TE · Quadricep · returned · Recently returned
Schultz popped up with a quadricep issue on Oct 21, was listed Questionable, and was cleared off the injury report by Oct 22. He never missed a game with it.
This was about as minor as an injury listing gets — one day on the report and gone. The thing worth noting is that his snap share dipped to 40% in Week 6 against a 61% season average, and Foster Moreau put up 14.7 that same game, so keep half an eye on whether that's a trend or a blip. Schultz is still at 18% of team targets, which keeps him in the TE1 conversation in a home matchup with the Giants, even if 6-7 PPR a week isn't exciting. Start him if you were starting him; just don't expect the TE10 season from last year to suddenly show up.
Historical comps (2009-2025 NFL injury reports; 26 cases of TEs first listed with a quadricep injury): 54% played that week. Those who sat missed a median of 1 game(s); 58% missed exactly one, 42% missed three or more, and 17% did not play again that season. 0% were listed with the same injury again later that season.