Entering Week 5, we could see several players come off their four-week minimum IR designations. Here is the latest on the fantasy-relevant players currently on IR.
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Which Players Are on IR in Week 5?
Cooper Kupp, WR, Los Angeles Rams
After four weeks, the Kupp is now half full with Cooper Kupp eligible to return to practice. Kupp went on the IR after a setback occurred regarding a hamstring injury that took place in the preseason. The Rams’ offense has continued to move with rookie Puka Nacua off to an incredible start.
Head coach Sean McVay has said Kupp has been progressing, and he “100 percent” trusts Kupp’s self-evaluation in coming back to the field. On Friday, McVay said Kupp would return to practice this week.
Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts
The Colts RB is eligible to return from the PUP list today, opening the three-week window where he can practice. It is still up in the air if Taylor will play again for the Colts this season or get traded elsewhere — many teams are hurting for RBs right now. The Colts have until October 31 to deal Taylor.
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Head coach Shane Steichen said that Taylor will practice on Monday and did not rule out him playing this week against the Titans.
Taylor underwent an arthroscopic debridement in January to clean up the ankle that suffered a high sprain, but he recently posted videos of himself working out on social media. If Taylor does not return to action with the Colts, it remains Zack Moss’ backfield.
Kyler Murray, QB, Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals continue to show signs of life this week, and photos of Kyler Murray have surfaced of him smiling and enjoying himself with his teammates. The culture seems to be shifting in Arizona, and head coach Jonathan Gannon appears satisfied with current starter Joshua Dobbs.
Murray is eligible to be activated off the PUP on Monday, but sources have reported that he is still weeks away from being able to play. Once Murray is eligible to come off the PUP, a 21-day window begins when he can practice before being added again to the active roster.
Gannon mentioned last week, “When Kyler’s ready to practice, he’ll start practicing.”
River Cracraft, WR, Miami Dolphins
On Friday, the Miami Dolphins placed WR River Cracraft on the IR after suffering a shoulder injury in Week 3. He will miss at least four games. Cracraft had a solid Week 1 for Miami, finishing as WR23 with 40 yards receiving and one TD.
Jamaal Williams, RB, New Orleans Saints
After suffering a hamstring injury in Week 2 against Carolina, the Saints placed Jamaal Williams on the IR. The Saints are hopeful he will be able to return after four weeks to join Alvin Kamara in a strong, one-two punch.
Keaton Mitchell, RB, Baltimore Ravens
According to John Harbaugh, Ravens rookie RB Keaton Mitchell could be activated from IR this week. Mitchell sustained a shoulder injury in the preseason after impressing at camp. The Ravens have gotten bit by the injury bug lately, so the faster Mitchell can return, the better.
Kyle Philips, WR, Tennessee Titans
The Titans designated Kyle Philips to return after rehabbing an MCL injury. This is good timing for the Titans, who held out Treylon Burks on Sunday due to a knee issue.
Aaron Rodgers, QB, New York Jets
We had a brief sighting of Aaron Rodgers at the Jets game on Sunday, but it will continue to be a long time before we have the chance to see him on the football field again.
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His innovative Achilles surgery offers some hope for a faster recovery, but you shouldn’t hold your breath.
Chase Edmonds, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs placed Chase Edmonds on IR in Week 2 after he sustained an injury to his MCL. Tampa Bay anticipates Edmonds needing 4-6 weeks to rehab. Rachaad White, rookie Sean Tucker, and Ke’Shawn Vaughn will handle the backfield until he returns.
Jeff Wilson Jr., RB, Miami Dolphins
Week 4 showed that RB De’Von Achane’s incredible four-TD performance against the Broncos was not a fluke, but he might have another RB to compete with for touches soon. Jeff Wilson Jr. is now eligible to come off the PUP. It is unclear whether the Dolphins will activate him immediately.
Diontae Johnson, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers WR Diontae Johnson went on IR ahead of Week 2 after sustaining a hamstring injury. The Steelers have a Week 6 bye, so we should expect Johnson to look to return to the field in Week 7.