To say that it was another crazy week in the NFL would be an understatement. While we hope that any injury news doesn’t impact you, that is often a futile thought. Quite simply, no one is immune to injuries. Our NFL injury update for Week 4 features Patrick Mahomes, Derek Carr, and Mike Williams. As news breaks, be sure to update your Week 4 fantasy football rankings and NFL projections either way. 

This information can also help to focus on important Week 4 start/sit lineup decisions and fantasy football advice surrounding some injured players. The first step though is the NFL injury report as you set Week 4 fantasy football lineups. 

 

Fantasy Football Injury Report

Updated: September 29

Week 4 NFL Injury Report for Quarterbacks

Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs (Ankle)

Patrick Mahomes scared us. Ultimately, it turned out to be much ado about nothing, but I’m sure everyone’s heart skipped a beat on Sunday. Towards the end of the first half, Mahomes came up limping as he rolled his ankle. Mahomes returned for the second half without issue, and there was nothing said about it in the postgame. It was a blowout victory for the Chiefs, and Mahomes performed well. Keep a glancing eye on it, but looks like we dodged something here. With a full practice on Wednesday, we are in good shape. 

Derek Carr, New Orleans Saints (Shoulder)

We know that Derek Carr left Sunday’s game with a shoulder injury, and the expectations are that he will have to miss some time. An exact timetable will be determined later in the week, but Carr should be back before the end of the season. In his absence, Jameis Winston will be back under center and a minimal downgrade for Chris Olave, Michael Thomas, and others is in order but it shouldn’t be anything drastic. Carr was still out of practice on Thursday, so while there is nothing official, I would look for Winston to be starting on Sunday. 

Jimmy Garoppolo, Las Vegas Raiders (Concussion)

While Jimmy Garoppolo was evaluated for a concussion after the game, he didn’t miss a snap on Sunday. This is already the second time in 2023 that this has been the case, so it is something to keep an eye on for Week 4. With 324 passing yards and two touchdowns, albeit with three interceptions, it is unclear if there was any impact on performance, but we do need to keep an eye on things for next week with Brian Hoyer standing by. Garoppolo is currently practicing on a limited basis before a favorable matchup against the Chargers as we have to watch for confirmation that he clears the concussion protocol even if he is trending in that direction. 

Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals (Calf)

While he did lead Cincinnati to victory last week, Joe Burrow still didn’t look like his true self. The good news though is that he practiced in full on Thursday and he has a soft-landing spot against a favorable defense in Tennessee on Sunday. 

DeShaun Watson, Cleveland Browns (Shoulder)

While the Browns don’t seem to be concerned with DeShaun Watson’s status for this week, it is something to keep an eye on and potentially downgrade him regardless. After coming out of last week’s game with an injury to throwing shoulder, Watson hasn’t been throwing with much velocity so far this week. Even if he does play, it might be best to look elsewhere. 

Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts (Concussion)

After two straight full practices, Anthony Richardson appears to be in position to return this week. The problem though is the nature of his injury and playing style. There is a risk of reaggravation as well as the possibility that he takes things easy from the running perspective. The problem though, is that is where a lot of his value and fantasy upside comes from. 

Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers (Ankle)

After a full practice on Wednesday, it appears that Bryce Young will be returning to action on Sunday. However, as the rookie still gets his footing underneath him professionally, I would elsewhere aside from two quarterback and other deeper leagues. 

Week 4 NFL Injury Report for Running Backs

Gus Edwards, Baltimore Ravens (Concussion)

Gus Edwards was the last man standing in Baltimore’s backfield before a concussion got in the way. Before exiting, Edwards had 11 carries for 51 yards as we now keep an eye on his status heading into Week 4. Melvin Gordon was the next man up carrying the ball 10 times for 32 yards but we also have to keep an eye on Justice Hill’s status moving forward. The good news at least is that Edwards is out of concussion protocol. 

Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers (Ankle)

For the last two weeks, Joshua Kelley has struggled while replacing Aaron Ekeler and his ankle injury. While there is a real possibility Ekeler returns in Week 4, and he might think he can, there is also the chance the Chargers play the long game and hold him out through their bye the following week. However, Ekeler has been practicing on a limited basis this week, and at least in his mind, there is a chance he can play. Until we hear otherwise though, this isn’t something I would plan for. 

Saquon Barkley, New York Giants (Ankle)

We did get news that Saquon Barkley was dealing with a high ankle sprain and it wasn’t surprising that he was out in Week 3. With the Giants playing on Monday Night next week, he does have an extra day to heal, and this will be a situation to monitor. It is a good sign that Barkley practiced on a limited basis on Thursday, but the Monday game doesn’t help with roster management decisions either. 

Aaron Jones, Green Bay Packers (Hamstring)

While he did get back on the practice field this week, Aaron Jones was sidelined for the second straight week. It is a quick turnaround as Green Bay plays on Thursday, so it is possible he will make his return then. While Jones did return, Green Bay was cautious as he only had six touches although game flow was an issue here as well. 

David Montgomery, Detroit Lions (Thigh)

It should not have come as a surprise that David Montgomery was inactive this week while dealing with a thigh injury. That meant the first extended workload for rookie Jahmyr Gibbs. He didn’t disappoint with 80 yards on 17 carries, but he wasn’t truly explosive either. It remains to be seen whether Montgomery will be back in Week 4, but Gibbs will continue to take on a larger role. After three touchdowns, it is clear that there are no health concerns with the veteran. 

James Conner, Arizona Cardinals (Back)

After a full practice on Thursday, health is not a concern for James Conner. The problem though is how much involvement he will have in the run game as the Cardinals are two touchdown underdogs in San Francisco. However, with Keontay Ingram a late addition to the Injury Report after being limited with a neck injury, Conner could have a monopoly on all running back volume; both on the ground and through the air. 

Breece Hall, New York Jets (Knee)

There are a lot of issues and a lot that needs fixing in the New York offense, but at least we don’t have to worry about health for Breece Hall. He did practice in full on Thursday so there are no restrictions on him other than Zach Wilson under center.

Miles Sanders, Carolina Panthers (Groin)

While Miles Sanders was limited again in practice with a groin injury, it was the continuation of an ongoing theme this season and there should be no impact to his status. 

Jerome Ford, Cleveland Browns (Shoulder)

Jerome Ford got a full practice in on Thursday as he will once again lead Cleveland’s backfield. The problem though is that it only meant 12 touches, for 55 yards, last week although he did score two touchdowns. Kareem Hunt is also looming and after a limited practice on Thursday, he is on track to play Sunday as well. 

Boston Scott, Philadelphia Eagles (Concussion)

While Boston Scott is trending towards a Week 4 return, his fantasy impact will likely be minimized due to the emergence of Deandre Swift and the presence of Kenneth Gainwell. 

Justice Hill, Baltimore Ravens (Foot)

After a limited practice on Thursday, Justice Hill is trending in the right direction to return to action on Sunday. That means he will be back in a time share with Gus Edwards, and it ultimately hinders the value of both Baltimore running backs. 

Week 4 NFL Injury Report for Wide Receivers

Mike Williams, Los Angeles Chargers (Knee)

UPDATE: According to multiple reports, Mike Williams has a torn ACL and is now out for the season. His MRI on Monday revealed it.

Knee injuries are not good, and those that require a cart to get off the field are even worse. That was the case for Mike Williams on Sunday after he caught seven passes for 121 yards and a touchdown. Williams is out for the season so fire up Joshua Palmer who caught four passes for 66 yards and a touchdown. 

Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins (Concussion)

It wasn’t all that surprising that Jaylen Waddle didn’t play in Week 3, but it is also clear that Miami didn’t need him. The good news is that Waddle is moving in the right direction and didn’t have setbacks which could put him in a good position for Week 4. Waddle is out of concussion protocol so we can move forward here without issues. 

Jonathan Mingo, Carolina Panthers (Concussion)

It was another solid week for Jonathan Mingo before he exited with a concussion. While Mingo might have failed to make a true impact, he continues to be part of the offense as he caught three of six targets for 21 yards. Heading into Week 4, we have to keep an eye on Mingo here to see if he can clear the concussion protocol and continue the climb to relevancy. Mingo continues to be limited in practice, so it’s hard to feel great about his status as we look to a revenge game for Adam Thielen. 

Rashod Bateman, Baltimore Ravens (Hamstring)

While Rashod Bateman did seem hobbled by a hamstring injury towards the end of Week 3’s game, the good news is that it didn’t appear to be anything serious. At the same time though, it is something else to keep an eye on heading into Week 4.  As of Thursday, he has yet to return to practice, and with Odell Beckham not practicing, the Ravens’ wide receiving corps could be very thin. 

Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams (Oblique)

While his production hasn’t slowed down, it was a great sign to see Nacua practice in full on Thursday as he continues to be a valuable fantasy receiver. 

Deebo Samuel, San Francisco 49ers (Ribs/Knee)

One again on Thursday, Deebo Samuel did not practice. This is a situation to watch closely on Friday, but it is not looking good for Samuel to take the field this week. The same can be said for Jauan Jennings who was also out of practice with a shin injury.

Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers (Shoulder)

Based on the above news, it could set up to be a busy week for Brandon Aiyuk on Sunday if he is able to take the field. It is a great sign that Aiyuk was able to practice with contact on Thursday as things are moving in the right direction for him to be busy on Sunday against Arizona. 

Marquise Brown, Arizona Cardinals (Thumb)

It is never a good sign when a practice injury sends a player to the Injury Report, so there is some concern with Marquise Brown’s thumb. At least he was limited on Thursday, but this is something to keep an eye on as Rondale Moore could be busy. 

Jerry Jeudy, Denver Broncos (Knee)

While Jerry Jeudy was limited in practice with a knee injury on Thursday, there doesn’t appear to be any issues with his status for Sunday. After catching eight passes for 106 yards over the last two weeks, Jeudy could be in for a big game this week against Chicago as it doesn’t appear the knee will hold him back. 

DK Metcalf, Seattle Seahawks (Ribs)

Seeing DK Metcalf limited in practice or not practicing shouldn’t be a surprise at this point. After Metcalf caught six passes for 112 yards in his best performance of the season last week, we can move forward without issue here. 

Devonta Smith, Philadelphia Eagles (Illness)

It was a quick stint on the Injury Report for Devonta Smith as he missed one practice with an illness but he is back and ready to go for Sunday in a great matchup against Washington. 

DeAndre Hopkins, Tennessee Titans (Ankle)

It is part of DeAndre Hopkins workload management plan for him to be limited in practice during the week and the greater concern is the Titans’ offense and not his health status. 

Treylon Burks, Tennessee Titans (Knee)

While it is difficult to rely on Treylon Burks and the Titans’ offense, it was not a good sign that he didn’t practice on Thursday. I would be prepared to move in another direction. 

Jamal Agnew, Jacksonville Jaguars (Quadriceps)

The hope here is that Jamal Agnew will be able to take the field on Sunday after Zay Jones was already ruled out for the Jaguars. Things are looking optimistic as Agnew will be in line for additional work after catching four passes for 49 yards last week. Just be aware that Jacksonville plays at 9:30 AM on Sunday. 

Kadarius Toney, Kansas City Chiefs (Toe)

While limited in practice with a toe injury, Kadarius Toney is expected to play once again on Sunday. The problem though is that there isn’t much fantasy value to see here. 

Week 4 NFL Injury Report for Tight Ends

Irv Smith, Cincinnati Bengals (Hamstring)

While Irv Smith didn’t practice with a hamstring injury on Friday, he has failed to make an impact this season with just five receptions for 27 yards in total. 

Tyler Higbee, Los Angeles Rams (Achilles)

After not practicing in consecutive days, it is not looking good for Tyler Higbee on Sunday which means Brycen Hopkins could see some increased volume. 

Gerald Everett, Los Angeles Chargers (Illness)

After not practicing for two straight days with an illness, it will be interesting to monitor Gerald Everett’s status. If he is unable to take the field, Donald Parham could be busy on Sunday. 

Logan Thomas, Washington Commanders (Concussion)

After clearing concussion protocol, Logan Thomas appears to be ready to make his return to action this week which makes him an option for deeper leagues. 

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