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Bottom Line Up Front at WR Washington’s Stefon Diggs (hamstring) and Las Vegas’ Jalen Nailor (concussion) are both newly out. Justin Jefferson (MIN, ankle) is a real upgrade this week, trending toward playing after missing Week 4. Cincinnati has a scare with both Ja’Marr Chase (concussion) and Tee Higgins (groin) questionable, and DeVonta Smith (PHI, …

NFL Week 5 Fantasy Football Injury Report Friday WR first appeared on Game On Media.

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Bottom Line Up Front at WR

Washington’s Stefon Diggs (hamstring) and Las Vegas’ Jalen Nailor (concussion) are both newly out. Justin Jefferson (MIN, ankle) is a real upgrade this week, trending toward playing after missing Week 4. Cincinnati has a scare with both Ja’Marr Chase (concussion) and Tee Higgins (groin) questionable, and DeVonta Smith (PHI, hamstring) sits out a second straight game.

This week’s WR report covers 44 players: 4 already played this week, 18 out, 11 questionable, 6 no final tag yet (monday-night clubs), 5 cleared / no game-status designation.

Who is on this report?

Chris Moore (BAL), Zay Flowers (BAL), DJ Moore (BUF), Keon Coleman (BUF), Chris Brazzell II (CAR), Jalen Coker (CAR), Xavier Legette (CAR), Colbie Young (CIN), Ja’Marr Chase (CIN), Tee Higgins (CIN), Tylan Wallace (CLE), CeeDee Lamb (DAL), Jonathan Mingo (DAL), Jayden Reed (GB), Jayden Higgins (HOU), Nico Collins (HOU), Tank Dell (HOU), Ashton Dulin (IND), Darius Slayton (IND), Keenan Allen (IND), Jakobi Meyers (JAX), Brenen Thompson (LAC), Ladd McConkey (LAC), Dont’e Thornton Jr. (LV), Jalen Nailor (LV), Caleb Douglas (MIA), Jordan Addison (MIN), Justin Jefferson (MIN), Mack Hollins (NE), Barion Brown (NO), Malik Nabers (NYG), Adonai Mitchell (NYJ), Tim Patrick (NYJ), DeVonta Smith (PHI), Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown (PHI), Michael Pittman Jr. (PIT), Brandon Aiyuk (SF), Mike Evans (SF), Ricky Pearsall (SF), Chris Godwin Jr. (TB), Jalen McMillan (TB), Carnell Tate (TEN), Stefon Diggs (WAS), Terry McLaurin (WAS)

What changed since Week 4

  • NEW: Ashton Dulin (IND) — Worsened/changed – downgraded from Questionable (ankle) last week to Out (hamstring) this week, suggesting either a new injury or a complication
  • UPGRADED: Barion Brown (NO) — Improved – was Questionable (hamstring) heading into Week 4’s Monday-night game; has progressed to full practice participation this week while keeping a precautionary Questionable tag.
  • NEW: Carnell Tate (TEN) — New injury – he did not appear on last week’s (Oct 2) report
  • NEW: CeeDee Lamb (DAL) — Newly appeared on the report (thigh) but with zero practice restriction — essentially a non-issue compared to last week’s clean report.
  • UPGRADED: Chris Moore (BAL) — Upgraded/cleared — was QUESTIONABLE (ankle) on last week’s report, now off the injury report entirely
  • UPGRADED: Colbie Young (CIN) — Upgraded — was OUT (knee) for Week 4, now QUESTIONABLE for Week 5
  • DOWNGRADED: DJ Moore (BUF) — Worsened mid-week then trending — he was managing the same shoulder with a limited/questionable tag in prior weeks, then re-aggravated it badly enough to be ruled out of the rest of the Week 4 game against New England
  • NEW: Darius Slayton (IND) — New injury – he did not appear on last week’s report at all
  • NEW: Dont’e Thornton Jr. (LV) — Newly appearing on this week’s report as he begins practicing off IR; was not on last week’s (Oct 2) report
  • NEW: Ja’Marr Chase (CIN) — NEW since last week’s report — Chase was not listed in Week 4 and had no designation; he entered concussion protocol this week
  • NEW: Jakobi Meyers (JAX) — New appearance on the injury report – Jacksonville had zero players logged last week – but it carries no designation and no practice limitation
  • UPGRADED: Jalen Coker (CAR) — Upgraded/resolved – was Questionable (quadriceps) in Week 4; now healthy and starting per the current depth chart.
  • NEW: Jalen Nailor (LV) — Newly injured/newly listed — Nailor did not appear on last week’s (Oct 2) injury report at all
  • NEW: Jonathan Mingo (DAL) — Newly appeared — DAL had zero injuries logged on last week’s report; Mingo is a new addition to this week’s list.
  • NEW: Jordan Addison (MIN) — Newly injured – did not appear on last week’s report at all
  • UPGRADED: Justin Jefferson (MIN) — Upgraded – he was OUT all of last week (Week 4 vs. Dolphins); this week he practiced in a limited capacity all three days and carries a Questionable tag, a clear improvement
  • NEW: Mack Hollins (NE) — Newly injured/newly listed — was not on last week’s (Oct 2) report
  • NEW: Malik Nabers (NYG) — Newly appeared on the injury report this week (wasn’t listed last week); trended from DNP Wednesday to full practice by Friday.
  • UPGRADED: Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown (PHI) — Continuing absence — same ankle injury that had him OUT last week (Week 4), with no confirmed upgrade this week either.
  • DOWNGRADED: Michael Pittman Jr. (PIT) — NEW/worsened this week — not a Week 4 division storyline; now officially ruled OUT for Week 5
  • NEW: Stefon Diggs (WAS) — Newly appeared on the injury report — Diggs (signed by WAS in August 2026) was not flagged in last week’s Week 4 report at all; now fully OUT with a hamstring issue.
  • NEW: Tank Dell (HOU) — New to the report – he was not mentioned in last week’s (Oct 2) report. This is a newly-developing story as his practice window opened Oct. 7, 2026
  • NEW: Tee Higgins (CIN) — NEW since last week — Higgins had no designation on the Week 4 report
  • DOWNGRADED: Xavier Legette (CAR) — Clarified/worsened on paper – Week 4’s report had him simply ‘Out’ with a knee injury; he has since been formally placed on IR (Oct. 3) with a ~Nov. 8 target return.

Waiver wire: who gains if these names sit

  • If Adonai Mitchell (NYJ) can’t go — Malik McClain and Isaiah Williams see expanded target share in his absence, with Garrett Wilson absorbing the top role
  • If Tim Patrick (NYJ) can’t go — Deep-league stash only; worth monitoring given Adonai Mitchell’s continued absence, but no immediate fantasy relevance until activated
  • If Mack Hollins (NE) can’t go — Kyle Williams, DeMario Douglas, and Efton Chism III absorb added snaps and targets in his absence
  • If Tylan Wallace (CLE) can’t go — Malachi Corley, Isaiah Bond, and KC Concepcion see modestly increased snaps in his absence, though the overall fantasy ripple is small given Wallace’s own low target volume
  • If Michael Pittman Jr. (PIT) can’t go — Roman Wilson, Ben Skowronek, and Germie Bernard see increased snaps/targets in his absence
  • If Tank Dell (HOU) can’t go — No Week 5 fantasy impact. If/when activated, watch for reduced slot/rotational snaps for Jaylin Noel and Bryce Oliver
  • If Jayden Higgins (HOU) can’t go — His absence continues to open rotational snaps/targets for Bryce Oliver and Jaylin Noel
  • If Ashton Dulin (IND) can’t go — Minimal standalone value; his absence mainly means Keenan Allen (if active) and Josh Downs handle a larger snap share
  • If Jalen Nailor (LV) can’t go — With Nailor out, expect increased offensive snaps and target share for Tre Tucker and Cody White, with Malik Benson also in line for a bump in offensive role
  • If Dont’e Thornton Jr. (LV) can’t go — Minimal — a deep-bench/dynasty-stash name only; his activation would not meaningfully change the touch distribution among Nailor/Tucker/White/Benson/Young
  • If Brenen Thompson (LAC) can’t go — Negligible — his absence does not materially change the target distribution among Johnston/Harris/McConkey/Valdes-Scantling
  • If Stefon Diggs (WAS) can’t go — If he sits, McLaurin, Burks, and Dyami Brown each see a target-share bump, with Burks the likeliest snap-count beneficiary in the slot.
  • If DeVonta Smith (PHI) can’t go — With Smith out, Makai Lemon, Elijah Moore, and a healthy Dallas Goedert (if active) see added target share in the London game.
  • If Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown (PHI) can’t go — His continued absence keeps elevating Dontayvion Wicks and Makai Lemon’s snap and target share.
  • If Jonathan Mingo (DAL) can’t go — If he’s limited or sits, Ryan Flournoy and KaVontae Turpin are next in line for snaps, though George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb remain the primary beneficiaries of any added target volume.
  • If CeeDee Lamb (DAL) can’t go — N/A — not a real injury concern; no snap-share change expected for Pickens, Mingo, or the rest of the WR room.
  • If Jayden Reed (GB) can’t go — Matthew Golden, Christian Watson, Skyy Moore and J. Michael Sturdivant absorb his snaps and targets; drop/stash only in deep dynasty formats
  • If Jalen McMillan (TB) can’t go — Benefits Emeka Egbuka, Chris Godwin Jr., Tez Johnson and Tez Hurst III for target share while McMillan remains out.
  • If Chris Godwin Jr. (TB) can’t go — His continued health caps Kameron Johnson’s snaps/targets in the slot.
  • If Xavier Legette (CAR) can’t go — Benefits Jalen Coker, Tetairoa McMillan, and David Moore for target share in Carolina’s passing game.
  • If Chris Brazzell II (CAR) can’t go — Minimal direct fantasy relevance; depth-chart vacancy is filled internally by Moore/Metchie/Tremayne.
  • If Brandon Aiyuk (SF) can’t go — No impact on current snap/target distribution; already fully replaced by Deebo Samuel Sr., Mike Evans, De’Zhaun Stribling, and Jacob Cowing

How to read this report

  • Designations reflect Friday, October 9, 2026 final injury/practice reports where filed.
  • Dallas (DAL) and Tampa Bay (TB) already played their Week 5 game Thursday night, October 8 — their entries reflect that completed game, not an upcoming one.
  • Buffalo (BUF) and the L.A. Rams (LAR) play each other Monday night, October 12 — some of their tags may not be finalized until Saturday.
  • Kansas City (KC) and Carolina (CAR) are on their Week 5 bye — no new injury report this week for either team.
  • “No Final Tag Yet” means a real injury concern exists but the club hasn’t filed (or confirmed) an official Week 5 game-status designation as of this report.

Already Played This Week (4)

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

  • CeeDee Lamb (DAL, WR1 (RWR1, primary alpha target despite Ourlads’ LWR/RWR slotting)) — NO GAME-STATUS DESIGNATION (a) Thigh; full practice (FP/FP/FP) all three days (Mon/Tue/Wed) on the official report — no game-status tag. Game already took place Thursday 10/8.
    Injury: Thigh (since Surfaced in Week 5 practice window (week of 10/5-10/7/2026)). Typical recovery: Minor/managed — full practice participation all week suggests no real time-loss risk. Expected back: Already available; played Thursday 10/8. Week 5 status: Played Week 5 (Thursday 10/8 vs. Tampa Bay); no restriction expected. Next 4 games: No change expected — remains the clear top target in the Dallas passing game. Fantasy impact: N/A — not a real injury concern; no snap-share change expected for Pickens, Mingo, or the rest of the WR room.
  • Jonathan Mingo (DAL, WR4 (RWR2, backup to CeeDee Lamb)) — QUESTIONABLE (a) Injury type not specified in the official report; listed as DNP on Wednesday 10/7 (the last practice day before Thursday’s game) with a Questionable tag. Game already took place Thursday 10/8 (DAL lost 24-16 to Tampa Bay) before this Friday reporting cycle.
    Injury: Not specified in available official report (since Surfaced in Week 5 practice window (week of 10/5-10/7/2026)). Typical recovery: Unknown — injury type not specified. Expected back: Unknown; game already played Thursday 10/8. Week 5 status: Game already played (Thursday 10/8 vs. Tampa Bay); his in-game availability/snap count not confirmed in available sourcing. Next 4 games: Monitor next week’s (Week 6) injury report for a clearer read on severity. Fantasy impact: If he’s limited or sits, Ryan Flournoy and KaVontae Turpin are next in line for snaps, though George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb remain the primary beneficiaries of any added target volume.
  • Chris Godwin Jr. (TB, SWR1 (slot starter)) — RESOLVED (a) Not on the injury report; full starter at slot receiver.
    Injury: None currently active (prior ankle injury resolved) (since N/A – resolved). Typical recovery: N/A. Expected back: Already active. Week 5 status: Expected to play Week 5 vs. Dallas. Next 4 games: No injury concern; projects as the full-time slot starter.. Fantasy impact: His continued health caps Kameron Johnson’s snaps/targets in the slot.
  • Jalen McMillan (TB, Was WR2 (outside) before injury; off the depth chart while on IR) — RESERVE-INJURED (c) Remains on injured reserve (knee/PCL sprain); not present on the current offensive depth chart or the Week 5 injury report (players on IR are not carried on the weekly report).
    Injury: Knee – PCL sprain (since Prior to Week 4 (exact date not confirmed this session)). Typical recovery: PCL sprain typically 4-8 weeks depending on grade. Expected back: Not confirmed; minimum IR window means earliest eligibility is roughly 4 games after placement – specific return date not found. Week 5 status: Will not play Week 5. Next 4 games: Likely out for at least the next several weeks; monitor practice-window designation reports for an activation window.. Fantasy impact: Benefits Emeka Egbuka, Chris Godwin Jr., Tez Johnson and Tez Hurst III for target share while McMillan remains out.

Out (18)

Ruled out, on injured reserve, PUP, exempt, or suspended — not expected to play Week 5.

  • Chris Brazzell II (CAR, Was a depth/special-teams WR; off the depth chart while on IR) — RESERVE-INJURED (c) Remains on injured reserve with a knee injury; not on Carolina’s current WR depth chart. Carolina is on its Week 5 bye.
    Injury: Knee (since Not confirmed this session (already on IR entering Week 4)). Typical recovery: Variable for knee injuries; could be several weeks to a full-season designation depending on severity (not confirmed). Expected back: Not confirmed. Week 5 status: Out – on IR. Next 4 games: No confirmed timetable found this session; treat as out.. Fantasy impact: Minimal direct fantasy relevance; depth-chart vacancy is filled internally by Moore/Metchie/Tremayne.
  • Xavier Legette (CAR, Was the starting outside (left) WR1 before the injury; removed from the active depth chart while on IR) — RESERVE-INJURED (c) Placed on injured reserve October 3, 2026 with a knee injury; team’s estimated return date is November 8, 2026. Carolina is on its Week 5 bye, so no Week 5 practice/game report was filed for any Panther.
    Injury: Knee (reported variously across the summer/fall as a stinger, then an ankle/foot issue, then ultimately a knee injury requiring IR) (since IR placement confirmed October 3, 2026; original injury onset not pinned to a single date across conflicting reports). Typical recovery: Team’s own estimate implies roughly a 5-week absence. Expected back: November 8, 2026 (team estimate). Week 5 status: Out – Carolina is on bye Week 5; he will miss it regardless, and is projected out into November. Next 4 games: Expected to miss the bye plus several games afterward; re-evaluate as the Nov. 8 target approaches.. Fantasy impact: Benefits Jalen Coker, Tetairoa McMillan, and David Moore for target share in Carolina’s passing game.
  • Tylan Wallace (CLE, WR2 (RWR backup behind Jerry Jeudy)) — OUT (a) Knee injury; did not practice all week, ruled out for a second straight game.
    Injury: Knee (since First appeared on the injury report ahead of Week 4 (ruled out Sept. 30, 2026 for the Thursday Night Football game vs. Pittsburgh)). Typical recovery: Soft-tissue/minor structural knee injuries of this type commonly take 2-4 weeks; no IR move or report of structural damage has surfaced. Expected back: Unclear; has now missed back-to-back games (Weeks 4 and 5) with no firm return date given. Week 5 status: Out vs. N.Y. Jets in Week 5. Next 4 games: Needs to show practice progression before returning; risk of the absence extending into Week 6 or beyond. Fantasy impact: Malachi Corley, Isaiah Bond, and KC Concepcion see modestly increased snaps in his absence, though the overall fantasy ripple is small given Wallace’s own low target volume
  • Jayden Reed (GB, Was a WR2/3 (slot) option; now off Green Bay’s active depth chart entirely) — RESERVE-INJURED (c) Season-ending neck injury; underwent surgery and head coach Matt LaFleur has confirmed he will not return in 2026.
    Injury: Neck (surgically repaired) (since Late September 2026 (exited a game vs. the Jets and was placed on IR shortly after)). Typical recovery: Season-ending; full recovery timeline extends into the 2027 offseason. Expected back: Not expected to return in 2026. Week 5 status: Out (IR) for Week 5 and remainder of season. Next 4 games: Out for all remaining games this season. Fantasy impact: Matthew Golden, Christian Watson, Skyy Moore and J. Michael Sturdivant absorb his snaps and targets; drop/stash only in deep dynasty formats
  • Jayden Higgins (HOU, Not on the active depth chart (on IR); had been competing for a rotational WR role) — RESERVE-INJURED (c) Season-ending ACL tear; remains on Injured Reserve for the rest of the 2026 season.
    Injury: ACL tear (knee) (since Reported in the Week 4 (Oct. 2) report cycle). Typical recovery: ACL reconstruction typically 9-12 months. Expected back: Not expected back during the 2026 season. Week 5 status: Out – season-ending. Next 4 games: Out for the remainder of the season. Fantasy impact: His absence continues to open rotational snaps/targets for Bryce Oliver and Jaylin Noel
  • Tank Dell (HOU, Not on the current active-roster depth chart (on Reserve/Injured); would project as WR4/5 if and when activated) — RESERVE-INJURED (c) On the Reserve/Injured list since Sept. 1, 2026 (season-opening roster cuts); 21-day practice window opened Oct. 7, 2026, and the team’s own Week 5 report also tags him Out for Sunday while that window plays out.
    Injury: Knee (long-term recovery from a dislocated knee/torn ACL originally suffered in Dec. 2024; missed all of 2025) (since Original injury Dec. 2024; placed on 2026 season-opening IR Sept. 1, 2026; practice window opened Oct. 7, 2026). Typical recovery: ACL/knee dislocation reconstructions typically run 9-12 months; he is now well past a year out and in the final supervised-return phase. Expected back: Unconfirmed; Texans have until roughly Oct. 28, 2026 (21-day window) to activate him or he stays on IR for the season. Week 5 status: Not expected to play Week 5 vs. Tennessee; beat reporters explicitly said not to plan on using him this week. Next 4 games: Monitor practice window closely over the next 2-3 weeks; if activated, immediate role/snap count behind Collins-Boutte-Hutchinson is unclear and worth a wait-and-see approach. Fantasy impact: No Week 5 fantasy impact. If/when activated, watch for reduced slot/rotational snaps for Jaylin Noel and Bryce Oliver
  • Ashton Dulin (IND, WR backup (RWR2)) — OUT (a) Hamstring; did not practice all week.
    Injury: Hamstring (since Not specified in available sources; appears to be a new or compounding issue – last week’s (Oct 2) report had him Questionable with an ankle injury, not a hamstring). Typical recovery: Hamstring strains typically 1-3+ weeks depending on severity. Expected back: Uncertain; a full week of DNP raises risk of a multi-week absence or an IR move if it lingers. Week 5 status: Out for Week 5. Next 4 games: Monitor closely; a full-week DNP with no limited work is a yellow flag for a longer absence. Fantasy impact: Minimal standalone value; his absence mainly means Keenan Allen (if active) and Josh Downs handle a larger snap share
  • Brenen Thompson (LAC, Depth WR, outside the top-4 rotation) — OUT (b) Quadriceps injury; this is the Chargers’ last independently-confirmed designation, from the Week 4 (Oct 2) Friday report (no practice reps logged all week). This session could not independently re-verify the Chargers’ Week 5 (Oct 9) Friday tag via available sources — treat this as a carryover pending official confirmation, not a verified current-week status.
    Injury: Quadriceps (since Not specified; was already on the injury report as of the Oct 2 (Week 4) report). Typical recovery: Quad strains typically require 2-4 weeks depending on grade. Expected back: Uncertain — last known status (Week 4) was Out with zero practice reps, suggesting he is still some time away. Week 5 status: Unconfirmed for Week 5 (Oct 11 vs Denver); last known status (Week 4) was Out. Next 4 games: Minimal standalone fantasy relevance even when healthy — a depth/special-teams WR, not a primary target source. Fantasy impact: Negligible — his absence does not materially change the target distribution among Johnston/Harris/McConkey/Valdes-Scantling
  • Dont’e Thornton Jr. (LV, Depth/developmental WR, outside the current top-5 WR rotation) — RESERVE-INJURED (c) Hamstring; on the Reserve/Injured list and was a full practice participant all three days this week (Wed/Thu/Fri) as part of his 21-day practice window, but remains Out for Week 5 because he has not yet been activated to the 53-man roster.
    Injury: Hamstring (since Not specified; placed on Reserve/Injured prior to this report). Typical recovery: Hamstring strains typically require 2-6 weeks depending on grade; he is clearly far enough along to practice fully. Expected back: Likely close — full practice participation suggests the Raiders could activate him off IR as soon as Week 6 (Oct 18) or shortly after, pending the roster move. Week 5 status: Out for Week 5 (not yet activated from Reserve/Injured). Next 4 games: Candidate for activation within the next 1-2 weeks given full practice participation; minimal standalone fantasy value even once active given the depth chart in front of him. Fantasy impact: Minimal — a deep-bench/dynasty-stash name only; his activation would not meaningfully change the touch distribution among Nailor/Tucker/White/Benson/Young
  • Jalen Nailor (LV, WR1 (left WR) in the current Ourlads ordering) — OUT (a) Concussion; did not practice all week (Wed/Thu/Fri) and was ruled Out on the Raiders’ official Friday (Oct 9) final injury report for Week 5.
    Injury: Concussion (in the NFL concussion protocol) (since Not specified in available reporting). Typical recovery: Concussion protocol has no fixed timetable; players typically clear the 5-step return-to-play protocol in anywhere from under a week to several weeks depending on symptom resolution. Expected back: Uncertain; week-to-week while in protocol — earliest realistic return is Week 6 (Oct 18 vs Chiefs) if he clears all steps in practice next week. Week 5 status: Out for Week 5 (Sun Oct 11 at New England). Next 4 games: Must clear the full concussion protocol before returning; treat as week-to-week until he logs full practice participation. Fantasy impact: With Nailor out, expect increased offensive snaps and target share for Tre Tucker and Cody White, with Malik Benson also in line for a bump in offensive role
  • Mack Hollins (NE, RWR1 (starter)) — OUT (a) Official Friday, Oct 9, 2026 final designation from the Patriots’ own Week 5 injury report (calf); did not practice all week
    Injury: Calf injury (since Not specified in the official report). Typical recovery: Calf strains severe enough to prevent any practice all week typically run 2-4+ weeks. Expected back: Uncertain; likely to miss at least this week and possibly longer given the complete lack of practice participation. Week 5 status: Out for Sunday’s game vs. the Raiders. Next 4 games: Risk of missing multiple games given a full week of no practice. Fantasy impact: Kyle Williams, DeMario Douglas, and Efton Chism III absorb added snaps and targets in his absence
  • Adonai Mitchell (NYJ, LWR1 (starter) when healthy) — OUT (b) Did not practice Wednesday (finger); official Friday final tag not independently confirmed, but consistent with a continued absence after missing the last two games
    Injury: Finger injury (not described as broken by coach Aaron Glenn, exact nature undisclosed) (since Late September 2026, suffered in practice (exact date not specified in sources)). Typical recovery: Non-fracture finger injuries of this type typically run 1-3 weeks, though the Jets have not given a firm return window. Expected back: Uncertain; described as week-to-week. Week 5 status: Expected to miss a third straight game Sunday vs. Cleveland. Next 4 games: Week-to-week; no confirmed return timeline given. Fantasy impact: Malik McClain and Isaiah Williams see expanded target share in his absence, with Garrett Wilson absorbing the top role
  • Tim Patrick (NYJ, Depth/reserve WR (not on current active-roster depth chart while on IR)) — RESERVE-INJURED (c) On injured reserve with a groin injury; his 21-day practice window has opened and he was a full practice participant Wednesday as part of a potential return-from-IR evaluation
    Injury: Groin injury (since Not specified in available sources). Typical recovery: Variable; his practice window allows up to 21 days before a decision to activate or revert to IR. Expected back: Possible activation within the next 1-3 weeks if he continues practicing at full speed. Week 5 status: Not eligible to play Week 5 (still on IR). Next 4 games: Could be activated to the 53-man roster within the next few weeks given the Jets’ banged-up WR corps (Mitchell out, depth thin). Fantasy impact: Deep-league stash only; worth monitoring given Adonai Mitchell’s continued absence, but no immediate fantasy relevance until activated
  • DeVonta Smith (PHI, WR1 (RWR1)) — OUT (a) Hamstring; ruled out for a second straight game per an October 7, 2026 report. Official Friday 10/9 tag not independently confirmed in available sourcing, but the trend (missed all Week 5 prep, ‘ruled out’ language used) supports OUT.
    Injury: Hamstring (since Originated around Week 4 2026 (vs. LA Rams, ~10/4/2026)). Typical recovery: Hamstring strains serious enough to cost 2 straight games typically run 2-4 weeks. Expected back: Possible Week 6 (vs. Carolina) return at the earliest; unconfirmed. Week 5 status: Out for Week 5 vs. Jacksonville (London). Next 4 games: No fantasy value in Week 5; week-to-week watch for a Week 6 return. Fantasy impact: With Smith out, Makai Lemon, Elijah Moore, and a healthy Dallas Goedert (if active) see added target share in the London game.
  • Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown (PHI, WR2 (LWR2)) — OUT (b) Ankle; has missed consecutive games per an October 6, 2026 report. Official Friday tag and full practice-participation detail not confirmed in available sourcing.
    Injury: Ankle (since Prior to Week 4 2026; exact date not specified in sourcing). Typical recovery: Ankle sprains serious enough to cost multiple games typically run 2-4+ weeks. Expected back: Uncertain; has not returned across multiple weeks. Week 5 status: Likely out again Week 5 vs. Jacksonville (London). Next 4 games: No fantasy value until a clear practice upgrade is reported. Fantasy impact: His continued absence keeps elevating Dontayvion Wicks and Makai Lemon’s snap and target share.
  • Michael Pittman Jr. (PIT, Starting RWR (WR2) opposite DK Metcalf) — OUT (a) Foot injury; did not practice this week, ruled out for Week 5 vs. Colts.
    Injury: Foot (since Originally missed Week 2 with a foot issue (mid-September 2026); reportedly aggravated during the week of Oct. 5-9, 2026). Typical recovery: Foot injuries of this type can range from 2 to 6+ weeks depending on severity; one report described it as potentially costing him multiple weeks. Expected back: Unclear; at least Week 6 (Oct. 18) at the earliest per aggravation reports. Week 5 status: Out vs. Colts in Week 5. Next 4 games: Risk of missing multiple weeks if the foot issue was meaningfully re-aggravated, as some reports suggested. Fantasy impact: Roman Wilson, Ben Skowronek, and Germie Bernard see increased snaps/targets in his absence
  • Brandon Aiyuk (SF, Off the active depth chart) — RESERVE (c) On the Reserve/Left Squad list; per the team, he will not play for San Francisco again.
    Injury: N/A – roster/personal status, not an on-field injury (since N/A). Typical recovery: N/A. Expected back: Not expected to return to the 49ers this season or beyond. Week 5 status: Will not play. Next 4 games: Out indefinitely; not a fantasy factor for San Francisco. Fantasy impact: No impact on current snap/target distribution; already fully replaced by Deebo Samuel Sr., Mike Evans, De’Zhaun Stribling, and Jacob Cowing
  • Stefon Diggs (WAS, WR3 (SWR1)) — OUT (a) Hamstring; DNP all three practice days (Wed/Thu/Fri) on the official Friday 10/9 report.
    Injury: Hamstring (since Within the Week 4/5 practice window (early October 2026); exact date not specified in sourcing). Typical recovery: Hamstring strains typically 1-3+ weeks. Expected back: Uncertain; at minimum beyond Week 5. Week 5 status: Out for Week 5 vs. NYG. Next 4 games: No fantasy value in Week 5; monitor practice reports for a Week 6 return. Fantasy impact: If he sits, McLaurin, Burks, and Dyami Brown each see a target-share bump, with Burks the likeliest snap-count beneficiary in the slot.

Questionable (11)

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

  • Zay Flowers (BAL, Starting slot WR, team’s leading WR in target share) — QUESTIONABLE (a) Foot injury (also managing a lingering hamstring issue from mid-September); limited in practice but trending toward playing per the Friday report.
    Injury: Foot, with a history of hamstring strain since mid-September 2026 (conflicting reports used both terms through the week) (since Hamstring originally surfaced around Sept. 17, 2026; the foot issue was logged in Week 5 practice reports (Oct. 5-9, 2026)). Typical recovery: Minor foot sprains typically 1-2 weeks; hamstring strains typically 1-3 weeks. Expected back: Expected to play Week 5, continuing to manage the injury week-to-week. Week 5 status: Questionable but trending toward active for Week 5 vs. Falcons. Next 4 games: Expected to remain the starting slot WR and lead target earner if active; recurring soft-tissue/foot issues warrant weekly practice-report monitoring. Fantasy impact: If he sits, Rashod Bateman and Chris Moore absorb added targets, with rookies LaJohntay Wester/Elijah Sarratt seeing more snaps
  • Colbie Young (CIN, Depth WR (RWR2) behind Tee Higgins) — QUESTIONABLE (a) Knee injury; limited practice participation, upgraded from OUT the prior week.
    Injury: Knee (since Originally injured ahead of Week 4 (ruled out on/around Oct. 2, 2026)). Typical recovery: Minor knee sprains/bruises of this type typically take 1-3 weeks. Expected back: Trending toward returning in Week 5. Week 5 status: Questionable, improved chance to play vs. Dolphins after being Out in Week 4. Next 4 games: If active, returns to a rotational WR3/4 role behind Chase and Higgins. Fantasy impact: Deep-league/bench piece only; minimal direct fantasy impact, but his return is a positive signal for CIN’s overall WR health
  • Ja’Marr Chase (CIN, Starting WR1 (left outside)) — QUESTIONABLE (a) Concussion protocol; did not practice Wednesday but was a full participant by Friday and is expected to play.
    Injury: Concussion (since Entered concussion protocol during Week 5 practice week (reported Oct. 7-9, 2026); exact game/hit not specified in available sources). Typical recovery: NFL concussion protocol is individualized — can clear in under a week if the player is symptom-free and passes all protocol stages, or extend multiple weeks. Expected back: Cleared enough of the protocol to be a full practice participant by Friday; trending to play Week 5. Week 5 status: Questionable, expected to play Week 5 at Miami. Next 4 games: No lingering concerns reported once cleared; expect a full WR1 workload if he’s active Sunday. Fantasy impact: If he’s held out, Tee Higgins and Colbie Young/Andrei Iosivas see a target bump, but Cincinnati’s passing offense takes a significant hit without him
  • Tee Higgins (CIN, Starting WR (right outside), CIN’s #2 target earner) — QUESTIONABLE (a) Groin/adductor strain (also logged with a neck notation on the Wednesday report); full practice participant by Friday with the team optimistic he plays.
    Injury: Groin/adductor strain (neck also listed on the Wednesday report) (since First reported on/around Oct. 5, 2026). Typical recovery: Groin/adductor strains typically sideline a player 1-3 weeks depending on grade. Expected back: Trending to play Week 5; HC Zac Taylor called him day-to-day and not considered long-term. Week 5 status: Questionable, expected to play Week 5 at Miami. Next 4 games: If he plays through it this week, there is some re-aggravation risk on a muscle strain like this; monitor practice reports closely in subsequent weeks. Fantasy impact: If he sits, added volume for Ja’Marr Chase, Colbie Young, and Dohnte Meyers
  • Darius Slayton (IND, WR3 depth (LWR3)) — QUESTIONABLE (a) Knee; appeared on the injury report for the first time Friday.
    Injury: Knee (since Not specified in available sources; appears to have come up this week). Typical recovery: Varies; a single limited Friday practice suggests a minor/day-to-day issue. Expected back: Likely available Week 5, but unconfirmed. Week 5 status: Questionable; trending toward playing given it is a late, single-day limited addition. Next 4 games: Watch early-week (Wed/Thu) practice participation next week for recurrence. Fantasy impact: Marginal; a deep-roster receiver with limited standalone fantasy relevance even if he sits
  • Keenan Allen (IND, WR2 / RWR1 starter) — QUESTIONABLE (a) Rest/groin management; full practice participant by Friday.
    Injury: Groin / veteran rest management (NIR-Rest) (since Ongoing/nagging since prior weeks). Typical recovery: Groin strains typically 1-3 weeks; this is being managed as an ongoing veteran-rest issue rather than a fresh acute injury. Expected back: Managed week-to-week. Week 5 status: Trending toward playing (ended the week with a full Friday practice) despite the Questionable tag. Next 4 games: Expect continued limited early-week practices with full Friday workouts and a recurring Questionable tag as the Colts manage his workload. Fantasy impact: If he sits, expect added target share for Josh Downs (slot) and Darius Slayton/Laquon Treadwell
  • Jordan Addison (MIN, WR2 (right WR)) — QUESTIONABLE (a) Hamstring injury; did not practice Wednesday, limited Thursday and Friday, per Minnesota’s official Friday, Oct. 9, 2026 injury report.
    Injury: Hamstring (since Approximately Oct. 5-6, 2026 (first appeared on this week’s report)). Typical recovery: Hamstring strains of this grade typically cost 1-3 weeks. Expected back: Uncertain for Week 5; game-time decision possible. Week 5 status: Questionable for Week 5 vs. New Orleans. Next 4 games: Monitor Week 5-6 practice reports for recurrence. Fantasy impact: If both Jefferson and Addison are out/limited, Jauan Jennings and Tai Felton see a notable target-share bump for Minnesota
  • Justin Jefferson (MIN, WR1 (left WR)) — QUESTIONABLE (a) Right ankle sprain originally suffered in Week 3; limited participant in practice all three days this week (Wed/Thu/Fri) per Minnesota’s official Friday, Oct. 9, 2026 injury report.
    Injury: Ankle sprain (since Week 3, approximately September 20-21, 2026). Typical recovery: Ankle sprains of this severity typically take 2-4 weeks to fully clear. Expected back: Trending toward playing Week 5 (Oct. 11 vs. New Orleans); beat reporters (ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler) describe him as hopeful/likely to play. Week 5 status: Questionable, but trending toward active for Week 5 vs. New Orleans. Next 4 games: If he plays Week 5 his workload may be managed initially, with a fuller role expected by Week 6-7. Fantasy impact: If he sits again, Jordan Addison (himself questionable) becomes the clear WR1, with Jauan Jennings and Tai Felton seeing added target share
  • Barion Brown (NO, RWR2, depth/rotational outside receiver behind Bryce Lance) — QUESTIONABLE (a) Final Week 5 Saints/NFL.com injury report lists Brown Questionable with a thigh injury, despite full practice participation Friday.
    Injury: Thigh (described as hamstring in some earlier-week reporting) (since Carried over from last week’s hamstring/thigh issue; not newly dated this session). Typical recovery: Thigh/hamstring strains typically 1-3 weeks. Expected back: Trending to play given full practice participation by Friday, but the Questionable tag remains as a precaution. Week 5 status: Questionable for Sunday vs. Minnesota; likely to play given full practice Thu/Fri. Next 4 games: If he clears the Questionable tag this week, no further concern expected barring setback.. Fantasy impact: Limited direct impact given his depth role; Devaughn Vele and Kevin Austin Jr. would see marginally more snaps if he’s out.
  • Carnell Tate (TEN, WR2 starter (RWR1)) — QUESTIONABLE (a) Back; limited in practice Thursday and Friday.
    Injury: Back (since Appears to be new this week; not on last week’s report). Typical recovery: Back strains typically range from day-to-day to 1-2 weeks. Expected back: Uncertain for Week 5 given limited practice all week with no full session. Week 5 status: Questionable – a true 50/50 given he never reached a full practice. Next 4 games: Monitor closely; could linger into next week if he is not full by Wednesday. Fantasy impact: If he sits, expect added target share for Calvin Ridley, Wan’Dale Robinson and Chimere Dike; Elic Ayomanor remains the clear WR1 regardless
  • Terry McLaurin (WAS, WR1 (LWR1)) — QUESTIONABLE (a) Hamstring; DNP/DNP/LP on the official Friday 10/9 report.
    Injury: Hamstring (since Surfaced Friday 10/3/2026 (ahead of Week 4 vs. Colts in London)). Typical recovery: Hamstring strains typically 1-3 weeks for a mild/moderate grade. Expected back: Game-time decision for Week 5; could carry into Week 6 if it flares again. Week 5 status: Questionable, trending toward playing but worth checking Sunday-morning inactives. Next 4 games: If active, expect a route-run/snap-count gradually built back up; still the clear WR1 target when on the field. Fantasy impact: If he sits, Diggs, Burks, and Dyami Brown each see a target-share bump, with Okonkwo’s checkdown role also ticking up.

No Final Tag Yet (Monday-Night Clubs) (6)

Carries a real injury concern, but the club hasn’t filed (or confirmed) its final Week 5 tag yet — check back Saturday.

  • DJ Moore (BUF, RWR1 (starter)) — QUESTIONABLE (d) Unofficial/inferred — left the Week 4 loss to New England early after re-aggravating his shoulder; his status for Monday’s game at the Rams was unresolved as of the most recent confirmed reporting (Oct 4-5), and this week’s Wed-Fri Buffalo practice reports could not be independently confirmed in this research pass; no official tag is due until Saturday given the Monday game
    Injury: Left shoulder injury (re-aggravation of an AC joint sprain first suffered in Week 2) (since October 4, 2026 (re-aggravated vs. New England); originally injured in Week 2 (mid-September 2026)). Typical recovery: AC joint/shoulder sprains of this type typically run 1-3 weeks, though a recurrence can extend that. Expected back: Uncertain; ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported it is ‘not considered a long-term issue,’ and the extra days before the Monday game could help. Week 5 status: Chance to play Monday night at the Rams, but unconfirmed as of the last available report. Next 4 games: Worth monitoring given this is a recurrence of an earlier injury; risk of a setback if he returns too soon. Fantasy impact: If he sits, Khalil Shakir and Keon Coleman would absorb added target share, with Dalton Kincaid also a beneficiary underneath
  • Keon Coleman (BUF, LWR1 (starter)) — QUESTIONABLE (d) Unofficial/inferred status — this is a lingering ankle story rather than a confirmed Week 5 designation; Buffalo’s Monday night game (Oct 12) means no official Saturday-final tag exists yet, and this week’s Wed-Fri practice reports could not be independently confirmed in this research pass
    Injury: Ankle injury (recurring/managed, not a new acute injury this week as far as confirmed) (since Originally sustained in late September 2026; managed on a weekly basis since). Typical recovery: Ankle sprains of this type typically run 1-3 weeks but can be managed through with limited practice. Expected back: Has continued to play through it; no indication of a new absence. Week 5 status: No confirmed change from playing status; expected to be available Monday night at the Rams barring a new setback, though Buffalo’s official tag won’t be final until Saturday. Next 4 games: Likely continues as a managed, week-to-week ankle situation but active each week. Fantasy impact: If he were to sit, Joshua Palmer would step into the starting LWR role
  • Ladd McConkey (LAC, WR3 in the current Ourlads ordering, but a core target in the Chargers’ passing game when healthy) — QUESTIONABLE (b) Foot injury; this is the Chargers’ last independently-confirmed designation, from the Week 4 (Oct 2) Friday report (limited Wed, did not practice Thu, limited Fri), which trended toward him playing that week. This session could not independently re-verify the Chargers’ Week 5 (Oct 9) Friday tag via available sources — treat this as a carryover pending official confirmation, not a verified current-week status.
    Injury: Foot (since Not specified; has been a recurring issue across recent weeks per the Week 4 baseline). Typical recovery: A nagging foot injury of this type is often managed week-to-week rather than requiring a set absence, consistent with repeated Questionable tags rather than an Out designation. Expected back: Likely day-to-day/game-time-decision territory rather than a multi-week absence, based on the recurring Questionable-but-trending-to-play pattern seen through Week 4. Week 5 status: Unconfirmed for Week 5 (Oct 11 vs Denver); last known status (Week 4) was Questionable and trending toward playing. Next 4 games: If the foot issue is being managed on a week-to-week basis as it was through Week 4, expect him to continue carrying a Questionable tag most weeks while still playing a full offensive role when active. Fantasy impact: If he were to sit, Tre’ Harris and Quentin Johnston would see a target bump, with Marquez Valdes-Scantling next in line for snaps
  • Caleb Douglas (MIA, RWR1 (starter)) — QUESTIONABLE (b) Did not practice Wednesday, Oct 7, 2026 (ankle); head coach Jeff Hafley has described the team as taking it ‘one day at a time’ with Douglas; Thursday/Friday practice status and an official final tag were not independently confirmed in this research pass
    Injury: Ankle injury (since Late September/early October 2026 (the same ankle injury that kept him out of Week 4 at Minnesota)). Typical recovery: Ankle injuries severe enough to cause a DNP and a second straight week of uncertainty typically run 2-4 weeks. Expected back: Uncertain; team has given no firm timetable, describing it one day at a time. Week 5 status: Trending toward another absence Sunday vs. Cincinnati given the Wednesday DNP, though not yet officially ruled out. Next 4 games: Week-to-week with real risk of a second straight missed game. Fantasy impact: Jalen Tolbert and Kevin Coleman Jr. see added snaps/targets in his absence
  • Mike Evans (SF, Starting WR1 (left WR) for San Francisco) — QUESTIONABLE (b) Has carried a rib injury (initially described as ribs/oblique, later reported as a rib fracture) for three straight weeks; played through it in Weeks 3 and 4. No independently confirmed Friday, Oct. 9 final tag for Week 5 vs. Seattle was found, so this status is based on the established weekly pattern rather than a freshly confirmed report.
    Injury: Ribs (reported variously as a rib/oblique injury and, in one report, a rib fracture) (since Originally injured Sept. 27, 2026 (Week 3, vs. Arizona) on a hard hit from Budda Baker). Typical recovery: Rib injuries typically take 2-6 weeks depending on severity; a fracture can take longer. Expected back: Has continued to play through it; no missed games reported so far. Week 5 status: Based on the pattern of the last three weeks (practiced limited, then played), expected to be a game-time-type decision again, but not independently confirmed for Week 5. Next 4 games: Expected to keep managing the injury week-to-week as long as it doesn’t worsen. Fantasy impact: If he sits, Deebo Samuel Sr., De’Zhaun Stribling, and Ricky Pearsall would see increased target share
  • Ricky Pearsall (SF, WR4/5 rotational piece in San Francisco’s receiver corps) — QUESTIONABLE (b) Carried a preliminary knee-soreness tag in last week’s report with an expectation to play; no fresh Week 5 confirmation was found, so this is carried forward with explicit low confidence rather than independently re-verified.
    Injury: Knee (soreness) (since Not independently pinpointed in sources reviewed this week). Typical recovery: Knee soreness of this preliminary description is typically short-term, day-to-day. Expected back: Was expected to play as of last week’s report. Week 5 status: Likely to play based on last week’s trajectory, but not independently confirmed for Week 5. Next 4 games: Expected to remain in the WR rotation behind Evans, Samuel, and Stribling if healthy. Fantasy impact: Deep-league/bench piece; his absence would not materially change the target distribution among the top three SF receivers

Cleared / No Game-Status Designation (5)

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

  • Chris Moore (BAL, Rotational outside WR (WR3/4 in target share behind Flowers and Bateman)) — RESOLVED (a) Ankle injury from Week 4 has cleared; full practice participant all week with no Week 5 game-status designation.
    Injury: Ankle (resolved) (since Originally surfaced ahead of Week 4 (on/around Oct. 2, 2026)). Typical recovery: Minor ankle sprains of this type typically resolve in 1-2 weeks. Expected back: Already returned to full health. Week 5 status: Expected to play Week 5 with no injury designation. Next 4 games: Full-go as part of the WR rotation barring a new issue. Fantasy impact: Minimal direct fantasy relevance; only becomes a deep-league factor if Flowers and/or Bateman miss time
  • Jalen Coker (CAR, SWR1 (slot starter)) — RESOLVED (a) No longer on the injury report; listed as the starting slot receiver on Carolina’s current depth chart.
    Injury: None currently active (prior quadriceps injury resolved) (since N/A – resolved). Typical recovery: N/A. Expected back: Already active. Week 5 status: Healthy entering the bye; expected to start when Carolina returns to play. Next 4 games: No injury concern; projects as the full-time slot starter once Carolina resumes its schedule.. Fantasy impact: His return to full health, combined with Legette’s IR stint, makes him a bigger target-share beneficiary in Carolina’s passing game once they’re back from the bye.
  • Nico Collins (HOU, WR1 (LWR1)) — RESOLVED (a) Not on the Week 5 injury report at all; fully cleared from the hamstring strain that limited him in prior weeks.
    Injury: Hamstring strain (resolved) (since Prior weeks (specific date not re-confirmed this cycle)). Typical recovery: Hamstring strains typically resolve in 1-3 weeks; consistent with his timeline. Expected back: Already returned/fully available. Week 5 status: Expected to play Week 5 with no restrictions. Next 4 games: No limitations expected; locked in as the Texans’ clear WR1. Fantasy impact: None – full workload expected as the Texans’ top target
  • Jakobi Meyers (JAX, WR2 (RWR1 starter)) — NO GAME-STATUS DESIGNATION (a) Thumb; full practice participant all week, cleared to play.
    Injury: Thumb (since Not specified in available sources). Typical recovery: Minor; playing through it with no practice limitations. Expected back: Already available. Week 5 status: Expected to play Week 5 with a full workload. Next 4 games: No limitations expected. Fantasy impact: None expected; full starter workload
  • Malik Nabers (NYG, WR1 (LWR1)) — NO GAME-STATUS DESIGNATION (a) Knee; DNP/LP/FP on the official Friday 10/9 report — no game-status tag, trending to full health.
    Injury: Knee (since Within the Week 4/5 practice window (early October 2026); exact date not specified in sourcing). Typical recovery: If managed and trending to full practice within a week, typically a minor/moderate knee issue (1-2 weeks). Expected back: Already trending to play Week 5. Week 5 status: Expected to play, Week 5 vs. WAS. Next 4 games: Remains the clear WR1 target hog if health holds. Fantasy impact: If he were to sit, Darnell Mooney and Isaiah Likely would absorb the added target share, with Mooney the likelier primary beneficiary.

Sourcing: NFL.com official injury reports, team-issued injury reports, Ourlads depth charts, and beat-reporter coverage, as of Friday, October 9, 2026.

NFL Week 5 Fantasy Football Injury Report Friday WR first appeared on Game On Media.

]]> NFL Week 4 Fantasy Football Injury Report Friday WR https://gameon.media/2026/10/02/nfl-week-4-fantasy-football-injury-report-friday-wr/ Sat, 03 Oct 2026 00:39:28 +0000 https://gameon.media/?p=6036

Bottom Line Up Front at WR Justin Jefferson (MIN, ankle) is out and Terry McLaurin (WAS) picked up a brand-new hamstring issue on Friday — a real gut-punch for managers who thought his report was clean. Philadelphia is down both outside receivers (DeVonta Smith, Marquise Brown) on a short week, and Mike Evans is dealing …

NFL Week 4 Fantasy Football Injury Report Friday WR first appeared on Game On Media.

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Bottom Line Up Front at WR

Justin Jefferson (MIN, ankle) is out and Terry McLaurin (WAS) picked up a brand-new hamstring issue on Friday — a real gut-punch for managers who thought his report was clean. Philadelphia is down both outside receivers (DeVonta Smith, Marquise Brown) on a short week, and Mike Evans is dealing with a new rib injury in San Francisco.

This week’s WR report covers 30 players: 1 already played this week, 13 out, 10 questionable, 3 no final tag yet (monday-night clubs), 3 cleared / no game-status designation.

Who is on this report?

Chris Moore (BAL), Zay Flowers (BAL), DJ Moore (BUF), Keon Coleman (BUF), Chris Brazzell II (CAR), Jalen Coker (CAR), Xavier Legette (CAR), Colbie Young (CIN), Tylan Wallace (CLE), Jayden Reed (GB), Jayden Higgins (HOU), Nico Collins (HOU), Ashton Dulin (IND), Keenan Allen (IND), Brenen Thompson (LAC), Ladd McConkey (LAC), Puka Nacua (LAR), Caleb Douglas (MIA), Justin Jefferson (MIN), Barion Brown (NO), Adonai Mitchell (NYJ), DeVonta Smith (PHI), Marquise Brown (PHI), Brandon Aiyuk (SF), Khadarel Hodge (SF), Mike Evans (SF), Ricky Pearsall (SF), Chris Godwin Jr. (TB), Jalen McMillan (TB), Terry McLaurin (WAS)

What changed since Week 3

  • NEW: Barion Brown (NO) — Newly appeared on this week’s injury report; was not on the Week 3 report
  • NEW: Brenen Thompson (LAC) — Newly appeared on the injury report this week
  • NEW: Chris Moore (BAL) — Newly appeared on the injury report this week; was not listed in Week 3
  • NEW: Colbie Young (CIN) — Newly appeared on the injury report for Week 4; not listed as injured in Week 3
  • DOWNGRADED: DeVonta Smith (PHI) — Downgraded – played through the same injury in Week 3 (MNF vs. Bears) but could not go this week after DNP all week
  • NEW: Justin Jefferson (MIN) — Newly injured — hurt during Week 3’s win over Tampa Bay (Sept 27), so this is his first missed game of the season and a new entry versus last week’s (Sept 25) clean report
  • NEW: Ladd McConkey (LAC) — Newly listed this week per available sources; was not on the Week 3 (Sept 25) report
  • NEW: Marquise Brown (PHI) — Newly out – no prior report of this injury
  • NEW: Mike Evans (SF) — Newly injured — hurt during the Week 3 win over Arizona, so this is a new addition to the injury report since last week
  • UPGRADED: Nico Collins (HOU) — Upgraded: missed Weeks 2 and 3 entirely, now cleared with no designation on the Week 4 report after progressing from limited to full practice participation
  • UPGRADED: Puka Nacua (LAR) — Upgraded — missed Weeks 2-3 with groin/hip soreness, now cleared with full Friday practice and no designation
  • NEW: Ricky Pearsall (SF) — Newly appeared on practice report this week; wasn’t previously a camp/injury story
  • NEW: Terry McLaurin (WAS) — Newly injured – was fully healthy and WAS’s leading receiver (141 yards this season) through Week 3; this issue arose only on the final practice day
  • NEW: Tylan Wallace (CLE) — Newly appeared on the injury report for Week 4; was not listed in Week 3
  • DOWNGRADED: Xavier Legette (CAR) — Downgraded to Out this week after DNP all practice week; played in Week 3
  • NEW: Zay Flowers (BAL) — Newly appeared on the injury report this week; was not listed in Week 3

Waiver wire: who gains if these names sit

  • If Adonai Mitchell (NYJ) can’t go — Isaiah Williams and Malik McClain see added offensive snaps; neither is a trustworthy fantasy play in a 12-team PPR league this week
  • If Caleb Douglas (MIA) can’t go — Jalen Tolbert and Ryan Miller see added snaps opposite Chris Bell; neither is more than a desperation-level PPR flex this week
  • If Tylan Wallace (CLE) can’t go — Malachi Corley and Isaiah Bond see a bump in offensive snaps; negligible ripple for CLE’s startable fantasy assets (Jeudy, Boston, Judkins, Fannin unaffected)
  • If Colbie Young (CIN) can’t go — Andrei Iosivas/Ke’Shawn Williams absorb extra snaps; no impact on Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, or Joe Burrow’s outlook
  • If Jayden Higgins (HOU) can’t go — His loss is why Houston traded for Kayshon Boutte (now starting) and expanded roles for Xavier Hutchinson and Jaylin Noel
  • If Brenen Thompson (LAC) can’t go — Negligible — Tre’ Harris remains the starting Right WR; deep/dynasty-league relevance only
  • If DeVonta Smith (PHI) can’t go — With Smith and Marquise Brown both out, Dontayvion Wicks and Makai Lemon are the clear beneficiaries in the Eagles’ receiving game, along with increased work for Saquon Barkley as a safety-valve target
  • If Marquise Brown (PHI) can’t go — His absence, combined with Smith being out, pushes Dontayvion Wicks and Makai Lemon into every-down roles this week
  • If Justin Jefferson (MIN) can’t go — Jordan Addison becomes the clear WR1/primary target for Minnesota this week; Jauan Jennings and Tai Felton see a bump in snaps/targets behind him
  • If Jayden Reed (GB) can’t go — Skyy Moore has been named the new No. 3 receiver behind Christian Watson and Matthew Golden and should see an increased role/target share; a drop/stash decision for fantasy rosters still holding Reed
  • If Jalen McMillan (TB) can’t go — His absence funnels extra snaps/targets to Tez Johnson and Kameron Johnson behind Egbuka and Godwin
  • If Xavier Legette (CAR) can’t go — John Metchie III is next in line on the right side; if Jalen Coker also sits, Metchie and Brycen Tremayne see expanded roles
  • If Chris Brazzell II (CAR) can’t go — None – not in the active WR rotation even when healthy
  • If Brandon Aiyuk (SF) can’t go — Zero current fantasy relevance; his absence is part of why San Francisco added Mike Evans and brought back Deebo Samuel this season

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 (1)

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

  • Tylan Wallace (CLE, WR2 (backup, right side, behind Jerry Jeudy)) — OUT (a) Knee injury; did not practice at all during the short Week 4 prep week and was ruled out for Thursday night’s home game vs. Pittsburgh (played Oct. 1, Browns won 27-24).
    Injury: Knee (since Within the Week 4 prep window (late Sept./Oct. 1, 2026); exact onset not specified in available reporting). Typical recovery: A knee injury serious enough to cause a full DNP week typically costs 1-3+ weeks depending on severity. Expected back: Unclear; status for Week 5 depends on practice participation once the Browns resume a normal week. Week 4 status: Did not play Week 4 (already final). Next 4 games: Low standalone fantasy value even healthy as Cleveland’s WR2 (behind Jeudy on the right side); Malachi Corley/Isaiah Bond absorb his snaps in the interim. Fantasy impact: Malachi Corley and Isaiah Bond see a bump in offensive snaps; negligible ripple for CLE’s startable fantasy assets (Jeudy, Boston, Judkins, Fannin unaffected)

Out (13)

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

  • Chris Brazzell II (CAR, Deep-bench rookie WR – not currently on the active depth chart) — RESERVE-INJURED (c) Knee injury; on injured reserve with no return timeline given.
    Injury: Knee (since Week 1-2, 2026 (approximate)). Typical recovery: Variable; no timeline reported, could range from several weeks to season-ending depending on severity. Expected back: Unknown – no timeline reported. Week 4 status: Out (IR) for Week 4. Next 4 games: No confirmed return timeline within this window. Fantasy impact: None – not in the active WR rotation even when healthy
  • Xavier Legette (CAR, WR2 (right side starter)) — OUT (a) Knee injury; did not practice all week and is officially ruled out for Week 4 vs. Detroit per CBS Sports’ Friday tracker.
    Injury: Knee (since Week 3, 2026 (approximate)). Typical recovery: Knee sprains of this nature typically cost 2-4 weeks. Expected back: Approx. Week 6 (~Oct 18, 2026) per CBS Sports. Week 4 status: Out for Week 4 vs. Detroit. Next 4 games: Expected to miss roughly 2 more games before returning around Week 6. Fantasy impact: John Metchie III is next in line on the right side; if Jalen Coker also sits, Metchie and Brycen Tremayne see expanded roles
  • Colbie Young (CIN, WR2 (backup, right side, behind Tee Higgins)) — OUT (a) Knee injury; did not practice all week and is officially Out for Sunday’s Week 4 home game vs. Jacksonville.
    Injury: Knee (since Within the Week 4 practice window (late Sept./early Oct. 2026); exact onset not specified in available reporting). Typical recovery: A knee injury producing a full DNP week typically costs 1-3+ weeks depending on severity. Expected back: Unclear; at minimum will miss Week 4, status beyond that depends on next week’s practice participation. Week 4 status: Out for Week 4 vs. Jacksonville. Next 4 games: Limited standalone fantasy relevance even healthy as Cincinnati’s WR2 behind Tee Higgins; Andrei Iosivas and Ke’Shawn Williams are next in line for snaps. Fantasy impact: Andrei Iosivas/Ke’Shawn Williams absorb extra snaps; no impact on Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, or Joe Burrow’s outlook
  • Jayden Reed (GB, Was a rotational WR2/3 receiver before the injury; no longer on the active depth chart) — RESERVE-INJURED (c) — placed on season-ending injured reserve on September 30, 2026 after a Week 2 neck injury that requires surgery. Done for the season.
    Injury: Neck injury requiring surgery (head coach Matt LaFleur said he does not believe it is career-threatening; no further diagnosis disclosed) (since Week 2, 2026 (Packers’ win over the New York Jets)). Typical recovery: Season-ending; no return-to-play timeline has been given for this type of neck surgery. Expected back: Not expected back in 2026; no 2027 timeline given. Week 4 status: Out for the remainder of the 2026 season, including Week 4. Next 4 games: Out for all of them — season-ending injured reserve. Fantasy impact: Skyy Moore has been named the new No. 3 receiver behind Christian Watson and Matthew Golden and should see an increased role/target share; a drop/stash decision for fantasy rosters still holding Reed
  • Jayden Higgins (HOU, Was ticketed as a starting outside WR before the injury; not on the current active depth chart) — RESERVE-INJURED (c) Placed on season-ending injured reserve on August 21, 2026 after tearing his ACL in an August 18 joint practice against the Raiders. He was expected to start opposite Nico Collins in 2026 before the injury.
    Injury: Torn ACL (left end zone landing during 11-on-11 red zone drill) (since August 18, 2026). Typical recovery: ACL reconstructions typically require roughly 9-12 months of recovery. Expected back: Not expected back in 2026; targeting a return for the 2027 season. Week 4 status: Out for the remainder of the 2026 season. Next 4 games: Out for all of these games; no snaps expected again in 2026. Fantasy impact: His loss is why Houston traded for Kayshon Boutte (now starting) and expanded roles for Xavier Hutchinson and Jaylin Noel
  • Brenen Thompson (LAC, WR2 (Right WR, backup to Tre’ Harris)) — OUT (a) quadriceps injury; did not practice this week and was ruled out on the Friday report.
    Injury: Quadriceps strain (since Week 4 (exact date unclear from available sources)). Typical recovery: Quad strains typically require 1-3 weeks depending on grade of strain. Expected back: Possible return Week 5-6. Week 4 status: Out for Week 4 at Seattle. Next 4 games: Deep depth receiver; expected back within a few weeks but minimal standalone fantasy value even healthy. Fantasy impact: Negligible — Tre’ Harris remains the starting Right WR; deep/dynasty-league relevance only
  • Caleb Douglas (MIA, WR2 (Right WR)) — OUT (a) Ankle injury; did not practice all week and was ruled out for Week 4 at Minnesota.
    Injury: Ankle (since Week 4, 2026 (exact onset date not specified in sources checked)). Typical recovery: Ankle sprains serious enough to cost a full week of practice typically sideline a player 1-3 weeks depending on severity. Expected back: Uncertain; no team timeline found in sources checked — monitor the Week 5 (Oct 11-12, 2026) injury report. Week 4 status: Will not play Week 4 at Minnesota. Next 4 games: Low standalone fantasy relevance even healthy, given Miami’s crowded, unproven WR room; worth only a deep-league speculative add if he returns to a clear role. Fantasy impact: Jalen Tolbert and Ryan Miller see added snaps opposite Chris Bell; neither is more than a desperation-level PPR flex this week
  • Justin Jefferson (MIN, WR1 (starter)) — OUT (a) sprained ankle suffered in the first half of Week 3’s win over Tampa Bay. Did not practice at all this week (Wed/Thu/Fri DNP) and is officially ruled out for Week 4 vs. Miami.
    Injury: Ankle sprain (since September 27, 2026 (first half of the Week 3 win over Tampa Bay)). Typical recovery: Ankle sprains typically sideline a player 1-3 weeks depending on severity; no specific grade has been disclosed. Expected back: Earliest realistic return is Sunday, Oct. 11 at New Orleans (Week 5); Minnesota could also manage his workload further given the Week 6 bye. Week 4 status: Out for Week 4 vs. Miami Dolphins. Next 4 games: Targeting a Week 5 return at New Orleans at the earliest; some chance the team is cautious with him further since a Week 6 bye follows. Fantasy impact: Jordan Addison becomes the clear WR1/primary target for Minnesota this week; Jauan Jennings and Tai Felton see a bump in snaps/targets behind him
  • Adonai Mitchell (NYJ, WR1 (Left WR)) — OUT (a) Finger injury first flagged on Thursday’s injury report; did not practice and was ruled out for Week 4 vs. the Bears.
    Injury: Finger (since Week 4, 2026 (first appeared on the Thursday, Oct 1, 2026 injury report)). Typical recovery: A finger sprain/dislocation typically costs only days to about 2 weeks, and many players return quickly once buddy-taped or splinted. Expected back: Uncertain; given the minor typical recovery window for this injury type, a Week 5 (Oct 11-12, 2026) return is plausible pending the team’s updated report. Week 4 status: Will not play Week 4 vs. Chicago. Next 4 games: Garrett Wilson remains the Jets’ unquestioned WR1 regardless; Mitchell’s absence bumps Isaiah Williams and Malik McClain into deep-league-only roles for one week if the injury proves short-term. Fantasy impact: Isaiah Williams and Malik McClain see added offensive snaps; neither is a trustworthy fantasy play in a 12-team PPR league this week
  • DeVonta Smith (PHI, WR1) — OUT (a) Hamstring injury; did not practice all week on Philadelphia’s short week and was ruled out on the Friday final report for the Rams game. He had been playing through a similar hamstring issue the prior week (started and played Monday Night Football vs. Bears) before it worsened.
    Injury: Hamstring (since Originally flagged in practice the week of the Week 3 Monday night game (week of Sept 22, 2026); recurred/worsened heading into Week 4). Typical recovery: Hamstring strains typically cost 1-3 weeks; recurrence after playing through it can extend that. Expected back: Uncertain – at minimum this week, possibly into Week 5. Week 4 status: Out for Week 4 vs. Rams. Next 4 games: If it lingers beyond Week 4, expect a cautious, staggered practice ramp-up over the following 1-2 weeks. Fantasy impact: With Smith and Marquise Brown both out, Dontayvion Wicks and Makai Lemon are the clear beneficiaries in the Eagles’ receiving game, along with increased work for Saquon Barkley as a safety-valve target
  • Marquise Brown (PHI, WR2 (RWR, behind DeVonta Smith)) — OUT (a) Ankle injury (also referred to by his nickname “Hollywood” Brown); did not practice all week and was ruled out on Friday’s final report for the Rams game.
    Injury: Ankle (since Week of Sept 29-Oct 2, 2026 (exact onset date unclear from reporting)). Typical recovery: Ankle sprains typically cost 1-3 weeks depending on grade. Expected back: Uncertain; no firm timeline reported. Week 4 status: Out for Week 4 vs. Rams. Next 4 games: Week-to-week; expect him back once the ankle settles, likely within 1-2 weeks. Fantasy impact: His absence, combined with Smith being out, pushes Dontayvion Wicks and Makai Lemon into every-down roles this week
  • Brandon Aiyuk (SF, Not on the active depth chart; listed as a reserve only) — RESERVE(c) On the 49ers’ reserve/left-squad list (Reserve-Did Not Report) rather than a standard weekly injury designation; technically still rehabbing a prior ACL/MCL tear but the team has stated he will not play for San Francisco again.
    Injury: Right knee ACL/MCL tear (originally suffered in-season prior year) (since Prior season (original injury); has remained away from the team through 2026 offseason and into this season). Typical recovery: ACL/MCL reconstruction typically 9-12 months, but return is now a roster/relationship issue rather than a medical one. Expected back: Team has stated he will not return to the 49ers; any eventual reinstatement would require him to formally petition the league, which he reportedly has not done. Week 4 status: Not an option for San Francisco this week or going forward per GM John Lynch and HC Kyle Shanahan. Next 4 games: Not expected to play for the 49ers in any of the next 4 games; situation looks like a de facto departure from the team. Fantasy impact: Zero current fantasy relevance; his absence is part of why San Francisco added Mike Evans and brought back Deebo Samuel this season
  • Jalen McMillan (TB, WR depth piece (rotational outside/slot) – currently unavailable) — RESERVE-INJURED (c) Knee (PCL sprain); on injured reserve, not eligible to play Week 4.
    Injury: Knee – PCL sprain (since Approx. Week 2-3, 2026 (exact date unclear)). Typical recovery: Isolated PCL sprains typically require 6-10+ weeks depending on grade. Expected back: Approx. Week 11 (~Nov 22, 2026) per CBS Sports. Week 4 status: Out (IR) for Week 4 and for several more weeks. Next 4 games: Not expected back within the next 4 games. Fantasy impact: His absence funnels extra snaps/targets to Tez Johnson and Kameron Johnson behind Egbuka and Godwin

Questionable (10)

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

  • Chris Moore (BAL, WR (starter, right side) opposite Bateman) — QUESTIONABLE (a) Ankle injury; limited practice participation ahead of Sunday’s Week 4 home game vs. Tennessee.
    Injury: Ankle (since Week 4 practice week, 2026). Typical recovery: Ankle sprains typically take 1-3 weeks depending on grade. Expected back: Game-time decision for Week 4; likely clears if he progresses to a full practice before Sunday. Week 4 status: Questionable. Next 4 games: Low fantasy relevance even at full health as a low-target-share outside receiver; monitor for roster/streaming purposes only. Fantasy impact: Devontez Walker would move into the starting outside role if Moore sits; minimal fantasy ripple given Moore’s low target share
  • Zay Flowers (BAL, WR1 (slot)) — QUESTIONABLE (a) Hamstring, officially listed alongside a “not injury related – resting player” note; limited practice participation ahead of Sunday’s home game vs. Tennessee.
    Injury: Hamstring (maintenance/rest designation, not described as a new acute injury) (since Week 4 practice week, 2026). Typical recovery: Hamstring tightness/strains of this type are typically day-to-day to 1-2 weeks. Expected back: Expected to be available Sunday barring a setback; game-time call. Week 4 status: Questionable, lean toward playing given the “resting player” framing. Next 4 games: No long-term concern expected; remains BAL’s clear slot/WR1 target earner. Fantasy impact: If he were to sit, rookie LaJohntay Wester would see expanded slot snaps, with Rashod Bateman and Chris Moore absorbing extra targets
  • DJ Moore (BUF, WR (Right WR, starter / primary target)) — QUESTIONABLE (a) Shoulder injury; limited in practice this week ahead of Sunday’s home game vs. New England.
    Injury: Shoulder (since Week 4, 2026 (exact onset date not specified in sources checked)). Typical recovery: A shoulder sprain/AC joint issue that allows limited practice participation typically does not force a missed game, though it can be managed on a reduced-snap basis. 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: As Buffalo’s primary veteran target leader, expect him to play through this unless the team’s final report escalates; monitor the shoulder on a weekly basis. Fantasy impact: If he sits, Keon Coleman and Khalil Shakir absorb the bulk of his vacated targets, with Joshua Palmer and Skyler Bell seeing deep-league-only snap bumps
  • Keon Coleman (BUF, WR (Left WR, starter)) — QUESTIONABLE (a) Ankle injury; limited in practice this week ahead of Sunday’s home game vs. New England. Trending toward playing but not a lock.
    Injury: Ankle (since Week 4, 2026 (exact onset date not specified in sources checked)). Typical recovery: A limited-practice ankle issue that doesn’t escalate to Doubtful/Out typically costs a player little to no missed game time, though snap count can be reduced. 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: If he plays through it, expect a normal complementary-WR role alongside DJ Moore and Khalil Shakir; worth re-checking the practice report each week this ankle is listed. Fantasy impact: If he sits, Joshua Palmer is the direct backup at his WR spot, with DJ Moore and Khalil Shakir absorbing additional target share
  • Jalen Coker (CAR, Slot WR (WR3 in base package)) — QUESTIONABLE (a) Quadriceps injury; limited practice participant Thursday, carrying a Week 4 Questionable tag vs. Detroit per CBS Sports’ Friday tracker.
    Injury: Quadriceps (note: this is a new/different issue from the ankle injury he was managing in Weeks 2-3) (since Week 4 practice week (~Oct 1, 2026)). Typical recovery: Quad strains of this type typically cost 1-2 weeks if mild. Expected back: Game-time decision for Week 4; no extended absence currently projected. Week 4 status: Questionable for Week 4 vs. Detroit. Next 4 games: If he plays through it, expect his normal slot role; a setback would elevate Metchie III and Tremayne. Fantasy impact: If he sits, Legette’s and Coker’s absences together would push significant slot/outside volume to John Metchie III and Brycen Tremayne
  • Ashton Dulin (IND, Backup outside WR (right WR2)) — QUESTIONABLE (a) Carries an ankle injury on the Week 4 report despite a full Friday practice.
    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; a full practice week points to a mild issue. Expected back: Week 4 (October 4, 2026) vs. Washington Commanders. Week 4 status: Questionable, but full practice participation points toward playing. Next 4 games: Expected to remain available in a depth/situational WR role barring setback. Fantasy impact: Low standalone fantasy relevance; mainly a thin-depth consideration if Keenan Allen were also out
  • Keenan Allen (IND, Starting outside WR (right WR1)) — QUESTIONABLE (a) Did not practice Friday, but the team’s own injury report flagged it as “not injury related – resting player” tied to a groin issue being managed rather than a new, acute injury.
    Injury: Groin (veteran rest/maintenance, not an acute new injury per the club’s own notation) (since Week 4 (ongoing maintenance issue; no specific injury date identified in current reporting)). Typical recovery: Veteran rest/maintenance groin issues typically do not require missed games. Expected back: Week 4 (October 4, 2026) vs. Washington Commanders. Week 4 status: Questionable but trending toward playing given the rest-day framing. Next 4 games: Likely to keep playing through this as a managed veteran workload issue; worth a weekly practice-report check. Fantasy impact: If he sits, Ashton Dulin and Darius Slayton would see expanded routes/targets
  • Ladd McConkey (LAC, WR1 (Slot WR, starter)) — QUESTIONABLE (a) foot injury; Limited Participation in practice this week, officially Questionable per the Friday report.
    Injury: Foot (since Week 4 (exact date unclear from available sources; a lingering issue that surfaced on this week’s report)). Typical recovery: Foot injuries vary widely — a sprain can resolve in 1-2 weeks, but ligament or plantar-fascia-type issues can linger 3-6+ weeks. Expected back: Game-time decision for Week 4; the Limited (not DNP) practice status suggests a real chance he plays. Week 4 status: Questionable for Week 4 at Seattle — trending toward available. Next 4 games: If he plays through it, expect a normal target share with some week-to-week injury-report volatility; a setback could push him toward IR. Fantasy impact: Derius Davis is the direct backup in the slot; Quentin Johnston and Tre’ Harris would see a target-share bump if McConkey sits
  • Mike Evans (SF, WR1 (left side, signed in free agency in 2026 after leaving Tampa Bay)) — QUESTIONABLE(a) Officially listed Questionable for Week 4 vs Denver with a ribs injury sustained in Week 3; did not practice Wed/Thu, limited Friday.
    Injury: Ribs (since Week 3 (sustained in San Francisco’s win over Arizona)). Typical recovery: Rib injuries (non-fracture) typically cost 1-2 weeks; Shanahan said it is “not expected to be long-term”. Expected back: Game-time decision Week 4; likely available by Week 5 if held out. Week 4 status: Questionable — true game-time decision; HC Kyle Shanahan said “Hopefully we’ve got a shot”. Next 4 games: If he plays, expect a snap-count/workload caution; if he sits, DeMarcus Robinson and Khadarel Hodge see boosted targets on the perimeter. Fantasy impact: If Evans sits, DeMarcus Robinson is the clearest fantasy beneficiary for added target share, with Khadarel Hodge also in the mix
  • Terry McLaurin (WAS, WR1) — QUESTIONABLE (a) New hamstring issue that “popped up” in Friday’s (Oct 2) practice per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero; a surprise, last-minute addition to the injury report that was not there earlier in the week. Game-time decision for the London game vs. Colts.
    Injury: Hamstring (new, distinct from a prior-season quad injury) (since Friday, October 2, 2026 (practice)). Typical recovery: A mild hamstring strain discovered the same week can still allow a player to suit up; moderate strains cost 1-3 weeks. Expected back: Game-time decision for Week 4; if he plays, workload could be monitored. Week 4 status: Questionable – uncertain whether he plays Sunday in London. Next 4 games: If he plays through it Week 4, expect normal role; if it lingers, 1-2 weeks of downgraded practice participation are plausible. Fantasy impact: If McLaurin sits, Stefon Diggs and Deebo-type slot usage increase, with Dyami Brown and Jaylin Lane seeing more snaps – no clean 1-for-1 handcuff since he is the clear WR1

No Final Tag Yet (Monday-Night Clubs) (3)

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

  • Barion Brown (NO, WR2 (right side, opposite Chris Olave)) — QUESTIONABLE (b) Hamstring injury; limited practice participant Thursday. NO’s game is Monday night (Oct 5), so this week’s designation may still be preliminary and could be updated on New Orleans’ Saturday injury report.
    Injury: Hamstring (since Week 4 practice week (~Oct 1, 2026)). Typical recovery: Hamstring strains typically cost 1-3 weeks depending on grade. Expected back: Game-time decision for Monday night Week 4; no extended absence currently projected. Week 4 status: Questionable heading into Monday night vs. Atlanta; final tag may not be official until Saturday. Next 4 games: If he plays, expect a complementary WR2/3 role opposite Chris Olave; a setback would open snaps to Bryce Lance and Devaughn Vele. Fantasy impact: If he sits, Bryce Lance and Devaughn Vele would see increased snaps/targets behind Chris Olave
  • Khadarel Hodge (SF, WR (right side, WR2 behind DeMarcus Robinson)) — QUESTIONABLE(b) Appeared on the 49ers’ official practice report with a knee injury (DNP Wed and Thu); he was not among the three players the team announced as ruled Out for Week 4, but no confirmed final Friday tag was found in available team reporting.
    Injury: Knee (since Week N (prior to Week 4; exact date not disclosed)). Typical recovery: unknown. Expected back: unknown. Week 4 status: Uncertain — on the practice report with a knee issue but not confirmed among the team’s Out designations; treat as a game-time watch. Next 4 games: Deep WR4/5 role regardless; limited standalone fantasy value even if he plays. Fantasy impact: Not fantasy-relevant in standard 12-team leagues either way
  • Ricky Pearsall (SF, WR (rotational depth piece, not currently listed among SF’s top perimeter targets on the depth chart used for this report)) — QUESTIONABLE(b) Not on the team’s formal Week 4 injury-report table in available reporting, but Kyle Shanahan confirmed Pearsall has knee soreness and did not practice Wednesday; Pearsall himself said he is confident he would play if the game were that day.
    Injury: Knee (soreness) (since Week 3 or Week 4 practice (Shanahan was unsure of the exact play)). Typical recovery: Minor knee soreness typically does not cost game time. Expected back: Expected to play Week 4 per his own comments. Week 4 status: Likely to play; self-described as game-ready. Next 4 games: No long-term concern indicated; worth a practice-participation check in-season but not currently expected to miss time. Fantasy impact: Low-end flex/bench stash in deeper leagues given SF’s crowded WR room (Evans, Samuel, Robinson, Cowing ahead of him in target competition)

Cleared / No Game-Status Designation (3)

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

  • Nico Collins (HOU, WR1 (left WR)) — NO GAME-STATUS DESIGNATION (a) Not listed on the Friday injury report. Collins suffered a hamstring strain (reported as a low-grade/Grade 1 strain) on September 16, 2026, which cost him Weeks 2 and 3. He practiced on an increasing basis this week (limited Wed/Thu per some reports, full Friday per others) and multiple current sources agree he was off the final Week 4 report and full-go Friday.
    Injury: Hamstring strain (since September 16, 2026 (Wednesday practice)). Typical recovery: Grade 1 hamstring strains typically sideline a player 1-3 weeks. Expected back: Week 4 (October 4, 2026) vs. Dallas Cowboys. Week 4 status: Expected to play and resume his normal role Week 4. Next 4 games: Expected to step back in as Houston’s clear WR1 with a full route tree; workload could still be lightly monitored in his first game back after a 2-game absence. Fantasy impact: With Collins active, Houston’s passing game funnels back through him; if he were to sit, Kayshon Boutte and Xavier Hutchinson would see the added target share
  • Puka Nacua (LAR, WR2/primary target (Rams’ top target alongside Davante Adams)) — NO GAME-STATUS DESIGNATION(a) Cleared with no game designation after Limited practice Wed/Thu and full participation Friday; officially “good to go” for Week 4 at Philadelphia.
    Injury: Hip (previously also dealt with groin soreness) (since Week 2 (missed two games with groin/hip issue before Week 4)). Typical recovery: Soft-tissue hip/groin injuries typically sideline a player 1-3 weeks. Expected back: Returning Week 4 vs Philadelphia. Week 4 status: Expected to play and start Week 4. Next 4 games: Expected to resume full WR1 workload now that he has been cleared; monitor practice reps in following weeks for any setback. Fantasy impact: His return pushes Jordan Whittington and Konata Mumpfield back down the target share pecking order; no real waiver-add benefit since he’s playing
  • Chris Godwin Jr. (TB, Slot WR / WR2 in target share) — RESOLVED (b) Ankle; did not practice Wednesday but returned to a full practice Thursday and does not appear on the Friday Questionable/Out list, indicating he is good to go for Week 4 with no formal designation.
    Injury: Ankle (since Week 4 practice week (~Sept 30, 2026)). Typical recovery: Minor ankle soreness of this type (DNP to full in two days) typically resolves within days. Expected back: Already resolved – expected to play Week 4. Week 4 status: Expected to play Week 4 vs. Green Bay, no injury designation. Next 4 games: No expected absences tied to this ankle issue. Fantasy impact: No impact expected – full workload anticipated

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

NFL Week 4 Fantasy Football Injury Report Friday WR first appeared on Game On Media.

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