Every NFL slate sees at least a few key fantasy football stars pick up bumps and bruises. Week 5 was no different. Our fantasy football injuries report highlights the banged-up players with fantasy significance and their early status heading into Week 6 as of Monday, October 9, 2023. This article focuses on players who suffered injuries on Sunday of Week 5 games.
Justin Jefferson, Travis Kelce, Anthony Richardson, James Conner, Daniel Jones, and more picked up injuries in Week 5. It's too early to draw conclusions about Week 6 since these players just picked up ailments, but it's never too early to at least take a look at the group of key guys to prepare for waiver wire Wednesday or Thursday.
To keep close tabs on all of the news across the NFL, make sure to favorite or bookmark the fantasy football player news page, or download the free RotoBaller fantasy football mobile app with push notification alerts on all the latest news.
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2024:- Quarterback fantasy football rankings
- Running back fantasy football rankings
- Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
- Tight end fantasy football rankings
- Kicker fantasy football rankings
- FLEX fantasy football rankings
- Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
- Superflex fantasy football rankings
- IDP fantasy football rankings
- Dynasty fantasy football rankings
Justin Jefferson Injury Update
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said after Week 5's 27-20 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs that it's too early to tell how the hamstring injury that wide receiver Justin Jefferson (hamstring) sustained in the contest may affect his availability. Jefferson was forced to watch Sunday's eventual defeat from the sidelines in the fourth quarter after coming up with a bit of a limp on a route. The reigning Offensive Player of the Year struggled with three catches on six targets for 28 yards before his departure.
Jefferson's practice status is shaping up to be one of the most pivotal storylines heading into Week 6, and the 1-4 Vikings may not feel inclined to rush their franchise centerpiece back for next Sunday's divisional battle with the Chicago Bears. If Jefferson ultimately misses time, Kirk Cousins could exit QB1 territory while first-round rookie Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson figure to be funneled with targets in Minnesota's pass-happy offense.
Travis Kelce Injury Update
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (ankle) caught 10-of-11 targets for 67 yards and a touchdown in Week 5's 27-20 win over the Minnesota Vikings. Kelce had a chance to find the end zone early on Sunday but couldn't corral an end-zone target on KC's opening drive. A subdued first half saw him log just 22 yards on five catches before he slipped to the turf and exited the game on a non-contact injury.
But the 34-year-old superstar got his right ankle taped up during halftime and made his presence felt promptly upon his return, making an acrobatic catch that required a long review after it appeared a Vikings defender ripped it away from him.
Kelce didn't stop there, as he got wide open for a four-yard touchdown to cap off a five-catch, 45-yard drive. The perennial Pro Bowler has a quick turnaround ahead of Thursday Night Football versus the division-rival Denver Broncos, so Kelce's Week 6 practice status will be a critical storyline on the short week.
Anthony Richardson Injury Update
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (shoulder) is believed to have suffered a Grade 3 AC joint sprain. If an MRI confirms the diagnosis, the rookie could be out a month or more. A stint on injured reserve then becomes a legitimate option.
The first-round pick exited the Colts contest against Tennessee in the second quarter and did not return. Gardner Minshew led the Colts to a victory in the second half and would be the guy under center moving forward. When on the field, Richardson has given fantasy managers reasons to celebrate but this is now his third injury (knee, concussion) to begin the season.
Daniel Jones Injury Update
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (neck) is believed to have suffered a neck contusion in the team's loss to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. He was sacked another six times and suffered the injury on the final tackle. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, there's optimism that the signal caller avoided a major injury but his status for Week 6 is still up in the air. Jones will undergo an MRI on Monday.
He admitted the injury feels "similar" to the neck issue he had in 2021. If he's unable to take the field against Buffalo on Sunday Night Football, veteran Tyrod Taylor would likely get the start against his former team. Either way, it's a brutal matchup for whoever takes snaps for the Giants.
James Conner Injury Update
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (knee) was forced to exit the team's game against the Bengals after he twisted his knee during a 35-yard run in the second quarter. He never ended up returning to the game, but head coach Jonathan Gannon said that Conner was "feeling OK" after the game.
There hasn't been any official word on the injury and if it might force him to miss any time. His usual backup, Keaontay Ingram (neck), was inactive, so Emari Demercado saw some action the rest of the way. If Conner does have to miss some time, fantasy managers should keep their eye on Ingram and Demercado heading into a Week 6 matchup against the Rams.
Chris Olave Injury Update
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (toe) caught two of his five targets for 12 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's victory over the Patriots. While the 23-year-old is usually more productive, he at least found the end zone, so fantasy managers still got something from him in Week 5.
There may be a reason behind Olave's subpar performance outside of the blowout, as head coach Dennis Allen reported the wideout battled a toe issue prior to Sunday's win. Fortunately, Allen added Olave didn't experience any problems throughout the game. Nonetheless, he may appear on the injury report ahead of the Week 6 meeting with the Houston Texans. Although the ailment doesn't seem like it will keep Olave off the field, it could potentially impact his play. (NFL.com)
Tank Dell Injury Update
Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (head) was diagnosed with a concussion and did return in Week 5 versus the Atlanta Falcons. He finished the game with three catches for 57 yards.
It's too early to tell whether Dell will be able to clear concussion protocol before next Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints.
Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App
Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!