Week 5 Injury Report Raises Questions for NFL Fantasy Lineups

Several prominent NFL players face uncertain availability for Week 5, creating lineup decisions for fantasy football managers as teams assess injuries and practice participation. According to FantasyPros in its October 9, 2026, injury report, Lamar Jackson, Rhamondre Stevenson, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are among the players whose conditions could affect their teams' offensive plans.

Jackson is dealing with an ankle sprain sustained in Week 4 and missed practice Wednesday and Thursday. Chase is progressing through concussion protocol, while Stevenson carries a questionable designation after leaving his previous game with an injury.

FantasyPros identified several other players whose practice schedules offer clues about their availability. The report distinguishes between players expected to return, those likely to remain sidelined and those whose status may not be settled until game day.

Jackson's ankle injury remains one of the most significant uncertainties. Although he has previously played after limited practice participation, his absence from the first two sessions of the week leaves his Week 5 status unresolved, according to FantasyPros. Managers may need an alternative quarterback if he cannot play.

Stevenson also faces an uncertain path to Sunday's game. He carried the ball 18 times in Week 4, matching his highest total in nearly two years, before sustaining an injury on his final attempt. He returned to limited practice early in the week but remains questionable.

Chase suffered a concussion early in Cincinnati's Week 4 game and is following the standard concussion protocol. FantasyPros reported that he practiced in pads during the week, leaving open the possibility of a return. However, the report advised monitoring his final status before kickoff.

Tee Higgins faces a less favorable outlook. Cincinnati's other receiver sustained an injury late in Week 4 and had not returned to practice when FantasyPros published its report, making him a likely absence for Week 5.

Justin Jefferson appears closer to returning after sitting out Week 4. FantasyPros indicated that the Minnesota receiver was confident about playing against New Orleans. His availability could be affected by teammate Jordan Addison, who was dealing with a hamstring injury and missed Wednesday's practice.

Washington also has concerns among its receiving options. Stefon Diggs missed Wednesday's practice but returned Thursday, while Terry McLaurin missed every practice session reported during the week. FantasyPros expected Diggs to play but anticipated that McLaurin would be unavailable.

Jayden Daniels, meanwhile, was on track to return after dislocating his elbow a few weeks earlier. The injury initially appeared potentially season-ending, but FantasyPros reported that his recovery had progressed sufficiently for a possible return to action.

Several running backs are also managing health concerns. Nico Collins returned from a hamstring injury in Week 4 and recorded seven receptions for 118 yards and two touchdowns against Dallas. FantasyPros expected him to remain available, although limited practice sessions could continue as a precaution.

Tony Pollard was also expected to play for Tennessee despite his customary need for additional rest during the week. The veteran has operated as the team's lead running back on Sundays, and FantasyPros anticipated a similar role in Week 5.

Alvin Kamara's status requires closer monitoring after an injury affected him at the start of the season and he sustained another issue in Week 4. FantasyPros recommended having an alternative ready while his availability remained uncertain.

For the New York Jets, Breece Hall had not practiced since being injured in Week 3. FantasyPros expected him to resume practice and potentially return to game action the following week rather than rush his recovery. Braelon Allen could continue to fill the gap in the meantime.

Chicago's backfield also faces uncertainty because Kyle Monangai had not practiced early in the week. D'Andre Swift, who has frequently missed or been limited in practice this season, managed limited participation and was expected to be available. FantasyPros identified Swift as a stronger fantasy option if Monangai could not play.

Pittsburgh could also adjust its running back rotation as Rico Dowdle prepares to return. The team has indicated that it wants to use Dowdle alongside Jaylen Warren, who has averaged 5.5 yards per carry this season. FantasyPros noted that Pittsburgh could give Dowdle additional rest as the backfield combination develops.

At tight end, Isaiah Likely was limited early in the week because of a knee injury. However, FantasyPros considered his participation a positive sign and expected him to be available for Week 5.