Another Sunday, another injury report that looks more like a casualty list. Week 4 brought plenty of new injuries, but just as importantly, we saw several players aggravate issues they were already trying to play through. That makes figuring out who might actually suit up next week a little more complicated than simply slapping a recovery timeline on an injury. The good news is that we have historical data to help separate the short-term scares from the injuries that could linger. With bye weeks starting to complicate fantasy lineups, knowing who could miss one week versus several becomes even more important.
Key: Position Player, Team | Injury | Projected Return to Play
QB Lamar Jackson, Baltimore | Ankle | Projection: 8
Lamar Jackson was unable to finish Sunday's game against Tennessee after suffering a left ankle injury late in the first half. By video, the mechanism raises concern for a possible high ankle sprain, although the Ravens have not confirmed the exact diagnosis.
This is where Lamar Jackson looks like he hurt his ankle. https://t.co/taxcN63kp4
— Sarah Ellison (@sgellison) October 4, 2026
If a high ankle sprain is confirmed, it would be particularly concerning for a quarterback who relies as heavily on mobility as Jackson. We have seen recent quarterbacks such as Justin Herbert and Trevor Lawrence play through high ankle sprains without missing time, but those are exceptions rather than the expectation. Assuming imaging confirms a high ankle sprain without an associated fracture, I would project Jackson to miss at least two weeks, with roughly three weeks being my current expectation based on the mean for the quarterback position.
WR Ja'Marr Chase, Cincinnati | Concussion | Projection: Week 7
Ja'Marr Chase was the victim of a brutal facemask penalty before taking a hard follow-up hit that drove his head into the turf. Chase was evaluated for a concussion and ultimately ruled out for the remainder of the game.
Ja'Marr Chase had his facemask pulled and then took a big hit right after. Chase is being evaluated for a concussion and is questionable to return. (🎥: CBS) https://t.co/ddAgYK0fqt
— Football Forever (@fballforeverhq) October 4, 2026
Concussions are highly variable, and recovery is based on symptoms and progression through the NFL's concussion protocol rather than a set timeline. That said, the overwhelming majority of wide receivers miss at least one game following a concussion (specifically 82% since 2017). For now, I would consider Chase more likely than not to miss Week 5, and his current projected return of Week 7 is due to the Bengals Week 6 bye.
WR Tee Higgins, Cincinnati | Groin | Projection: Week 7
There's a decent chance Joe Burrow is without both of his top wide receivers next week. Tee Higgins initially picked up the slack after Ja'Marr Chase exited, finishing with 11 catches for 157 yards, before eventually suffering an injury of his own. Bengals head coach Zac Taylor confirmed after the game that Higgins is dealing with an adductor injury, which is essentially a groin strain.
Bengals WR Tee Higgins suffered an adductor injury late in the loss to JAX. Tried to give it a go late but couldn't.
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) October 4, 2026
The average absence for NFL wide receivers with a groin strain in my database is roughly two weeks, making Higgins' Week 5 availability questionable. The good news is that these injuries typically do not result in a significant long-term decline in fantasy production once a player returns. There can be a slight adjustment period, however, as wide receivers in my sample have averaged roughly a 10% decline in fantasy points during their first game back.