Week 5 gave fantasy managers another round of injuries to navigate, with several backfields running short on healthy options. Some situations could create immediate waiver wire starters, while others leave already struggling offenses even tougher to trust. With bye weeks adding to the challenge, knowing which replacements are worth pursuing matters. Here’s what we know about the biggest injuries heading into Week 6.
Michael Penix Jr., QB, Atlanta Falcons
Michael Penix Jr. took a shot to the ribs late in the fourth quarter and tried to return but couldn’t continue. The Atlanta Falcons quarterback is getting an MRI to determine the extent of the injury.
This doesn’t currently sound like a long-term issue, but Penix could still miss time. That would be a disaster for this offense. Fantasy managers with Falcons pass catchers need to follow the MRI results closely, as we got a nice glimpse of how bad Tua Tagovailoa would be during his short overtime drive that ended with an egregiously bad interception.
TreVeyon Henderson, RB, New England Patriots
Rhamondre Stevenson entered the game dealing with a knee injury, but TreVeyon Henderson was the New England Patriots running back who couldn’t finish. Henderson had his ankle rolled up on and left early. He also dealt with an ankle injury late in training camp that cost him Week 1, although we don’t yet know whether this involves the same ankle.
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Corey Kiner took over as the RB2, but Stevenson would be the primary fantasy beneficiary if Henderson misses time. I would expect the Patriots to lean more heavily on Stevenson rather than give Kiner Henderson’s entire workload.
Aaron Jones, RB, Minnesota Vikings
Aaron Jones has looked really good over the past few weeks, but staying healthy remains a concern for a running back on the wrong side of 30. He hurt his knee during the Minnesota Vikings’ game but was able to return, making this considerably less concerning than it initially appeared.
The Vikings have a Week 6 bye, giving Jones extra time to recover. With Jordan Mason also expected back in Week 7, Minnesota could have both backs available when it returns.
Quinshon Judkins and Raheim Sanders, RBs, Cleveland Browns
Quinshon Judkins tweaked his ankle was spotted wearing a walking boot after the game. Boots are often precautionary, so it’s too soon to assume he’ll miss time. Head coach Todd Monken described Judkins as “day to day.”
The Cleveland Browns also lost Raheim Sanders to a hip injury, complicating the replacement plan if Judkins can’t go. Monken wasn’t asked about Sanders during Monday’s press conference, which suggests the injury may not be anything to worry about.
With Dylan Sampson already on injured reserve, Jaleel McLaughlin could be the team’s only healthy running back. Jaret Patterson is on the practice squad and would be in line for an elevation if either Judkins or Sanders misses Week 6.
Sanders would be the preferred option if Judkins sits and Sanders is healthy enough to play. If we get bad news on both, McLaughlin becomes a worthwhile waiver pickup based on the potential workload.
David Montgomery, RB, Houston Texans
David Montgomery left the Houston Texans’ game early with a groin injury and did not return. He is now considered week-to-week, which makes a Week 6 appearance unlikely. I would prepare for Montgomery to miss multiple weeks.
Woody Marks took over as the lead back and should remain in that role during Montgomery’s absence. Marks needs to be rostered wherever he’s available, and I would view him as an RB2 while Montgomery is out.
Will Shipley, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
Will Shipley suffered a partially torn plantar fascia and will miss multiple weeks. He had been filling in for Tank Bigsby, who was supposed to replace Saquon Barkley, before sustaining an injury himself, leaving the Philadelphia Eagles down another running back.
Dameon Pierce is now in line to lead the backfield until Barkley returns. That makes Pierce a short-term waiver option for managers desperate for touches, although it’s difficult to get excited about starting him.
Shipley can be dropped. Barkley is expected back before he is, so there’s little reason to hold Shipley through the injury.
KC Concepcion, WR, Cleveland Browns
KC Concepcion took a huge hit in the first half and was quickly ruled out with a concussion. He will need to clear the protocol before returning.
As frightening as the hit looked, that alone doesn’t tell us how long Concepcion will be sidelined. Concussion recoveries are unpredictable, so we’ll have to follow his progress through the protocol before assessing his Week 6 availability.
Tre’ Harris, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
Tre’ Harris suffered a hamstring injury and did not return, leaving the Los Angeles Chargers even thinner at wide receiver. With Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston unavailable, this was supposed to be Harris’ opportunity to establish himself as a go-to target.
Instead, the Chargers have another injured receiver in an offense that was already struggling to function. There is no waiver wire add I want to make on this disaster of an offense.
CeeDee Lamb, WR, Dallas Cowboys
CeeDee Lamb took a shot to the quad and was in and out of the Dallas Cowboys’ game before leaving for good in the second half. He is dealing with a bruise, and I’m not particularly concerned about his availability.
With the extended rest before his next game, it’s hard to imagine this costing Lamb any time. Unless we get an unexpected negative update, I have no concerns over his Week 6 availability.
Deebo Samuel, WR, San Francisco 49ers
Deebo Samuel went down on a third-quarter carry and stayed on the field for a while before leaving with a hamstring injury. The San Francisco 49ers wide receiver was shown walking with a heavy limp shortly afterward and did not return.
We still need more information on the severity, but given Samuel’s age and injury history, I would prepare for a multi-week absence. A stint on injured reserve looks like a possibility, although that has not been confirmed.
Roman Wilson, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
Roman Wilson suffered a finger injury in the first half and did not return. The Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver was spotted afterward with a large wrap on his hand and is now expected to miss two to three weeks.
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Rookie Germie Bernard took over as the WR2 behind DK Metcalf after Wilson left. With Wilson expected to miss multiple games and Michael Pittman Jr. on IR, Bernard has a path to maintaining that role and should be a popular waiver wire add.
T.J. Hockenson, TE, Minnesota Vikings
T.J. Hockenson suffered a concussion and will need to clear the protocol before returning. As with Concepcion, there isn’t a reliable timetable we can assign immediately.
The Vikings’ Week 6 bye gives Hockenson additional recovery time without costing him another game. I’m optimistic he’ll be ready for Week 7, but he still needs to progress through the protocol and receive clearance.
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, New York Jets
Kenyon Sadiq suffered a concussion and will need to clear the protocol before returning. His availability remains uncertain, but the New York Jets tight end wasn’t a fantasy option before the injury.
Mason Taylor would be in line for more snaps if Sadiq misses time. That still wouldn’t put Taylor on the fantasy radar.
