Injury Status: Week 5

Thu Oct 2 9:40am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Well, the injuries just continue to mount. Wow. It was a really rough week. There are a lot of players hurting and to make matters even worse, the byes start this week. Talk about adding insult to injury. Terrible. Hopefully, you can manage and get through this.

Here is the latest. . . . .

Bucky Irving, RB, Bucs. Irving is battling a foot injury and is up in the air to play this week. The Bucs aren’t ruling him out yet but it does not look great for him to play right now. We expect him to sit but keep an eye on the notes for the latest. Sean Tucker and Rachaad White are expected to split the work at running back if Irving misses the game.

Lamar Jackson, QB, Ravens. Jackson left the game early last week because of a hamstring injury. He hasn’t officially been ruled out for this week but is expected to sit this one out. Cooper Rush should get the start for the Ravens in Week 5. Jackson might be out a few weeks with this injury, leaving a huge hole in fantasy lineups.

Jayden Daniels, QB, Commanders. Daniels has been medically cleared by doctors from his knee injury and practiced in full on Wednesday. He will return to the starting lineup this week and should be inserted back in fantasy lineups.

Trey Benson, RB, Cardinals. Benson suffered a knee injury last week and needs surgery on the injury. He is expected to be out four-to-six weeks after undergoing arthroscopic surgery. James Conner is already out, leaving the Cardinals very thin at running back. Michael Carter and Emari Demercado are likely to split the work at running back for Arizona.

Braelon Allen, RB, Jets. Allen is battling a knee injury, which the Jets are calling pretty serious. The exact nature of the injury hasn’t been revealed but expect him to miss this week and likely a few more weeks of action.

Tyjae Spears, RB, Titans. Spears is nearing a return from his ankle injury. He has not been activated from Injured Reserve just yet but could be before the week is out. He even has a shot to play this week, so keep an eye on the notes for the latest.

Tyrone Tracy, RB, Giants. Tracy continues to battle a shoulder injury and is out of practice to start this week. It is not looking good for him to return to action, giving Cam Skattebo nearly all the work at running back for the Giants in Week 5.

Terry McLaurin, WR, Commanders. McLaurin remains out of practice because of a quad injury. He missed the game last week and is not looking good to return, barring a big turnaround late in the week.

Chuba Hubbard, RB, Panthers. Hubbard was held out of practice Wednesday because of a calf injury. We aren’t sure how serious of an injury he is dealing with, but missing practice to open the week is never a good sign. We would consider him iffy to play right now. Rico Dowdle starts the game if Hubbard has to miss.

CeeDee Lamb, WR, Cowboys. Lamb is out of his boot, which is a step in the right direction. His ankle injury is making progress. He still seems unlikely to play this week but he could be back sooner than later if he keeps progressing.

Ricky Pearsall, WR, 49ers. Pearsall has already been ruled out for the Week 5 game because of his knee injury. This injury forced him from last week’s game.

Brock Purdy, QB, 49ers. Purdy has been ruled out for Thursday’s game because of a toe injury. Mac Jones returns to the starting lineup after watching Purdy return last week.

Jauan Jennings, WR, 49ers. Jennings is another beat-up 49er that will miss the game this week. He is out because of ankle and rib injuries. The 49ers are super thin at receiver, leaning Kendrick Bourne and Demarcus Robinson as the most likely player to play a big role this week at the position.

Alec Pierce, WR, Colts. Pierce practiced in full Wednesday but still hasn’t been officially cleared from the concussion protocol. He is trending in the right direction, though, and should be back for the Week 5 game. Look for him to be cleared in the next day or two.

Xavier Legette, WR, Panthers. Legette is back practicing in full this week. His hamstring injury is much better. Legett has been out since hurting the hamstring in Week 2. He should return to the lineup this week and give the team a boost at receiver.

Ja'Tavion Sanders, TE, Panthers. Sanders remains sidelined because of an ankle injury. He still is out of practice, so expect him to miss another week of action. Tommy Tremble should get another start at tight end for the Panthers.

J.J. McCarthy, QB, Vikings. McCarthy is expected to miss his third straight game because of a sprained ankle. He is making some progress but still not ready to head back to the field. Carson Wentz will start for the Vikings in Week 5.

Calvin Ridley, WR, Titans. Ridley missed practice Wednesday because of elbow and knee injuries. We don’t think the injuries are too serious, though, so don’t rule him out. He still has a pretty good shot to play as long as he practices some before the week is out.

Mike Evans, WR, Bucs. Evans remains out because of a hamstring injury. He is going to miss another week of action and might be out a few more weeks.

Juwan Johnson, TE, Saints. Johnson apparently hurt his ankle during last week’s game. He missed practice Wednesday, which is a concern. He is questionable to play right now. We wouldn’t rule him out, though. If he can get in some practice before the week is out, he will likely be healthy enough to play Week 5. Keep an eye on the player notes for the latest. Jack Stoll starts if Johnson is unable to go.

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

Injury Status: Week 5

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