As fantasy managers set their Week 5 lineups, injuries are already stacking up, forcing owners to make tough roster decisions. Several big-name players have either been ruled out or are facing uncertain timelines, creating uncertainty across many fantasy leagues. Here’s the latest on the stars making headlines heading into the weekend.
Tyreek Hill (WR, Dolphins)
The Dolphins confirmed the worst news Monday: Tyreek Hill dislocated his knee and tore multiple ligaments, including his ACL. He’s done for the year and will undergo surgery. Expect Jaylen Waddle to step into the WR1 role, while newly signed Darren Waller could become a red-zone focal point with Hill sidelined.
Joe Burrow (QB, Bengals)
Cincinnati fans were hit with another blow as Burrow was sent to surgery for a serious turf toe injury. He’s projected to miss at least three months, meaning Jake Browning takes over under center. Fantasy managers should be cautious with all Bengals’ skill players, as this offense loses much of its ceiling without Burrow’s accuracy and timing.
Malik Nabers (WR, Giants)
The rookie wideout left Week 4 with a knee injury, and New York has confirmed it is a torn ACL. Nabers’ season is over, and Darius Slayton could be a target as the next man up in the Giants’ passing game.
Lamar Jackson (QB, Ravens)
Jackson left Sunday’s loss with a hamstring issue, and his status for Week 5 is very much in doubt. Baltimore will watch his practice reps closely, but soft-tissue injuries are tricky. Fantasy owners need to prepare for the possibility of a backup quarterback under center if Jackson can’t.
T.J. Hockenson (TE, Vikings)
The Vikings opened tight end T.J. Hockenson’s (knee) practice window this week after he spent the first four games on the PUP list. While it’s a promising step, he’s still unlikely to suit up against the Jets in Week 5.
Davante Adams (WR, Rams)
Raiders wideout Davante Adams (hamstring) is not expected to play Sunday against the Broncos after also missing Week 4. With trade rumors swirling and no practices logged, fantasy managers should prepare for him to remain sidelined.
Trey McBride (TE, Cardinals)
Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed tight end Trey McBride (concussion) has cleared protocol and returned to practice. He’s trending toward a Week 5 return against San Francisco but may be eased in with limited snaps.
George Kittle (TE, 49ers)
49ers tight end George Kittle (ribs) missed Wednesday’s practice after exiting briefly in Week 4 but still managed to return and score a touchdown. San Francisco lists him day-to-day, leaving his Week 5 status uncertain and worth monitoring for fantasy managers.
Travis Etienne Jr. (RB, Jaguars)
Jaguars RB Travis Etienne Jr. (shoulder) was limited in Wednesday’s practice after getting banged up in Week 4 against Houston. He did return to that game, but Tank Bigsby picked up extra work, so Etienne’s usage in Week 5 could be closely monitored.
Bottom Line
Week 5 could be one of the most difficult stretches yet for fantasy managers. With stars like Hill and Burrow gone for an extended time and Jackson’s status cloudy, the best approach is to stay flexible. Scan the waiver wire, monitor updates, and be ready, the next move owners make could make or break fantasy matchups.
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