Week 4 is shaping up to be one of the season’s most injury-impactful slates. Several fantasy stars have already been ruled out, multiple teams are turning to backup quarterbacks, and a handful of game-time decisions could dramatically change lineup outlooks before kickoff.
Here’s what fantasy managers need to know before setting their lineups.
QB Injuries Shaking Up Fantasy Football
The biggest quarterback absence of the week is Jayden Daniels, who has been ruled out for Washington with an elbow injury. His absence elevates Marcus Mariota into streaming consideration against an Indianapolis defense that has struggled to slow opposing passing attacks.
Tampa Bay is also dealing with a major loss after Baker Mayfield suffered a dislocated thumb and is expected to miss at least three weeks. That puts rookie Jalon Daniels under center and significantly lowers the fantasy ceiling of the Buccaneers’ passing game.
Another notable quarterback situation is unfolding in Chicago. With Caleb Williams unavailable and Tyson Bagent back at practice after clearing concussion protocol, the Bears are expected to start Bagent against the Jets instead of veteran Case Keenum. ESPN reported that Bagent has been taking first-team reps throughout the week, making him the likely starter entering Sunday.
Meanwhile, fantasy managers can relax regarding Lamar Jackson, who was limited earlier in the week because of a back injury but is expected to play as normal. Drake Maye is also active despite appearing on the injury report with a shoulder issue.
RB Injuries Creating New Opportunities
The running back position has been hit hard entering Week 4.
The most significant injury belongs to De’Von Achane, who suffered a torn ACL and is out for the season. Miami is expected to turn to a combination of Ollie Gordon II and Jaylen Wright, although fantasy managers may want to see how the workload develops before trusting either player as a weekly starter.
For the Jets, Breece Hall is out with a quad injury. That opens the door for Braelon Allen to assume lead-back duties after handling the workload when Hall exited last week’s game. Allen immediately enters the RB2 discussion for Week 4, while Isaiah Davis will get involved somewhat.
New Orleans suffered a major setback when Travis Etienne Jr. landed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. The Saints will now lean on Alvin Kamara and Kendre Miller. Kamara should continue handling passing-down work and remains the preferred fantasy option, while Miller could see increased rushing volume.
Seattle is also short-handed after Jadarian Price was ruled out with a chest injury. That should lead to increased opportunities for Emanuel Wilson and George Holani, although the matchup remains difficult.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt without Rachaad White looks to be a decent starter, as Austin Ekeler would be the receiving back in Washington. D’Andre Swift for the Bears is good to go against the Jets. Tyjae Spears for the Titans is questionable against the Ravens.
Wide Receiver Injury News
Fantasy managers received several significant updates at receiver this week.
The Eagles will be without DeVonta Smith, who has been ruled out because of a hamstring injury. With Dallas Goedert also unavailable, Philadelphia’s passing game will rely more heavily on its remaining receiving options, including Dontayvion Wicks and Makai Lemon.
The Vikings will be missing superstar Justin Jefferson because of an ankle injury. His absence immediately boosts Jordan Addison’s fantasy value and should create additional opportunities elsewhere in Minnesota’s passing attack.
Green Bay has lost Jayden Reed for the season after he was scheduled to undergo neck surgery, creating a major vacancy in the Packers’ receiving corps.
Several notable receivers remain questionable entering Sunday:
- Terry McLaurin (hamstring) *Update: Ruled Out (Bump up Stefon Diggs and Antonio Williams)
- Zay Flowers (hamstring)
- Ladd McConkey (foot)
- Mike Evans (ribs)
- Jalen Coker (quad)
- Keenan Allen (groin) *Update: Ruled Out (Bump up Josh Downs)
On the positive side, fantasy stars Nico Collins, Puka Nacua, and DJ Moore are all expected to play in Week 4.
Tight End Situation Worth Monitoring
One of the biggest waiver-wire stories of the week has been Kenyon Sadiq, but fantasy managers still need to monitor his status after he was listed as questionable with a back injury. If active, he remains an intriguing upside play given injuries elsewhere on the Jets’ offense.
The Rams will be without Terrance Ferguson, who was placed on injured reserve and is expected to miss at least four weeks. Tyle Higbee saw a ton of volume without him and Colby Parkinson, so he looks to be a sneaky streamer.
Washington tight end Chig Okonkwo is expected to return from a hamstring injury after missing two games, although fantasy managers may want to wait a week before trusting him in starting lineups.
Final Thoughts
As always, fantasy championships are often won by managers who react fastest to injury news. The biggest situations to monitor before kickoff are Mike Evans, Zay Flowers, and Ladd McConkey, all of whom carry questionable designations entering the weekend.
Meanwhile, the losses of Justin Jefferson, DeVonta Smith, Breece Hall, Travis Etienne Jr., Jayden Daniels, and Baker Mayfield will force fantasy managers to adjust their plans heading into one of the most important weeks of the young season.
