Below is a no-nonsense quick-hitting analysis of current player injuries that could impact performance on game day. For any questions related to this article such as “should I drop [player A] for [player B]?” please refer to the staff’s weekly projections. In reality, there isn’t much information available yet; however, definitely bookmark this as it will be updated and fleshed out through Sunday morning. This second version includes players who are on the injury report and/or have a notable status prior to Week Four.
The following players have been ruled out as of Saturday:
Alshon Jeffery
Bryan Edwards
DeSean Jackson
Noah Fant
Tyrod Taylor|
Austin Ekeler
KJ Hamler
Sam Darnold
Nick Chubb
Running Backs
Joe Mixon- Shin
It is a bit strange Mixon has been added to the report with a random contact injury two weeks in a row, but if last week tells us anything this is probably not anything to worry about. Unless he’s downgraded sometime before Sunday, don’t worry too much about this.
Final Update: He’s expected to play.
Kareem Hunt- Groin
Hunt is once again on the injury report with a groin injury. This is more of a long-term concern then a short-term one, so keep an eye on it. There’s nothing actionable to take away other then knowing his history.
Final Update: He’ll play.
Raheem Mosert- Knee
He’s got a legitimate chance at being back. However, there’s a reason San Fran didn’t place Mostert on the IR for three weeks and that reason is that they believe he can be back before then. Now, keep in mind the return to play time for MCL sprains is still about 23 days. The action step here is to not actively expect Mostert to come back this week, but lock him in for next week. For those asking, don’t acquire him in trades and depend on him for production this week unless you’re a risk taker. If he is back by Sunday, consider it a gift.
Final Update: This is a true coin flip. You’d feel more confident in starting Mostert if he would have had a full practice but an entire week of partial practice might be enough. Be ready to shuffle him out of your lineup though if needes.
Carlos Hyde- Shoulder
This is a quote straight from Pete Carroll when asked about Hyde’s availability in Week Five:
That could be one of those ones that if we just wait one more week, then we get the whole other bonus week in there, we’ll have to see.”
Carroll of course is referring to the Seattle bye week in Week 6. He also mentioned Hyde’s shoulder feeling “strong” which implies this is a lingering labrum/stability issue considering Hyde is coming off surgery for that exact problem. Anyway, this is really more of a Chris Carson szn bit of news. With that said, don’t forget he entered concussion protocol in Week Four.
Zack Moss- Toe
The average return to play time for these injuries is 37 days with a wide standard deviation of 29 days. We just saw Philip Lindsay return from this injury after a three-game absence (granted it was a short week for the Broncos last week). Still, Moss is still limited in practice this week and the Bills are conservative with their players returning from injuries. I’m not convinced Moss is active as of today though it’s a possibility.
Final Update: Full participant and ready to roll without limitations. Indirectly maybe he seds fewer snaps due to conditioning but should be healthy.
Wide Receiver
Michael Thomas- Ankle
You probably feel more comfortable if Thomas gets in at least one full practice prior to Monday night’s game, but this is his first real chance at coming back and unless the Saints decide to give him another week, He finally got in a limited practice for the first time in three weeks and looks to be gearing up for a game. In this scenario, the reverse “wait until the bye week” situation doesn’t really apply. At 2-2, New Orleans could use all the help they could get and last year they threw caution to the wind and started Drew Brees off of surgery the first week he was eligible and then had a bye. At that point in the season, the Saints were comfortably 7-1 and cruising. If they’re willing to bring back their starting QB at a time like that, why wouldn’t they bring back their best pass catcher (bye a mile) at 2-2. If Thomas can go, he’ll go.
Final Update: He was a limited participant all week in practice. I’m simply repeating myself but this is Thomas’ first legitimate shot at playing again. If he’s active, you simply don’t keep him on your bench but temper expectations the first couple of weeks back. Last year, the Saints had only lost one game the week before their bye and opted to bring back Brees anyway. He was formally upgraded to “questionable” Saturday night. If Thomas can cut and go, he’ll play (I think he’ll play. There i said it).
Julio Jones- Hamstring
It’s Julio, like I’ve said, but even if he’s active which I don’t expect) there’s no way I can personally trust him after re-injury in Week Five. Hopefully, he sits after being downgraded on Thursday and the decision is made for us.
Final Update: A true game time decision.I’ll sleep well knowing he’s a massively volatile option this week.
Calvin Ridley- Ankle
Ridley had to have been playing through pain in Week Four given his performance. It’s not like the Packers defense is a smothering group. He continues to be limited in practice and “thigh” has been added to his designation. This isn’t necessarily a reason to bench him in season long, but perhaps temper expectations for Ridley.
Final Update: Not on the final injury report.
A.J. Brown}WR- Knee
Brown picked up a bone bruise during Week One. There’s a good chance that’s been given enough time to heal and he should be active this week given the reports corroboration with these thoughts. However, the game has to happen for this to be relevant.
Final Update: Brown is listed as questionable and still an estimated limited participant as of Saturday. This one is hard to gauge as the Titans actually haven’t practiced. The takeaway here is that you should have him in your lineup but since he’s questionable and it’s a bit vague, be ready to switch him out.
Odell Beckham Jr.- Toe
He was limited on Thursday but I don’t necessarily expect this to hold Odell back.
Final Update: Not on the final injury report.
John Brown- Knee
Brown is back on the injury report with this injury. I wouldn’t say it’s nothing, but he seemed to play fine last week with the same pattern.
Final Update: This is actually a knee injury and the video isn’t pretty. Brown’s volatility this week is through the roof.
Laviska Shenault Jr.- Hamstring
This is expected as rookies tend to crop up on the injury report with soft tissue injuries- just make sure he isn’t downgraded or an unexpected scratch. You probably can only trust him in deeper formats but then again, it’s the Texans.
Final Update: Shenault practiced in a limited fashion but now doesn’t carry a designation. Ready to roll with some volatility.
Mike Williams- Hamstring
I would be surprised if Williams plays, but if he does consider him a volatile GPP play. There’s no way to confidently deploy him after only practicing in limited fashion twice this week.
Terry McLaurin- Thigh
This is an ongoing issue and he seems to be unfettered by it. His running mate Steven Sims Jr. is unlikely to go with a toe injury so expect Terry the Assassin(ary) to be full tilt.
Final Update: Not on the final injury report.
Marquise Brown- Knee
Practiced in full on Friday and should be ready to roll.
Deebo Samuel- Illness
This is a scary one. Illnesses can lead to dehydration, fatigue, and just generally feeling like garbage. He’s got some volatility to him this week.
Tight End
Mark Andrews- Thigh
This is minimally concerning but still isn’t on my radar in terms of panicking. If Andrews doesn’t practice Friday, panic. If he’s limited again with no extra rumblings, it’s probably safe to assume he’ll play. I will say, isn’t it strange that both Andrews and Nick Boyle both have a “thigh” injury in the same week? Curious.
Final Update: He was limited on Friday and is not questionable. He’s expected to play and I don’t think this is a a serious issue.
Darren Waller- Knee
He’s been dealing with it since his Week Two explosion. I don’t expect this to be a massive detriment. He’s just slightly more volatile compared to his peers.
Final Update: Limited all week but doesn’t carry an injury designation.
Jared Cook- Groin
The extra day will help Cook’s chances but I’m not sure if he’s quite ready yet. The next two days at practice will be telling. If he remains limited, I view him as a game-time decision.
Final Update: Still limited and I don’t expect him to play yet as only 37% of Saints players who are questionable since 2016 have ultimately been questionable. If we assume Thomas is the lucky one to play this week, statistically we should fade the chances of Cook also playing. Process over results as always.
Jordan Aikins- Ankle/Concussion
He’s got no history of concussions so he has a chance to clear by Sunday. However, a new head coach and an ankle injury could make this streamer darling a volatile option.
Quarterback
Lamar Jackson- Knee
When asked about this knee injury, Greg Roman said the following:
“It kind of falls into the ‘It is what it is’ category,” Roman said. “It’s just part of life of what we do. That’s just how it goes and you make the best of it.”
Well, it is what it is, sure. But what exactly is “it Given he’s the MVP and can outrun most defenders at 75% speed, I wouldn't expect him to sit. However, compounded by an illness as well, maybe the Ravens lean a bit more on their beefed up backfield and Jackson’s passing ability to get by against a bad Cincinnati team. It’s worth noting that Jackson also had a “thigh” injury last year. This is one I’ll be monitoring closely so check back in often.
Final Update: After a full practice on Friday, Lamar is questionable and will play. The key is how much prep and game planning involved him. Obviously he’s the MVP and the offense will run through him with or without prep, but it’s possible that an illness and a knee injury will result in the Ravens leaning on all of their other weapons. It’s within the realm of possibilities this is a floor game for Lamar and not a ceiling one.
Jimmy Garoppolo- Ankle
He’s trending in the right direction as of now, but not a slam dunk yet. If he is active, there shouldn't be much missing from his game.
Final Update: Full participant and ready to go.
Drew Lock- Shoulder
Lock is just now doing individual drills so his chances of playing on Sunday and being effective are slim. He’ll need to practice in full one time for me to be confident in him at all. This is beginning to feel like a more severe AC joint injury or potentially an instability. If it’s an AC like originally assumed, the return to play time is 17 days, so Week Six is the most realistic return date. Stay tuned.
Final Update: Lock was questionable all week and I don’t expect him to suit up and play well quite yet. Fangio doesn’t seem confident.
