THE INJURY FILES: WEEK 5

What is going on, Rush Nation? It’s Injury Files time. It’s safe to say, that so far this season has been nothing but chaos. Unfortunately, that means more work to do to get those Fantasy teams of ours, ready for the weekend. Check out Stacey’s waiver wire article on Monday’s if your squad has took an injury hit or you just need some added help. And, if you’re thinking long term, Liam has you covered this week for Dynasty waivers. Without further ado, let’s get into it.

Quarterback

Starting off with Tua Tagovailoa. The Dolphins Quarterback has already been ruled out for week 5. Available on waivers, should be one of the leagues best back up’s, Teddy Bridgewater. It’s unknown at this point how long Tua will be sidelined. The New York Giants head to London in week five and could be without both first and second string Quarterback’s. Daniel Jones(ankle) and Tyrod Taylor(concussion) are both day to day after sustaining injuries on Sunday. Davis Webb is currently on the practice squad and could be in line to start should neither be ready in time.

As we know, Patriots signal caller Mac Jones hurt himself in week three. Jones picked up a high ankle sprain which could have seen him have a stint on the IR. The former Alabama prospect has reportedly told team mates he could be back this weekend. That’s certainly something to keep an eye on. Brian Hoyer stepped in, very briefly, before getting injured himself but I wouldn’t be rushing to the wire for Bailey Zappe either way with Mac clearly feeling good.

Running Back

It’s not good news I’m afraid. Two players heading to the IR this week alone plus a plethora of more ball carriers questionable after week four. Let’s start with the Broncos Javonte Williams who’s season is done. It was reported as a torn ACL initially before an MRI scan revealed he’d also tore his LCL and posterior lateral corner. It’s not likely Javonte could even see week one of next season, at this stage which is just truly devastating.

Falcons star Cordarelle Patterson is also headed for a stint on the IR after week four. After dealing with an issue in his knee for a few weeks he’s now undergone a procedure which should see him return in around four weeks. Huge blow for Atlanta the role Cordarelle play’s. D’Andre Swift missed week 4 with a shoulder issue and head coach Dan Campbell is in no hurry to get his lead back, back on the field. Campbell wants Swift at full speed before returning which isn’t great for Fantasy shareholders but is a breath of fresh air in general. Don’t expect Swift back until after Detroit’s bye.

2021 NFL rushing leader and Fantasy Football stud, Jonathan Taylor hurt his ankle in divisional match up with the Tennessee Titans last weekend. Initially, I didn’t feel great about this as they face the Broncos in week five’s Thursday Night Football game. Meaning it was a short week for JT but tests have come back negative which is fantastic news for week five and beyond, should the Colts steam train start rolling. 

Wide Receiver

Highly touted Rookie first rounder, Treylon Burks has suffered a turf toe injury. Ian Rappoport has said “no surgery is necessary, just rehab. But, Burks will miss some time”. The other Titans Rookie wideout who has been banged up himself is Kyle Philips although now he’s back could see a serious uptick whilst Burks is out. Rashod Bateman played only 44% of the snaps for the Ravens on Sunday and is considered day to day from now as he just couldnt shake a foot issue.

Jameson Crowder also got hurt in the game against the Ravens. A broken ankle will see him heading for the IR. Not much Fantasy implications except for deeper leagues of course but hit the waiver wire for a free replacement once he hits IR. New Carolina Panther Laviska Shenault is day to day with a hamstring injury another one to keep an eye on as we head for the weekend. 

Tee Higgins, Keenan Allen, Amon’Ra St. Brown, Hunter Renfrow and Michael Thomas are all questionable for week five aswell. Four of those five all missed week four. Tune in to Fast Action Friday at 6pm for an update on these guy’s status for the weekend. Also, catch Murf’s weekly match up show for more on the others. 

Tight End

Thankfully, it’s pretty quiet on the injury front in terms of Tight End’s. One worth noting and keeping an eye on though, again, is Dalton Schultz. The Cowboys pass catcher was active. He played 90% of the snaps in the demolition of the Washington Commanders but failed to catch any of his 5 targets. If Schultz lands on the injury report this week at all, it’s best to have a back up plan ready. 

That is about it for week five, Rush Nation. As previously mentioned, keep an eye on the teams injury reports throughout the week. And, don’t forget to check out 5 Yard Rush show’s later in the week. 

Lewis -@lvenes1