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Fantasy managers have been forced to be on their toes as the 2023 NFL season gets underway, as players across the league have been dealing with a high number of injuries across the first month of the season. That's also been the case ahead of Week 4. Our injury updates and reports for Week 4 as of Sunday, October 1, 2023, will give you the latest updates on key fantasy football assets.
The injury news for Week 4 of the NFL season has featured many notable fantasy football players such as Jimmy Garoppolo, Deebo Samuel, Derek Carr, Austin Ekeler, and more.
To keep close tabs on all of the news across the NFL, make sure to favorite or bookmark the fantasy football player news page, or download the free RotoBaller fantasy football mobile app with push notification alerts on all the latest news. Let's look at the updates for some wide receivers and see whether they may play in Week 4.
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Jimmy Garoppolo Injury Update
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (head) won't play on Sunday against the Chargers. The veteran signal-caller is dealing with a concussion. While he practiced in a limited capacity during the week, he didn't clear protocol and didn't travel with the team to Los Angeles.
While it was originally expected to be veteran journeyman Brian Hoyer who would get the start in Garoppolo's absence, ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting the rookie QB Aidan O'Connell will be the one under center for the Raiders against the Chargers. The 25-year-old flashed potential during the preseason, though Garoppolo's absence should still be considered a downgrade to the fantasy prospects of Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers, and Josh Jacobs.
Deebo Samuel Injury Update
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (ribs, knee) is expected to be active for Week 4 versus the Arizona Cardinals. He had been listed as questionable after upgrading to a limited participant in practice on Friday.
The 27-year-old is off to a solid start this season, totaling 247 yards and one touchdown. Despite competing for touches with the likes of Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, and Brandon Aiyuk, Samuel has significant standalone value as a solid fantasy WR2.
Austin Ekeler Injury Update
According to ESPN's Kris Rhim, Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (ankle) isn't expected to play on Sunday versus the Raiders. The veteran injured his ankle in the regular-season opener against the Miami Dolphins and has missed the last two games.
As a result, Joshua Kelley has been the top guy on the depth chart the last two weeks, although he hasn't taken advantage of his additional workload, totaling just 51 yards off 24 touches. Kelley is hard to trust entering Week 4. Yet, he still warrants consideration from managers in deeper fantasy setups. Regarding Ekeler, the Chargers have a bye on the horizon, meaning he might return for the Week 6 clash with the Dallas Cowboys.
Miles Sanders Injury Update
Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders (groin) is expected to be active for Week 4 versus the Minnesota Vikings, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. He had been listed as questionable and there was some concern that he might not be able to play after missing practice entirely on Friday.
In the end, though, it looks like he'll suit up. The 26-year-old has 207 scrimmage yards and one touchdown this season, ranking as a low-end fantasy RB2.
Marquise Brown Injury Update
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marquise Brown (thumb) is expected to be active for Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Brown had been listed as questionable after practicing in a limited capacity on Friday.
Despite catching passes from Joshua Dobbs, Brown is off to a solid start this season, catching 14 passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns. Even against a solid 49ers defense, Brown is a fantasy WR3.
Elijah Mitchell Injury Update
San Francisco 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell (knee) is expected to be inactive for Week 4 versus the Arizona Cardinals, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Mitchell was listed as questionable after missing practice on Friday. The only 49ers running back worth starting in fantasy football is the dangerous Christian McCaffrey. However, Jordan Mason and Tyrion Davis-Price can also be expected to earn some snaps in Mitchell's absence.
Deshaun Watson Injury Updates
According to ESPN's Kimberley A. Martin, Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is expected to play in the Week 4 AFC North bout with Baltimore. The veteran suffered a shoulder injury in the win over the Titans but recently downplayed the severity of the ailment.
Still, head coach Kevin Stefanski and the training staff will see how Watson feels during warmups before making an official decision. Assuming he suits up, he's a must-start in most fantasy setups.
David Njoku Injury Update
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (face, hands) remains questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the Ravens. He suffered burns to his face and hands during an incident involving a fire pit at his home. Although Njoku insists he'll be out there for the AFC North clash with Baltimore, the team "needs to see if he can get his helmet on."
It's unknown how severe the burns are. However, considering the 27-year-old hasn't been productive while healthy this season, catching 10 passes for 92 yards and no touchdowns, he's not an ideal fantasy option in Week 4 if he is active.
Derek Carr Injury Update
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, "there is now optimism" that quarterback Derek Carr (shoulder) will play in Sunday's meeting with Tampa Bay. The signal-caller suffered an AC sprain in his shoulder in Week 3 and was expected to miss time.
While that still could happen, the latest update suggests he could return sooner than expected. Nevertheless, if Carr can suit up for this one, there's always a chance of re-injury. But if he doesn't, Jameis Winston will be under center versus his former team. Either way, both men are risky fantasy options.
Tyler Higbee Injury Update
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee (Achilles) will likely suit up for Sunday's meeting with the Colts. The 30-year-old has played well this season while Cooper Kupp (hamstring) works toward a return, catching 11 of his 15 targets for 132 yards. Although Higbee is still without a touchdown during the 2023-24 campaign, he's played well enough to draw consideration from fantasy managers in Week 4.
Cordarrelle Patterson Injury Update
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson (thigh) is officially active for Week 4 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He'll make his season debut in London after being listed as questionable.
Patterson contributed an impressive 817 scrimmage yards and eight touchdowns through 13 games last season, but he's expected to have a much smaller role in 2023 now that Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier have already established themselves as the top two options out of the backfield. It will be tough for Patterson to make much of a fantasy impact with his expected usage behind Robinson and Allgeier.
Saquon Barkley Injury Update
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (ankle) is being listed as doubtful ahead of Monday Night Football against the Seattle Seahawks. Earlier on Saturday, Barkley was said to be a game-time decision for Monday but after the Giants' final practice of the week, he's now doubtful.
Even with Barkley's practice progress this week, this news isn't too surprising considering that the 26-year-old is dealing with a high-ankle sprain. With Barkley doubtful, expect Matt Breida, Gary Brightwell, and rookie Eric Gray to work as a committee against a Seahawks defense that has been stout against the run this season.
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