This column is meant to offer our best predictions on what players will/will not play, as of 8 AM ET on Sunday. For the official active/inactive reports, please see our Latest NFL Player News.
We have another busy week on the injury front, with the running back and receiver positions particularly getting hit hard by a poor run of health for many key Fantasy players. There are multiple stars at each position already ruled out, but several others still have their status in limbo as of early Sunday morning. Without further ado, let's examine the latest a few hours before the first wave of inactives are released:
QUARTERBACKS
The Dolphins activated Tua Tagovailoa (ribs) from injured reserve Saturday, and as per reports, the second-year quarterback is expected to start against the Jaguars in London on Sunday. The 1-4 Dolphins will hope the 2020 first-round pick's return can turn around their fortunes after the team went 0-3 without him.
The Seahawks placed Russell Wilson (finger) on injured reserve on Friday, sidelining him for the next three games at minimum. Geno Smith, who went 10-for-17 for 131 yards with a touchdown and an interception in the Week 5 loss to the Rams after Wilson went down, will start Sunday night against the Steelers.
RUNNING BACKS
The Panthers' Christian McCaffrey (hamstring) was placed on injured reserve Saturday, sidelining him for at least the next three games. Chuba Hubbard, who's compiled 284 total yards on 58 touches since taking
This column is meant to offer our best predictions on what players will/will not play, as of 8 AM ET on Sunday. For the official active/inactive reports, please see our Latest NFL Player News.
We have another busy week on the injury front, with the running back and receiver positions particularly getting hit hard by a poor run of health for many key Fantasy players. There are multiple stars at each position already ruled out, but several others still have their status in limbo as of early Sunday morning. Without further ado, let's examine the latest a few hours before the first wave of inactives are released:
QUARTERBACKS
The Dolphins activated Tua Tagovailoa (ribs) from injured reserve Saturday, and as per reports, the second-year quarterback is expected to start against the Jaguars in London on Sunday. The 1-4 Dolphins will hope the 2020 first-round pick's return can turn around their fortunes after the team went 0-3 without him.
The Seahawks placed Russell Wilson (finger) on injured reserve on Friday, sidelining him for the next three games at minimum. Geno Smith, who went 10-for-17 for 131 yards with a touchdown and an interception in the Week 5 loss to the Rams after Wilson went down, will start Sunday night against the Steelers.
RUNNING BACKS
The Panthers' Christian McCaffrey (hamstring) was placed on injured reserve Saturday, sidelining him for at least the next three games. Chuba Hubbard, who's compiled 284 total yards on 58 touches since taking over lead-back duties in Week 3, will continue to helm the backfield in Sunday's Week 6 battle against the Vikings, with Royce Freeman and Spencer Brown serving as complementary options.
The Browns' Nick Chubb (calf) is out for Sunday's interconference battle against the Cardinals after missing practice all week. Kareem Hunt, who's listed as questionable with a wrist injury and was able to work back to a limited practice Friday, would be in line for an expanded role against Arizona if he suits up, with versatile rookie Demetric Felton and D'Ernest Johnson set to work behind him.
The Browns' Kareem Hunt (wrist) is questionable for Sunday's home matchup against the Cardinals but managed to work back to a limited practice Friday after missing the first two sessions of the week. If Hunt is able to suit up, he'll be in line for primary back duties with Nick Chubb (calf) already ruled out versus Arizona, while rookie Demetric Felton and D'Ernest Johnson will serve as his backups.
The Giants' Saquon Barkley (ankle) is out for Sunday's game against the Rams after missing practice all week. Devontae Booker, who scored both a rushing and receiving touchdown versus the Cowboys in Week 5 after entering for Barkley, will serve as the lead back versus Los Angeles, with rookie sixth-round pick Gary Brightwell set to serve as his backup.
The Seahawks placed Chris Carson (neck) on injured reserve Friday, sidelining him for at least the next three games. Alex Collins, who already worked as Seattle's primary back in the Week 5 loss to the Rams and compiled 72 yards on 17 touches, will once again helm the backfield in a tough Sunday night matchup against the Steelers defense.
The Cowboys' Ezekiel Elliott (ribs) is questionable for Sunday's road battle against the Patriots after practicing in limited fashion all week. As per late Saturday night reports, Elliott is expected to start versus New England with Tony Pollard serving in his usual complementary/change-of-pace role behind him.
The Vikings' Dalvin Cook (ankle) is off the injury report ahead of Sunday's contest against the Panthers after practicing in full Thursday and Friday. Cook's return from a one-game absence will relegate Alexander Mattison back to complementary duties, but after eclipsing 100 yards on the ground and adding 99 receiving yards in his Week 3 and Week 5 starts for Cook, he could eat into Cook's playing time to an extent versus Carolina.
The Bengals' Joe Mixon (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's contest versus the Lions after sandwiching a pair of limited practices around a missed Thursday session this past week. As per Saturday night reports, Mixon is expected to play against Detroit. With Samaje Perine still on the reserve/COVID-19 list going into Sunday morning, Trayveon Williams and Chris Evans will back up Mixon on Sunday.
The Chiefs placed Clyde Edwards-Helaire (knee) on injured reserve Tuesday, sidelining him for at least the next three games. Darrel Williams and Jerrick McKinnon are line to serve as KC's top running backs for the time being, beginning with Sunday's matchup against Washington.
The Cardinals' Chase Edmonds (shoulder) is questionable to face the Browns on Sunday after practicing in limited fashion all week. Edmonds played through the injury in Week 5 against the 49ers and logged a 60.0 percent snap share, so it's conceivable he'll do so again versus Cleveland absent any setbacks in pregame warmups. James Conner will be in line to take any additional work in the backfield if Edmonds sits out or is limited.
Washington's Antonio Gibson (shin) is questionable to face the Chiefs on Sunday after finishing the week with two limited practices. However, as per early Sunday morning reports, Gibson is expected to start against a Kansas City defense allowing 20.2 Fantasy points per game to running backs in standard scoring formats.
The Broncos' Melvin Gordon (hip) is questionable for Sunday's divisional battle against the Raiders after finishing the week with two limited practices. If Gordon is unable to go or limited in any way, rookie Javonte Williams will be in line for a bigger workload against a Las Vegas defense that's proven increasingly vulnerable to the run over the last two games.
The Patriots' Damien Harris (ribs) is questionable for Sunday's interconference showdown against the Cowboys after finishing the week with two limited practices. If Harris is unable to suit up, rookie Rhamondre Stevenson and Brandon Bolden would be likely to take on the bulk of the backfield work for New England.
The Bears' Damien Williams remains on the reserve-COVID-19 list head into Sunday morning, and with David Montgomery (knee) on injured reserve, rookie Khalil Herbert is in line to head Chicago's backfield versus the Packers in Week 6.
The Lions' D'Andre Swift (groin) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Bengals after practicing in limited fashion all week. Swift has continued to play through the injury since the start of the season and is expected to do again versus Cincinnati.
The Lions' Jamaal Williams (hip/illness) is questionable for Sunday's contest against the Bengals after sandwiching a pair of limited practices around a missed Thursday session this week. As per early Sunday morning reports, Williams is expected to play and serve in his usual complementary role alongside D'Andre Swift (groin).
WIDE RECEIVERS
The Chiefs' Tyreek Hill (quadriceps) is questionable for Sunday's interconference game versus Washington after only managing a limited Friday practice this past week. Late-week beat writer reports indicated that head coach Andy Reid was optimistic about Hill's chances of playing against Washington after seeing him in practice that day, as per early Sunday morning reports, the multi-time Pro Bowler is expected to play. If Hill were to have a setback, it would naturally be a monumental subtraction for the Chiefs passing attack, with Mecole Hardman, Josh Gordon, Demarcus Robinson and Byron Pringle expected to the pick up the slack at receiver and tight end Travis Kelce expected to see even more volume than usual.
Washington's Terry McLaurin (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's contest against the Chiefs after missing Friday's practice. However, as per early Sunday morning reports, McLaurin is expected to suit up. Were he to have a setback, Adam Humphries would be in line to serve as Washington's top receiver with Curtis Samuel (groin) already ruled out of the contest.
The Chargers' Mike Williams (knee) is questionable for Sunday's showdown versus the Ravens after missing practice all week. However, as per early Sunday morning reports, Williams is expected to suit up and play barring any pregame setbacks. If Williams' outlook were to change, more targets would be available for Keenan Allen, Austin Ekeler, Jared Cook and Jalen Guyton.
The Giants' Kenny Golladay (knee) is out for Sunday's game against the Rams after missing practice all week. Sterling Shepard's return from a hamstring injury Sunday will help make up for Golladay's absence, and Shepard could see a particularly voluminous role if even just one of Darius Slayton (hamstring) or Kadarius Toney (ankle) sits out the contest versus Los Angeles as well.
The Bears' Allen Robinson (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's matchup versus the Packers after only managing a limited Friday practice this past week. If Robinson were unable to suit up, Darnell Mooney and Marquise Goodwin would be in line to serve as Chicago's top two receivers against Green Bay.
The Colts activated T.Y. Hilton (neck) from injured reserve Saturday, and the veteran speedster is expected to make his season debut against the Texans on Sunday. Given his limited opportunities to work with new quarterback Carson Wentz, Hilton's presence may not immediately make too much of an impact on the opportunities for fellow wideouts Michael Pittman and Zach Pascal.
The Titans' Julio Jones (hamstring) is off the injury report after missing the last two games and should play without restrictions in Monday night's game against the Bills.
The Dolphins' DeVante Parker (shoulder) is out for Sunday matchup with the Jaguars in London after missing practice all week. With Will Fuller (finger) on injured reserve, Jaylen Waddle and Albert Wilson profile as Miami's two healthy receivers, while Preston Williams (groin) will also be in line to play a significant role if he can suit up.
The Steelers placed JuJu Smith-Schuster (shoulder) on injured reserve Saturday, ending his season. Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool and James Washington are slated to serve as Pittsburgh's top three receivers moving forward.
The Giants' Sterling Shepard (hamstring) is off the injury report after missing the last two games, and he'll start and play without restrictions in Week 6 against the Rams. With Kenny Golladay (knee) unavailable and both Darius Slayton (hamstring) and Kadarius Toney (ankle) questionable, Shepard could have a significant role versus Los Angeles' tough secondary.
The Giants' Darius Slayton (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's game versus the Rams after practicing in limited fashion all week. Slayton has missed the last two games, and if he's unable to suit up again Sunday, rookie Kadarius Toney (ankle) and speedster John Ross could be set for expanded opportunities with Kenny Golladay (knee) already ruled out for the contest.
The Giants' Kadarius Toney (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's contest against the Rams after practicing in limited fashion all week. As per Friday beat writer reports, Toney, who posted a spectacular 10-189 line against the Cowboys in Week 5, is trending towards playing versus Los Angeles and could be set for a starting role with Kenny Golladay (knee) ruled out of the contest and Darius Slayton (hamstring) questionable.
The Ravens' Sammy Watkins (thigh) is out for Sunday's matchup against the Chargers after missing practice all week. In Watkins' absence, more opportunities could be available for Marquise Brown, Mark Andrews, Devin Duvernay and James Proche.
Washington's Curtis Samuel (groin) is out for Sunday's game versus the Chiefs after missing practice all week. Adam Humphries heads into gameday as Washington's top healthy receiver, as Terry McLaurin (hamstring) and rookie Dyami Brown (knee) are both questionable for the contest.
The Steelers' James Washington (groin) is off the injury report and is slated to serve as the No. 3 receiver against the Seahawks on Sunday night with JuJu Smith-Schuster (shoulder) on injured reserve.
The Titans' Chester Rogers (groin) is questionable for Monday night's game against the Bills but managed to put in a pair of limited practices and one full session this past week. Rogers would serve as no better than the No. 3 receiver if he does suit up, considering Julio Jones has shed his injury designation and will start versus Buffalo.
The Dolphins' Preston Williams (groin) is questionable for Sunday's matchup versus the Jaguars in London after finishing the week with two limited practices. If Williams were to sit out, Mack Hollins would likely serve as the No. 3 wideout behind current starters Jaylen Waddle and Albert Wilson.
Washington's Dyami Brown (knee) is questionable for Sunday's matchup versus the Chiefs after practicing in limited fashion all week. If Brown is able to suit up, he could bump up to as high as the No. 2 receiver if Terry McLaurin (hamstring) were to sit out, considering Curtis Samuel (groin) and Cam Sims (hamstring) are both ruled out against Kansas City.
The Texans' Danny Amendola (thigh) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Colts after practicing in limited fashion all week. If he were to sit out, Chris Moore, who turned in a surprise 100-yard effort versus the Patriots in Week 5, could elevate to the No. 3 receiver role behind starters Brandin Cooks and Chris Conley.
TIGHT ENDS
The Lions' T.J. Hockenson (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Bengals after finishing the week with two limited practices. Hockenson played through the same issue in Week 5 against the Vikings and logged an 81.0 percent snap share, and as per early Sunday morning reports, he's expected to start versus Cincinnati.
The Cardinals placed Maxx Williams (knee) on injured reserve Wednesday, likely sidelining him for the season. Zach Ertz, who was acquired via trade from the Eagles on Friday, won't play Sunday against the Browns, leaving Darrell Daniels and Demetrius Harris as the top two options at the position for Arizona.
KICKERS
The Patriots' Nick Folk (knee) is questionable for Sunday game against the Cowboys after practicing in limited fashion all week. Folk has been playing through his knee issue for multiple games and is expected to suit up against Dallas.
The Colts placed Rodrigo Blankenship (hip) on injured reserve Saturday, sidelining him for at least the next three games. Michael Badgley, who missed his only field-goal attempt and one of two extra-point tries in his only action of the season back in Week 1 for the Titans, will serve as Indianapolis' placekicker against the Texans on Sunday.
KEY DEFENSIVE PLAYERS
Cornerbacks
The Cowboys' Trevon Diggs (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Patriots.
The Panthers' CJ Henderson (shoulder) is questionable for Sunday's contest against the Vikings.
The Dolphins' Xavien Howard (shoulder) is out for Sunday's game against the Jaguars in London.
The Browns' Denzel Ward (neck) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.
Safeties
The Chargers' Nasir Adderley (hip) is out for Sunday's game against the Ravens.
The Ravens' DeShon Elliott (quadriceps) is questionable to play in Sunday's game against the Chargers.
The Bears' Eddie Jackson (knee) is questionable to play against the Packers on Sunday.
The Broncos' Kareem Jackson (back) is questionable for Sundays' game against the Raiders.
The Cowboys' Damontae Kazee (hip) is questionable for Sunday's contest against the Patriots.
The Cowboys' Donovan Wilson (groin) is questionable for Sunday's game versus the Patriots.
Defensive Linemen
The Browns' Jadeveon Clowney (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.
The Browns' Myles Garrett (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game versus the Cardinals.
The Bears' Akiem Hicks (groin) is questionable for Sunday's divisional contest versus the Packers.
The Chiefs' Chris Jones (wrist) is out for Sunday's game against Washington.
Linebackers
The Cardinals' Jordan Hicks (toe) is questionable for Sunday's game versus the Browns.
The Cardinals expect Chandler Jones (reserve/COVID-19) to miss Sunday's game against the Browns.
The Chiefs' Anthony Hitchens (knee) is questionable for Sunday's contest against Washington.
The Jaguars' Myles Jack (back) is out for Sunday's game against the Dolphins in London.
The Chargers' Drue Tranquill (chest) is out for Sunday's game versus the Ravens.
The Browns' Malcolm Smith (abdomen) is out for Sunday's contest against the Cardinals.
The Panthers' Shaq Thompson (foot) is out for Sunday's contest against the Vikings.
The Patriots' Kyle Van Noy (groin) is questionable to face the Cowboys on Sunday.
The Lions' Trey Flowers (knee) is questionable to face the Bengals on Sunday.
