The unfortunate reality of the return of the NFL is that when players are allowed to go full speed, injuries are bound to happen. Week 3 of the NFL season was no exception. Now that fantasy football managers are updating their lineups for the coming week, several players have found themselves on the injury report, leaving their status for Week 4 in the air.
For the most recent injury news, make sure to check out our most up-to-date fantasy football injury report.
Fantasy Football Injury Report: QB update
Here is where we currently stand in terms of the fantasy football QB options dealing with an injury.
Andy Dalton, Chicago Bears
Andy Dalton, who missed Week 3 (knee), was a limited participant in practice both Wednesday and Thursday, according to the team’s injury report. Head coach Matt Nagy has stated the depth chart is Dalton, Justin Fields, then Nick Foles. Once healthy, Dalton will be the team’s starter.
Justin Fields, Chicago Bears
According to the team’s injury report, Justin Fields (right thumb) was a full participant in practice on Thursday. Nevertheless, Fields’ status on the field depends on Dalton’s health.
Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reports Lamar Jackson (back) did not participate in Thursday’s practice. This marks only the second time in his four-year NFL career that he has missed consecutive practices in the regular season. However, there seems to be little to no concern that Jackson will miss Week 4.
Carson Wentz, Indianapolis Colts
Carson Wentz (ankles) was a limited participant in Thursday’s practice. After spraining both ankles on the same play in Week 2, Wentz was able to start last week against the Tennessee Titans. He should start again in Week 4 against the Miami Dolphins.
Fantasy Football Injury Report: RB update
How is the injury bug affecting RB committees heading into Week 4?
James White, New England Patriots
According to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, the hip subluxation James White sustained during Week 3 is expected to end his 2021 season after further medical examinations during the week. Heading into Week 3, White led the Patriots with 12 receptions for 94 yards while adding 9 rushes for 32 yards.
Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers
On Monday, head coach Matt Rhule said that Christian McCaffrey (hamstring) would not be placed on injured reserve, Steve Reed of the Associated Press reports. While he will miss at least Week 4 and potentially more games, this should be considered a positive sign. Rookie Chuba Hubbard expects to lead the backfield, with Royce Freeman also seeing snaps.
Melvin Gordon, Denver Broncos
According to Aric DiLalla of the Broncos’ official site, Melvin Gordon (ribs) was limited at practice on Wednesday.
D’Andre Swift, Detroit Lions
The Lions listed D’Andre Swift (groin) as a limited participant at Thursday’s practice. At this point, it seems like a non-issue for fantasy. Swift has been listed with a groin injury for three weeks yet sits as the RB3 in PPR formats.
Aaron Jones, Green Bay Packers
Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports Aaron Jones (ankle) was a limited practice participant on Thursday. Jones was limited on Wednesday as well. There does not seem to be much concern surrounding his status, but it is worth monitoring.
AJ Dillon, Green Bay Packers
Schneidman reports that AJ Dillon was also limited Thursday due to a back injury. This is a bit more interesting as you never want to see a player added mid-week. Dillon carried 6 times for 18 yards and caught 2 receptions for an additional 8 yards during the win over the San Francisco 49ers.
Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts
Jonathan Taylor (knee) is on the Week 4 injury report and was listed as a limited practice participant on Thursday. Taylor was an LP on Wednesday as well, but it appears to be nothing that will keep the second-year RB out of Week 4.
Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders
According to Paul Gutierrez of ESPN, Josh Jacobs (ankle) returned to practice on Thursday. Jacobs, who has missed two straight games, was unable to practice at all last week. His return to the field is a step in the right direction but not a guarantee he’ll play in Week 4.
Darrell Henderson, Los Angeles Rams
Darrell Henderson (ribs) was a limited participant Wednesday. Head coach Sean McVay said that while he expects Henderson to play this week, it’s not 100%.
Dalvin Cook, Minnesota Vikings
Dalvin Cook (ankle) was a limited participant in Thursday’s practice, according to the team’s injury report. Cook didn’t practice last week and missed last Sunday’s game against the Seahawks. Thus, his ability to put together back-to-back practices (limited) is a positive sign.
Elijah Mitchell, San Francisco 49ers
Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports that Elijah Mitchell (shoulder) was limited on Thursday. Mitchell was spotted wearing a no-contact jersey for the second day in a row. Friday’s injury report will go a long way in seeing whether or not Mitchell will suit up after missing Week 3.
WR injury update
News for pass catchers is essential in PPR leagues — let’s break down the WR fallout.
DeAndre Hopkins, Arizona Cardinals
Josh Weinfuss of ESPN reports that DeAndre Hopkins (ribs) was back at practice on Thursday. It’s not surprising to see Hopkins on the injury report, but he rarely misses a game. There’s no reason to expect he will miss Week 4 either.
Russell Gage, Atlanta Falcons
Russell Gage (ankle) didn’t participate in Thursday’s practice. Gage did not play in Week 3.
Rashod Bateman, Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens activated Rashod Bateman (groin) from IR on Wednesday. He is eligible to play on Sunday and make his NFL debut.
Miles Boykin, Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens also activated Miles Boykin (hamstring) from the injured reserve. Like Bateman, he’s eligible to play Sunday.
Darnell Mooney, Chicago Bears
Darnell Mooney (groin) practiced on a limited basis on Thursday. Last week, he was listed with a groin injury but has played in at least 89% of the team’s snaps every week.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Green Bay Packers
Schneidman of The Athletic reports that Marquez Valdes-Scantling (hamstring) did not participate in practice on Thursday. He’s been held out of both practices this week with his hamstring injury, which isn’t believed to be a long-term issue following an MRI earlier in the week.
Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers
Keenan Allen was a limited practice participant on Thursday as he deals with an ankle injury. There is little concern that Allen will miss Week 4.
Will Fuller, Miami Dolphins
According to David Furones of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Will Fuller (chest/elbow) was listed as a limited practice participant Thursday. Fuller missed practice on Wednesday, so this should be seen as a step in the right direction for fantasy managers.
N’Keal Harry, New England Patriots
Zack Cox of NESN reports that the Patriots designated N’Keal Harry (shoulder) to return from injured reserve Wednesday. The Patriots now have a 21-day window to activate Harry and add him to their 53-man roster.
Kenny Golladay, New York Giants
Dan Salomone of the Giants’ official site reports Kenny Golladay (hip) practiced Thursday on a limited basis. Golladay has been dealing with a hip injury for two weeks, which has concerned some as it is the same hip that cost him the majority of 2020. The Giants desperately need Golladay to be active as both Shepard and Slayton (hamstrings) are trending in the wrong direction.
Sterling Shepard, New York Giants
Update 1/10/2021: Sterling Shepard has officially been ruled out for Week 4.
According to Dan Duggan of The Athletic, Sterling Shepard (hamstring) didn’t participate in Thursday’s practice. Shepard was at the facility but was there to work with trainers. It’s seeming more and more unlikely Shepard will play in Week 4 against the Saints.
Darius Slayton, New York Giants
Update 1/10/2021: Darius Slayton has officially been ruled out for Week 4.
Duggan also reported Slayton (hamstring) was a DNP for Thursday’s practice. Slayton was at the facility but was there to work with trainers. It seems Slayton will miss Week 4.
Jamison Crowder, New York Jets
Rich Cimini of ESPN reports that Jamison Crowder (groin) was a limited participant Thursday, but he’s on track to return for Week 4 and make his season debut.
Elijah Moore, New York Jets
Cimini also reports that Elijah Moore (concussion) was sidelined for Thursday’s practice. It seems unlikely Moore suits up as he remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol.
Chase Claypool, Pittsburgh Steelers
In a surprising new addition, Chase Claypool was added to the injury report as a limited participant on Thursday (hamstring), according to Teresa Varley of the Steelers’ official site. Claypool was already in a difficult spot in a matchup with Jaire Alexander. Stay tuned for the Friday report to see his game status.
JuJu Smith-Schuster, Pittsburgh Steelers
Varley also reports that JuJu Smith-Schuster (ribs) returned to a limited practice Thursday. Smith-Schuster didn’t practice Wednesday, so his return to the field is a positive sign.
Tyler Lockett, Seattle Seahawks
John Boyle of the Seahawks’ official site reports Tyler Lockett (hip) was held out of practice Thursday. Lockett was an LP on Wednesday as he tested out his hip after a frightening sequence this past Sunday in which his leg was twisted, and he remained on the turf for a spell. He did remain in the game, but it appears the Seahawks are exercising caution with Lockett.
DK Metcalf, Seattle Seahawks
Boyle added that DK Metcalf was on the injury report Thursday with a foot injury. This is a new injury, which is usually not a great sign late in the week. The Friday injury report will be vital.
A.J. Brown, Tennessee Titans
Update 1/10/2021: A.J. Brown has officially been ruled out for Week 4.
Jim Wyatt of the Titans’ official site reports that A.J. Brown (hamstring) remained sidelined at practice Thursday. Brown sustained the injury during the game in Week 3 and was subsequently ruled out because of it. The Friday injury report will be massive in determining his fantasy status for Week 4.
Julio Jones, Tennessee Titans
Update 1/10/2021: Julio Jones has officially been ruled out for Week 4.
Turron Davenport of ESPN reports Julio Jones (hamstring) was a DNP on Thursday and is questionable for Week 4. Much like Brown, the Friday report will be telling for his Week 4 availability.
Curtis Samuel, Washington Football Team
JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington reports Washington designated Curtis Samuel (groin) to return from the IR on Wednesday, starting the 21-day window for him to be activated and added to the 53-man roster.
TE injury update for Week 4
Which tight end injuries should we be mindful of when setting our fantasy lineups?
George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers
Kittle has been dealing with a calf injury this week and there is no guarantee that he plays in Week 4 according to Kyle Shanahan. Losing Kittle would be a big blow to the fantasy landscape with Ross Dwelley next on the depth chart for the 49ers this week.
Rob Gronkowski, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports Rob Gronkowski (ribs) wasn’t present for Thursday’s practice. He has now missed both practices this week following a big hit in Week 3. X-rays were negative on his injured ribs, and it appears to be a pain tolerance situation more than anything. Given their opponent in Week 4 is the New England Patriots, it is difficult to imagine Gronkowski missing the game.
Jack Doyle, Indianapolis Colts
For the second straight day, Jack Doyle missed practice due to a back injury. Doyle’s status for Sunday’s game against the Dolphins is unclear.
Tyler Conklin, Minnesota Vikings
According to the team’s injury report, Tyler Conklin was a limited participant in Thursday’s practice with a glute and elbow injury. Conklin was also a DNP on Wednesday following his 7 receptions for 70 yards and a TD game in Week 3. Should he suit up Sunday, Conklin would be a streaming candidate for fantasy.