The NFL season is rolling along, and the injuries are starting to pile up. With all the injury news and confusing terminology out there, trying to decipher it all can be overwhelming. Thankfully, that’s what you have me for. Making the right call on a player’s injury situation can make or break your week. Stay informed with the most current injury news and analysis out there. Welcome to the Week 4 Fantasy Football Injury Report!
Injury news happens fast and can change quickly, so for the most up-to-date news and analysis, follow me on X @SGPNFootballDoc! Additionally, this article updates daily until Monday Night Football, so check back in before setting your lineup!
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Week 4 Fantasy Football Injury Report
Week 4 Inactives
Zay Jones (WR) Jacksonville Jaguars
Odell Beckham Jr. (WR) Baltimore Ravens
Rashod Bateman (WR) Baltimore Ravens
Treylon Burks (WR) Tennessee Titans
Irv Smith Jr. (TE) Cincinnati Bengals
Quez Watkins (WR) Philadelphia Eagles
Derek Carr (QB) New Orleans Saints
Injury: AC Sprain (Grade 2)
Injury Date: 9/24/2023
Expected Recovery Time: 3-6 weeks
Recovery Time to Week 4: 7 days
Replacement Player(s) to Target: Jordan Love (QB) Green Bay Packers
Kicking off this Week 4 Fantasy Football Injury Report is Saints’ new QB, Derek Carr. New Orleans was in a great position last week, with a 17-0 lead in the second half when tragedy struck. Carr was sacked and viciously thrown by the Green Bay defense, landing directly on his R shoulder area. He was immediately removed from the game, and there was concern for a serious injury.
After X-rays and being taken to the hospital for more testing, it was found that, thankfully, he only suffered an AC sprain. This refers to damage to the AC joint, which connects your shoulder to your collarbone and allows for a full shoulder range of motion. The Saints have labeled him “week to week” and recently signed another QB to their roster. This tells me Carr is likely dealing with a grade 2 sprain, which takes around 3-6 weeks to heal.
However, players do typically play through this injury before full healing takes place. An AC sprain is a painful injury, but it does have a low reinjury risk. Players also often use pregame injections to help mitigate the pain. With the injury occurring to his throwing shoulder, I do expect Carr to be out this week. I do not expect him to miss more than a month, however. I broke down his injury in real time below!
#Saints QB Derek Carr Injury
Gets slammed down on R shoulder area
Immediate concern is for a broken collarbone
Expect him to get X-ray soon
Hope for just an AC sprain here but X-ray will show how long to expect Carr out for 🩻🙏🏽 #NOvsGB pic.twitter.com/CLyFvL5rGr
— Sebastian Fearon PT, DPT, CSCS, TSAC-F, OCS (@SGPNFootballDoc) September 24, 2023
Saints QB Derek Carr is dealing with an AC sprain and is expected OUT this week – SIT.
Christian Watson (WR) Green Bay Packers
Injury: Hamstring Strain
Injury Date: 9/5/2023
Expected Recovery Time: 3-6 weeks
Recovery Time to Week 4: ~3 weeks
After struggling to stay healthy at the start of his rookie season, WR Christian Watson exploded onto the fantasy scene. Many of us were excited to see what the explosive Green Bay receiver would do in his second year. Unfortunately, we’re being robbed of that joy currently as Watson picked up a hamstring injury just before Week 1. Watson has been unable to play the first three weeks of the season and has logged minimal practice participation.
The young Packers WR is likely dealing with a grade 2 (moderate) hamstring strain. The expected recovery time is 3-6 weeks and Watson will have just over three weeks to recover by Thursday night. Hamstring strains are difficult to rehab in season as they often feel better before they are healed and carry a high reinjury risk. The expectation is Watson will try to play this week but I expect him to be limited with an elevated injury risk.
WR Christian Watson will be limited in his jumping and sprinting ability and has an elevated injury risk this week – SIT.
David Montgomery (RB) Detroit Lions
Injury: Thigh Injury (Quad Strain)
Injury Date: 9/17/2023
Expected Recovery Time: 2-4 weeks
Recovery Time to Week 4: 11 days
The NFL presents fantasy managers with a tricky situation this week due to the Thursday night matchup. Detroit Lions RB David Montgomery becomes the third player on the Fantasy Football Injury Report for Week 4. Montgomery picked up a thigh injury in Week 2 and had to be carted off the field. Thankfully, the injury was not too serious and is a likely grade 2 quadriceps strain.
The Lions RB said himself that he expects the injury to take a “couple weeks” to heal. Head coach Dan Campbell seems to be more optimistic and is expecting Montgomery to suit up this week. He is officially listed as questionable and although not fully healed, I do expect him to be active. Given his injury limitations and the presence of rookie RB Jahmyr Gibbs, Montgomery is a risky start this week. Dan Campbell force feeding his lead back may help however.
Lions RB David Montgomery will be limited this week but his volume alone may lead to a productive week – *RISKY* START.
Patrick Mahomes (QB) Kansas City Chiefs
Injury: Low Ankle Sprain
Injury Date: 9/24/2023
Expected Recovery Time: 1-2 weeks
Recovery Time to Week 4: 7 days
The entire league seemed to stop after Patrick Mahomes was limping off the field in a blowout game against Chicago. Fortunately for the NFL and managers alike, Mahomes should have a short stint on the Fantasy Football Injury Report in Week 4. The Chiefs QB tweaked his ankle after getting rolled up on by a defender falling to the ground. Thankfully, his ankle only slightly rolled inward, and he suffered a mild low ankle sprain.
He even immediately calmed many nerves after he got his ankle taped up and continued to play some. A low ankle or inversion sprain refers to damage to the lateral ankle ligaments due to the foot rolling inwards. In mild cases, this comes with a 1-3 week recovery timeline and is NOT as serious as a high ankle sprain. I do not have concerns for Mahomes going forward and expect him to be good to go for this week.
Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes dodged a bullet by only picking up a mild ankle sprain – START.
Mike Williams (WR) Los Angeles Chargers
Injury: ACL Tear
Injury Date: 9/24/2023
Expected Recovery Time: 10-12 months
Recovery Time to Week 4: 7 days
Replacement Player(s) to Target: Joshua Palmer (WR) Los Angeles Chargers
These are my least favorite injury cases to write about. Chargers WR Mike Williams is a great player who just can’t stay on the field. He was off to another great start to the year when he went down with a knee injury last. There was immediate concern for a serious injury as it was non-contact, and his knee buckled, making a cut. He was carted off with a leg brace, and at that point, there was a real possibility his season was over.
Unfortunately, this became a reality as an MRI showed he completely tore his ACL. This requires season-ending surgery on one of the primary stabilizers of your knee. Most players return to the field in about 11.5 months, but they are not fully healthy at that point. Normal movement and mechanics may take up to two years to return. WRs have a difficult time returning from this injury, and it hurts William’s career outlook.
Chargers WR Mike Williams is OUT for the season with an ACL Tear – DROP 🙁
Saquon Barkley (RB) New York Giants
Injury: High Ankle Sprain
Injury Date: 9/17/2023
Expected Recovery Time: 2-4 weeks
Recovery Time to Week 4: 15 days
Replacement Player(s) to Target: De’Von Achane (RB) Miami Dolphins
The New York Giants completed a 21 point comeback in the final moments of their game in Week 2. It was not all rainbows and sunshine, however, as their best player in, RB Saquon Barkley, suffered an injury on their last drive. Barkley took a handoff up the middle and got his leg caught under a defender while being tackled. He suffered an “ordinary” ankle sprain and finds himself on the Week 4 Fantasy Football Injury Report.
After some speculation on what “ordinary” means, the Giants RB cleared it up himself, saying the injury is a high ankle sprain. This means he has damage to the ligaments (syndesmosis) connecting the lower leg bones above the ankle. A high ankle sprain is more serious than a low ankle sprain as more damage is involved to the ankle. They are also less common as more force is required to cause the injury.
This injury typically carries a 3-6 week recovery timeline in mild cases. It is not impossible for players to return in two weeks, however, which it seems like Barkley is trying to do. The Giants have labeled him day to day, and his practice participation this week will tell us how he is healing. His return to the field for Week 4 is no guarantee, but if it does happen, he will be limited in his stability and has an elevated reinjury risk.
Saquon Barkley is listed as doubtful this week due to his high ankle sprain – SIT.
Anthony Richardson (QB) Indianapolis Colts
Injury: Concussion
Injury Date: 9/17/2023
Expected Recovery Time: 1-2 weeks
Recovery Time to Week 4: 14 days
Replacement Player(s) to Target: CJ Stroud (QB) Houston Texans
The former Florida Gators QB Anthony Richardson got off to a GREAT start in Week 2, rushing for two TDs early on. Unfortunately, just like his time at Florida, Richardson found himself on the sidelines with an injury. On his second TD run, Richardson hit his head hard on the turf as he was being tackled. He was identified to perform a concussion screen and was quickly put into the concussion protocol.
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that leads to disruption in the function of the brain. Regarding football, the brain is vital to processing information quickly and helping players to react. The recovery timeline for this injury is a bit tricky as there is a wide variability in symptoms and how long they last. Research has shown that most NFL players return to playing in about seven days from injury.
The NFL has improved its handling of concussions and has its own five-step standardized concussion protocol. This more cautious approach has led to more players returning to play in two weeks instead of one. This will likely be the case for Richardson, as he was ruled out last week. His practice status will be a clear indication that he is able to play this week, but these injuries typically do not last longer than two weeks.
Colts QB Anthony Richardson has cleared concussion protocol – START.
Jaylen Waddle (WR) Miami Dolphins
Injury: Concussion
Injury Date: 9/17/2023
Expected Recovery Time: 1-2 weeks
Recovery Time to Week 4: 14 days
Jaylen Waddle joins this list as the second concussion on the Week 4 Fantasy Football Injury Report. While going up for a catch, Waddle was unfortunately hit in the head by a defender coming in for the tackle. He was immediately removed from the game and ruled out for the remainder of it. A concussion leaves the brain in an energy crisis. It makes it difficult to quickly process and react to things.
Typically, a concussion is caused by a direct head trauma, like helmet-to-helmet contact, which is what makes them so common in football. They are so prevalent that the NFL created a five-step standardized concussion protocol to help the player rehab from their injury and not return too soon. Most players return from a concussion in a week, but others will miss a game and return in two weeks. It is based on a player’s level of symptoms, which are very variable with this injury.
Keeping an eye on Waddle’s practice status for the rest of the week will be the best indication if he is playing or not. A full practice is required before being able to clear the concussion protocol. There is optimism from the Dolphins that Waddle will be available in Week 4. There is an elevated injury risk following a concussion, as players are 2.35 times more likely to suffer a subsequent MSK injury. His level of play should not be affected, however.
🚨#NFL Concussion Overview Video🚨
This season has bought us a TON of concussions early on
🤕 Anthony Richardson
🤕 Jaylen Waddle
🤕 Logan Thomas & moreLet’s take a look at current #concussion research & how it affects players moving forward 🤔 #FantasyFootball #NFLTwitter pic.twitter.com/XCNWBQk77D
— Sebastian Fearon PT, DPT, CSCS, TSAC-F, OCS (@SGPNFootballDoc) September 20, 2023
Dolphins WR Jaylen Waddle is likely to clear concussion protocol and play this week – START.
Aaron Jones (RB) Green Bay Packers
Injury: Hamstring Strain
Injury Date: 9/10/2023
Expected Recovery Time: 2-3 weeks
Recovery Time to Week 4: 2.5 weeks
After a mediocre first half in Week 1, the Green Bay Packers seemingly remembered they had a great RB in their backfield. Aaron Jones came alive, and on his way into the end zone for his second TD, he unfortunately pulled up, grabbing the back of his leg. It’s the classic sign of the dreaded hamstring strain. This refers to damage to the muscle in the back of the upper leg, which is the big power generator for your legs.
Hamstring strains are difficult injuries to rehab as they carry a high reinjury risk, especially in the first two weeks after the injury. The good news here is that the injury appears to be a more mild injury. A grade 1 or minor hamstring strain typically takes 2-3 weeks to fully recover.
Jones has now missed both Weeks 2 and 3 with his hamstring injury. The Packers do have a short week with Thursday Night Football in Week 4, but I do expect Jones to play. With only a mild hamstring strain, 2.5 weeks should be sufficient time for him to mostly recover, and he has been practicing. While he may not be 100%, I do trust Jones with a start much more this week than I would have the last two.
Packers RB Aaron Jones has been practicing and is expected to play this week – START.
Austin Ekeler (RB) Los Angeles Chargers
Injury: Ankle Injury
Injury Date: 9/10/2023
Expected Recovery Time: 3-6 weeks
Recovery Time to Week 4: 3 weeks
Replacement Player(s) to Target: De’Von Achane (RB) Miami Dolphins
Los Angeles Chargers RB Austin Ekeler is a clear fantasy football favorite, so it hurts to have him on the injury report again in Week 4. Due to his fantasy production and the fireworks in their Week 1 game, this is an injury that was not the most obvious. Late in the third quarter, Ekeler was tackled (video below) and was forced to leave the field with a bit of a limp. He returned to the game, but only for four snaps, and was clearly limited.
Due to the lack of a clear video of the injury and the Chargers keeping things close to the vest, there is some mystery to Ekeler’s ankle injury. However, due to his lack of practice participation and missing the past two weeks, he is likely dealing with a high ankle sprain. A high ankle sprain is a more serious injury in which the ligaments that stabilize the lower leg bones are damaged. These injuries take closer to 3-6 weeks to fully recover.
Ekeler’s practice participation will be a good indication of where he is at in his recovery. I would expect him to log at least a limited practice this week. However, the Chargers have a bye in Week 5, and it may be wise to give him the extra two weeks of rest here. If Ekeler does play, his run after the catch and cutting ability will be limited. He will also carry an elevated reinjury risk.
We’ll have to wait until tomorrow to get a better idea of the Austin Ekeler ankle injury situation
The #BoltUp RB:
– Injured late in 3rd Q
– Limited & limping
– Only 4 snaps post injuryRB Joshua Kelley = #FF 🎯 either way
Also respect for choosing the funeral over practice🙌🏽 https://t.co/HtIqBFM2vx
— Sebastian Fearon PT, DPT, CSCS, TSAC-F, OCS (@SGPNFootballDoc) September 13, 2023
Chargers RB Austin Ekeler is dealing with a likely high ankle sprain, limiting him multiple weeks – SIT.
Top Waiver Wire Targets
Jordan Love (QB) Green Bay Packers
CJ Stroud (QB) Houston Texans
De’Von Achane (RB) Miami Dolphins
Jerrick McKinnon (RB) Kansas City Chiefs
Tutu Atwell (WR) Los Angeles Rams
Joshua Palmer (WR) Los Angeles Chargers
Rashee Rice (WR) Kansas City Chiefs
Tank Dell (WR) Houston Texans
Short-Term Injured Reserve
These players will miss a minimum of 4 games.
Cooper Kupp (WR) Los Angeles Rams
Tylan Wallace (WR) Baltimore Ravens
Julius Chesnut (RB) Tennessee Titans
Jamaal Williams (RB) New Orleans Saints
Diontae Johnson (WR) Pittsburgh Steelers
Chase Edmonds (RB) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Noah Brown (WR) Houston Texans
Evan Hull (RB) Indianapolis Colts
Kenny McIntosh (RB) Seattle Seahawks
Justin Shorter (WR) Buffalo Bills
Jelani Woods (TE) Indianapolis Colts
Keaton Mitchell (RB) Baltimore Ravens
Kyle Phillips (WR) Tennessee Titans
Tyquan Thornton (WR) New England Patriots
Jeff Wilson Jr (RB) Miami Dolphins
Season Ending Injured Reserve
These players will miss the entire season.
Mike Williams (WR) Los Angeles Chargers
Nick Chubb (RB) Cleveland Browns
JK Dobbins (RB) Baltimore Ravens
Aaron Rodgers (QB) New York Jets
Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) List
These players will miss a minimum of 4 games.
Jonathan Taylor (RB) Indianapolis Colts
Kyler Murray (QB) Arizona Cardinals
Jalen Guyton (WR) Los Angeles Chargers
Commissioner Exempt List
Players are unable to play or practice until allowed off the list.
Hassan Haskins (RB) Tennessee Titans – Aggravated Assault Charges
