Quarterbacks take the spotlight heading into Week 5, as a pair of game-time decisions will have fantasy owners holding their breath until shortly before kickoff. The Packers appear to have a pair of notable offensive players heading in opposite directions as well, and there is a return to action for a prominent wideout out west. Without further ado, here's how the health of prominent fantasy pieces looks as of Sunday morning:
QUARTERBACKS
The Vikings' Sam Bradford will be a true game-time decision for Monday night's tilt versus the Bears, with the way his knee responds in pregame warmups serving as the ultimate determinant of his status. A return would bump up the fantasy fortunes of the likes of Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen, who could be primed for a bit of extra work under any circumstance due to the season-ending knee injury to Dalvin Cook.
The Titans' Marcus Mariota (hamstring), while still officially a game-time decision versus the Dolphins, is trending toward being out, according to early Sunday morning reports. His absence would equate to a start for 35-year-old Matt Cassel, who didn't inspire much confidence while going 4-for-10 for 21 yards and two interceptions in emergency duty last week. Mariota's absence would downgrade the prospects of the Titans' pass-catching corps, including tight end Delanie Walker, and could spell more eight-man fronts for backs DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry.
The Colts' Andrew Luck (shoulder) took an important step this week by working back into practice
Quarterbacks take the spotlight heading into Week 5, as a pair of game-time decisions will have fantasy owners holding their breath until shortly before kickoff. The Packers appear to have a pair of notable offensive players heading in opposite directions as well, and there is a return to action for a prominent wideout out west. Without further ado, here's how the health of prominent fantasy pieces looks as of Sunday morning:
QUARTERBACKS
The Vikings' Sam Bradford will be a true game-time decision for Monday night's tilt versus the Bears, with the way his knee responds in pregame warmups serving as the ultimate determinant of his status. A return would bump up the fantasy fortunes of the likes of Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen, who could be primed for a bit of extra work under any circumstance due to the season-ending knee injury to Dalvin Cook.
The Titans' Marcus Mariota (hamstring), while still officially a game-time decision versus the Dolphins, is trending toward being out, according to early Sunday morning reports. His absence would equate to a start for 35-year-old Matt Cassel, who didn't inspire much confidence while going 4-for-10 for 21 yards and two interceptions in emergency duty last week. Mariota's absence would downgrade the prospects of the Titans' pass-catching corps, including tight end Delanie Walker, and could spell more eight-man fronts for backs DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry.
The Colts' Andrew Luck (shoulder) took an important step this week by working back into practice in limited fashion, putting in time during both Wednesday's and Friday's sessions. He reportedly remains a few weeks away from a return to the field, giving Jacoby Brissett the opportunity to continue helming the offense for the time being.
The Raiders' Derek Carr (back) seemed to defy his initial prognosis of a 2-to-6 week absence this week by jumping into practice Wednesday in limited fashion and repeating the feat Thursday and Friday. While early Sunday morning reports still have him likely to miss Sunday's tilt versus the Ravens – leaving E.J. Manuel to man Oakland's passing attack – Carr could well be looking at a Week 6 return.
Despite three limited practices this week, the Panthers' Cam Newton (shoulder) is not on the Panthers' final injury report heading into the Week 5 showdown against the Lions.
RUNNING BACKS
With Dalvin Cook (knee) on injured reserve, Latavius Murray and Jerick McKinnon should see the overwhelming majority of the Vikings' backfield work going forward. McKinnon is notably working through an ankle injury himself and floundered to the tune of 3.4 yards per carry last season as a de facto lead back, but he'd have a chance to work in the change-of-pace role he's much more suited for as long as Murray stays healthy.
The Lions' Ameer Abdullah (ankle), who exited last Sunday's victory over the Vikings early in the fourth quarter, turned in a limited practice Wednesday, but full practices Thursday and Friday served to keep him off the Lions' final injury report heading into Sunday's matchup with the Panthers.
The Jets' Matt Forte (knee/toe) is out of commission once again in Week 5, providing the dynamic duo of Bilal Powell and Elijah McGuire another opportunity to see plenty of work. However, the matchup against the Browns on Sunday isn't as juicy as many might initially assume, as Cleveland is surrendering just 3.1 yards per carry on the season.
Ty Montgomery is one of several players on Green Bay's MASH unit heading into the Week 5 showdown with the Cowboys, as his multiple cracked ribs have left him with a doubtful designation heading into Sunday's road matchup against the Cowboys. With TyMont almost assuredly out, Jamaal Williams (knee), who was removed from the final injury report, and rookie Aaron Jones, who impressed in emergency duty in Week 4, will lead the Pack's ground attack giving up 4.2 yards per carry and over seven receptions per game to running backs.
The Colts' Marlon Mack practiced in full all week and thus looks like he'll make his return to the field versus the 49ers on Sunday. Mack's presence could spell less goal line opportunities for Frank Gore against his old squad, as well as a few less touches throughout the game.
Leonard Fournette (ankle) bounced back from a limited practice Wednesday to turn in full sessions Thursday and Friday. He's fully expected to handle his usual voluminous workload against the Steelers in Week 5.
The Dolphins' Jay Ajayi (knee) had received a day off from practice Thursday, but was back in full capacity Friday and off the final injury report of the week. That schedule could be customary for Ajayi for the duration of the season so as to afford him a consistent day off closer to game day.
The Giants' Orleans Darkwa (back) was back to a full practice by Thursday, putting him on target to suit up for Sunday's tilt against the Chargers. His return is particularly timely, considering that teammate Paul Perkins (ribs) has already been declared out for the same contest. A Wayne Gallman-Shane Vereen-Darkwa running attack appears to be in the cards for the Giants in Week 5 against a sieve-like Los Angeles run defense that's allowing 5.4 yards per carry on the season.
The Raiders' DeAndre Washington (hamstring) is officially questionable for Sunday's matchup with the Ravens after limited showings in practice throughout the week. Jalen Richardwould see a boost in snaps as the change-of-pace option behind Marshawn Lynch.
Wendell Smallwood (knee) was a non-participant at practice throughout the week, leaving his status for Sunday's matchup against the Cardinals as a game-time decision, with his status trending toward missing the contest. His likely absence means a substantial workload for LeGarrette Blount and Corey Clement, with a dose of Kenjon Barner likely sprinkled in.
The Seahawks' C.J. Prosise (ankle) couldn't do anything beyond a limited practice this last week, and he's officially ruled out for Seattle's showdown with the Rams on Sunday. With Chris Carson already out for the season, Thomas Rawls, J.D. McKissic and Eddie Lacy will handle the ground work for the Seahawks, with no real indication of who might get the bulk of the work.
Carlos Hyde (hip) was off the 49ers' final injury report of the week after practicing in full on Friday, making him a full go against a Colts defense allowing a stingy 3.4 yards per carry. Rookie Matt Breida (ankle), who had a career-high 10 carries in Week 4, is also free of an injury designation after practicing in full Friday.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Despite full practices all week, the Ravens' Jeremy Maclin (hand) is listed as questionable for Sunday's matchup with the Raiders but is expected to play.
The Panthers' Kelvin Benjamin (knee) was limited Thursday and Friday but still off the final injury report for the week, making him a full go against the Lions.
Benjamin's teammate Curtis Samuel (back) mirrors Benjamin's status.
The Bengals' Brandon LaFell (knee) is also ready to go versus the Bills after full sessions Thursday and Friday.
The hellacious hit from the Bears' Danny Trevathan that gave Davante Adams a concussion (and earned Trevathan a suspension) in Week 4 prompted limited practice participation for Adams throughout the practice week. However, he cleared concussion protocol Saturday and is thus expected to suit up against the Cowboys in Week 5. Should there be any setbacks, Geronimo Allison would bump up a notch on the depth chart and would be an intriguing streaming play in what is expected to be a high-scoring affair.
The Cardinals' John Brown turned in limited practices all week due to his quadriceps injury but his expected to play against the Eagles on Sunday. That would mirror Brown's path from last week, when he ended up suiting up versus the 49ers and notched three catches for 47 yards.
The news is a bit more muddled on Brown's teammate J.J. Nelson (dental/hamstring), who was limited all week and is questionable to take the field.
Bengals rookie John Ross (knee) is out once again in Week 5.
The Browns' Kenny Britt (knee) missed practice throughout the week and carries a doubtful designation heading into Sunday's contest against the Jets. His absence would mean increased opportunity for Ricardo Louis, Rashard Higgins and Sammie Coates (hamstring), who wasn't on the final injury report for the week.
The Lions' Kenny Golladay(hamstring) is out once again in Week 5, leaving TJ Jones to handle third receiver duty against the Panthers.
The Jaguars' Marqise Lee (ribs) is questionable after working back to a limited practice Friday following a pair of absences to start the week, although early Sunday reports indicate he's likely to play. If he's unable to suit up, Allen Hurns would see even more work, while Keelan Cole and Arrelious Benn would each bump up a notch on the depth chart in Jacksonville's pop-gun passing attack.
The finger that the Giants' Odell Beckham, Jr. had to have popped into place during last Sunday's loss to the Buccaneers prompted limited practices throughout the week, but he's a full go against the Chargers on Sunday.
Beckham's position mate Brandon Marshall's toe ailment limited him to start the week, but he too will suit up after being left off the final injury report.
The Chargers' Tyrell Williams raised some eyebrows late in the practice week after popping up on the injury report with a neck injury, but early Sunday reports have him suiting up against the Giants.
The Rams' Sammy Watkins was back to full practice by Friday after an illness limited him earlier in the week and he's ready to roll against the Seahawks in Sunday.
The Seahawks' Doug Baldwin (groin) was off the Seahawks' final injury report and will play against the Rams.
The Raiders have their starting wideout duo back, as both Amari Cooper (knee) and Michael Crabtree (chest) will play versus the Ravens. The likely absence of Derek Carr (back) does dampen their fantasy prospects to an extent, however.
Corey Davis (hamstring) is ruled out of Sunday's matchup against the Dolphins.
The 49ers' Marquise Goodwin (concussion) is trending heavily toward playing against the Colts on Sunday, as per head coach Kyle Shanahan following Friday's limited practice. Any setbacks for the speedster would equate to a starting opportunity for Shanahan favorite Aldrick Robinson, who's displayed plenty of downfield prowess in his own right.
TIGHT ENDS
Despite a calf injury, Ben Watson is expected to suit up for the Ravens against the Raiders after returning to a full practice by Friday.
Jack Doyle will miss the Colts' Week 5 tilt against the 49ers with his concussion. Brandon Williams, who's shown some downfield ability in logging three receptions for 59 yards on the season, will presumably take over at tight end Sunday.
Tyler Eifert remains out in Week 5 with knee and back injuries, while Tyler Kroft (knee/neck) was off the final injury report, leaving him in line to start against the Bills.
The Steelers' Jesse James (shoulder) is off the final Week 5 injury report after practicing in full Thursday and Friday.
The Seahawks' Jimmy Graham (ankle) is also off the final injury report of the week and will suit up versus the Rams on Sunday.
KEY DEFENSIVE PLAYERS
The Panthers' Thomas Davis (knee) was off the Panthers' final injury report and will play against the Lions. However, teammate and standout safety Kurt Coleman (knee) is out.
The Bills' Ramon Humber is out for multiple weeks with a thumb injury.
The Cowboys' Sean Lee's status is once again in doubt after missing practice all week with his hamstring injury. He's officially questionable to face the Packers.
Meanwhile, the Packers' Joe Thomas (ankle) is definitely out for Sunday's matchup. Teammate Mike Daniels is officially questionable with a hip injury.
Muhammad Wilkerson is questionable for the Jets' tilt against the Browns with a shoulder injury.
Fletcher Cox has been ruled out for the Eagles' contest against the Cardinals with a calf injury.
Earl Thomas was back to full practice participation for the Seahawks as of Friday and is good to go versus the Rams.
The Niners' Eric Reid is out for Sunday's tilt against the Colts with a knee injury.
Ditto for the Titans' Johnathan Cyprien, who remains out against the Dolphins with a hamstring injury.
The Browns' Myles Garrett (ankle) doesn't carry an injury designation and appears set to make his NFL debut against the Jets.
The Giants' Jason Pierre-Paul (shoulder) and Olivier Vernon (ankle) are both questionable for Sunday's battle with the Chargers.
Jamie Collins' concussion appears likely to keep him out of the Browns' Week 5 battle against the Colts.
