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