Which players should you start, and which should you bench? To assist you in setting your fantasy football lineups and prevent starting an offensive player who won’t play, we will provide fantasy-relevant updates and analyses here as NFL teams announce their official inactive lists. Rankings mentioned in this column reference our ESPN Fantasy staff rankings.
Official Sunday inactives are expected to start arriving about 90 minutes prior to scheduled kickoff times; around 11:30 a.m. ET for the early games and 2:30 p.m. ET for the late-afternoon games.
Refresh this page frequently for the most recent updates.
9:30 a.m. London game
Gabe Davis, WR, JAX: Knee — Questionable
Impact: Despite being limited in practice, he made the long journey to London, which suggests he might give it a try.
Evan Engram, TE, JAX: Hamstring — Questionable
Impact: Similar reasoning applies; if he’s gone through the effort of flying across the Atlantic, he might as well play.
1 p.m. ET games
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Matt Prater, K, ARI: Knee — Questionable
Impact: Chad Ryland has been promoted from the practice squad once more. Expect him to take on the kicking duties.
Zay Jones, WR, ARI: Hamstring — OUT
Impact: His suspension has expired, but he may need additional time to become game-ready.
Rasheen Ali, RB, BAL: Neck — Questionable
Impact: With Derrick Henry and Justice Hill performing well, there’s no urgency to push the rookie back into action.
Deonte Harty, WR, BAL: Knee — Questionable
Impact: Rashod Bateman has been cleared from the injury report and will be starting.
Nick Chubb, RB, CLE: Knee — OUT
Impact: As the timeline for his return from IR continues, Jerome Ford will assume the RB1 responsibilities…
Nyheim Hines, RB, CLE: Knee — OUT
Impact: … with Pierre Strong Jr. and D’Onta Foreman in consideration for backup roles.
Christian Watson, WR, GB: Ankle — Questionable
Impact: More updates to follow.
Questionable
Impact: Dontayvion Wicks has the opportunity to step up again, as Watson was limited throughout the week.
Luke Musgrave, TE, GB: Ankle — OUT/IR
Impact: Tucker Kraft’s impressive performance makes this absence much more manageable.
Joe Mixon, RB, HOU: Ankle — Questionable
Impact: He is expected to play, while Dameon Pierce (ankle) has been cleared from the injury report.
Robert Woods, WR, HOU: Foot — OUT
Impact: With Nico Collins (hamstring) also on IR, expect Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell to excel.
Anthony Richardson, QB, IND: Oblique — Questionable
Impact: This should be a game-time decision, but indications lean towards him playing. Given the struggles with the wide receivers, anticipate a significant number of handoffs.
Jonathan Taylor, RB, IND: Ankle — OUT
Impact: Trey Sermon (collarbone) is now off the injury report and is expected to start.
Josh Downs, WR, IND: Toe – Questionable
Impact: He is likely to participate, but don’t expect a substantial performance this weekend.
Michael Pittman Jr., WR, IND: Back — Questionable
Impact: He practiced fully on Friday despite earlier reports suggesting an IR stint was possible. This remains a delicate situation, but he did travel with the team.
Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, NE: Foot – OUT
Impact: Antonio Gibson and JaMycal Hasty are set to share duties in the backfield.
Kendrick Bourne, WR, NE: Knee — Questionable
Impact: Even if he manages to play, the debut of Drake Maye as a starting QB is far from ideal.
K.J. Osborn, WR, NE: Shoulder — Questionable
Impact: Similar to Bourne, there’s limited upside here even if he is able to play.
Derek Carr, QB, NO: Oblique — OUT
Impact: Has the age of ”Spencer Rattler” officially commenced?
Kendre Miller, RB, NO: Hamstring — Activated from IR
Impact: However, Alvin Kamara (hip/hand) has been taken off the injury report and is expected to dominate backfield touches once again.
Taysom Hill, TE, NO: Ribs — OUT
Impact: Expect increased involvement from Foster Moreau.
Rachaad White, RB, TB: Foot — Doubtful
Impact: Look for Bucky Irving to be utilized frequently in this matchup.
Jalen McMillan, WR, TB: Hamstring — Questionable
Impact: He is anticipated to play, although he doesn’t carry the fantasy appeal of Mike Evans or Chris Godwin.
Trey Palmer, WR, TB: Concussion – OUT
Impact: Both Palmer and Kameron Johnson (ankle) will sit out, leaving Tampa Bay’s wide receiver depth quite shallow.
Brian Robinson Jr., RB, WAS: Knee — OUT
Impact: At least Austin Ekeler (heel) has been cleared from the injury report.
4 p.m. ET games
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Ian Thomas, TE, CAR: Calf — Activated from IR
Impact: He is expected to take over for Tommy Tremble (concussion), who has been ruled out.Diontae Johnson, WR, CAR: Ankle — Questionable
Impact: He appears likely to play, along with Xavier Legette (shoulder), who has been cleared from the injury report.Audric Estime, RB, DEN: Ankle — Activated from IR
Impact: He is projected to play a minor role in the backfield committee.Josh Reynolds, WR, DEN: Hand — OUT/IR
Impact: Lil’Jordan Humphrey gains value. Marvin Mims Jr. and/or Troy Franklin may receive additional targets.Gus Edwards, RB, LAC: Ankle – OUT/IR
Impact: J.K. Dobbins is expected to handle the majority of RB touches, while Kimani Vidal might see some backup duty.Zamir White, RB, LV: Groin — Questionable
Impact: It remains uncertain whether White or Alexander Mattison will lead the Las Vegas backfield in Week 6.Davante Adams, WR, LV: Hamstring — OUT
Impact: He will miss another week. DJ Turner and Tre Tucker may again have some degree of fantasy significance.Jakobi Meyers, WR, LV: Ankle — Doubtful
Impact: A downgrade on Saturday is not promising for his chances to play.Cordarrelle Patterson, RB, PIT: Ankle — OUT
Impact: Jaylen Warren (knee) has been removed from the injury report and will support Najee Harris.MyCole Pruitt, TE, PIT: Knee — OUT
Impact: Meanwhile, Pat Freiermuth (calf) has been cleared from the injury report and will be starting.Sunday night game
Malik Nabers, WR, NYG: Concussion — OUT
Impact: Darius Slayton and Wan’Dale Robinson will step in to fill the gap.Devin Singletary, RB, NYG: Groin — OUT
Impact: The team will likely rely on rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr. once again.Chase Brown, RB, CIN: Quad — Questionable
Impact: He is anticipated to play and will likely share carries relatively equally with Zack Moss (foot).Fantasy Football Week 6: Key Injuries and Inactives to Shape Your Lineup Decisions
As we dive into Fantasy Football Week 6, injuries and inactive players can significantly impact your lineup decisions. Keeping track of the latest injury reports is crucial in maximizing your fantasy points. In this article, we’ll break down the key injuries, inactives, and their potential effects on your fantasy roster.
Key Injuries to Monitor
Injuries can change the landscape of any week’s fantasy football matchups. Here are the top injuries to keep an eye on heading into Week 6:
- Quarterbacks:
- Joe Burrow (CIN) – Dealing with a calf strain, Burrow’s status is uncertain. Monitor updates for his availability.
- Justin Fields (CHI) – Out with a dislocated thumb; expect him to miss at least one more game.
- Running Backs:
- Kenneth Gainwell (PHI) – Currently questionable with a rib injury. His role could shift depending on his health.
- Austin Ekeler (LAC) – Listed as doubtful with an ankle injury, impacting the Chargers’ backfield significantly.
- Wide Receivers:
- DeAndre Hopkins (TEN) – Currently questionable with a hamstring issue, his absence would elevate the value of other receivers.
- Javon Wims (CHI) – Out with a hamstring injury; this opens opportunities for other wideouts in the Bears’ lineup.
- Tight Ends:
- Darren Waller (LV) – Currently questionable due to a nagging hamstring injury. Keep track of updates as game day nears.
- George Kittle (SF) – Listed as doubtful with a groin injury, leaving the 49ers’ TE situation uncertain.
Impact of Injuries on Lineup Decisions
Understanding how these injuries affect your lineup is essential for making informed decisions. Here are some key considerations:
Quarterback Considerations
With Joe Burrow’s uncertain status, fantasy managers should look ahead:
- If Burrow is out, consider starting Brandon Allen as a potential streaming option.
- Keep an eye on the waiver wire for quarterbacks who may have favorable matchups.
Running Back Strategy
Austin Ekeler’s potential absence opens opportunities:
- Look towards Joshua Kelley or Isaiah Spiller to fill the gap in the Chargers’ backfield.
- Consider picking up backup running backs on teams with favorable matchups.
Wide Receiver Adjustments
Injuries to key receivers can alter the target share:
- If DeAndre Hopkins is inactive, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine could see an uptick in targets.
- Monitor other emerging receivers on the same team who may benefit from increased volume.
Weekly Inactives and Their Effects
Player Position Status Fantasy Impact Justin Fields QB OUT Opportunity for backup; Bears’ passing game suffers. Austin Ekeler RB DOUBTFUL Boosts value of Chargers’ backups; may lead to a run-heavy game plan. Darren Waller TE QUESTIONABLE Potential for Daniel Bellinger to step up; shift in target distribution. DeAndre Hopkins WR QUESTIONABLE May elevate other receivers in Tennessee, like Traylon Burks. Practical Tips for Managing Injuries
Effectively managing injuries is crucial for your fantasy success. Here are some practical tips to consider:
- Stay Updated: Regularly check injury reports leading up to game day for the latest updates.
- Utilize Waivers: Be proactive in picking up backups or emerging players who may step into larger roles.
- Assess Matchups: Target players with favorable matchups, especially in the absence of key starters.
- Consider Flex Options: If a starter is questionable, consider a flexible lineup that allows for last-minute adjustments.
Case Studies: Players Who Benefited from Injuries
Historically, several players have elevated their game when given the opportunity due to injuries. Here are a couple of examples:
- Mike Davis (2020): Stepped up significantly in the absence of Christian McCaffrey, becoming a top fantasy performer.
- Chase Edmonds (2021): Benefited from injuries to James Conner, leading to increased carries and target opportunities.
First-Hand Experience: Navigating Injury Reports
As a fantasy team manager, navigating injury reports can be daunting. Here’s a personal experience:
In Week 3 last season, I faced a dilemma with my starting quarterback, who was listed as questionable. I kept an eye on the reports and decided to bench him for a backup with a favorable matchup. That decision led to a substantial fantasy points boost, highlighting the importance of staying informed.
Conclusion
Injuries and inactives are pivotal components of fantasy football strategy. As we approach Fantasy Football Week 6, staying informed about player statuses, utilizing waivers, and making smart lineup decisions can significantly enhance your chances of success. Keep your roster flexible, and always be ready to pivot based on the most recent injury reports.
