From game-time decisions to injuries so significant they affect the value of every single position, let's break down the Fantasy and DFS impact of injuries for every Week 4 matchup. Know when to pivot and how your fantasy roster will be affected.
Below, you'll find a game-by-game look at the injuries you need to know that will have the biggest impact for Fantasy leagues, as well as the implications for DFS players. This week's list of notable names includes quarterbacks Jimmy Garoppolo, Derek Carr, Joe Burrow and Deshaun Watson; running backs Miles Sanders, Austin Ekeler and Breece Hall; receivers DeVonta Smith, Rashod Bateman, Jaylen Waddle and Odell Beckham Jr.; tight ends Logan Thomas and Gerald Everett; and many others, including key offensive line and defensive injuries to know.
You can also see how this week's injuries affect the Fantasy projections from the SportsLine Projection Model. All you have to do is head over to SportsLine's companion post to this piece that tracks all the projections you need to know related to this week's injury report.
- RB Cordarrelle Patterson (thigh) - Questionable
- WR Zay Jones (knee) - Out
- WR Jamal Agnew (quadriceps) - Questionable
- OT Anton Harrison (ankle) - Questionable
- DT Foley Fatukasi (shoulder) - Questionable
- LB Josh Allen (shoulder) - Cleared
- LB Devin Lloyd (thumb) - Out
The Jaguars will be without Zay Jones again in Week 4. Christian Kirk has thrived in his absence and should continue to be a low-end WR2 with upside. Calvin Ridley is coming off two disappointing performances but this week is his revenge game and Ridley is a WR2 with WR1 upside this week.
Patterson is questionable for Week 4. His return would likely affect Tyler Allgeier but Bijan Robinson's workload would remain in tact.
DFS impact
Ridley will likely be a popular play with the revenge game narrative. Kirk still presents strong value and upside with Jones out and could be an excellent contrarian play.
Notable injuries
- RB Salvon Ahmed (groin) - Questionable
- WR Jaylen Waddle (concussion) - Cleared
- WR Erik Ezukanma (neck) - NFI
- WR River Cracraft (shoulder) - IR
- TE Tyler Kroft (back) - Cleared
- OT Terron Armstead (back) - Questionable
- OL Connor Williams (groin) - Questionable
- OLB Jaelan Phillips (oblique) - Out
- SAF DeShon Elliott (ankle) - Questionable
- SAF Jordan Poyer (knee) - Out
Jaylen Waddle missed last week's 70-point game but has been cleared and will play this week. Waddle is a strong WR2. While Salvon Ahmed hasn't made a significant Fantasy impact, his potential absence is important to the Miami backfield. Ahmed was playing ahead of De'Von Achane prior to Ahmed's injury. Raheem Mostert is still the lead back for Miami, despite Achane's overall RB1 week. While we don't know the exact split for Miami's backfield moving forward, trust Mostert as an RB1 and Achane as a strong flex option with huge upside.
The Bills remain fairly healthy but Jordan Poyer has been ruled out for Week 4. This loss is significant, given Miami has the league's hottest passing attack.
DFS impact
Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are must starts in redraft leagues regardless of the Bills' injuries. But, Poyer's absence helps justify the expensive pricing in DFS. A Miami stack is one of the most ideal stacks every week.
Notable injuries
- C Garrett Bradbury (back) - Questionable
- OLB Marcus Davenport (ankle) - Questionable
- CB Byron Murphy (ankle) - Cleared
- SAF Josh Metellus (shoulder) - Cleared
- SAF Lewis Cine (hamstring) - Out
- QB Bryce Young (ankle) - Cleared
- RB Miles Sanders (groin) - Questionable
- WR Jonathan Mingo (concussion) - Questionable
- WR DJ Chark (hamstring) - Cleared
- LB Frankie Luvu (hip) - Questionable
- SAF Xavier Woods (hamstring) - Out
Andy Dalton started last week in place of Bryce Young and the entire offense benefited from the stable veteran in a plus matchup. Young is cleared and will return to action this week. His return makes the Panthers' receivers more volatile plays, even in an ideal matchup against the Vikings defense. Adam Thielen and Chark are low-end flex options, given the matchup and Mingo's questionable tag.
Miles Sanders is dealing with a groin injury. If Sanders is out, Chuba Hubbard steps into the lead back role. Given the matchup, Hubbard would have low-end RB2 value this week. It's possible the Panthers work in Raheem Blackshear, but Blackshear would only be an option in extremely deep leagues.
DFS impact
Panthers receivers were excellent plays in Week 3 but with Young returning, they're risky even at low pricing. Hubbard is a value play if Sanders is out. Minnesota's defense has struggled as a whole and Hubbard offers receiving upside and likely wouldn't suffer a reduced role due to game script.
Notable injuries
- DT Mike Purcell (ribs) - Out
- OLB Frank Clark (hip) - Out
- ILB Josey Jewell (hip) - Out
- SAF Justin Simmons (hip) - Questionable
- RB Travis Homer (ankle) - Questionable
- DB Josh Blackwell (hamstring) - Out
- CB Jaylon Johnson (hamstring) - Out
- SAF Eddie Jackson (foot) - Out
It's difficult to evaluate the injury impact in this matchup. Both teams have struggled on defense and failed to take advantage of strong matchups on offense. The injuries to Chicago's secondary could provide some much needed upside to the Broncos offense. Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy are playable in all formats. Marvin Mims could be a flex option in deep leagues.
Chicago could take advantage of multiple injuries to the Denver defense as well. Denver's defense is reeling from the Miami loss, and Justin Fields and DJ Moore should start in all formats. Darnell Mooney is a flex option is deeper leagues. Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson are still uncomfortable starts but, given the matchup, are flex plays this week.
DFS impact
This is one of the rare green light matchups where both defenses are struggling, poorly ranked in most defensive metrics, and dealing with injuries. The only problem is their offenses have been very inconsistent. It's worth it to create one lineup that involves players from this matchup, due to the defensive struggles. But be weary of using these options as one-off pieces in other lineups.
Notable injuries
- RB Gus Edwards (concussion) - Cleared
- RB Justice Hill (toe) - Questionable
- WR Odell Beckham Jr. (ankle) - Out
- WR Rashod Bateman (hamstring) - Out
- OT Ronnie Stanley (knee) - Doubtful
- C Tyler Linderbaum (ankle) - Questionable
- LB Odafe Oweh (ankle) - Out
- LB David Ojabo (ankle, knee) - Out
- CB Marlon Humphrey (foot) - Out
- SAF Kyle Hamilton (back) - Questionable
- SAF Marcus Williams (pectoral) - Questionable
- QB Deshaun Watson (shoulder) - Questionable
- RB Kareem Hunt (ribs) - Cleared
- OG Joel Bitonio (ankle) - Cleared
Deshaun Watson is dealing with a shoulder injury and questionable for Week 4. Watson stated he intends to play and appears trending in the right direction, but if Watson is out, Dorian Thompson-Robinson would be in line for the start. Thompson-Robinson had a strong preseason and earned the backup role. Although he's an exciting player, he's too risky in redraft leagues outside of 2QB leagues.
Gus Edwards was pulled from last week's game to be evaluated for a concussion but has been cleared to play in an extremely difficult matchup. Baltimore will be without Odell Beckham Jr. and Rashod Bateman. Although Cleveland is one of the toughest defensive matchups of 2023, with such a narrow target pool, Mark Andrews and Zay Flowers are still strong starts. Nelson Agholor should serve as the WR2, appropriate for very deep leagues.
DFS impact
Despite the injuries to Baltimore's receiving corps, Andrews and Flowers are very risky options in cash play. They are suitable for contrarian options in tournaments but beware there is limited upside in this matchup. If Watson is unable to play, Dorian Thompson-Robinson presents an interesting option in tournament play given his pricing and rushing upside combined with the injuries to Baltimore's defense.
Notable injuries
- WR Allen Robinson (ankle) - Cleared
- TE Darnell Washington (knee) - Cleared
- OG James Daniels (groin) - Out
- DT Larry Ogunjobi (foot) - Cleared
- P Pressley Harvin III (hamstring) - Out
- OT Laremy Tunsil (knee) - Out
- OT Josh Jones (hand) - Out
- C Michael Dieter (chest) - Questionable
- LB Denzel Perryman (hand) - Out
- CB Tavierre Thomas (hand) - Out
- CB Derek Stingley Jr. (hamstring) - IR
Although the Texans are dealing with significant injuries to the secondary again, particularly with Stingley Jr. placed on IR, they remain strong against the pass. George Pickens is a solid option as the Pittsburgh WR1 and Pat Freiermuth is a low-end TE1, but other pass catchers should stay on Fantasy benches. Houston also continues to deal with injuries to the offensive line. Dameon Pierce is a low-end RB2 and flex play. The line injuries haven't affected the play of C.J. Stroud and he's still a high-end QB and good streaming option.
DFS impact
It's difficult to pull any strong pieces from injuries in this matchup. Texans receivers Tank Dell and Nico Collins remain strong plays, despite offensive line issues. Both other pieces are hard to trust. Pittsburgh could try to take advantage of the injured secondary but will likely lean on the ground game.
Notable injuries
- WR Puka Nacua (oblique) - Cleared
- WR Ben Skowronek (Achilles) - Questionable
- TE Tyler Higbee (Achilles) - Questionable
- OT Alaric Jackson (hamstring) - Questionable
- SAF John Johnson (face) - Questionable
- QB Anthony Richardson (concussion) - Cleared
- QB Sam Ehlinger (shoulder) - Questionable
- C Ryan Kelly (concussion) - Out
- OG Quenton Nelson (toe) - Questionable
- DT DeForest Bucker (groin) - Questionable
Anthony Richardson has cleared concussion protocol and will start in Week 4. Players returning from concussions typically don't see a dip in production. Richardson is a strong QB1. Gardner Minshew performed well in his absence and the Colts offensive players didn't see any changes in production. The offense should be on track to continue its solid Fantasy production. Pittman is a strong WR2. Zack Moss could see a reduction in goal line opportunities with Richardson returning, but his volume and receiving upside makes him a solid RB2 with RB1 upside.
Puka Nacua has dealt with an oblique injury but he's played through it and performed well. He is cleared to play and a must-start in all formats.
DFS impact
Despite his success, Nacua's pricing is reasonable given the upside. Indianapolis is a good matchup for opposing receivers. His health is not a concern and he's an excellent play in both cash and tournaments. Zack Moss has been a strong value play for the past two weeks. But with Anthony Richardson returning and potential goal line sniping, plus a salary increase, Moss isn't an ideal fit in DFS.
Notable injuries
- DT Calijah Kancey (calf) - Out
- DT Vita Vea (pectoral) - Questionable
- LB Devin White (foot) - Questionable
- CB Carlton Davis (toe) - Questionable
- CB Jamel Dean (neck) - Out
- QB Derek Carr (shoulder) - Questionable
- RB Jamaal Williams (hamstring) - IR
- TE Foster Moreau (ankle) - Questionable
- OG Cesar Ruiz (concussion) - Out
- CB Paulson Adebo (hamstring) - Out
- SAF Jordan Howden (finger) - Out
Derek Carr suffered a shoulder injury in Week 3 and is questionable. If Carr is unable to suit up, Jameis Winston will lead the Saints, and he's a fine sub for continued Fantasy upside. Winston was the starter in the early portions of the 2022 season before suffering an injury. With that small sample size, Chris Olave should remain a top receiver and Rashid Shaheed has increased value with Winston's deep ball. Michael Thomas should remain a safe floor flex play.
Alvin Kamara also returns from his three-week suspension. Fantasy mangers should be cautious in his first game back but RB2 expectations are reasonable. His return decreases any value for Tony Jones or Kendre Miller.
DFS impact
The Bucs are dealing with significant injuries on defense. While Jameis Winston is a wild card, his history as a gunslinger, combined with the defensive injuries, makes the Saints' receiving corps interesting in tournament play. Winston is also priced at just $5,300. It's risky but it's possible to use him as a contrarian option.
Notable injuries
- RB Chris Rodriguez (illness) - Out
- TE Logan Thomas (concussion) - Cleared
- RB Boston Scott (concussion) - Cleared
- WR DeVonta Smith (illness) - Cleared
- WR Quez Watkins (hamstring) - Out
- OG Cam Jurgens (groin) - Cleared
- DT Fletcher Cox (knee) - Cleared
Logan Thomas should return to TE1 duties but Fantasy managers should look to options in better matchups.
Boston Scott will return to play this week. His return could affect involvement for Kenneth Gainwell, but D'Andre Swift should remain the clear lead back.
DFS impact
There's no significant injury impact in relation to DFS in this matchup. Smith is cleared and Swift should remain RB1.
Notable injuries
- QB Joe Burrow (calf) - Cleared
- WR Charlie Jones (thumb) - Out
- TE Irv Smith (hamstring) - Out
- LB Akeem Davis-Gaither (knee) - Questionable
- WR DeAndre Hopkins (ankle) - Cleared
- WR Treylon Bruks (knee) - Out
- OG Peter Skoronski (appendix) - Out
- DT Teair Tart (knee) - Questionable
- DT Denico Autry (groin) - Questionable
- CB Elijah Molden (hamstring) - Out
Treylon Burks' absence doesn't have a major impact on Fantasy lineups this week. Burks was a low-end flex option at best and Fantasy managers should be wary of pivoting to other options. DeAndre Hopkins' start to the season has been disappointing but he's cleared to play and could benefit for a higher target share this week. Hopkins is still a flex option.
Joe Burrow is not on the injury report this week and practiced in full. He'll play in Week 4. Burrow has gotten off to a rough start this season while dealing with a calf injury. But this matchup against Tennessee is the ideal matchup for quarterbacks and receivers. Expect Burrow to have his best performance of the season, similar to Deshaun Watson's Week 3 game, and the Bengals pass catchers all have strong upside.
DFS impact
With Burrow cleaned and facing the Titans defense, Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are all strong plays in DFS. Despite a potential target funnel to Hopkins, it's best to avoid the Titans as a whole.
Notable injuries
- QB Jimmy Garoppolo (concussion) - Questionable
- DE Maxx Crosby (knee) - Questionable
- DE Chandler Jones (NIR) - Out
- CB Jakorian Bennett (hamstring) - Cleared
- CB Nate Hobbs (ankle) - Questionable
- RB Austin Ekeler (ankle) - Doubtful
- WR Mike Williams (knee) - IR
- TE Gerald Everett (illness) - Cleared
- OT Rashawn Slater (ankle) - Cleared
- C Corey Linsley (illness) - IR
- LB Kenneth Murray (groin) - Cleared
- LB Eric Kendricks (hamstring) - Cleared
- OLB Joey Bosa (hamstring) - Questionable
- SAF Derwin James (hamstring) - Doubtful
- SAF Alohi Gilman (heel) - Questionable
Jimmy Garoppolo is still in concussion protocol, and Fantasy managers must monitor his status throughout the weekend. Expect the offense to continue being run aggressively through Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers. Adams would remain a WR1 and Meyers would be a strong flex option with WR2 upside. It's possible that Garoppolo's absence would increase reliance on the ground game and Josh Jacobs could see an increased workload on the ground and through checkdowns. At this time, we don't know which Raiders quarterback would be in line for the start.
Austin Ekeler returned to practice this week but is doubtful and expected to return after the Chargers' bye week. If Ekeler is out again, it's difficult to trust Joshua Kelly after two poor performances in Ekeler's absence. The matchup is good but Fantasy managers who can't afford to lose another game should find another option.
The chargers lost Mike Williams for the season, leaving increased roles for Josh Palmer and Quentin Johnston, the first-round rookie who is still developing and finding his footing in the NFL. Expect Palmer to have the stronger role as Johnston continues to develop. Given the matchup and the performance of Justin Herbert thus far, Palmer is a strong flex play in all formats. Johnson is a flex play in deep leagues.
DFS impact
Justin Herbert and Keenan Allen remain an understandably expensive stack. But, Palmer and Johnston are priced at just $4,000 and $3,700. Palmer is the preferred play. Johnston is risky due to his limited involvement in the offense thus far. Palmer in particular serves as a strong play for managers trying to use a piece from this game but struggling with pricing.
Notable injuries
- OG Cole Strange (knee) - Questionable
- OG Sidy Sow (concussion) - Cleared
- DT Christian Barmore (knee) - Questionable
- DB Jonathan Jones (ankle) - Questionable
- OT Tyron Smith (knee) - Out
- OG Zack Martin (ankle) - Questionable
- C Tyler Biadasz (hamstring) - Questionable
Both teams are dealing with multiple injuries across their offensive line. The Patriots run game has struggled as a whole and could continue this trend in Week 4. For the Cowboys, Tony Pollard has excelled despite the injuries. His Fantasy value should not be affected.
DFS impact
There are no significant injuries impacting DFS in this matchup.
Notable injuries
- RB Keaontay Ingram (neck) - Questionable
- WR Marquise Brown (thumb) - Questionable
- OT Paris Johnson (ankle) - Questionable
- DT Leki Fotu (shoulder) - Cleared
- DE Jonathan Ledbetter (finger) - Out
- LB Josh Woods (ankle) - Out
49ers
- RB Elijah Mitchell (knee) - Questionable
- WR Deebo Samuel (ribs) - Questionable
- WR Brandon Aiyuk (shoulder) - Cleared
- WR Jauan Jennings (shin) - Doubtful
- LB Dre Greenlaw (ankle) - Questionable
Marquise Brown is questionable for Week 4. Brown is coming off two strong performances and is benefiting from the solid play of Joshua Dobbs. If Brown is cleared, the matchup is not ideal but he's still a WR2 and flex option. If Brown is unable to play, Rondale Moore would likely see the most benefit. It's possible rookie Michael Wilson could see an increased role, but it's difficult to pivot to him over Moore.
Brandon Aiyuk has been cleared to play in Week 4, while Fantasy managers must monitor the status for Deebo Samuel. Aiyuk is a strong WR2 but has top-12 upside if Samuel is out. George Kittle would also continue to see an increase in targets, similar to Week 3. Rookie Ronnie Bell saw an increase in workload last week with Aiyuk out and could remain Fantasy relevant in deep leagues if Samuel is out.
DFS impact
Similar to the advice above for season-long leagues, Bell and Moore present the best value plays. Bell likely has the most upside. His Week 3 performance was strong and it's important to note that Jauan Jennings is doubtful -- which increases the likelihood that Bell would serve as the third option behind Aiyuk and Kittle if Samuel is out.
Notable injuries
- WR Kadarius Toney (toe) - Cleared
- WR Richie James (knee) - IR
- TE Noah Gray (illness) - Cleared
- OT Donovan Smith (ribs) - Cleared
- DE Chris Jones (groin) - Cleared
- LB Nick Bolton (ankle) - Out
- CB Jaylen Watson (shoulder) - Out
- RB Breece Hall (knee) - Cleared
- G Wes Schweitzer (concussion) - Out
- DB Tony Adams (hamstring) - Out
Kadarius Toney is cleared to play heading into Week 4. Toney was active last week but extremely limited. Given the lack of snaps he's seen this season, it's difficult to trust Toney, even if deep formats.
Breece Hall practiced in full and was officially removed from the injury report. This is a good sign that Hall could see increased workload in the near future. However, Hall is still difficult to trust beyond a low-end RB2 at best. Use Hall as a flex option, given his limited usage and the tough defensive matchup
DFS impact
Despite Hall's removal from the injury report, he's a tough play in DFS. The Jets defense will be with Tony Adams but they remain strong as a whole. This matchup has a low point total and is not ideal for DFS.
Notable injuries
- WR DK Metcalf (ribs) - TBD
- TE Will Dissly (shoulder) - TBD
- OT Charles Cross (toe) - TBD
- OG Phil Haynes (calf) - TBD
- DT Jarran Reed (quadriceps) - TBD
- DE Dre'Mont Jones (hip) - TBD
- LB Uchenna Nwosu (Achilles) - TBD
- CB Coby Bryant (toe) - TBD
- CB Tariq Woolen (chest) - TBD
- CB Artie Burns (hamstring) - TBD
- CB Tre Brown (concussion) - TBD
- SS Jamal Adams (knee) - TBD
- SS Julian Love (hamstring) - TBD
- FS Quandre Diggs (hamstring) - TBD
Giants
- RB Saquon Barkley (ankle) - TBD
- TE Daniel Bellinger (neck) - TBD
- OT Andrew Thomas (hamstring) - TBD
- DE Azeez Ojulari (hamstring) - TBD
The Seahawks continue to deal with an extensive list of injuries on their defense, particularly their secondary. Although the Giants have been incredibly unreliable for Fantasy managers, Daniel Jones is a streaming option and Darren Waller is a TE1. It's difficult to pinpoint which receiver has the most upside in this matchup, so it's best to avoid them outside of deep leagues.
DK Metcalf's status should be monitored. Metcalf tends to play through injuries but an absence with significantly increase upside for Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Seattle Fantasy options are all strong plays against a struggling Giants defense.
Saquon Barkley remains in question for Week 4, and Fantasy managers must monitor his status throughout the weekend. If Barkley is active, he's a must-start. If Barkley is out, Matt Breida should receive the strong majority of work as he did last week. This week is a better matchup and Breida is a flex option if Barkley is out.
DFS impact
Seattle's defense has struggled across the board. In a showdown format Breida offers strong value if Barkley is out. JSN would be a strong value play as well if Metcalf is out. Both defenses have struggle so there's several different game scenarios that could yield strong results.
