Week 6 NFL Injury Breakdown
Injuries can play a crucial role in your season-long leagues, and some of the same waiver wire concepts apply in DFS as well. RotoGrinders will have a weekly injury report highlighting the key injuries across the league and possible value plays that can pop up because of them.
Quarterback
Carson Palmer (Shoulder) – Questionable
Palmer has not been ruled out completely so far this week, but even if he is able to go his shoulder is not 100%. The most likely scenario is that Drew Stanton will be the Cardinals’ starter yet again.
Drew Stanton (Concussion) – Questionable
Stanton has been cleared to play this week and will likely be the starter. This situation won’t be clear by lineup lock, putting all of the Cardinals’ WRs in the risky-at-best category.
Tom Brady (Ankle) – Questionable
This looks to be a typical Patriots injury report game, but be sure to check back in Sunday before kickoff to be sure.
Derek Carr (Ankle & Knee) – Questionable
Carr was able to get some limited work in late in the week and is expected to start for the Raiders in a matchup with the Chargers.
Teddy Bridgewater (Ankle) – Probable
Tony Romo (Back) – Probable
Running Back
Rashad Jennings (Knee) – Out
Jennings is out with an MCL injury, paving the way for Andre Williams to get the start. He is limited in the passing game but still makes for a solid start against the Eagles.
Montee Ball (Groin) – Out
Ball is likely out for at least two weeks with a groin injury and possibly more. With Ball out, Ronnie Hillman should see the bulk of the carries for Denver, with C.J. Anderson and Juwan Thompson getting the rest.
Toby Gerhart (Ankle) – Out
Gerhart is officially out for Week 6, setting up Storm Johnson to have a larger role in the Jaguars offense. Denard Robinson should also factor in the running game despite his lack of production.
Ryan Mathews (Knee) – Out
Mathews is out again for the Chargers this week, as is backup Donald Brown, leaving the door open for Branden Oliver, who had a huge game last week.
Donald Brown (Concussion) – Out
Brown left the game last week, giving Branden Oliver the opportunity to shine, and shine he did. He was able to gain 114 yards on 19 carries with a TD and caught four passes for 68 yards and a TD.
Shonn Greene (Hamstring) – Doubtful
Greene is doubtful this week against Jacksonville, putting Bishop Sankey in line for a huge chance. Many DFS and fantasy players in general have been waiting for this day, and the matchup with the Jags is about as good as we could ask for. Dexter McCluster is likely to get some carries as well, but expect Sankey to see the majority of the work.
Jonathan Stewart (Knee) – Questionable
With DeAngelo Williams out again, the Panthers are looking at a game-time decision for Stewart. If he is unable to go then Darrin Reaves would likely get the start. This whole situation is a mess and not worth anything more than a GPP risk/reward play.
Reggie Bush (Ankle) – Questionable
While he hasn’t been ruled out yet, Bush is not looking likely to play Week 6. If he is unable to go then expect a fair amount of Joique Bell. The Lions play in an early game, so this situation will be clear prior to roster lock.
Fred Jackson (Ankle) – Questionable
Jackson was limited in practice this week with an ankle injury, but reports are that he will be able to go. Be sure to double check prior to roster lock that he isn’t a surprise inactive.
Zac Stacy (Calf) – Questionable
Stacy was able to practice Friday and is set to play Monday night. Benny Cunningham is still likely to steal some carries from him this week, making it almost impossible to roster either one.
Knowshown Moreno (Elbow) – Probable
Moreno is listed as probable for Week 6 but was limited in practice on Friday, and we need to keep an eye on this one prior to roster lock.
Andre Ellington (Foot) – Probable
Joique Bell (Concussion) – Probable
Lamar Miller (Foot) – Probable
Ben Tate (Knee) – Probable
Matt Asiata (Groin) – Probable
Jerick McKinnon (Ankle) – Probable
Wide Receiver
Marvin Jones (Ankle) – Out
Jones will not make his season debut this week for the Bengals and has not even practiced since injuring his ankle. With A.J. Green likely out, the Bengals will have to lean on Mohamed Sanu as their top WR.
Jarrett Boykin (Groin) – Out
Boykin will not play Week 6, locking in Davante Adams as the Packers number three WR. Something to note is that Aaron Rodgers made sure to mention how good Adams has looked when reviewing game tape.
Calvin Johnson (Ankle) – Doubtful
Johnson was not able to practice at all this week and is not likely to play at Minnesota. In his absence, Golden Tate should see the majority of Stafford’s targets.
A.J. Green (Toe) – Questionable
Although he is listed as questionable, Green will likely not play this week, leaving the Bengals with some underwhelming options after Mohamed Sanu.
Vincent Jackson (Ribs) – Questionable
Jackson was able to get some work in on Friday, putting him in a good position to play this week. With the Bucs’ early start time, we will have clarity on this situation prior to roster lock.
Eric Decker (Hamstring) – Questionable
The Decker situation continues to frustrate fantasy owners. He was limited again in practice but is expected to play. Rex Ryan wasn’t exactly clear, so be sure to check back in prior to kickoff
Mike Evans (Groin) – Questionable
Evans was able to get some practice in all week and is set to return for the Bucs in zeeek 6. Be sure to double check the inactives for Tampa Bay before rosters lock.
Malcom Floyd (Calf) – Questionable
Limited in practice this week, Floyd is battling a calf injury that took him out of the game last week. Rivers has been successful getting him the ball downfield, but with this injury he is even more sketchy of a play.
Cecil Shorts (Hamstring) – Probable
Despite his probable tag, there is some concern that he will not go this week. Be sure to check back in prior to roster lock if you are considering him for your lineups.
Julio Jones (Ankle) – Probable
Dez Bryant (Shoulder) – Probable
Percy Harvin (Thigh) – Probable
Michael Crabtree (Foot) – Probable
Keenan Allen (Groin) – Probable
Mike Wallace (Hamstring) – Probable
Cordarelle Patterson (Hip) – Probable
Allen Hurns (Foot) – Probable
Tavon Austin (Knee) – Probable
Tight End
Greg Olsen (Ankle) – Questionable
Olsen missed practice Wednesday and Thursday but was able to get some work in on Friday. He is officially listed as questionable for the Panthers’ Week 6 matchup against the Bengals, so keep an eye on this one.
Jordan Reed (Hamstring) – Questionable
Reed is expected to play this week against the Cardinals in a solid matchup. The big question will be how limited he is in his first action since Week 1. There is a lot of risk in this play but also a fair amount of upside, making him an interesting GPP option.
Delanie Walker (Shoulder) – Probable
Clay Harbor (Back) – Probable
Jordan Cameron (Ankle & Shoulder) – Probable
Charles Clay (Knee) – Probable