Top Fantasy Football Injuries From Sunday: Justin Herbert, Matthew Stafford, Kenny Pickett, Tee Higgins, Mike Evans, more

The Week 4 NFL slate was another wild and entertaining one, but as always, there were key injuries all over the league. There are plenty of key fantasy football assets in this week's injury headlines. Our fantasy football injuries report highlights the banged-up players with fantasy significance and their early status heading into Week 5 as of Monday, October 2, 2023. This article focuses on players who suffered injuries on Sunday of Week 4 games.

Justin Herbert, Matthew Stafford, Kenny Pickett, Tee Higgins, Mike Evans, and more picked up injuries in Week 4.  It's too early to draw conclusions about Week 5 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.

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Justin Herbert Injury Update

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert played through a finger/hand injury in a Week 4 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Herbert didn't end up missing any snaps, but spent some time in the medical tent before coming back into the game with a splint on his non-throwing hand. In the game, he completed 13 of his 24 pass attempts for 167 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

The pick was his first of the season. Herbert was more effective on the ground, running the ball 12 times for 27 yards and scoring two touchdowns. The Bolts head into their bye week, which gives Herbert some extra time to recover from his injury.

Matthew Stafford Injury Update

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (hip) threw for 319 yards, one touchdown, and one interception off 27-for-40 passing during Sunday's win over the Colts. The signal-caller had a rough showing during the Week 3 loss to Cincinnati, so fantasy managers had to be pleased with his performance.

Unfortunately, Stafford suffered a hip injury in this one, although he reported he will be on the field for the Week 5 showdown with the Philadelphia Eagles. If he can't suit up, Brett Rypien would likely take over. However, a Stafford absence may not be an ideal scenario for the red-hot Puka Nacua and his fantasy production.

Kenny Pickett Injury Update

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (knee) will miss some time but it appears he's avoided a season-ending injury. Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports that an MRI showed no ACL injury to Pickett's knee. We'll have a better idea about Pickett's injury soon but expect Mitchell Trubisky to start in Week 5 against Baltimore. Following their tilt against the Ravens, the Steelers will have a bye week.

Pickett hasn't been good for fantasy managers this season and isn't on rosters in standard-sized redraft leagues. The Steelers' offense has been a disaster so far in 2023 and a new quarterback may not solve the problem.

Tee Higgins Injury Update

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (rib) was diagnosed with a rib fracture following Sunday's loss to the Tennessee Titans. The injury "could keep him off the field for a bit," per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Assuming Higgins misses extended time, Tyler Boyd would operate as the Bengals' No. 2 wide receiver behind Ja'Marr Chase.

Given the slow start that Cincinnati has endured, it'll be hard to trust Boyd in fantasy lineups even as he prepares for an increased role.

Mike Evans Injury Update

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) may not miss any time with what is believed to be a minor hamstring injury. The 30-year-old departed the game against New Orleans in the second quarter after snagging three catches for 40 yards.

The Buccaneers are on bye in Week 5 which gives Evans more time to heal. They'll face the Detroit Lions in Week 6. If he is still unable to play two weeks from now, Chris Godwin will play the role of No. 1 wide receiver. Trey Palmer and Deven Thompkins would also earn more snaps.

Javonte Williams Injury Update

Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams (hip) was ruled out of the Week 4 contest versus the Chicago Bears early.

He totaled nine yards on two rushes and three receptions before departing. Samaje Perine and Jaleel McLaughlin will round out the backfield if Williams has to miss time moving forward.

Pat Freiermuth Injury Update

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (hamstring) was ruled out of the Week 4 contest versus the Houston Texans early. He hauled in three of four targets for seven yards before departing.

We'll know more about his injury later in the week, but Rookie Darnell Washington should see more snaps over the duration of Freiermuth's absence. In this offense, that won't put him on the fantasy radar, though.

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