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We're heading into the fifth week of the NFL season, and the injury report is significantly longer than it's ever been this season. Our fantasy football injuries report highlights several players with fantasy significance and their latest status heading into Week 5 as of Friday October 7, 2022.
Guys like Alvin Kamara, D'Andre Swift, Tom Brady, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Keenan Allen, and Kyle Pitts are high-profile names whose injury status is significant to fantasy lineups. There are a few guys who have already missed multiple weeks. Could they return to the field in Week 5? As always, it's important to keep up with the latest injury news, as things can change in a hurry.
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 5.
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Alvin Kamara Injury Update
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (rib) said he's feeling good and plans to play in Week 5 against the Seattle Seahawks after he missed the loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London last week. He was listed as limited in Wednesday's practice. Kamara's rib injury has caused him to miss two of the team's four games already this year, but it sounds like he'll be ready to go this Sunday. The 27-year-old will wear extra padding to be on the safe side with his rib injury.
If Kamara returns to action, he'll be in play as an RB2 in fantasy, and he could see even more usage in the passing game if receiver Michael Thomas (foot) misses his second straight game. If Kamara doesn't gain clearance for this weekend, veteran Mark Ingram II will once again serve as the Saints lead back.
D'Andre Swift Injury Update
The Detroit Lions will likely be without running back D'Andre Swift (shoulder) for the Week 5 game against the New England Patriots, according to a source. The plan is still for Swift to return after the team's Week 6 bye, barring an unforeseen development. The Lions will likely officially rule Swift out on Friday, but fantasy managers should already have the 23-year-old on their benches for this weekend.
With Swift out last Sunday, Jamaal Williams had 19 carries for 108 yards and two touchdowns despite playing only 49 percent of the offensive snaps. With Swift set to miss a second straight game, Williams will have RB1 upside as a strong RB2 play for fantasy managers. Craig Reynolds will serve as the backup, but he had just two carries for 30 yards in the Week 4 loss to the Seattle Seahawks
Breece Hall Injury Update
New York Jets rookie running back Breece Hall (knee) was limited for the second straight day in practice on Thursday. Hall could wind up with a questionable tag for this weekend if he's limited again on Friday, but he's on the right track to suit up in Week 5 against the Miami Dolphins.
The second-rounder is starting to take over this backfield from teammate Michael Carter, as he had a season-high 17 carries for 66 yards and his first rushing of his career while also adding two catches for 12 yards on six targets in the passing game. Carter's presence in this backfield will continue to limit the 21-year-old's fantasy ceiling, but he's become the better fantasy option than Carter and should be considered a low-end RB2 play this weekend against Miami.
David Montgomery Injury Update
Chicago Bears running back David Montgomery (ankle) was limited during Thursday's practice, which is actually a good sign. This was the first time that Montgomery has been able to practice all week. The fact he was limited gives him a chance of suiting up for the Week 5 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings.
Montgomery injured his ankle in Week 3 and this was his first practice since then. Fantasy managers will have to check back on Friday to see if he can get through another practice without any issues.
Rashaad Penny Injury Update
Seattle Seahawks running back Rashaad Penny (shoulder) returned to practice Thursday. He was dealing with a shoulder issue and held out of Wednesday's practice. The 26-year-old returned Thursday and is expected to play against the New Orleans Saints in Week 5.
Penny had a season-high 18 touches and shredded the Lions' defense by racking up 157 yards from scrimmage in the Week 4 win over the Seahawks. Penny will be the Seahawks' lead back and is a borderline RB2 against a Saints defense that ranks 13th in rush DVOA this season.
Kenneth Walker Injury Update
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (shoulder) was limited during Thursday's practice session. The rookie back is reportedly nursing a shoulder injury, but the fact he was limited means it might be minor. Fantasy managers will have to wait and see what happens during Friday's practice with Walker.
Regardless, he has been off to a very slow start with only 58 rushing yards on 15 attempts in his first three games. He won't be a recommended streaming option this week anyway.
Tom Brady Injury Update
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (finger, shoulder) said he "feels great" after returning to practice on Thursday and also said that he'll "be there Sunday" in Week 5 against the Atlanta Falcons. Brady was listed as a full participant on Thursday after sitting out on Wednesday, but his injuries don't appear to be very serious.
With all three of his top receivers returning to action in the Week 4 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, the 45-year-old future Hall of Famer had a season-high 385 passing yards and three touchdowns for his fantasy managers. You shouldn't expect as much passing volume against Atlanta this Sunday, but Brady should at least be on the fantasy map as a low-end QB1.
Jameis Winston Injury Update
New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston (ankle, back) missed his second straight day of practice on Thursday after he was inactive in last week's loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London. Unless Winston is able to get back out on the practice field on Friday, it's looking likely that he'll miss his second straight game in Week 5 against the Seattle Seahawks.
The 28-year-old is trying to recover from four small fractures in his back, in addition to an ankle injury. Veteran backup Andy Dalton went 20-for-28 for 236 yards, one touchdown and a lost fumble in last week's loss to Minnesota. Dalton will only be an option for fantasy managers in need to a QB option in superflex leagues if he makes another start under center for the Saints
Mac Jones Injury Update
New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (ankle) remains limited on Thursday. He logged back-to-back limited sessions and could suit up for Week 5 against the Detroit Lions. He was dealing with a high-ankle sprain and was ultimately ruled out for Week 4 against the Green Bay Packers.
The 24-year-old has struggled this season, throwing for 786 yards, two touchdowns, and five interceptions while rushing for 37 yards and a score over three games in 2022. New England placed Brian Hoyer (head) on the injured reserve, leaving Bailey Zappe as the primary backup for Jones. Zappe will draw the start if Jones is unable to play.
Daniel Jones Injury Update
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (ankle) is trending in the right direction toward suiting up for the London game against the Green Bay Packers. He was limited in Thursday's practice. According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, things are going in the right direction for Jones to be on the field in London.
The Giants did not add a quarterback to the roster this week, with backup Tyrod Taylor (concussion) also injured, which is a good sign that Jones will suit up for Week 5. Jones has thrown for 631 yards and a 3:2 TD: INT ratio while adding 193 yards and two scores through the ground. If active, with a depleted receivers core, Kenny Golladay (knee), and Kadarius Toney (hamstring) ruled out, Jones is mainly an option in superflex leagues.
Zach Wilson Injury Update
New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (ankle) was upgraded to a "full" practice on Thursday after he was limited with an ankle issue on Wednesday. Wilson called it a "little ankle" injury and said he's "in a good spot" heading into a Week 5 meeting with the Miami Dolphins this Sunday.
The 23-year-old second-year signal-caller made his season debut in last week's win over the Pittsburgh Steelers after having his knee scoped in mid-August. Wilson went 18-for-36 for 252 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions, and he also caught a touchdown pass on a trick play. In a matchup against Miami's blitz-happy defense, Wilson will be on the fantasy radar as a low-end QB2.
Rondale Moore Injury Update
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Rondale Moore (knee) has been added to the injury report after getting in a limited practice session on Thursday. This sounds like a new injury since Moore was dealing with a hamstring problem prior to this injury.
Fantasy managers will have to wait and see what happens during Friday's practice. Greg Dortch could be worth a look as a streaming option with the Cardinals still banged up at wideout. However, they have a tough task against the Philadelphia Eagles secondary in Week 5.
Gerald Everett Injury Update
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Gerald Everett (hamstring) was added to the injury report on Thursday. Everett was only able to get in a limited practice session, which is concerning. It sounds like the injury could've occurred in practice, but regardless it's a problem for fantasy managers.
What happens on Friday will have a big impact on whether or not Everett plays on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns. Otherwise, Donald Parham Jr. would be the primary tight end for the Chargers. He could have some streaming appeal if Everett is forced to sit out.
Isaiah McKenzie Injury Update
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie (concussion) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice. He could not practice Wednesday and remains in the league's concussion protocols. McKenzie was spotted wearing a non-contact jersey during the open portion of practice.
Friday's injury report will indicate if McKenzie suits up in Week 5 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 27-year-old has caught 15 passes for 153 yards and three touchdowns over four games in 2022. Khalil Shakir will be Buffalo's primary slot receiver if McKenzie is ruled out. Stay tuned.
T.J. Hockenson, Josh Reynolds, D.J. Chark Injury Updates
Detroit Lions wide receivers DJ Chark (ankle), Josh Reynolds (ankle), and tight end T.J. Hockenson (hip) were limited in Thursday's practice. Reynolds, Hockenson, and Chark returned on Wednesday after sitting out Wednesday. Chark was ruled out ahead of Week 4 against the Seattle Seahawks. He could see an increase in target share if Amon St. Brown is ruled out.
Reynolds was Detroit's top wideout in Week 4, catching seven receptions for 81 yards and a touchdown while Chark and St. Brown were inactive. Hockenson is dealing with a hip injury but is expected to play in Week 5 against the New England Patriots. Hockenson is coming off a monster performance, catching eight passes for 179 yards and two touchdowns in Week 4.
Amon-Ra St. Brown Injury Update
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle) missed practice for the second straight day on Thursday as he continues to rehab an ankle injury he suffered in Week 3 against the Vikings. St. Brown will likely need to get in some work at Friday's practice to have a chance at playing Sunday, so fantasy managers should check back in on his status before kickoff in Week 5.
The sophomore will face a tough matchup against the Patriots if he is active, but he will be a must-start option if he isn't on some sort of pitch count. The 22-year-old has played like a WR1 so far this season and will continue to be a highly-valued fantasy asset in the league-leading Lions' offense.
Kenny Golladay, Kadarius Toney Injury Updates
New York Giants wide receivers Kenny Golladay (knee) and Kadarius Toney (hamstring) won't travel with the team to London and have been ruled out for Week 5 against the Green Bay Packers. Toney was limited on Wednesday but unable to practice Thursday or Friday, while Golladay didn't practice this week. The Giants' wide receivers group is running thin with Golladay and Toney out.
Wan'Dale Robinson (knee), David Sills, and Richie James (ankle) will be the team's top wideouts for Sunday's contest. Toney and Golladay's next chance to suit up will be in Week 6 against the Baltimore Ravens.
Dionte Johnson Injury Update
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (hip) popped up on Thursday's injury report and was listed as a limited participant in practice. Johnson is apparently just dealing with some hip soreness after the Week 4 loss to the New York Jets, so it doesn't sound like an injury that will sideline him this Sunday against the Buffalo Bills. The 26-year-old had his worst game of the young season last weekend, catching just two of his four targets for only 11 yards.
He had double-digit targets each of the first three weeks. Now that rookie first-round quarterback Kenny Pickett is the team's starter, Johnson's fantasy value could be on the decline if the two don't have great chemistry. If active, Johnson will be more of a WR3 this weekend for his fantasy managers.
Tee Higgins, Hayden Hurst Injury Update
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (ankle) and tight end Hayden Hurst (groin) were both limited in practice on Thursday for the second straight day this week. Barring a setback on Friday, both Higgins and Hurst should be good to go for Sunday night's game against the Baltimore Ravens, even if they ultimately are listed as questionable.
Despite being in an offense with a ton of receiving weapons, Higgins has been a must-start, high-end WR2 as one of quarterback Joe Burrow's favorite options. He went over 100 yards for the first time this year and scored his second TD in Week 4. Hurst has 14 catches on 21 targets for 104 yards and a touchdown in his first four games for the Bengals. If he's active, he'll be in play as a TE2 streamer.
Michael Thomas Injury Update
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (foot) wasn't seen at the portion of practice open to the media on Thursday for the second straight day. Thomas didn't play in the Week 4 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London last week and is trending towards missing his second game in a row this weekend against the Seattle Seahawks.
However, he could be a game-time decision on Sunday morning if he's able to return to practice on Friday. Still, fantasy managers shouldn't expect the 29-year-old wideout to play this weekend. If he's out again, rookie first-round Chris Olave should once again operate as the team's top wideout.
CeeDee Lamb Injury Update
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (groin) didn't take part in practice on Wednesday due to a groin issue, but he said he's fine. It sounds like Lamb was just being rested as a precaution on Thursday, so if he's back on the practice field on Friday, he may not end up with an injury designation at all for Week 5 against the Los Angeles Rams.
The 23-year-old has done just fine as Dallas' No. 1 wideout through four games of the 2022 season, as he's caught 23 of 42 targets for 288 yards and two touchdowns. Even more impressive is the fact that he's only had quarterback Dak Prescott (thumb) for one of those four games. Lamb will be a must-start WR1 for fantasy managers this Sunday against the Rams, but he should draw shutdown cornerback Jalen Ramsey in coverage.
Tyreek Hill Injury Update
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (quad) was limited during Thursday's practice. This appears to be a new injury because he was able to fully practice on Wednesday. It sounds like Hill was fine after Thursday's limited session, but fantasy managers should still be aware of this.
Possibly, the Dolphins were just being cautious and trying to give Hill some extra rest. He should be a fine WR1, assuming he does suit up against the New York Jets in Week 5.
Keenan Allen Injury Update
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (hamstring) was not able to suit up for Thursday's practice. The 30-year-old hasn't been able to do much since aggravating his hamstring last Thursday.
That being said, fantasy managers should consider Allen doubtful for the Week 5 matchup against the Cleveland Browns. Joshua Palmer and Gerald Everett are expected to pick up the slack, assuming Allen sits out another week
Hunter Renfrow Injury Update
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (concussion) was able to get in a full practice session on Thursday. He shed his non-contact jersey and went from limited to full for this practice. It sounds Renfrow should be able to suit up against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 5.
He should be worth starting in PPR formats in what is expected to be a high scoring game. However, it's unknown how much action he'll see alongside Davante Adams who tends to get the bulk of the targets.
Curtis Samuel, Jahan Dotson Injury Update
Washington Commanders wide receiver Curtis Samuel (illness) was absent for the second straight day on Thursday with an illness. Meanwhile, Jahan Dotson (hamstring) was present but working on a side field, so he'll likely be listed as a DNP for the second straight day. Samuel could still be fine for Week 5 against the Tennessee Titans, but he'll need to return to practice on Friday.
Head coach Ron Rivera already said that Dotson could miss a week or two, so fantasy managers need to plan for him to miss this weekend, at the very least. If Samuel is unable to play, too, Dyami Brown would have a big-time opportunity alongside Terry McLaurin, while tight end Logan Thomas would have a much higher fantasy ceiling as well.
Chris Godwin, Julio Jones Injury Update
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receivers Chris Godwin (knee) and Julio Jones (knee) are both practicing for the second straight day on Thursday. Godwin and Jones both returned to action in the Week 4 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, although Jones was "nicked up" and didn't play at all in the second half.
He finished with just one catch for seven yards. It's a good sign that Jones has been practicing this week, but he'll be a low-floor flex option in Week 5 against the Atlanta Falcons with both Mike Evans and Godwin soaking up most of the aerial targets from quarterback Tom Brady. Godwin caught seven of 10 targets for 59 yards in his return last weekend. Barring a setback on Friday, he'll check in as a low-end WR2 for fantasy managers this Sunday.
Kyle Pitts Injury Update
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (hamstring) was not spotted at practice for the second straight day as he deals with a hamstring injury. The sophomore will likely need to get in some work on Friday to not be in any danger of missing Week 5 against the Buccaneers, so fantasy managers should continue to check in for updates on his status.
Pitts has been extremely disappointing to start the season, but his talent makes him a weekly TE1 option at the very thin position. He can be valued as more of a low-end TE1 against a good Buccaneers defense in Week 5 if he is able to play
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