What can fantasy football managers learn from the Week 4 QB and TE injury report? Which players may miss time, and what are the fantasy implications to take into account?
Practice status listings are as follows: DNP – did not participate, LP – limited participant, FP – full participant.
QB injury report heading into Week 4
Tua Tagovailoa, MIA | Back/ankle (Questionable)
At this stage, all we know about Tua Tagovailoa’s status for Thursday is that he is not in the concussion protocol. Otherwise, we have little indication as to whether Tua will suit up against the Bengals in Week 4. Mike McDaniel said he was optimistic about Tua on Tuesday but did not address the media Wednesday.
If Tua cannot go, then Teddy Bridgewater would start. Bridgewater is a fringe Superflex option in 14-team leagues. His presence would also be a slight downgrade for the pass-catching options. Tyreek Hill remains a starter, but Jaylen Waddle could be a tougher call as he deals with a groin injury of his own.
Justin Herbert, LAC | Ribs (LP)
It was not a pretty performance in Week 3 from Justin Herbert, and he appears to be following a similar pattern with his practice schedule in Week 4. Herbert was not seen throwing at practice on Wednesday, and his participation is being judged day-to-day by the coaching and medical staff.
If he suits up this week, Herbert is an incredibly risky fantasy play. We saw last week how hampered he is by the injury. At best, it hurts his ceiling, but at worst, it makes him completely unstartable in 1QB leagues. In Superflex leagues, you may not have the choice.
Jameis Winston, NO | Back (DNP)
Jameis Winston was not on the field as the New Orleans Saints opened their Week 4 practice in London. Winston was, however, available to speak to the media, and he said the decision to miss practice was not his. He also assured the media present that he would be back at practice on Thursday. If that is the case, we should expect him to start again in Week 4.
Mac Jones, NE | Ankle (DNP)
Mac Jones’ ankle injury was described as a “fairly severe high ankle sprain,” which will likely mean he’s in line to miss a handful of weeks. In his absence, Brian Hoyer will start. Hoyer’s fantasy value is restricted to leagues where all 32 QBs are started. He also severely limits the upside of the Patriots’ pass catchers.
TE injury report heading into Week 4
T.J. Hockenson, DET | Foot (DNP)
While T.J. Hockenson did not practice on Wednesday, the concern around him was limited. He was not even discussed by Dan Campbell during the head coach’s media availability, which is a positive sign. With the Lions struggling with injuries at WR, Hockenson could be in line for a big day, especially if Amon-Ra St. Brown is inactive.
Dalton Schultz, DAL | Knee (LP)
The Cowboys only had a walkthrough practice to open Week 4, so this is an estimated report for Schultz. However, it is a positive sign that he was estimated to be limited as he looks to return to action following a one-game absence. With Schultz out in Week 3, Jake Ferguson and Peyton Hendershot split six targets between them. If Schultz misses Week 4, neither has significant fantasy value.
Dawson Knox, BUF | Back/hip (LP)
It would be a shock to see Dawson Knox unavailable for Week 4 after opening the week as a limited participant. He played despite missing some practice last week, and you’d think the Bills would be even more cautious with practice participation after an energy-sapping day in Miami in which the offense played upwards of 90 snaps. Knox should be fine to play in Week 4, but fantasy managers should be cautious about inserting him into lineups after he’s seen inconsistent usage through the first three weeks.