Fantasy managers have been forced to be on their toes as the 2023 NFL season gets underway, as key players across the league have been dealing with a high number of injuries across the first month of the season. That's also been the case ahead of Week 5, with injury concerns surrounding many notable fantasy football stars. Our injury updates and reports for Week 5 as of Sunday, October 8, 2023, will give you the latest updates on key fantasy football assets.
The injury news for Week 5 of the NFL season has featured many notable fantasy football players such as Cooper Kupp, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Tee Higgins, Saquon Barkley, and more.
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. Let's look at the updates for some wide receivers and see whether they may play in Week 5.
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Cooper Kupp Injury Update
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (hamstring) is active for Week 5 versus the Philadelphia Eagles and is not expected to have any limitations, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. The star receiver should see a full workload in his first game back, making him an immediate WR1 for fantasy purposes.
His return could lead to a slight decline in production from breakout rookie Puka Nacua, but he, too, is still worth starting in all leagues. All in all, the Rams will have their top weapons available as they take on the reigning NFC champions on Sunday.
Amon-Ra St. Brown Injury Update
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (abdomen) isn't expected to play in Sunday's matchup with the Panthers. Fantasy managers had an idea this was coming, considering the star wideout didn't practice throughout the week because of an abdomen issue.
Fortunately, Josh Reynolds (groin) logged a full practice session on Friday, meaning he'll likely suit up. At the same time, Jameson Williams is anticipated to make his 2023 debut after missing time due to suspension, though he's expected to be eased back in with limited snaps.
Jahmyr Gibbs Injury Update
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (hamstring) is not expected to play in Sunday's matchup against the Panthers. The rookie ended up on the injury report on Friday because of a hamstring issue, so now fantasy managers are left wondering if he'll miss more time beyond Week 5.
At any rate, David Montgomery, coming off a three-touchdown performance versus the Packers in Week 4, should get plenty of work, considering Amon-Ra St. Brown (abdomen) is also anticipated to sit out on Sunday.
Jameson Williams Injury Update
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams is expected to have a limited role in Week 5 as he makes his season debut following a four-game suspension. The Lions officially listed Williams as questionable as he ramps back up to game speed, and while the second-year wideout will play, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero expects him to see roughly 20 snaps in the contest.
Even with Amon-Ra St. Brown (abdomen) unlikely to play, Williams isn't an immediate fantasy starter given his limited role. Fantasy managers looking to capitalize on St. Brown's absence would be best suited to add Josh Reynolds (groin) ahead of Sunday's kickoff.
Javonte Williams Injury Update
Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams (quadricep) will undergo a series of pre-game tests to determine whether he can play versus the New York Jets on Sunday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Williams is listed as questionable, and although he practiced in a full capacity on Friday, it's no guarantee that he plays in Week 5.
The 23-year-old exited last week's game early, giving way to Jaleel McLaughlin, who totaled 104 scrimmage yards and one touchdown on 10 opportunities. McLaughlin will have a role on Sunday regardless, but if Williams is inactive, the rookie could jump to the low-end RB2 range. We'll get official word on Williams' status at 2:55 p.m. ET.
Tee Higgins Injury Update
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (ribs) has been ruled out for Week 5 against the Arizona Cardinals. This move isn't all that surprising after the Bengals elevated WR Kwamie Lassiter II from the practice squad to the active roster earlier on Saturday.
Higgins has been dealing with a cracked rib and was hoping to play but the Bengals are going to play it safe with the fourth-year wide receiver. His absence should open up more targets for Ja'Marr Chase and Tyler Boyd in the Bengals' passing game.
Jonathan Taylor Injury Update
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) has been removed from the injury report after being activated from the PUP list earlier this week. That means all systems are a go for Taylor, who missed the first four weeks of the season with an ankle injury, to play in Week 5.
There's a good chance that the 24-year-old back could be on a snap count and he will likely share the Colts' backfield with Zack Moss, who has carried the load well in Taylor's absence. It's also a tough matchup against Tennessee's pass-funnel defense but if you have Taylor on your roster, he should be in your starting lineup on Sunday.
Saquon Barkley Injury Update
According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (ankle) isn't expected to return for Sunday's contest against the Dolphins. The 26-year-old suffered a high-ankle sprain in Week 2 and has been working his way back since. He was officially listed as questionable after logging limited practice sessions throughout the week.
However, it appears Barkley will miss another one, meaning Matt Breida should handle most of the touches. Unfortunately, Breida hasn't done much offensively since taking over. With the Giants down several starting offensive linemen, fantasy managers should stay far away from anyone in the Giants' backfield in Week 5.
Derek Carr Injury Update
New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (shoulder) is expected to suit up in Week 5 despite being listed as questionable. Furthermore, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport notes that the veteran signal-caller "is in a better place health-wise than last week." Rapoport is referring to a disappointing Week 4 in which Carr went 23-for-37 with 127 yards, zero touchdowns, and one fumble lost.
Carr was initially expected to be inactive for that game, but the Saints made a last-minute decision to have him play. Heading into Week 5, he is far more healthy and prepared, having participated in some capacity during every practice this past week. Carr and the Saints take on a Patriots defense that just lost its two biggest stars, Matthew Judon and Christian Gonzalez. Carr is an appealing option in two-quarterback fantasy leagues.
Aaron Jones Injury Update
Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones (hamstring) carries a questionable tag ahead of Monday's matchup with the Raiders. The 28-year-old began the season by scoring twice against the Chicago Bears. However, he's been bothered by a hamstring issue for much of the season, most recently logging 18 yards off five touches in the Week 4 loss to Detroit.
Jones was limited in practice during the week. But there's a good chance he'll suit up in Week 5. That said, fantasy managers may want to play it safe by keeping Jones out of their starting lineups, considering his official status might not be revealed until Monday.
Davante Adams Injury Update
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (shoulder) is questionable for Monday's meeting with the Packers. The wideout injured his shoulder during the Week 4 matchup versus the Chargers and missed practice on Thursday and Friday. Fortunately, he logged a limited session on Saturday, meaning there's a chance he'll be out there against his former club.
Adams is having another solid year, amassing 33 catches (50 targets) for 397 yards and three touchdowns, making him a must-start under normal circumstances. However, fantasy managers will be taking a risk by keeping Adams in their starting lineups, especially since his status likely won't be made official until Monday, well after nearly every team has played in Week 5.
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