Injuries continue to reshape the fantasy football landscape as we head into the middle of the season. Again, several high-profile players went down in Week 6, leaving fantasy managers scrambling for updates and potential replacements. With bye weeks starting to play a factor, fantasy managers will have to be active on the waiver wire this week. Here's a breakdown of the most notable injuries from this week and what they mean for your fantasy teams moving forward.
Key: Position Player, Team | Injury | Projected Return to Play
WR Emeka Egbuka, Tampa Bay | Hamstring | Projecting Week 10 Return
Sometimes fantasy football just isn't fun. After an electric start to the season, Emeka Egbuka barely saw the field in the second half of Tampa Bay's win on Sunday. The rookie wideout was listed as doubtful with a hamstring injury and was later ruled out.
The Buccaneers' decision to shut him down quickly suggests this could be a multi-week issue. While early reports indicate the team doesn't view the injury as "serious," they're still awaiting MRI results. Typically, those two statements don't align. With a bye coming in Week 9, it would make sense for Tampa Bay to hold Egbuka out at least until Week 10. Hamstring strains are notoriously tricky and carry one of the highest re-injury rates among NFL wide receivers, so rushing him back before he's fully healthy would carry significant risk.
WR Puka Nacua, LA Rams | Ankle | Projecting Week 9 Return
Puka Nacua went down with an ankle injury while attempting to haul in a touchdown catch. The injury was initially reported as a "foot injury," but after the game, the Rams provided some clarity, officially diagnosing it as an ankle injury. Nacua did return but served as a decoy, failing to log an additional reception after his injury. Additionally, in Sean McVay's post-game presser, he said that Nacua's availability for next week would be in doubt. In Week 7 the Rams take on Jagaurs during in London.
To be honest, the video didn't offer much clarity on how or where Nacua injured his ankle. There was no clear mechanism consistent with either a low or high ankle sprain. If this ends up being an ankle contusion, his absence could be short-term. However, it's more likely the injury involves some type of calf strain or a calf-adjacent soft tissue issue, which would typically result in a longer recovery timeline.
Week 7 feels like a long shot for Nacua to return, especially with the added challenge of international travel. The Rams are fortunate to have a bye in Week 8, which could provide him with enough time to fully recover.
Update: Here is the update from Ian Rapoport:
#Rams WR Puka Nacua, the NFL’s leader in catches, suffered an ankle sprain that will likely cause him to miss time, per me and @MikeGarafolo.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 13, 2025
It would make sense for Nacua to be out next week against the #Jaguars, then LAR has a bye to regroup and assess. pic.twitter.com/6e8EaBpe9m
It still does not provide much clarity on Nacua's injury, except that it confirms he is unlikely to play next week.