Week 5 sees some players stat returning to their teams, so let’s get into the injury reports. While the injuries do seem to be mellowing out this week there are still some worth keeping an eye on that may impact your fantasy line up. As always, I take a look at some key players giving you details on their status going into week 5.
Also, worth taking note of the following games which have now been rescheduled due to COVID concerns within the Titans and Patriots camps.
- Buffalo Bills @ Tennessee Titans
- Denver Broncos @ New England Patriots
Remember, injuries can hit players quickly- so check out our rankings page to get you sorted for the week.
Week 5 Injury Reports: Ruled Out
Nick Chubb (RB, CLE) & Kareem Hunt (RB, CLE)
MCL (Out) & Groin (Questionable)
Nick Chubb has been placed on IR this week after injuring his MCL against the Cowboys in week 4. While Kareem Hunt has been a limited participant in practice this week with a groin injury.
**Hunt is going to play in this game- I’m only mentioning him here as they are on the same team.**
Despite Hunt being questionable, he is still expected to be good to go on Sunday. The Browns seem to be taking a cautious approach to his practice this week after losing Chubb.
This is a tough matchup against the Colts for the run-heavy Browns. However, expect Hunt to lead the backfield with Johnson getting his fair share of carries.
Austin Ekeler (RB, LAC)
Hamstring (Out)
Ekeler picked up a hamstring injury during his week 4 contest against the Buccaneers. As a result, he was placed on IR. In Ekeler’s absence Joshua Kelley and Justin Jackson will share the carries for the team. The Chargers have a tough game against the Saints on Monday Night Football so temper expectations for the pair.
KJ Hamler (WR, DEN) & Noah Fant (TE, DEN)
Hamstring (Out) & Ankle (Doubtful)
Rookie KJ Hamler has been ruled out of the Broncos week 5 game against the Patriots. While Tight End Noah Fant, who had a great start to the season, is currently doubtful to play with an ankle injury.
It was wide receivers Jerry Jeudy and Tim Patrick who stood out in week 4 against the Jets. However, the Patriots secondary will provide a much tougher contest. Despite a tough matchup this week, both receivers have value for your team moving forwards.
Sam Darnold (QB, NYJ) & Le’Veon Bell (RB, NYJ)
Shoulder (Out) & Hamstring (Questionable)
Quarterback Sam Darnold has been ruled out of the New York Jets week 5 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals with a shoulder injury. Meaning the team will roll out Joe Flacco. Yuck.
Running back Bell who has been out since week 1 with a hamstring injury, is practicing this week and is hoping to play. Bell will be hoping to bounce back and help kick start this poor Jets offense on his return.
Week 5 Injury Reports: Questionable
Lamar Jackson (QB, BAL) & Mark Andrews (TE, BAL)
Knee (Questionable) & Thigh (Questionable)
Both Jackson and his go-to target Mark Andrews have wound up on the Ravens injury report this week. Those names causing concern for many fans and fantasy owners.
Tight End Andrews was a limited participant on Thursday after logging a full practice on Wednesday, so it is worth keeping an eye on his progress through the rest of the week. However, he is currently still expected to play.
Julio Jones (WR, ATL) & Calvin Ridley (WR, ATL)
Hamstring & Thigh/Knee
Both Falcons receivers Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley were doubtful going into the teams week 4. Both did play, however, Jones was taken out of the game and Ridley only featured on 63% of offensive snaps, a season-low for him.
Going into week 5, Jones has been doing individual drills so far this week. Officially that gets logged as a non-participant. While Ridley has been limited in practice.
There will be more doubt over Jones playing this week against the Carolina Panthers than Ridley. It is worth watching both players status closely as game time approaches.
If either miss this game, Russell Gage and Hayden Hurst will be the main beneficiaries. Equally, receivers Christian Blake and Olamide Zaccheaus also seeing an increase in snaps.
Michael Thomas (WR, NO)
Ankle
Thomas has again been limited at practice this week. Mirroring the week 4 activity where he had hoped to return. With the Saints not playing until Monday Night, this will give Thomas extra time to be ready. However, the saints may feel another week out might be best for his recovery, so approach this one with caution.
Wideouts Emmanuel Sanders and Tre’Quan Smith will continue to fill in if Thomas is to miss another week.
Joe Mixon (RB, CIN)
Shin
Bengals running back Joe Mixon was added to the team’s injury report on Thursday with a shin injury. While this like all reported injuries is worth keeping an eye on, Mixon is currently still set to play against the Baltimore Ravens.
If Mixon was to miss this one, Giovanni Bernard would automatically see an increase in snaps and carries in this tough match up against the Ravens.
Bryan Edwards (WR, LV) & Henry Ruggs III (WR, LV)
Ankle (Questionable) & Hamstring (Questionable)
Both Edwards and Ruggs have suffered with their respective injuries over the last couple of weeks and will be questionable this week. With more doubt on Edwards playing as he has not been able to practice to date this week. Ruggs however has finally returned to full practice and will hope to return this week against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Either way, expect Hunter Renfrow to continue to be more involved after seeing 11 receptions from 17 targets over the last 2 weeks.
A definite decline in injuries this week compared to previous weeks so far this season and long may that trend continue. But that wraps up the injury report for Week 5. If of course there are any other players you are unsure about and have concerns for your fantasy roster, reach out on social media. You can find us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Image Credit: Kirby Lee – USA TODAY Sports
