If there's one thing we've learned heading into Week 6, it's that the NFL injury report is apparently more of a suggestion than a reliable source of information. Between cryptic TikToks, mysterious injury designations, and players being labeled "quick healers," fantasy managers have plenty to sort through before setting their lineups.
Understanding the NFL's Injury Report
(per Dr. Bramel - Footballguys OG)
"The injury report released by the NFL is [made up of] two reports. The first is the Practice Participation report, which lists which injured players practiced and their participation level. It also includes players who rested or missed practice for non-injury-related reasons. The second is the Game Status Report, which gives the probability that a player will play, i.e., Questionable, Doubtful, Out. The Practice Participation Report is released every day of the week (Monday through Saturday). The Game Status Report is released with the Friday participation report (Wednesday for Thursday games, Saturday for Monday games). In this feature, I'll include the Game Status Listing and my expectations of their likelihood of playing."
- Gameday Decision = this is going to come down to how the player feels in pre-game warmups
- Trending Doubtful = Likely Inactive
- Trending Probable = Likely Active
- Ruled Out = This player has already been ruled out; get him out of lineups!
If you are reading this article on Saturday, come back Sunday morning as more updates trickle in over the next 24 hours.
Current Status on High-Impact Injured Players
Gameday Decision
- TE Tyler Warren
- RB Quinshon Judkins
- WR Ja'Kobi Lane
- RB TreVeyon Henderson
- RB Alvin Kamara
- RB Rico Dowdle
- WR DJ Moore
- WR Stefon Diggs
- WR Mike Evans
Trending Doubtful
Trending Probable
- QB Caleb Williams
- WR A.J. Brown
- TE Kenyon Sadiq
- WR Terry McLaurin
Ruled Out
- QB Jalen Hurts (blood clot)
- RB Saquon Barkley (hamstring)
- RB Will Shipley (foot - on IR)
- QB Lamar Jackson (ankle)
- RB Jeremiyah Love (ankle)
- QB Baker Mayfield (thumb)
- WR Rashee Rice (hamstring)
- WR Tre' Harris (hamstring)
- WR Roman Wilson (finger)
- WR Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring)
- RB Kyle Monangai (toe)
- RB David Montgomery (groin)
- RB Breece Hall (quadriceps)
- WR Adonai Mitchell (finger)
* Key: Player, Team | Injury | Game Status Listing | Playing Projection
Sunday 1:00 PM EST Games
TE Tyler Warren, Indianapolis | Groin | Questionable | Projecting Inactive
Tyler Warren popped up on the injury report late in the week with a groin strain. This appears to be a new injury rather than something Warren has been managing for an extended period. Given the timing of the injury, I suspect Warren will miss time, and I have him listed as unlikely to play on Sunday.
Even if Warren attempts to gut it out, I would be hesitant to trust him in fantasy lineups in Week 6. Historically, tight ends have seen their fantasy production decline by an average of 15% following groin injuries. With the injury being so recent, Warren carries considerable risk if active.
RB Quinshon Judkins, Cleveland | Ankle | Questionable | Projecting Active
After initially looking like he was on track to miss Week 6, Quinshon Judkins returned to practice on Friday, albeit in a limited capacity. We still don't have many specifics regarding Judkins' injury, other than that he left last week's game in a walking boot and that it involves the same ankle/foot he underwent surgery on this offseason.
The Browns are struggling to field healthy running backs at this point. Raheim Sanders is on IR, Dylan Sampson hasn't been activated from IR, and Cleveland recently signed Audric Estimé. I fear this is why Judkins is active in Week 6 but ultimately won't assume his normal workload. Jaleel McLaughlin also figures to be involved in the backfield.
Given the uncertainty around Judkins' injury, his surgical history, and a difficult matchup, I would prefer to keep him out of fantasy lineups in Week 6, even if he's active.
WR Ja'Kobi Lane, Baltimore | Wrist | Questionable | Projecting Active
Ja'Kobi Lane is eligible to return from IR after undergoing wrist surgery. Lane practiced in full throughout the week but is still officially listed as questionable for Week 6. These situations can be tricky. While all signs point to Lane playing, teams have erred on the side of caution and given players an extra week before activating them from IR. Regardless of whether Lane is active, he is not someone I would consider starting in most fantasy leagues, even with bye weeks and injuries creating some difficult lineup decisions.