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Donovan Jackson Suffers Season-Ending Knee Injury
Minnesota Vikings offensive guard Donovan Jackson (knee) suffered a torn meniscus in the team's Week 4 win over the visiting Miami Dolphins that will require surgery and likely end his 2026 season, according to Dane Mizutani of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Head coach Kevin O'Connell said on Monday that Jackson will miss at least the remainder of the regular season, so there could be a chance that he could rejoin the Vikings if they make a deep postseason run. The 23-year-old is expected to be replaced at left guard on the Vikings' offensive line by Joe Huber. The former 24th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft from Ohio State was inconsistent as the team's starting left guard in his first NFL season, and he will now have to wait until 2027 to get back to work.
Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press - Dane Mizutani
Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press - Dane Mizutani
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Saquon Barkley Considered Week-to-Week With Hamstring Injury
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (hamstring) is considered week-to-week with the hamstring injury that he suffered in Sunday's Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, according to the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo. Barkley's injury is not considered to be a long-term injury, but his availability for the Week 5 contest this Sunday's game on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars is very much in question. Fantasy managers should prepare for the worst, which would probably mean Barkley missing a couple of weeks. Backup Tank Bigsby took over early in Sunday's loss to the Rams, but he suffered an injury as well and will go on Injured Reserve after having core-muscle surgery. With Barkley and Bigsby banged up, Will Shipley will be one of the most popular waiver-wire pickups going into Week 5. Barkley, who led the NFL with 2,005 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns in 2024 in his first year in Philly, has averaged 5.1 yards per carry for 182 rushing yards in four games in 2026, but he has yet to find the end zone. He has added only four catches for eight yards as a receiver. We will have a better idea of Barkley's status for this weekend against the Jags once the Eagles begin practicing on Wednesday.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Caleb Williams Won't Practice This Week, Still Week-to-Week
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (hamstring) will not practice this week, head coach Ben Johnson told Courtney Cronin of ESPN. The head coach still believes that Williams is operating on a "week-to-week" timeline as he recovers from a Grade 2 right-hamstring strain that he suffered in the Week 2 loss to the division-rival Minnesota Vikings. Johnson said that Williams is doing well attacking his rehab, but he will miss a third straight game this weekend in a big divisional tilt in Week 5 at Lambeau Field against the division-rival Green Bay Packers. The Bears already announced that backup Tyson Bagent will make the start this weekend in Green Bay after leading the team to victory over the New York Jets this past Sunday. Fantasy managers must remain patient with the former first overall pick from USC, but he will need to return to the practice field in some form next week if he is to have any chance of returning for a Week 6 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.
Source: ESPN.com - Courtney Cronin
Source: ESPN.com - Courtney Cronin
Edgerrin Cooper Out for the Season With Torn Achilles
Green Bay Packers superstar linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (Achilles) will miss the rest of the 2026 season after suffering a torn Achilles tendon in Sunday's Week 4 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. It is a massive blow for the Packers' defense for the rest of the year, as Cooper is one of the best young, do-it-all linebackers in the league. The 24-year-old former second-rounder in 2024 from Texas A&M will finish his third year in the NFL with only 30 tackles (18 solo), three sacks, six tackles for loss, an interception, and a pass breakup in four games played. The Packers will not be able to replace Cooper's production in the middle of their defense, but Isaiah McDuffie will do his best right next to Zaire Franklin. Cooper set a career high with 3.5 sacks in his rookie campaign in 2024, so he was well on his way to shattering that number this year before his season-ending injury in Week 4 on Sunday. He had a career-best 118 combined tackles (63 solo) and half a sack in 16 regular-season starts in 2025.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Noah Fant Inactive on Monday Night With Abdominal Injury
New Orleans Saints tight end Noah Fant (abdomen) is officially inactive for the Monday night game against the division-rival Atlanta Falcons to close out Week 4 action, according to Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football. The 28-year-old was limited in practice Thursday through Saturday, but it was not enough to convince the coaching staff that he was ready to play against the Falcons. Fant scored a touchdown in the season opener and caught all four of his targets for 33 yards and two more touchdowns in last week's loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. However, in three games played going into Monday's contest, he has only eight receptions on 12 targets for 66 yards through the air as the clear No. 2 tight end in New Orleans behind Juwan Johnson, who has been a target hog in the early going in the Saints' offense. With Fant sidelined on Monday, Oscar Delp and Treyton Welch will battle for scraps at the position behind Johnson. At best, Fant is a touchdown-dependent TE2 for fantasy managers in deeper leagues when he is healthy.
Source: NewOrleans.Football - Nick Underhill
Source: NewOrleans.Football - Nick Underhill
Ladd McConkey Week-to-Week With Foot Injury
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said on Monday that wide receiver Ladd McConkey (foot) is "week-to-week" with a foot injury that he suffered in Sunday's Week 4 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, according to Alex Insdorf. McConkey was dealing with a foot injury going into the game on Sunday, but it gave him more problems against Seattle and forced him from the game. The 24-year-old former first-rounder's status for the Week 5 contest at home against the division-rival Denver Broncos is unclear for now, but fantasy managers should be planning for McConkey to miss some time. If he does, Quentin Johnston and Tre' Harris would have higher target ceilings as quarterback Justin Herbert's primary targets in the passing game as the Bolts search for their first win of 2026. Before leaving on Sunday in Seattle, McConkey failed to reel in either of his two targets. He was able to score in the season-opening loss to the Arizona Cardinals and rack up 82 receiving yards, but he caught seven passes on eight targets for 101 scoreless yards in Weeks 2 and 3.
Source: Alex Insdorf
Source: Alex Insdorf
Seahawks Signing Joe Mixon Amidst Backfield Injury
The Seattle Seahawks are signing veteran free-agent running back Joe Mixon on Monday, sources told Jordan Schultz. Mixon will return to the NFL after missing all of the 2025 campaign with the Houston Texans due to a foot injury. He will give Seattle more backfield depth going forward behind George Holani and Emanuel Wilson with rookie first-rounder Jadarian Price (chest) going on Injured Reserve over the weekend. The 30-year-old Mixon has five 1,000-yard rushing seasons in his eight years in the NFL with the Texans and Cincinnati Bengals, including two straight in 2023 and 2024. For now, fantasy managers should expect Mixon to be more of an RB3 for the Seahawks as he learns their system while providing depth behind Holani and Wilson. Eventually, Zach Charbonnet (knee) is expected to join the backfield, and he should eventually be the go-to guy, even when/if Price returns. The signing of Mixon could indicate a much more serious chest injury for Price, so his fantasy managers should not expect him to be ready after missing four games. In deeper fantasy leagues, Mixon is not a bad RB to stash off the waiver wire this week.
Source: Jordan Schultz
Source: Jordan Schultz
Goal is for Jayden Daniels to Start in Week 5
The goal is for Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) to have a full week of practice and start on Sunday in the Week 5 contest versus the division-rival New York Giants at home, head coach Dan Quinn told Zach Selby of the team's official website. Daniels dislocated his left (non-throwing) elbow for the second time in the Week 2 loss to the division-rival Dallas Cowboys and has missed the last two games as a result. The 25-year-old former second overall pick from LSU returned to limited practice last week, though, and as long as he can upgrade to full practice this week, he should be in line to play this weekend. It is good timing for the Commanders, too, with veteran backup Marcus Mariota (knee) spraining his MCL in Sunday's blowout loss to the Indianapolis Colts in London in Week 4. Mariota is expected to miss some time going forward after spraining the same knee in the preseason, which means that Athan Kaliakmanis would serve as Daniels' backup under center if he returns to face the Giants.
Source: Commanders.com - Zach Selby
Source: Commanders.com - Zach Selby
Jeremiyah Love Dealing With New Ankle Injury
Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur said on Monday that the ankle that was giving rookie first-round running back Jeremiyah Love (ankle) discomfort in Sunday's loss to the New York Giants is not the same ankle from the sprain he suffered in the preseason, according to Dani Sureck of the team's official website. The 21-year-old suffered a high-ankle sprain back in August in the early portion of spring training and did not play again until the start of the 2026 regular season. Love limped off the field late in Sunday's game and never returned, finishing with 14 carries for 63 yards while catching his only target for a loss of eight yards. Love has been splitting backfield work with Tyler Allgeier to begin the season, with James Conner (foot) on Injured Reserve and Trey Benson (knee) done for the season. He has not scored since his NFL debut in the Week 1 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, and he has averaged 4.1 yards per carry for 223 rushing yards on his 55 attempts in his first four games. Love has added 11 receptions for 36 yards and another score through the air. We should have a better idea of his status for Week 5 once the Cardinals resume practicing on Wednesday. If Love should miss any time, Allgeier would essentially become a must-start in fantasy.
Source: AZCardinals.com - Dani Sureck
Source: AZCardinals.com - Dani Sureck
Saquon Barkley's Injury Status to be Updated on Wednesday
When asked about running back Saquon Barkley's hamstring injury that he suffered in Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Rams, Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni did not have any real answers on Monday, according to Zach Berman of The Athletic. "We'll see. We'll have more answers Wednesday for you probably with that stuff," Sirianni said. The Eagles' backfield is suddenly very thin after Barkley was injured early in the Week 4 game. Backup Tank Bigsby (core) took over, but he was also injured and is heading to Injured Reserve due to a core-muscle injury that will require surgery. Will Shipley would become the RB1 for the Eagles this weekend on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars if Barkley is unable to play. Behind Shipley, other options for the Eagles' backfield would be Jaydon Blue, Dameon Pierce, and Carson Steele. Fantasy managers should consider Barkley to be questionable right now for the Week 5 game in Jacksonville. Before getting hurt, Barkley had only two carries for eight yards and caught his only target for a two-yard gain against the Rams.
Source: The Athletic - Zach Berman
Source: The Athletic - Zach Berman
Tank Bigsby to Undergo Core-Muscle Surgery, Set to Hit Injured Reserve
According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Philadelphia Eagles running back Tank Bigsby (core) is set to undergo core muscle surgery following the injury he suffered during Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Rapoport noted that the running back will be placed on the injured reserve and is hoping to return in six weeks. Bigsby was projected to see a potentially large share of the backfield opportunities as top running back Saquon Barkley exited Sunday's contest with a hamstring injury. However, with Bigsby now set to miss at least the next four games and Barkley in danger of missing time, Will Shipley now sits alone on the team's depth chart. In relief on Sunday, Shipley took six carries for 23 yards and is viewed as a priority pickup across all formats ahead of Week 5.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
AJ Dillon Spotted in Walking Boot on Monday
Carolina Panthers running back AJ Dillon (foot/ankle) walked into his team's locker room on Monday wearing a walking boot on his right foot, according to ESPN's Mike Kaye. Dillon has played a limited role in the Carolina backfield so far this season, recording 43 rushing yards on 17 carries across four games. However, the 28-year-old currently profiles as the Panthers RB2 behind Chuba Hubbard while fellow Carolina back Jonathon Brooks (abdomen/groin) remains on Injured Reserve. If Dillon is forced to miss time, unproven back Anthony Tyus III would be the lone healthy back remaining behind Hubbard on Carolina's active roster. Hubbard has already dominated backfield touches for the Panthers this season and been productive, recording 390 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns through four games. Without any competition for him in Carolina, Hubbard profiles as a must-start running back for fantasy managers.
Source: ESPN - Mike Kaye
Source: ESPN - Mike Kaye
Will Shipley Emerging as a Waiver-Wire Target Amid Eagles' Backfield Injuries
Philadelphia Eagles running back Will Shipley has played a minimal role in his team's offense so far in 2026, recording 75 yards from scrimmage on 19 touches across four games. However, injuries could be opening the door for Shipley to see more opportunities going forward. Eagles RB1 Saquon Barkley (hamstring) left the team's Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams with a hamstring injury and could now be looking at additional missed time. Additionally, Eagles RB2 Tank Bigsby (groin) left the game late in the fourth quarter and may now be battling a groin injury. Neither Barkley nor Bigsby is guaranteed to miss time, which is likely what it would take for Shipley to emerge as a must-start fantasy running back. Still, Shipley offers a three-down skill set, and he could have a chance to play a lead role in the Philadelphia backfield. In most fantasy leagues, Shipley is worth targeting on the waiver wire just in case Barkley and Bigsby are unable to play in Week 5.
Update - According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Bigsby is set to undergo core muscle surgery and will be placed on the injured reserve. As a result, Shipley could lead the backfield in Week 5 if Barkley remains sidelined, making him a top waiver wire target.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tyquan Thornton to Have Surgery, Facing 12-to-16-Week Recovery
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyquan Thornton (ankle) is expected to miss 12 to 16 weeks after undergoing extensive testing Monday. Ian Rapoport reported that Thornton will have surgery within the next week for the dislocated left ankle he suffered during Sunday's win over the Las Vegas Raiders. There is a real chance he could return late in the season or during the playoffs, though that will depend on how his recovery progresses. Thornton was having his best game of the year before the injury, catching five of eight targets for 111 yards and two touchdowns. He has 11 receptions for 219 yards and two scores through four games. The timetable takes Thornton out of the fantasy picture for the foreseeable future, while Kansas City will have to replace one of its top deep threats as he begins a lengthy recovery.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Kaelon Black Remains an Appealing Running Back Stash on the Waiver Wire
Across the first four games of his NFL career, San Francisco 49ers rookie running back Kaelon Black has recorded 31 carries for 120 yards. Black's production upside in San Francisco is firmly capped by the presence of superstar 49ers back Christian McCaffrey. As long as McCaffrey remains healthy, Black is highly unlikely to provide fantasy managers with consistent production. However, Black has clearly established himself as San Francisco's RB2. McCaffrey is in his age-30 season, has a history of significant injuries, and is coming off an NFL-leading 413 touches in 2025. If McCaffrey were to get injured, Black could immediately vault into must-start running back status as the lead back in the potent 49ers offense. In fantasy leagues with 12 or more teams, Black remains a worthy waiver wire target.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Emmett Johnson Remains a Priority Handcuff Running Back Target
Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Emmett Johnson recorded just one touch in his team's Week 4 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, hauling in a 10-yard reception on his only target. Johnson is stuck on the depth chart behind superstar running back Kenneth Walker, who has gotten off to a dominant start to the 2026 season. However, Johnson has been effective in his limited opportunities, averaging 6.2 yards per touch on his 21 total touches. Walker is also currently on pace to record over 400 touches, which would blow his previous career high of 255 touches out of the water. If the Chiefs decide to scale back Walker's workload, Johnson could get a chance to prove he can be a reliable contributor. At worst, Johnson profiles as a premier handcuff running back option who fantasy managers should target on the waiver wire in leagues where he remains available.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Bucs Focused on Getting Emeka Egbuka, Chris Godwin Jr. More Touches
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said that the team has to do a better job of getting the ball to wide receivers Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin Jr., per Pewter Report. Both Tampa Bay wideouts have gotten off to underwhelming starts to the season. Egbuka has recorded 15 catches for 154 yards and a touchdown on 24 targets, while Godwin Jr. has hauled in 16 catches for 142 yards and zero touchdowns on 18 targets. Even if the team makes a more concerted effort to get the ball in the hands of its playmakers, Egbuka and Godwin Jr. could be facing an uphill battle to consistent fantasy production. Tampa Bay started undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels at quarterback in Week 4, who threw for 148 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions on 27 pass attempts. With QB1 Baker Mayfield (thumb) potentially out for several more weeks due to a thumb injury, the fantasy outlook currently looks bleak for Buccaneers pass-catchers.
Source: Pewter Report
Source: Pewter Report
NFL Suspends Referee and Line Judge Following Unprofessional Conduct
The NFL has suspended two officials following separate incidents involving players during Sunday's games. Ian Rapoport reported Monday that line judge Jeff Seeman received a two-game suspension, while referee Adrian Hill was suspended for one game, with both disciplined for unprofessional conduct toward a player. Seeman's incident came during Arizona's loss to the New York Giants, when video showed him directing profanity toward tight end Trey McBride after McBride argued for a flag on a third-down play. Hill's incident occurred during Minnesota's win over Miami. Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon II pushed Vikings linebacker Eric Wilson into Hill, knocking the referee down, and Hill confronted Wilson after getting back to his feet. The suspensions were issued by NFL Vice President of Officiating Ramon George.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Mike Washington Jr. Remains a Priority Waiver-Wire Option
Four games into his NFL career, Las Vegas Raiders rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. has recorded 24 carries for 120 yards and a touchdown. Washington Jr.'s workload has been limited by his RB2 status in Las Vegas behind running back Ashton Jeanty. However, Washington Jr. reached double-digit touches for the first time in the Raiders' Week 4 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Jeanty has also struggled with rushing efficiency for the second straight season, averaging 3.4 yards per carry so far in 2026 after averaging 3.7 yards per carry in 2025. For now, Washington Jr.'s fantasy upside is limited as long as Jeanty is healthy. Still, Washington Jr. is a premier handcuff running back option, and he may even work his way into some standalone value if Jeanty continues to struggle. In the vast majority of league formats, Washington Jr. should be rostered by fantasy managers heading into Week 5.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
J.J. McCarthy Could Move Into No. 2 Quarterback Role
New York Giants quarterback J.J. McCarthy could move into the No. 2 spot behind Jameis Winston this week. Head coach John Harbaugh told Pat Leonard on Monday that having McCarthy serve as the backup against Washington is a "possibility" and something that's "on the table." McCarthy was one of three active quarterbacks in Sunday's 36-24 win over Arizona, but the Giants weren't ready to make him the full-time backup only days after acquiring him from Minnesota. Jake Haener filled that role while McCarthy was available for a possible situational package that was never used. Winston remains the starter after throwing for 250 yards and three touchdowns against the Cardinals. A move ahead of Haener would still be another step for McCarthy as he gets more comfortable in the offense ahead of Sunday's game in Washington.
Source: Pat Leonard
Source: Pat Leonard
Rico Dowdle Making Progress From Toe Injury
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle (toe) is making progress after missing the past two games. Head coach Mike McCarthy told Nick Farabaugh on Monday that Dowdle is working his way back, though there still isn't a firm return date. Jaylen Warren has made the most of Dowdle's absence, piling up 302 scrimmage yards over the last two games while getting 17 carries in each. That workload could change once Dowdle is ready. McCarthy said he still expects the two backs to operate as a "one-two punch," pointing toward a shared backfield rather than Warren continuing to handle the same amount of work. Dowdle had 15 carries for 37 yards and four catches for 28 yards before the toe injury. His practice participation this week should give a better idea of when that committee might be back together.
Source: Nick Farabaugh
Source: Nick Farabaugh
