Every NFL team playing Sunday is required to issue a final injury report on Friday. The pair of teams playing Monday night will issue their final report Saturday. Here we will review all of the fantasy-relevant players dealing with ailments and how to plan accordingly. Keep in mind, however, the inactive list isn't due until 90 minutes before kickoff. As you start to put the final touches on those lineups, have a fallback plan or two at the ready in the event you be dealing with an ailing player.
Injured Monday night players
Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Steelers – Knee
Big Ben was spotted jogging off the practice field on Thursday. It's a small step of progress for Roethlisberger as he recovers from a sprained MCL and bone bruise in his left knee. There is no real timetable for a return to action, but most reports have speculated Week 7 or 8.
Stevie Johnson, WR, Chargers – Hamstring
Johnson had been enjoying a pretty nice bounce-back season until pulling a hammy last week against the Browns. He was unable to come back into the game and has yet to practice this week. All signs point to Johnson missing the game on Monday night.
QUESTIONABLE (SUNDAY)
Jay Cutler, QB, Bears – Hamstring
Cutler will continue to play at less than 100 percent after putting up a decent line of 281 yards, two touchdowns and an interception last week against the Raiders. This week's matchup against the Chiefs makes Cutler a strong streaming candidate, even though Alshon Jeffery will likely miss the game due to a hamstring issue of his own.
Fred Jackson, RB, Seahawks – Ankle
Even if Jackson is able to suit up, rookie Thomas Rawls will handle the bulk of the workload following the official report that Marshawn Lynch will miss his second consecutive game with a hamstring injury.
Julio Jones, WR, Falcons – Toe
There are no real concerns here. Jones is dealing with some minor stuff and just taking it easy as a limited participant in practice.
Alshon Jeffery, WR, Bears – Hamstring
After being limited in both the Wednesday and Thursday practice sessions, Jeffery was not on the field Friday. It certainly looks like Jeffery won't be available for a fantastic matchup against the Chiefs and, even worse, may have suffered a setback.
Sammy Watkins, WR, Bears – Calf
Watkins has been very limited in practice this week and looks like a long shot to face the Titans. Even if he's active, it's hard to imagine Watkins getting on the field for a full complement of snaps.
Eddie Royal, WR, Bears – Ankle
No practice this week makes Royal a game-time decision, at best. The aforementioned Alshon Jeffery is also unlikely to be active. This is a cupcake matchup against a Chiefs defense that's given up more touchdown receptions than anyone thus far. Get Marquess Wilson on your radar.
Davante Adams, WR, Packers – Ankle
Adams didn't practice last week and is highly unlikely to do so this week, making him a near lock to miss his second straight game. While Ty Montgomery has been getting more involved as the No. 3 wide receiver, he's just a dart throw this week against the Rams.
Julius Thomas, TE, Jaguars – Hand
Thomas has progressed to the point where he's able to catch passes on the practice field. There's a very real chance Thomas makes his Jags debut in the next week or two.
OUT
Marshawn Lynch, RB, Seahawks – Hamstring
Seattle wants Lynch to return at 100 percent and have ruled him out against the Bengals this week. The team is hopeful to have Lynch back for Week 6 at home against the Panthers. Undrafted free agent Thomas Rawls will be the guy, but he only managed 48 yards on 17 carries against the Lions last week. Rod Smith is another undrafted rookie running back the team likes. He may be elevated from the practice squad depending on Fred Jackson's status.
LeSean McCoy, RB, Bills – Hamstring
McCoy is looking at another 3-4 weeks on the sideline to recover from a hamstring issue that may keep him out through the Bills' bye in Week 8. The team obviously made a big mistake allowing him to play through the injury the first three weeks of the season.
Karlos Williams, RB, Bills – Concussion
Already sans McCoy, the Bills will also be without their impressive rookie. Anthony Dixon appears to be the starter this week against the Titans, but he's dealing with a calf issue. The newly-signed Dan "Boom" Herron may end up seeing a lot of playing time in what's shaping up to be a very messy backfield situation.
Joique Bell, RB, Lions – Ankle
Dez Bryant, WR, Cowboys – Foot
DeSean Jackson, WR, Redskins – Hamstring
Victor Cruz, WR, Ravens – Calf
Breshad Perriman, WR, Ravens – Knee
Jordan Reed, TE, Redskins – Concussion
Eric Ebron, TE, Lions – Knee
Crockett Gillmore, TE, Ravens – Calf
Vernon Davis, TE, 49ers – Knee
DOUBTFUL
Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE, Buccanners – Shoulder
PROBABLE (limited or no practice)
Lorenzo Taliaferro, RB, Ravens – Foot
Randall Cobb, WR, Packers – Shoulder
Last week against the 49ers, Cobb had a setback to the shoulder injury he suffered back in the preseason. However, Cobb didn't miss any time during the game and will be ready to go this week against the Rams.
James Jones, WR, Packers – Hamstring
Green Bay is taking it easy with Jones this week in practice. There are no worries about his availability, but the matchup is a tough one. The Rams have only allowed one touchdown reception to a wide receiver this season.
Kenny Britt, WR, Rams – Knee
Charles Clay, TE, Bills – Calf
Nothing to worry about here. Clay is rapidly ascending the tight end ranks and is now a must start as the most reliable weapon the Bills have available. The Titans are coming off their bye after struggling to defend the opposing tight ends in two of their first three games.
PROBABLE (full practice)
Jeremy Hill, RB, Bengals – Knee
Andre Ellington, RB, Cardinals – Knee
After missing three games, Ellington is expected to suit up following his full participation in the Thursday and Friday sessions of practice. How many snaps Elligton plays is a big question, however. Chris Johnson has played well over the last two games, averaging nearly 5.1 yards per carry on 38 attempts. Aside from allowing three touchdowns to Jamaal Charles in Week 3, the Packers have done a fine job against running backs in terms of yardage. Over the last three games, they've conceded just 34.3 rushing yards per game to the position.
Duke Johnson, RB, Browns – Ankle
Tevin Coleman, RB, Falcons – Ribs
Coleman will return after missing the last two games, but may not see many opportunities. Not only has Devonta Freeman put together a pair of monster performances in Coleman's absence, the Washington run defense is giving up the fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs.
Demaryius Thomas, WR, Broncos – Neck
Brandin Cooks, WR, Saints – Ankle
Michael Crabtree, WR, Raiders – Ankle
Pierre Garcon, WR, Redskins – Knee
Leonard Hankerson, WR, Falcons – Thumb
Allen Hurns, WR, Jaguars – Ankle
Percy Harvin, WR, Bills – Hip
Travis Kelce, TE, Chiefs – Groin
SUSPENDED
Eligible to return this week: Martavis Bryant, WR, Steelers and Antonio Gates, TE, Chargers
IR-Designated for return
Tony Romo, QB, Cowboys – Collarbone
David Cobb, RB, Titans – Calf
Jay Ajayi, RB, Dolphins – Ribs
Rashad Greene, WR, Jaguars – Thumb
Devin Hester, WR, Falcons – Toe
Physically unable to perform (PUP list)
Stevan Ridley, RB, Jets – Knee
Brandon LaFell, WR, Patriots – Foot
Kevin White, WR, Bears – Shin
Player News
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said the team does not “have any feelings on competition” when asked about the quarterback room.
O’Connell was asked about a potential quarterback competition on the Rich Eisen Show Wednesday and was unclear on whether J.J. McCarthy would have to compete to start. He said, “we’ve got an obligation as coaches to put our players in position to attack that competition phase.” O’Connell discussed first putting Brett Rypien and the newly acquired Sam Howell in a position to play before any competition would occur. He continued that McCarthy is “owning it” this offseason and is taking snaps from starting center Ryan Kelly. After missing last season with a torn meniscus, McCarthy has been ramping up workouts in the offseason and is the front-runner to start for the Vikings in 2025. As of now, Howell looks to be reinforcement at the backup spot in case it turns out McCarthy is not ready to start.
Texans re-signed DT Foley Fatukasi.
Fatukasi initially joined the Texans last offseason on a one-year contract. The 30-year-old was a rotational defensive lineman, tallying four tackles for loss and one sack. He returns to Houston for 2025, where he will be a part of a deep Texans front seven.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports Tyreek Hill’s second wrist surgery was part of the original plan and his timeline remains unchanged.
Hill announced the second surgery on social media and Pelissero quickly added some context to the situation. The speedy receiver suffered the wrist injury just before the start of the season and it lingered throughout the year, though he never missed a game because of it. If the second surgery truly is a non-story, an offseason to recover might be what Hill needs to return to form after a down 2024 season. On the other hand, Hill is 31 years old, played his worst football last year, and his offense prioritized targets for Jonnu Smith and De’Von Achane. As it stands, Hill might have the highest risk-reward split in fantasy drafts.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports there are “multiple people in the league who believe the new regime is not so high on Travis Etienne.”
Fowler also noted Tank Bigsby’s fumbling issue but didn’t directly relate that to the feelings of the new brain trust in Jacksonville. The Jags clearly felt they were lacking at running back this offseason and addressed that opening via the draft with Bhayshul Tuten in the fourth round and LeQuint Allen in the seventh. The pair of additions complicate an already-messy backfield by committee. Etienne is entering the final year of his rookie deal and is a long-shot to be brought back in 2026. The Jags could opt to move on early by trading him, clearing $6.1 million in cap space in the process. If the team does trade Etienne, Tuten would likely be the team’s top back in the long run, making him a high-upside bet in early fantasy drafts.
Broncos signed third-round pick WR Pat Bryant to a four-year contract.
The deal includes $1.4 million guaranteed and is worth $6.6 million in total. Sean Payton compared aspects of Bryant’s game to those of Michael Thomas in his post-draft press conference and there are at least a few similarities in their profiles. Bryant stands at 6'2/204 and ran a 4.61-second Forty at the combine. Thomas measured in at 6'3/212 and clocked a 4.57-second Forty. Though the two have similar physical characteristics, Thomas was known for his proficiency from the slot while Bryant primarily played on the outside as a field-stretcher at Illinois. Bryant’s transition to slot duties may take some time, but third-round draft capital makes him worth a shot in dynasty leagues.
Colts EDGE Samson Ebukam (Achilles) said he is expected to be cleared for training camp.
Ebukam suffered a torn Achilles in training camp last year and did not play in the 2024 season. He broke out in 2023 with a career-high 9.5 sacks in his first season with the Colts. He now has one year left on his deal and will be looking for a rebound season as he stares down free agency in 2026