This column is meant to offer our best predictions on what players will/will not play, as of 8 AM ET on Sunday. For the official active/inactive reports, please see our Latest NFL Player News.
The injuries are starting to pile up with the season now essentially a month old, and there are a multitude of prominent names among this week's walking wounded. The news is naturally brighter for some more than others, although there is at least certainty on the non-availability of several stars, which has given Fantasy managers time to formulate contingency plans. Some players still have their status in limbo as kickoffs approach, however, so let's check into the latest as of early Sunday morning:
QUARTERBACKS
The 49ers' Jimmy Garoppolo (calf) will not play in Sunday's NFC West showdown against the Cardinals after missing practice all week. Trey Lance, who took over for Garoppolo in the second half of the Week 4 loss to the Seahawks and completed nine of 18 passes for 157 yards and two touchdowns, will make his first NFL start against Arizona. The Cardinals check in allowing just 221.5 passing yards per game and the eighth-fewest Fantasy points per game to quarterbacks (19.0) in standard scoring formats.
The Broncos' Teddy Bridgewater (concussion) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Steelers, but as per early Sunday morning reports, he's cleared protocol and is therefore expected to suit up and play versus Pittsburgh. Bridgewater completed only seven of 16 passes for 65 yards
This column is meant to offer our best predictions on what players will/will not play, as of 8 AM ET on Sunday. For the official active/inactive reports, please see our Latest NFL Player News.
The injuries are starting to pile up with the season now essentially a month old, and there are a multitude of prominent names among this week's walking wounded. The news is naturally brighter for some more than others, although there is at least certainty on the non-availability of several stars, which has given Fantasy managers time to formulate contingency plans. Some players still have their status in limbo as kickoffs approach, however, so let's check into the latest as of early Sunday morning:
QUARTERBACKS
The 49ers' Jimmy Garoppolo (calf) will not play in Sunday's NFC West showdown against the Cardinals after missing practice all week. Trey Lance, who took over for Garoppolo in the second half of the Week 4 loss to the Seahawks and completed nine of 18 passes for 157 yards and two touchdowns, will make his first NFL start against Arizona. The Cardinals check in allowing just 221.5 passing yards per game and the eighth-fewest Fantasy points per game to quarterbacks (19.0) in standard scoring formats.
The Broncos' Teddy Bridgewater (concussion) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Steelers, but as per early Sunday morning reports, he's cleared protocol and is therefore expected to suit up and play versus Pittsburgh. Bridgewater completed only seven of 16 passes for 65 yards and a touchdown against the Ravens in Week 4 before being knocked out of the contest, and his expected return Sunday will send Drew Lock back to the bench.
RUNNING BACKS
The Panthers' Christian McCaffrey (hamstring) is doubtful for Sunday's contest versus the Eagles despite managing to practice in limited fashion all week. If McCaffrey does sit out again as expected, rookie Chuba Hubbard, who posted 71 yards on 15 total touches in the Week 4 loss to the Cowboys, is expected to helm Carolina's backfield once again versus Philadelphia, with Royce Freeman and Rodney Smith serving in complementary roles.
The Cowboys' Ezekiel Elliott (knee) is questionable to face the Giants on Sunday after finishing the week with two limited practices. As per early Sunday morning reports, Elliott is expected to play and will look to successfully build on his season-best 20-carry, 143-yard, one-touchdown effort against the Panthers in Week 4.
The Vikings' Dalvin Cook (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's divisional battle against the Lions after only getting in a limited practice on Friday this week. Cook tried to power through his ankle issue in Week 4 against the Browns and only logged nine carries and a pair of receptions in a 14-7 loss, so if Minnesota opts to sit him out and give him a week to heal up, Alexander Mattison will step back into the lead-back role versus a Detroit defense allowing the most Fantasy points per game (26.5) to running backs in standard scoring formats.
The Bengals' Joe Mixon (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's interconference showdown against the Packers after missing practice all week. As per Saturday reports. Mixon was able to go through a workout Saturday morning and is trending toward playing in some capacity against Green Bay despite the absence of on-field activity this week. However, backups Samaje Perine and rookie Chris Evans could certainly see more work than usual behind Mixon if he does suit up.
The Cardinals' Chase Edmonds (shoulder) is questionable to face the 49ers on Sunday after only managing a limited practice Friday this past week. Coach Kliff Kingsbury labeled Edmonds as a true game-time decision Friday, and if he were to sit out Sunday, James Conner, who's scored four touchdowns over the last two games while working in tandem with Edmonds, would be set to step into lead-back duties against San Francisco.
The Bears placed David Montgomery (knee) on injured reserve Saturday, sidelining him for at least three games. Veteran Damien Williams should assume the majority of backfield work in Montgomery's stead beginning with Sunday's game against the Raiders, with sixth-round rookie Khalil Herbert and Craig Nall set to serve as complementary/change-of-pace options.
Washington's Antonio Gibson (shin) is questionable to face the Saints on Sunday after only practicing in limited fashion Thursday and Friday this past week. Gibson was able to play through the injury, which is reportedly a stress fracture, in Week 4 against the Falcons and log 55 percent of the snaps, so he would seemingly have a good opportunity to suit up against New Orleans on Sunday. J.D. McKissic and Jaret Patterson are on hand to assume more work if Gibson can't go or is limited.
The Broncos' Melvin Gordon (lower leg) is questionable for the Week 5 battle versus the Steelers and managed to finish off the week with two limited practices. Gordon was able to play through his injury in Week 4 against the Ravens and log 30 snaps, and as per Saturday reports, the veteran running back is expected to suit up and continue in his usual timeshare arrangement with rookie Javonte Williams.
The Lions' D'Andre Swift (groin) is questionable to face the Vikings on Sunday after practicing in limited fashion all week. Swift has been dealing with the groin injury since preseason and has managed to suit up for each game, and he's expected to play against Minnesota alongside backfield mate Jamaal Williams (hip), who's also listed as questionable.
The Lions' Jamaal Williams (hip) is questionable for Sunday's NFC North matchup versus the Vikings after practicing in limited fashion all week. As per early Sunday morning reports, Williams is expected to play and operate in his usual timeshare with D'Andre Swift (groin).
The Buccaneers' Giovani Bernard (knee) is questionable for Sunday's matchup against the Dolphins but did manage to work back to a full practice Friday after logging a pair of limited sessions to start the week.
The Raiders' Peyton Barber (toe) is questionable for Sunday's interconference home matchup versus the Bears after only managing to get a limited practice on Friday in this week. If Barber sits out, Kenyan Drake will operate as the clear complementary option to Josh Jacobs against Chicago.
WIDE RECEIVERS
The Titans' A.J. Brown (hamstring) is off the injury report and will start against the Jaguars on Sunday. Brown should be in for an expanded role versus Jacksonville's generous pass defense with fellow wideout Julio Jones (hamstring) ruled out.
The Falcons' Calvin Ridley (personal) is out for Sunday's London clash with the Jets. With fellow wideout Russell Gage (ankle) still out as well, Olamide Zaccheaus and Tajae Sharpe may operate as the top two wideouts against New York, while rookie tight end Kyle Pitts and running backs Mike Davis and Cordarrelle Patterson should also be in for plenty of extra targets.
The Cowboys' Amari Cooper (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's divisional matchup against the Giants after only managing two limited practices this week, but as per early Sunday morning reports, the veteran receiver is fully expected to play and start versus New York.
The Titans' Julio Jones (hamstring) will remain out for Sunday's AFC South matchup against the Jaguars after once again missing practice all week. Jones' absence will expand the already substantial role of returning fellow wideout A.J. Brown, while Chester Rogers, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and Josh Reynolds should slot in behind Brown and also enjoy more opportunity than usual.
The Dolphins placed Will Fuller (finger) on injured reserve Wednesday, sidelining him for at least the next three games.
The Dolphins' DeVante Parker (ribs/hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's interconference showdown against the Buccaneers after practicing in limited fashion all week. If Parker were to sit out the contest, Jaylen Waddle, Preston Williams and Albert Wilson would be set to operate as Miami's top three wideouts versus Tampa Bay with Will Fuller also now on injured reserve due to a finger injury.
The Giants' Sterling Shepard (hamstring) is out for Sunday's contest against the Cowboys after missing practice all week. With fellow wideout Darius Slayton also out with his own hamstring issue, rookie Kadarius Toney, John Ross and Collin Johnson should be set for expanded roles behind No. 1 option Kenny Golladay.
The Giants' Darius Slayton (hamstring) will not play Sunday versus the Cowboys after missing practice all week. With fellow wideout Sterling Shepard also out with his own hamstring issue, rookie Kadarius Toney, John Ross and Collin Johnson should be set for expanded roles behind No. 1 option Kenny Golladay.
The Broncos' Courtland Sutton (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's conference matchup against the Steelers after practicing in limited fashion on Friday. As per early Sunday morning reports, Sutton's status is expected to come down to pregame warmups. If Sutton were to sit out against Pittsburgh, Tim Patrick would step into the No. 1 receiver role, while Diontae Spencer (chest) would presumably operate as the No. 2 wideout if he can play. More targets could also be available for tight end Noah Fant and running backs Melvin Gordon (lower leg) and Javonte Williams.
Washington's Curtis Samuel (groin) is questionable for Sunday's battle against the Saints after only managing a limited practice Friday this week. As per Friday reports, head coach Ron Rivera noted he felt Samuel was trending toward suiting up against New Orleans, although his status may come down to pregame warmups.
The Broncos' Diontae Spencer (chest) is questionable for Sunday's contest versus the Steelers after wrapping up the week with a pair of limited practices. If he's able to suit up against Pittsburgh, Spencer could serve as no worse than the No. 3 receiver, and potentially even bump up to the No. 2 role if Courtland Sutton (ankle) is held out.
The Steelers' James Washington (groin) is out for Sunday's matchup against the Broncos, with his absence likely to bump Ray-Ray McCloud up to the No. 4 receiver role.
The Falcons' Russell Gage (ankle) remains out for Sunday's London matchup against the Jets after once again missing practice all week. With Calvin Ridley (personal) also out, Olamide Zaccheaus and Tajae Sharpe may operate as the top two wideouts against New York, while rookie tight end Kyle Pitts and running backs Mike Davis and Cordarrelle Patterson should also be in for plenty of extra targets.
The Texans' Danny Amendola (thigh) is questionable for Sunday's game against his old Patriots squad after practicing in limited fashion all week. In his absence, Andre Roberts should elevate to the No. 3 receiver role behind starters Brandin Cooks and Chris Conley.
TIGHT ENDS
The 49ers' George Kittle (calf) was placed on injured reserve Saturday, sidelining him for at least the next three games. Ross Dwelley, who has filled in capably for Kittle in the past, will step into the primary role at the position beginning with Sunday's matchup against the Cardinals, although Charlie Woerner and Tanner Hudson could also see some work behind him.
The Buccaneers' Rob Gronkowski (ribs) is out for Sunday's game against the Dolphins after once again missing practice all week. With Gronk set to miss at least one more game, O.J. Howard and Cameron Brate will once again handle tight-end duties in Week 5.
The Lions' T.J. Hockenson (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Vikings after finishing the week with two limited practices. As per early Sunday morning reports, Hockenson is expected to suit up versus Minnesota.
The Cardinals' Maxx Williams (shoulder) is questionable for Sunday's game versus the 49ers after finishing the week with two limited practices. Demetrius Harris would be in line to draw the start if Williams sits out, as Darrell Daniels is on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
The Browns' David Njoku (knee) is questionable for Sunday's contest against the Chargers after only getting in a limited Friday practice this week. Austin Hooper and Harrison Bryant would operate as Cleveland's top two tight end options should Njoku miss Week 5.
The Broncos placed Albert Okwuegbunam (hamstring) on injured reserve Saturday, sidelining him for at least the next three games.
KICKERS
The Patriots' Nick Folk (knee) is questionable for Sunday night's game against the Texans. Folk played through the injury in the Week 4 loss to the Buccaneers and is expected to be available Sunday versus Houston.
The Lions' Austin Seibert was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday and is expected to be available for Sunday's game against the Vikings. If Seibert were to have a setback, Ryan Santoso would once again fill Detroit's placekicking role versus Minnesota.
KEY DEFENSIVE PLAYERS
Cornerbacks
The Buccaneers' Carlton Davis (knee) was placed on injured reserve Thursday, sidelining him for at least the next three games.
The Packers placed Jaire Alexander (shoulder) on injured reserve Saturday, sidelining him for at least the next three games.
The Raiders placed Trayvon Mullen (toe) on injured reserve Saturday, sidelining him for at least the next three games.
The Browns' Denzel Ward (neck) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Chargers.
The Chargers' Chris Harris (shoulder) is questionable for Sunday's game versus the Browns.
Safeties
The Ravens' DeShon Elliott (quadriceps) is questionable to play Monday night versus the Colts.
The Buccaneers' Antoine Winfield (concussion) is out for Sunday's contest against the Dolphins.
The Patriots' Kyle Dugger (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Texans.
The Falcons' Erik Harris (calf) is doubtful for Sunday's London against the Jets.
The Colts' Khari Willis (groin) is questionable for Monday night's game against the Ravens.
The Bears' Tashaun Gipson (hamstring) is questionable to face the Raiders on Sunday.
The Jets' Marcus Maye (ankle) is out for Sunday's contest against the Falcons in London.
The Giants' Jabrill Peppers (hamstring) is out for Sunday's game against the Cowboys.
The Cowboys' Donovan Wilson (groin) will remain out in Week 5 against the Giants.
Defensive Linemen
The Browns' Jadeveon Clowney (elbow) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Chargers.
The Browns' Myles Garrett (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game versus the Chargers.
The Bears' Akiem Hicks (groin) is out for Sunday's game against the Raiders.
The Colts' Kwity Paye (hamstring) is out against the Ravens on Monday night.
The Chiefs' Chris Jones (wrist) is questionable for Sunday night's showdown against the Bills.
Washington's Daron Payne (toe) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Saints.
Linebackers
The Bears' Khalil Mack (ribs) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Raiders.
The Titans placed Jayon Brown (knee) was placed on injured reserve Friday, sidelining him for at least the next three games.
Washington's Cole Holcomb (shoulder) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Saints.
The Bills' Matt Milano (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday night's clash against the Chiefs.
The Browns' Malcolm Smith (abdomen) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Chargers.
The Panthers' Shaq Thompson (foot) is out for Sunday's contest against the Eagles.
The Lions placed Romeo Okwara (Achilles) on injured reserve Tuesday, ending his season.
The Buccaneers' Jason Pierre-Paul (shoulder) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Dolphins.
The Patriots' Kyle Van Noy (groin) is questionable to face the Texans on Sunday.
The Titans' Bud Dupree (knee) is out against the Jaguars on Sunday.
The Lions' Trey Flowers (knee) is questionable to face the Vikings on Sunday.
The Cowboys' Keanu Neal was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list on Wednesday.
