NFL Week 4 Fantasy Football Injury Report Friday RB

Bottom Line Up Front at RB

Seattle’s backfield is in crisis with both Jadarian Price and Zach Charbonnet out, pushing George Holani into lead-back usage. Arizona has lost both James Conner and Trey Benson to injured reserve, handing rookie Jeremiyah Love the full-time job. Pittsburgh (already in the books Thursday) got Rico Dowdle ruled out again, with Jaylen Warren fully cleared as the lead back.

This week’s RB report covers 17 players: 2 already played this week, 9 out, 3 questionable, 1 no final tag yet (monday-night clubs), 2 cleared / no game-status designation.

Who is on this report?

James Conner (ARI), Trey Benson (ARI), Ray Davis (BUF), Jonathon Brooks (CAR), Trevor Etienne (CAR), D’Andre Swift (CHI), Travis Etienne (NO), Breece Hall (NYJ), Jaylen Warren (PIT), Rico Dowdle (PIT), George Holani (SEA), Jadarian Price (SEA), Zach Charbonnet (SEA), Bucky Irving (TB), Tyjae Spears (TEN), Austin Ekeler (WAS), Rachaad White (WAS)

What changed since Week 3

DOWNGRADED: Breece Hall (NYJ) — Worsened/confirmed – he exited the Week 3 game vs. Detroit mid-contest with the injury and was already considered week-to-week; this week’s full DNP week and Out tag confirms he did not recover in time for Week 4
NEW: Bucky Irving (TB) — New injury since Week 3 (left that game briefly); was fully healthy and the clear starter entering Week 3
UPGRADED: D’Andre Swift (CHI) — New, short-lived story this week — flagged with a Thursday DNP for the first time, then cleared to full participation by Friday with no carryover concern from last week’s (Sept 25) report
NEW: Jadarian Price (SEA) — Newly downgraded this week — was Seattle’s rookie starting RB1 before this Wednesday aggravation; now ruled out
UPGRADED: Jaylen Warren (PIT) — Upgraded — was Questionable (shoulder) entering Week 3; no designation at all for Week 4
NEW: Rachaad White (WAS) — Newly out – was active as the Commanders’ RB2 in Week 3 behind Croskey-Merritt
UPGRADED: Zach Charbonnet (SEA) — Upgraded from PUP (no practice) to a return-to-practice designation this week, but still not cleared to play

Waiver wire: who gains if these names sit

If Breece Hall (NYJ) can’t go — Braelon Allen is the clear Week 4 beneficiary as the new lead back; Kene Nwangwu is a touchdown-dependent flyer in a complementary role
If Rico Dowdle (PIT) can’t go — Jaylen Warren is the clear every-down beneficiary while Dowdle is out; Eli Heidenreich is the deep handcuff if Warren were also lost
If Jaylen Warren (PIT) can’t go — N/A — he is the player benefiting from Dowdle’s absence; Eli Heidenreich would be next man up only if Warren himself were sidelined
If Rachaad White (WAS) can’t go — Jacory Croskey-Merritt is the clear beneficiary as the lead back; Austin Ekeler is the passing-down/handcuff option behind him
If Jonathon Brooks (CAR) can’t go — Chuba Hubbard remains the clear CAR1 back; AJ Dillon is the primary backup/handcuff while Brooks is out
If Trevor Etienne (CAR) can’t go — Minimal – AJ Dillon is already ahead of him on the depth chart
If Travis Etienne (NO) can’t go — Minimal – Alvin Kamara remains the clear lead back; Kendre Miller and CJ Donaldson are the relevant change-of-pace/handcuff options
If James Conner (ARI) can’t go — His IR stay keeps rookie Jeremiyah Love entrenched as Cardinals’ clear RB1; Tyler Allgeier is the primary backup/handcuff
If Trey Benson (ARI) can’t go — His absence has no direct Week 4 fantasy starter impact; it simply means Bam Knight is the RB3/practice-squad-adjacent option behind Love and Allgeier
If Jadarian Price (SEA) can’t go — George Holani is the primary fantasy beneficiary as the lead early-down/passing-down back in Price’s absence, with Emanuel Wilson in a complementary role
If Zach Charbonnet (SEA) can’t go — Not yet fantasy-startable; worth a bench stash in deeper leagues given his pass-catching role once healthy, but George Holani is the more immediate Week 4-5 add

How to read this report

Designations reflect Friday, October 2, 2026 final injury/practice reports where filed.
Cleveland (CLE) and Pittsburgh (PIT) already played their Week 4 game Thursday night, October 1 — their entries reflect that completed game, not an upcoming one.
Atlanta (ATL) and New Orleans (NO) play each other Monday night, October 5 — some of their tags may not be finalized until Saturday.
“No Final Tag Yet” means a real injury concern exists but the club hasn’t filed (or confirmed) an official Week 4 game-status designation as of this report.

Already Played This Week (2)

These players’ games were already decided by Thursday night, before this Friday report — included for full-week context and any waiver-wire fallout.

Jaylen Warren (PIT, RB1) — RESOLVED (a) Carried a shoulder injury/Questionable tag into Week 3 vs. Cincinnati; fully practiced and carries no game-status designation for Week 4, during which he played as Pittsburgh’s workhorse back in the Thursday loss at Cleveland.
Injury: Shoulder (Week 3 designation; no longer a concern) (since Week 3, 2026 (~Sept. 25-27)). Typical recovery: Minor shoulder strains typically clear within a week with a normal practice progression, consistent with what was observed here. Expected back: Already resolved — played through it and is fully cleared. Week 4 status: Played full workload Week 4 (game already completed). Next 4 games: Set up for a heavy workload (bellcow role, 17 carries/127 yards + receiving work in Week 3) as long as Dowdle remains sidelined. Fantasy impact: N/A — he is the player benefiting from Dowdle’s absence; Eli Heidenreich would be next man up only if Warren himself were sidelined
Rico Dowdle (PIT, RB2 (currently inactive)) — OUT (a) Toe injury suffered in the Week 2 game at New England (exited, briefly returned, then was sidelined). Missed Week 3 vs. Cincinnati and was a Did-Not-Practice all three days of Week 4 prep, officially ruled Out for Thursday night’s game at Cleveland (played Oct 1, final score Browns 27, Steelers 24).
Injury: Toe (turf-toe type sprain) (since Week 2, 2026 (Sept. 2026, at New England)). Typical recovery: Turf-toe sprains typically sideline a back 2-6 weeks; more severe grades can run 6-8+ weeks or require surgery. Expected back: Unclear; with zero practice reps logged across two full injury weeks, a realistic earliest return is Week 5-6. Week 4 status: Did not play Week 4 (already final); trending toward missing additional time. Next 4 games: Likely sidelined for at least the next 1-2 games; even on return, expect a timeshare/complementary role behind Warren rather than an immediate workload surge. Fantasy impact: Jaylen Warren is the clear every-down beneficiary while Dowdle is out; Eli Heidenreich is the deep handcuff if Warren were also lost

Out (9)

Ruled out, on injured reserve, PUP, exempt, or suspended — not expected to play Week 4.

James Conner (ARI, RB (was lead back; currently IR behind rookie RB1 Jeremiyah Love)) — RESERVE-INJURED(c) On the Cardinals’ injured reserve list; coach Mike LaFleur says Conner is nearing eligibility to return to practice after sitting out four games, but no specific injury type, injury date, or target game was confirmed in available team reporting.
Injury: unknown (specific body part not disclosed in available team reporting) (since Week N (prior to Week 4; exact date not disclosed)). Typical recovery: unknown. Expected back: Eligible to return to practice around Week 4-5 per team comments; no confirmed return game. Week 4 status: Not expected to play Week 4 vs NYG (on IR). Next 4 games: Remains on IR; team has signaled he is trending toward an eventual practice window opening, but no game is confirmed for his return within the next 4 weeks. Fantasy impact: His IR stay keeps rookie Jeremiyah Love entrenched as Cardinals’ clear RB1; Tyler Allgeier is the primary backup/handcuff
Trey Benson (ARI, RB (depth/handcuff, behind Jeremiyah Love and Tyler Allgeier)) — RESERVE-INJURED(c) Listed on Cardinals’ injured reserve on the team’s current depth chart; no further team reporting found detailing injury type or timeline.
Injury: unknown (since Week N (prior to Week 4; exact date not disclosed)). Typical recovery: unknown. Expected back: unknown. Week 4 status: Not expected to play Week 4 vs NYG (on IR). Next 4 games: No team reporting found projecting a return within this window; treat as out indefinitely until further news. Fantasy impact: His absence has no direct Week 4 fantasy starter impact; it simply means Bam Knight is the RB3/practice-squad-adjacent option behind Love and Allgeier
Jonathon Brooks (CAR, RB2 behind Chuba Hubbard – currently unavailable) — RESERVE-INJURED (c) Abdomen injury; on injured reserve, not eligible to play Week 4 vs. Detroit.
Injury: Abdomen/core (since Week 3, 2026 (approximate)). Typical recovery: Core-muscle/abdomen strains typically cost 3-6 weeks. Expected back: Approx. Week 9 (~Nov 8, 2026) per CBS Sports. Week 4 status: Out (IR) for Week 4 and several more weeks. Next 4 games: Not expected back within the next 4 games. Fantasy impact: Chuba Hubbard remains the clear CAR1 back; AJ Dillon is the primary backup/handcuff while Brooks is out
Trevor Etienne (CAR, Deep-bench RB (RB4) – currently unavailable) — RESERVE-INJURED (c) Ankle injury; on injured reserve, not eligible to play Week 4 vs. Detroit.
Injury: Ankle (since Week 2, 2026 (approximate)). Typical recovery: Ankle sprains of this severity typically cost 3-6 weeks. Expected back: Approx. Week 6 (~Oct 18, 2026) per CBS Sports. Week 4 status: Out (IR) for Week 4. Next 4 games: Could return near the end of the 4-game window. Fantasy impact: Minimal – AJ Dillon is already ahead of him on the depth chart
Travis Etienne (NO, Depth RB behind Alvin Kamara, Kendre Miller, and CJ Donaldson – currently unavailable) — RESERVE-INJURED (c) Hamstring injury; on injured reserve, not eligible to play Week 4.
Injury: Hamstring (since Week 2-3, 2026 (approximate)). Typical recovery: Hamstring strains of this severity typically cost 4-8 weeks. Expected back: Approx. Week 9 (~Nov 8, 2026) per CBS Sports. Week 4 status: Out (IR) for Week 4 and several more weeks. Next 4 games: Not expected back within the next 4 games. Fantasy impact: Minimal – Alvin Kamara remains the clear lead back; Kendre Miller and CJ Donaldson are the relevant change-of-pace/handcuff options
Breece Hall (NYJ, RB1 (lead back)) — OUT (a) Quadriceps strain suffered in the Week 3 loss to Detroit; did not practice all week and was ruled out for Week 4 vs. the Bears. Suspected by fantasy analysts as a grade 1-2 quad strain pending full team confirmation.
Injury: Quadriceps strain (thigh) (since Week 3, 2026 (in-game injury vs. Detroit Lions, reported Sept 28, 2026)). Typical recovery: Grade 1 quad strains typically sideline a player 2-4 weeks; grade 2 strains can run 4-6 weeks. Expected back: Uncertain; outside reporting at the time of his injury pegged him as a 3-6 week recovery, which would put a realistic return around mid-to-late October 2026 (Week 6-7) pending a formal team update. Week 4 status: Will not play Week 4 vs. Chicago. Next 4 games: Expect him sidelined multiple weeks; Braelon Allen takes over as the Jets’ early-down/lead back in the interim with Kene Nwangwu in a passing-down role. Re-check the injury report weekly before trusting a firm return week. Fantasy impact: Braelon Allen is the clear Week 4 beneficiary as the new lead back; Kene Nwangwu is a touchdown-dependent flyer in a complementary role
Jadarian Price (SEA, RB1) — OUT(a) Officially ruled out for Week 4 vs. the Chargers after aggravating a chest injury during Wednesday practice.
Injury: Chest (aggravation of an injury originally suffered in Week 2 vs. Arizona) (since Originally Week 2 2026 (vs. Cardinals); re-aggravated in Week 4 practice). Typical recovery: Unknown — HC Mike Macdonald said he does not yet know how long Price will be out. Expected back: Unknown; week-to-week per the coaching staff. Week 4 status: Out for Week 4; next-week status unclear. Next 4 games: Likely to miss at least this week and possibly more; George Holani and Emanuel Wilson (and potentially a practice-squad elevation of Velus Jones Jr.) absorb his touches in the meantime. Fantasy impact: George Holani is the primary fantasy beneficiary as the lead early-down/passing-down back in Price’s absence, with Emanuel Wilson in a complementary role
Zach Charbonnet (SEA, RB2 (returning from PUP)) — OUT(a) Still working back from a torn ACL suffered in the playoffs; officially not eligible to return to game action until at least next week (Week 5) despite being activated to practice.
Injury: Knee (torn ACL, from the prior postseason) (since Prior-season playoffs (ACL tear); opened 2026 training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list). Typical recovery: ACL reconstruction typically 9-12 months. Expected back: Earliest possible return is Week 5. Week 4 status: Out for Week 4; eligible to be activated as soon as Week 5. Next 4 games: Expect a worked-back-in role (likely a pass-catching/change-of-pace role) once activated, with George Holani holding the early-down work until Charbonnet is fully up to speed. Fantasy impact: Not yet fantasy-startable; worth a bench stash in deeper leagues given his pass-catching role once healthy, but George Holani is the more immediate Week 4-5 add
Rachaad White (WAS, RB2) — OUT (a) Shoulder injury; did not practice all week and was ruled out for the Colts game.
Injury: Shoulder (since Injury flagged in practice ahead of Week 4 (late Sept/early Oct 2026)). Typical recovery: A shoulder sprain/AC joint issue typically costs 1-4 weeks depending on severity. Expected back: Unclear – week-to-week; no firm return date reported. Week 4 status: Out for Week 4. Next 4 games: If the shoulder lingers, Croskey-Merritt keeps the lead-back role with Ekeler as the primary change-of-pace/passing-down piece. Fantasy impact: Jacory Croskey-Merritt is the clear beneficiary as the lead back; Austin Ekeler is the passing-down/handcuff option behind him

Questionable (3)

Game-time decisions as of Friday’s final report — trust your waiver wire just in case.

Ray Davis (BUF, RB3 (backup/change-of-pace)) — QUESTIONABLE (a) Hamstring injury; limited in practice this week ahead of Sunday’s home game vs. New England.
Injury: Hamstring (since Week 4, 2026 (exact onset date not specified in sources checked)). Typical recovery: Hamstring strains vary widely, typically 1-6 weeks depending on grade; a player still logging limited practice reps is usually on the milder end. Expected back: Game-time decision for Week 4; full clearance timeline not specified in sources checked. Week 4 status: Questionable for Week 4 vs. New England; expected to be a game-time call. Next 4 games: Pure James Cook III handcuff with minimal standalone value; his fantasy relevance is tied entirely to Cook’s own health, not his own hamstring, as long as he’s eventually active. Fantasy impact: If he’s out, Ty Johnson is next in line for change-of-pace/passing-down backfield touches behind James Cook III
Bucky Irving (TB, RB1 (starter)) — QUESTIONABLE (a) Lower-body injury (described variously in reporting as glute/hamstring); limited participant Wednesday and Thursday, carries a Week 4 Questionable tag per CBS Sports’ Friday tracker.
Injury: Lower body (glute/hamstring area) (since Week 3, 2026 (~Sept 27, 2026 – left the Week 3 game briefly)). Typical recovery: Soft-tissue glute/hamstring strains typically cost 1-3 weeks depending on grade. Expected back: Game-time decision for Week 4; no missed-time return date needed if he plays. Week 4 status: Questionable – game-time decision for Week 4 vs. Green Bay. Next 4 games: If he plays through it, expect a normal workload as the clear TB1 back; any setback would open touches to Kenny Gainwell. Fantasy impact: If Irving sits, Kenny Gainwell is the next man up with Sean Tucker as the deeper option
Tyjae Spears (TEN, RB2 / passing-down back behind Tony Pollard) — QUESTIONABLE (a) Ankle injury listed on the Week 4 report; practiced fully on Friday.
Injury: Ankle (since Week 4 (exact date of injury not specified in current reporting)). Typical recovery: Ankle sprains typically cost 1-3 weeks depending on severity; full practice participation suggests a mild issue. Expected back: Week 4 (October 4, 2026) vs. Baltimore Ravens. Week 4 status: Questionable, but full Friday practice points toward playing. Next 4 games: Expected to continue in his passing-down/change-of-pace role behind Tony Pollard if he clears this tag. Fantasy impact: If he sits, Julius Chestnut and Nicholas Singleton would see the change-of-pace/passing-down backfield work behind Pollard

No Final Tag Yet (Monday-Night Clubs) (1)

Carries a real injury concern, but the club hasn’t filed (or confirmed) its final Week 4 tag yet — check back Saturday.

George Holani (SEA, RB2, elevated to lead-back duties this week) — QUESTIONABLE(b) Carries a rib injury on the practice report (Limited both Wed and Thu) but no confirmed final Friday designation was found; team reporting describes him as the back who will “carry the load” with Price out, implying he is expected to play.
Injury: Rib (since Week N (prior to Week 4; exact date not disclosed)). Typical recovery: Rib soreness typically does not require missed time absent a fracture. Expected back: Expected to play Week 4 despite the rib notation. Week 4 status: Expected to play and lead Seattle’s backfield Week 4. Next 4 games: Primary early-down back as long as Price (out) and Charbonnet (out, not eligible until Week 5) remain sidelined. Fantasy impact: Direct beneficiary of Jadarian Price’s absence — worth a flex/streaming start and a priority waiver add in Week 4

Cleared / No Game-Status Designation (2)

Managing something, but carries no game-status designation and is expected to play.

D’Andre Swift (CHI, RB1 (starter)) — NO GAME-STATUS DESIGNATION (b) — missed Thursday’s practice with a knee issue but returned to full practice Friday and carries no injury designation for Week 4.
Injury: Knee soreness (no structural diagnosis reported) (since This week, late Sept/early Oct 2026, during Week 4 practice prep). Typical recovery: N/A — resolved within the same practice week, no missed game time. Expected back: Already cleared; no missed time. Week 4 status: Expected to play and start Week 4 vs. New York Jets. Next 4 games: No missed time currently expected; worth a quick pregame check given the midweek DNP, but he practiced fully Friday. Fantasy impact: No real handcuff action needed since Swift is cleared; Kyle Monangai is the next man up at RB if Swift were to be a late scratch
Austin Ekeler (WAS, RB3 (temporarily elevated passing-down role with White out)) — RESOLVED (a) No current injury designation; mentioned here only because he is working back into a larger committee role this week with Rachaad White (shoulder) out. Fully recovered from an Achilles tear suffered during the 2025 season.
Injury: N/A currently (previously: Achilles tendon, 2025 season – fully recovered) (since N/A for any current injury). Typical recovery: N/A. Expected back: N/A – already active. Week 4 status: Expected to play and see increased work Week 4 with White out. Next 4 games: Role likely expands in the passing game/change-of-pace while White is sidelined. Fantasy impact: Streamable flex/PPR option this week as the pass-catching back behind Croskey-Merritt with White out

Sourcing: NFL.com official injury reports, team-issued injury reports, Ourlads depth charts, and beat-reporter coverage, as of Friday, October 2, 2026.