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As we head into Week 6, there are many impactful injuries that fantasy managers need to be aware of. Here are some of the biggest ones to watch.
RB TreVeyon Henderson (ankle), New England Patriots
There's something mildly fishy happening here. Early-week reports said that Henderson suffered a high ankle sprain and would likely miss a few weeks. He returned to practice at the start of the week and has returned every day since. The team is firm in their stance that Henderson's MRI showed a high ankle sprain, but Henderson looks fine in clips circulating from practice. If he's active, some managers may not have a choice but to start him. While he normally ranks as a back-end RB2, this week's injury uncertainty makes him more of a borderline RB3. If Henderson is active, Rhamondre Stevenson falls out of RB1 consideration and becomes more of an RB2.
RB Quinshon Judkins (ankle), Cleveland Browns
After not practicing at the start of the week, Judkins returned to the field on Friday. The team will likely wait to see how he's feeling after practice before declaring him active or inactive for Sunday's game. The Browns-Ravens game kicks off early Sunday, so if Judkins can't go, fantasy managers will have plenty of pivot options. If he's active, he'll be a shaky RB3 this week with limited practice. Dylan Sampson's 21-day practice window opened this week, but he won't be activated for Sunday. Once Sampson is active, he could cut into Judkins' newfound receiving work, but we won't have to worry about that for another week or two.
RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin), Washington Commanders
Croskey-Merritt will have one more chance to practice on Saturday, but his availability for Monday night is currently in doubt. With Austin Ekeler and Rachaad White also managing injuries, Jeremy McNichols, working back from an IR stint, is currently the healthiest running back on the depth chart. The Commanders waived rookie Kaytron Allen last week and may be regretting that move now. We'll hope for more information on the Commanders' running backs after Saturday's practice, but Croskey-Merritt managers should start looking at other options. If you don't have a stronger option for Sunday, picking up Austin Ekeler or Kaelon Black gives you a Monday night pivot. For managers with Croskey-Merritt in the flex spot, Brandin Cooks and Antonio Williams also offer intriguing upside.
WR DeVonta Smith (hamstring), Philadelphia Eagles
Smith has missed the last two weeks as his preseason hamstring injury worsened. Initial reports were that he was week-to-week, so returning this week wouldn't be out of the question. Last week, Makai Lemon, Dontayvion Wicks, and Darius Cooper led the receiving corps. Cooper will likely be phased out with Smith back, but his playmaking is hard to put back on the shelf. With Tanner McKee set for his third NFL start, Smith is a WR3 this week if he's active. If he can't go, Lemon, Wicks, and Cooper are all risky flex plays. The Eagles are struggling right now, and they have little reason to rush Smith back. If he's active, you're probably starting him. But don't be surprised if he has a down week, given the lack of practice with McKee.
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