Here we go again. The fantasy football season both gives and takes. For all of the standout performances, we have frustrating duds that could very well ruin your week. And then there are injuries. This week our NFL injury update for Week 6 features Anthony Richardson, Justin Jefferson, and Travis Kelce. 

As news breaks, be sure to update your Week 6 fantasy football rankings and NFL projections either way. This information can also help to focus on important Week 6 start/sit lineup decisions and fantasy football advice surrounding some injured players. The first step is the NFL injury report as you set Week 5 fantasy football lineups. 

 

Fantasy Football Injury Report

Week 6 NFL Injury Report for Quarterbacks

Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts (Shoulder)

The Colts rookie quarterback is truly an exciting and prolific player to watch, but I also wish I didn’t have to continue talking about Anthony Richardson in this forum. The problem is that what makes him exciting also puts him at risk for injury. This week, it was an injury to this throwing shoulder that sent him to the sidelines.

While it is still to be determined whether surgery will be needed, Richardson will be sidelined for the next four to eight weeks. That means we will see a healthy dose of Gardner Minshew under center. 

DeShaun Watson, Cleveland Browns (Shoulder)

After not practicing Wednesday or Thursday, DeShaun Watson is slated to be out another week with a shoulder injury. This will be the second straight missed game for Watson, but this time P.J. Walker will be taking over under center for Cleveland. The bad news, is that it doesn’t really change much in the outlook for the Browns’ offense as this will be a defensive battle highlighted by Jerome Ford.

Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers (Finger)

When we last saw Justin Herbert, he fractured a finger on his non-throwing hand in Week 4. The Chargers’ quarterback emerged from the bye week with a full practice, and there doesn’t appear to be any obstacles towards him taking the field this week without issues. 

Daniel Jones, New York Giants (Neck)

The unfortunate and surprising thing is that Daniel Jones hasn’t made an appearance here yet this season. New York’s offensive line is terrible, and Jones just doesn’t stand a chance. 

After missing practice Wednesday and Thursday, things are trending towards Tyrod Taylor getting the Week 6 start. However, with Buffalo as the opponent, I’m not sure it matters who is under center for the Giants as this is a situation to avoid. 

Week 6 NFL Injury Report for Running Backs

De'Von Achane, Miami Dolphins (Knee)

The Dolphins rookie running back suffered a knee injury during last Sunday's game and is now slated to miss time. Miami will place De'Von Achane on Injured Reserve due to his knee, forcing him to miss at least the next four games. As Adam Schefter outlines below, expect Achane back in Week 11 for the Dolphins and your fantasy football lineups.

Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts (Ankle)

The good news is that Jonathan Taylor made it out of this week unscathed. For fantasy managers though, the issue is that Indianapolis eased him into action. Taylor gained just 18 yards on six carries while catching a pass for another 16 yards. It goes without saying, but his workload will only go up from here and that is where things appear to heading. 

Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers (Ankle)

After a full practice on Thursday, it appears that all systems are a go for Austin Ekeler to take the field for the first time since suffering a high ankle sprain in Week 1. Fire up your first-round pick with ease. 

James Conner, Arizona Cardinals (Knee)

The problem with this one is that we are left to wait and see. James Conner exited in the second quarter on Sunday with a knee injury and failed to return. While Emari Demercado was the next man up, we do have to keep an eye on Keaontay Ingram as well. Either way, with Conner placed on Injured Reserve and slated to be out for at least the next four games, we do need to find a solution and there could be some value to be found. 

Keaontay Ingram, Arizona Cardinals (Neck)

With James Conner out for at least the next month, this is the perfect opportunity for Keaontay Ingram to shine. The problem though is that he needs to get healthy and return after missing the last two games with a neck injury. Ingram has practiced on a limited basis this week, and while he is listed at the top of the depth chart, we might have to wait another week for his true impact. 

Saquon Barkley, New York Giants (Ankle)

Saquon Barkley has yet to get past practicing on a limited basis and missed another game in Week 5. Since he is already on the practice field, I would assume we are looking at a Week 6 return, as in the interim, Matt Brieda has not exactly been the answer. 

Barkley continues to be limited, but even if he does return against Buffalo, it still might be a situation to avoid in a very difficult matchup with Daniel Jones sidelined. 

Tony Pollard, Dallas Cowboys (Shoulder)

With the Cowboys not playing until Monday, at this point there does not appear to be any reason to be concerned here. While Tony Pollard was limited in practice on Thursday, it appears to be a workload management situation until we hear otherwise.                                                                                  

Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions (Hamstring)

Things trended in the wrong direction for Jamhyr Gibbs this past week, and that led to him not being active on Sunday. After not seeing Gibbs practice again on Thursday, it looks like the rookie will be sidelined for a second straight week. Montgomery will once again be busy with Craig Reynolds in a supporting role as Zonovan Knight has also yet to return to practice. 

Jeff Wilson, Miami Dolphins (Ribs/Finger)

For the second straight week, Jeff Wilson is practicing on a limited basis as he looks to return from Injured Reserve. With De’Von Achane sidelined, there is a role available in the Miami backfield, so this is something to keep an eye on. 

Jerome Ford, Cleveland Browns (Knee)

A full practice on Thursday is a good sign for Jerome Ford’s status for this week. The problem though is poor quarterback play and a tough San Francisco run defense allowing just 64 yards per game on the ground. Last week, Ford struggled to find room to run with DeShaun Watson sidelined as he gained just 26 yards on nine carries. 

Elijah Mitchell, San Francisco 49ers (Knee)

With a limited practice on Thursday, things are trending towards Elijiah Mitchell making his return after a two-game absence with a knee injury. While he is the clear backup to Christian McCaffrey, there is the opportunity for some garbage time work in the fourth quarter against Cleveland. 

Khalil Herbert, Chicago Bears (Ankle)

In what was shaping up to be a solid performance, Khalil Herbert turned his ankle. At this point, it appears to be a multi-week absence, but clarity will be coming. Additionally, with Roschon Johnson dealing with a concussion, it could turn into the D’Onta Foreman show. At this point, Herbert has yet to practice leading up to Week 6 which doesn’t bode well for his status. 

Roschon Johnson, Chicago Bears (Concussion)

With Roschon Johnson still being held out of practice with a concussion, things are not trending in the right direction for this week. Look to D’Onta Foreman to have a busy week. 

Miles Sanders, Carolina Panthers (Shoulder)

It is not a good sign for Miles Sanders that he has yet to practice this week with a shoulder injury. Even when he is on the field, Sanders has struggled this week. Should he be sidelined, we will see a lot of Chuba Hubbard for Carolina. 

 

Week 6 NFL Injury Report for Wide Receivers

Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings (Hamstring)

Everyone, please take a deep breath. Not only did Justin Jefferson catch just three passes for 28 yards, but he also exited Sunday’s game with a hamstring injury. The stock on Jordan Addison obviously shoots up, but any extended absence also puts K.J. Osborn into a heavier workload.

Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals (Ribs)

It shouldn’t come as a surprise, but Tee Higgins was sidelined in Week 5 with an injury to his ribs. While there is still a way to go until Week 6, I’m not sure this was just a one-week absence. In his stead, Tyler Boyd was predictably good but Trenton Irwin made an impact with eight receptions and 60 yards. The good news too is that Cincinnati offensively has seemingly found its way. With two limited practices in a row on Wednesday and Thursday, we should see Higgins make his return this week. 

Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions (Abdomen)

After seeing Amon-Ra St. Brown log a full practice on Thursday after missing last week’s game, in which he wasn’t even needed, we can breathe easy about his status this week. 

Marquise Brown, Arizona Cardinals (Illness)

An illness has kept Marquise Brown limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday, and while we want to keep an eye on things this weekend, it doesn’t appear that his status in doubt for Week 6.

DK Metcalf, Seattle Seahawks (Ribs)

DK Metcalf has been dealing with pain management since injuring his ribs in Week 2, and to this point it hasn’t truly impacted his performance even if fantasy managers are left wanting more. The fact that he was still out of practice through Thursday coming off Seattle’s bye week is a concern, but it hasn’t kept him out of games yet. 

Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Hamstring)

After a Week 5 bye, Mike Evans is back in practice, albeit on a limited basis. It still remains to be seen how Evans’ hamstring responds when he fully tests it so this will be a situation to watch leading up to Sunday. If Evans is indeed sidelined, it will shape up to be a busy week for Chris Godwin. 

Jordan Addison, Minnesota Vikings (Ankle)

Given the Justin Jefferson news, it is not a good sign to see Jordan Addison limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday. While we aren’t questioning his availability just yet for Sunday, this is something to watch as KJ Osborn could be busy with T.J. Hockenson potentially seeing the largest boost.

Davante Adams, Las Vegas Raiders (Shoulder)

With a limited practice on Thursday, things are moving in the right direction for Davante Adams. With that being said, this is still something to keep an eye on but he appears to be in line to take the field Sunday. 

Jakobi Meyers, Las Vegas Raiders (Wrist)

After following up a limited practice on Wednesday with a full practice on Thursday, there is nothing to worry about regarding Jakobi Meyers and his wrist heading into Week 6. Considering Davante Adams is banged up, this is a good sign, but Meyers first year with the Raiders has been going quite well to this point even while sharing the targets with Adams. 

Chris Olave, New Orleans Saints (Toe)

After a full practice on Thursday, it appears that there is nothing to see here regarding Chris Olave and his toe heading into Sunday’s matchup against Houston. 

Wan’Dale Robinson, New York Giants (Concussion)

After being removed from the game with a head injury, it was a good sign to see Wan’Dale Robinson return to action. Robinson was cleared from the concussion protocol which is good news as the Giants need all the offense they can get. The Giants continue to monitor his practice reps, but his status for Sunday appears to be unchanged. 

Tank Dell, Houston Texans (Concussion)

After leaving Sunday’s game early with a concussion, Tank Dell is now in the protocol. This will be a situation to watch all week with Dell needing to clear the five steps before returning to action. Ultimately, it could lead to more targets for Nico Collins and Robert Woods. With Dell not yet back to practice on Thursday, it might be time to activate an alternative. 

Odell Beckham, Baltimore Ravens (Ankle)

With a full practice on Thursday, Odell Beckham appears to now be fully healthy. After a rough game against the Steelers, Beckham should be able to pick up the pace this week. 

Treylon Burks, Tennessee Titans (Knee)

With Treylon Burks slated to miss Sunday’s game with a knee injury we are in line to see another big game from Deandre Hopkins. 

JuJu Smith-Schuster, New England Patriots (Concussion)

After exiting Sunday’s game with a concussion, JuJu Smith-Schuster’s status for next week is now in doubt as he has yet to return to practice as of Thursday. However, with the disrepair that is New England’s offense, it is best to keep your distance. 

Zay Jones, Jacksonville Jaguars (Knee)

After catching three passes for 23 yards and a touchdown, Zay Jones had to exit once again with a knee injury. Considering Jones has already missed time with this, it is something to keep an eye on. After Jones missed practice on Thursday, things aren’t moving in the right direction. 

Week 6 NFL Injury Report for Tight Ends

Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions (Calf)

It is never a good sign to see a player pop up mid-week on the Injury Report. That is what happened as Sam LaPorta was held out of Thursday’s practice with a calf injury. Keep a close eye on this one with Brock Wright in line to benefit should the rookie be sidelined. 

Darren Waller, New York Giants (Groin)

Darren Waller was held out of practice on Wednesday as more of a workload management situation as he returned on Thursday in a limited basis. The problem though is the Giants offense not Waller’s health but perhaps Tyrod Taylor can help turn things around for the tight end. However, it is not something I would bank on. 

Dawson Knox, Buffalo Bills (Wrist)

Dalton Kincaid, Buffalo Bills (Concussion)

With both Dawson Knox and Dalton Kincaid limited in practice this week, it is an interesting situation to watch. We know that it is a great matchup for Buffalo this week against the Giants, and the ideal spot is that one of the two is active and soaks up all the value. If both take the field, it will be difficult to target one over the other as they share the workload although Kincaid does get a slight edge. 

Cole Kmet, Chicago Bears (Hamstring)

At this point, there doesn’t appear to be any concern with Cole Kmet practicing on a limited basis as, despite the limitations of Justin Fields, he appears to be one of the better fantasy tight ends. 

Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints (Calf)

With Juwan Johnson yet to return to action with a calf injury, it appears he will be sidelined once again in Week 6. Foster Moreau will see an increased role, but I’m not sure it is enough from a fantasy perspective. 

David Njoku, Cleveland Browns (Face)

It is quite impressive that David Njoku was able to take the field after suffering burns to his face and hands let alone to see him catch six passes for 46 yards. It remains to be seen what his absence from practice on Thursday means for his Week 6 status, but it is something to monitor. 

Donald Parham, Los Angeles Chargers (Wrist)

While Gerald Everett and Donald Parham do just enough to limit each other’s value, the latter is on track to take the field on Sunday after leaving Week 4’s game early with a wrist injury.