With injured reserve (IR) designations being four weeks at minimum, we are getting close to starting to see some players coming off the list. Here is the latest on the relevant players for fantasy football currently on IR.
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Which Top Fantasy Players Are on IR in Week 4?
Cooper Kupp, WR, Los Angeles Rams
After a great first week, the Rams’ offense has slowly started to degress the last two weeks. It was especially tough last week against the Bengals, as the Rams scored only 16 points. When asked about Cooper Kupp this week, coach Sean McVay said Kupp will start practicing next week.
MORE: Week 4 Fantasy Cheat Sheet
With Puka Nacua and Tutu Atwell carrying the load, the Rams have gotten solid play at the wide receiver position. However, you can tell the team is missing its star receiver. When Kupp returns, managers who have Nacua and Atwell should see both guys moving back more into their roles but having better matchups.
Mike Williams, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
Mike Williams had his best game of the season against the Minnesota Vikings, finishing with seven catches for 121 yards and one touchdown. However, he unfortunately tore his ACL and is now on IR and out for the year.
For the Chargers, receivers like Joshua Palmer and rookie Quentin Johnston will have bigger roles in the offense moving forward.
Jeff Wilson Jr., RB, Miami Dolphins
This is an interesting one to look at with the Dolphins the talk of football right now, mainly because of what the running backs did last week. Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane combined for 375 total yards and seven total touchdowns in the win against the Broncos.
Wilson’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said he should be back practicing after this Sunday’s game. That should make things very interesting for fantasy managers. Mostert is still the go-to guy in the backfield, but it will be interesting to see if Achane or Wilson is the No. 2 running back.
Jamaal Williams, RB, New Orleans Saints
Jamaal Williams went on IR before last week’s game against the Packers with a hamstring injury and will be out for a few more weeks. The Saints had goals of pairing Williams with Alvin Kamara to form one of the best-rushing duos in the NFL.
It will be a while before they are back playing together, but the Saints get Kamara back after he missed the first three games due to suspension. With Williams out, rookie Kendre Miller still figures to get some carries until he returns.
Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts
This is the final week for Jonathan Taylor to be on the PUP list, and many fantasy managers are wondering what is next. Zack Moss had a great Week 3, but if Taylor returns to Indy to play, he’ll walk right into his traditional workload.
MORE: Fantasy News Tracker
Fantasy managers want Taylor to get back to playing football, regardless of what team he’s playing for. Whatever team Taylor is on, he’ll be one of the best running backs in the league and capable of carrying many fantasy football managers on a playoff run.
Diontae Johnson, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
The season started very slow for the Steelers, but Pittsburgh’s offense has taken strides in the past couple of weeks. Diontae Johnson was expected to be one of the top receivers for the Steelers, and his injury set the team back a bit.
Pittsburgh has a bye in Week 6, which sets up perfectly for Johnson’s return in Week 7. Pair Johnson with the emerging George Pickens, and things should continue to get easier and better for Kenny Pickett.