Another week, another set of injuries. Similar to Week 2, in Week 5 most NFL teams were kind to us by ruling players out and keeping us from the guessing game. For those players who are still on the fence, I discuss it in more depth below.
Understanding the NFL's Injury Report
(per Dr. Bramel - Footballguys OG)
"The injury report released by the NFL is [made up of] two reports. The first is the Practice Participation report, which lists which injured players practiced and their participation level. It also includes players who rested or missed practice for non-injury-related reasons. The second is the Game Status Report, which gives the probability a player will play, i.e., Questionable, Doubtful, Out. The Practice Participation Report is released every day of the week (Monday through Saturday). The Game Status Report is released with the Friday participation report (Wednesday for Thursday games, Saturday for Monday games). In this feature, I'll include the Game Status Listing and my expectations of their likelihood of playing."
If you are reading this article on Saturday, make sure to come back on Sunday morning as more updates trickle in within the next 24 hours.
Current Status on High-Impact Injured Players
Gameday Decision
Trending Doubtful (Likely Inactive)
- WR Christian Watson
- WR Romeo Doubs
- RB Devin Singletary
- TE, QB Taysom Hill
Trending Probable (Expected to Play)
- WR Odell Beckham Jr.
- RB Brian Robinson Jr.
- TE Trey McBride
Ruled Out
- WR Malik Nabers (concussion)
- RB Jonathan Taylor (high ankle sprain)
- WR Rashee Rice (knee - on IR)
- RB Joe Mixon (ankle)
- WR Khalil Shakir (ankle)
- WR Davante Adams (hamstring/trade)
- RB Zamir White (groin)
- RB Jaylen Warren (knee)
- WR Brandin Cooks (knee)
- WR Noah Brown (groin)
- RB Nick Chubb (knee)
Sunday 1:00 PM EST Games
QB Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis | Hip/Oblique | Questionable | 50/50
The Colts have already ruled out Jonathan Taylor but are holding out hope for their quarterback, Anthony Richardson.
Richardson has been limited all week with a hip pointer/oblique that caused him to miss 3/4 of the game in Week 4. It sounds like the former Gator is a true game-time decision and might even try to test out his injuries in pregame warmups. I think these are injuries that Richardson could play through, but it comes down to pain tolerance.
Update: Richardson's status has shifted to "Doubtful." Expect Joe Flacco under center in Week 5.
TE Evan Engram, Jacksonville | Hamstring | Questionable | 50/50
Evan Engram took a big step in returning to game action. The veteran TE finally returned to practice this week after sitting out all last week. Despite practicing, Engram was limited.
On average TEs miss 4 weeks with hamstring injuries, Week 5 would be only 2. Since 2017, 62% of NFL players who were limited in the final practice session went on to play. Thus the uncertainty around his ability to play.
For what it's worth, I would avoid Engram this week, even if he is healthy. Typically, TEs see a 21% decrease in fantasy production upon return. Additionally, among current TEs, Engram is the third worst in terms of fantasy production vs. expected following an injury. Although the TE landscape has been ugly, the data suggests Engram carries a lot of risk.
Update: ESPN's Jeremy Fowler believes that Evan Engram is unlikely to play.
WR Odell Beckham Jr., Miami | Knee | Questionable | Likely Active
After starting the season on the PUP with a knee injury, it sounds like Odell Beckham Jr. is on track to return in Week 5. Beckham was able to practice in full all week.
Beckham likely is not fantasy-relevant and Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel has hinted that the veteran wideout will be on a "pitch count" if he does return. Beckham is way past his prime but given his history, he is someone to keep an eye on.
TE David Njoku, Cleveland | High Ankle Sprain | 50/50
David Njoku was finally able to return to practice this week after not doing so at all following his high ankle sprain. Despite his progression, I do not think Njoku is a slam dunk to play in Week 5.
Typically high ankle sprains result in more time missed than 3 weeks, but Njoku does seem optimistic about playing. Njoku is still to yet practice in full (FP) since returning to the practice field suggesting he is not quite 100%.
Update: Njoku is on track to play in Week 5 per Adam Schefter.
RB Brian Robinson Jr., Washington | Knee Injury | Questionable | Likely Active
Brian Robinson Jr. appears to be trending in the right direction after dealing with a knee injury. Robinson was limited during Friday's practice for RBs dealing with non-specific knee injury, which is a promising development. I like Robinson's chances to play Sunday.
Sunday 4:05 PM EST Games
TE Trey McBride, Arizona | Rib Injury | Questionable | Likely Active
Trey McBride was a late addition to the injury report with a rib injury but by all accounts he is expected to be active in Week 5. Granted it's one of the smaller data sets in my injury database, TEs suffer a 40% reduction in fantasy points when dealing with rib injuries.
Sunday 4:25 PM EST Games
WR Christian Watson, Green Bay | High Ankle Sprain | Doubtful | Likely Inactive
Wide receivers dealing with high ankle sprains on average miss 5 weeks, with only 9% missing no time. So even when the Packers called Christian Watson's "mild" there was still a good chance he would miss time. Watson is officially listed as "Doubtful" which all but guarantees he sits come Sunday.
WR Romeo Doubs, Green Bay | Personal | Doubtful | Likely Inactive
Another Packers' WR who is likely out in Week 5 is Romeo Doubs. While we do not yet know the specifics, Green Bay has said it's personal. Expect a healthy dose of Dontayvion Wicks and Bo Melton for Jordan Love.
Update: It sounds like Doubs is unhappy with his role in the Packer's offense. Reports have indicated that Doubs will not play Sunday.
RB Devin Singletary, NY Giants| Groin Injury | Doubtful | Likely Inactive
Devin Singletary is listed as "Doubtful" heading into Sunday with a groin injury. 95% of players listed as "Doubtful" end up sitting out that week. Those numbers are hard to ignore.
Monday Night 8:15 PM EST Game
TE, QB Taysom Hill, New Orleans | Rib Fracture | Questionable | Likely Inactive
Taysom Hill is still dealing with the effects of his rib fracture and did not practice on Friday. Although the Saints have Hill listed as "Questionable" and do not play till Monday, it seems unlikely we will see Hill.