No fantasy manager is immune to the injury bug — you can’t stop it, you just have to hope to survive it. Each week in the NFL features injuries that will impact fantasy lineups everywhere, both directly and indirectly. Here’s the most prominent NFL injury news heading into Week 5.
The Guys in Your Lineup
Mike Evans Suffers Hamstring Injury Ahead of Week 5 Bye
After catching three passes for 40 yards against New Orleans, Mike Evans came out of the game right before halftime, spending some time on the stationary bike before being ruled out with a hamstring injury. Evans has had hamstring issues in each of the past two seasons, and its unclear if this injury will also include some missed time for the All-Pro wideout. Thankfully, Evans has a well-timed bye week. Depending on the severity of the injury, this may be all he needs to heel up.
If Evans misses some time, Chris Godwin will presumably step up as the team’s WR1 in his absence after hauling in eight of 11 targets for 114 yards on Sunday. Rookie Trey Palmer would also see a bump in Evans’ absence.
Javonte Williams Departs with Hip Injury, Not Expected to Miss Time
The Denver Broncos got their long-awaited first win in Chicago on Sunday, but Javonte Williams wasn’t a major factor in it, leaving the game after two carries for zero yards with a hip injury. The team said it was a simple hip flexor and he shouldn’t miss much time, if any, but it will be something to monitor throughout the week. After Williams left, Denver’s carries were split between Samaje Perine (six carries for 12 yards) and early Week 5 waiver target Jaleel McLaughlin (seven carries for 72 yards).
Williams and the Broncos host the New York Jets on Sunday.
Davante Adams Plays Through Shoulder Injury but Could Still be Sidelined
Davante Adams balled out in a losing effort on Sunday, finishing with eight catches on 13 targets for 75 yards. He also did so after suffering what seemed to be a painful shoulder injury on the the Raiders’ third drive of the game. After the game, Adams said his shoulder “definitely doesn’t feel good right now” and revealed he thought he was done for the game when he left initially, so his status for Week 5 is undoubtedly up in the air.
Jakobi Meyers and Hunter Renfrow are the most obvious beneficiaries if Adams misses any time, but luckily for Adams and those who rely on him in fantasy, Las Vegas plays on Monday Night Football in Week 5, giving Adams an extra day to recover. The three-time All-Pro will also likely have some added motivation to suit up as the Raiders host his former employer, the Green Bay Packers.
Tee Higgins Believed to Have Suffered Fractured Rib
It’s been a disappointing start to say the least for Tee Higgins and the Bengals, and things got even worse on Sunday, as Higgins left a 27-3 loss with a rib injury. He caught just two passes for 19 yards before exiting, and the team fears he suffered a fractured rib that would likely keep him off the field for at least a few weeks.
Tyler Boyd moves into the WR2 slot with Higgins sidelined, with Trenton Irwin moving into a more relevant role as well.
The Other Guys
Kenny Pickett Suffers Knee Injury, Hopes to Return in 2023
You (hopefully) aren’t starting Kenny Pickett, but his injury does factor in if you invested in George Pickens or even Pat Freiermuth, who also left Sunday’s game with a hamstring injury. Pickett’s knee injury looked significant in the moment, and Mitchell Trubisky would step in as the starter in his absence. Early reports indicate Pickett eluded an ACL tear, but how much time he will miss remains to be seen.
Matthew Judon & Christian Gonzalez
In a day that already featured Bill Belichick’s worst loss as the Patriots head coach, New England also lost star LB Matthew Judon and reigning AFC Rookie of the Month Christian Gonzalez to bicep and shoulder injuries, respectively. Both could miss time, which not only makes the Patriots D/ST a much weaker option, but also bodes well for their upcoming matchups. Next up in Week 5: the Saints.
Donald Parham Jr.
Donald Parham Jr. has quietly been a top 10 tight end so far in 2023, but he left Sunday’s game early with a wrist injury. Gerald Everett caught just two passes for nine yards in Week 4, but he’s a much more palatable TE option if Parham is sidelined.
