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 6 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 Anthony Richardson, Daniel Jones and Deshaun Watson; running backs Miles Sanders, Saquon Barkley and Khalil Herbert; receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown, Tee Higgins and Christian Watson; tight ends Dalton Kincaid, Darren Waller and Dawson Knox; 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 Keaton Mitchell (shoulder) - TBD
- WR Odell Beckham Jr. (ankle) - Cleared
- LB Odafe Oweh (ankle) - Out
- SAF Geno Stone (hamstring) - Cleared
- WR Treylon Burks (knee) - Out
- C Aaron Brewer (neck) - Questionable
- DT Teair Tart (knee) - Questionable
- DT Denico Autry (finger) - Cleared
- DT Jeffrey Simmons (shoulder) - Cleared
- LB Azeez Al-Shaari (neck) - Cleared
- SS Armani Hooker (thumb) - Questionable
- CB Caleb Farley (back) - TBD
Odell Beckham Jr. is cleared from his ankle injury and Lamar Jackson will have his entire healthy receiving corps against a Titans defense that has allowed the eighth most passing yards this season. The Ravens look to bounce back after struggle against the Steelers in Week 5. Keaton Mitchell's return from IR remains in question. Gus Edwards and Justice Hill remain streaming options.
The Titans will be without Treylon Burks, who has missed the past two games. DeAndre Hopkins will continue to see the majority of targets and is a solid start this week coming off his best performance of the season.
DFS impact
With the Ravens' receiving corps in full healthy, Lamar Jackson is a strong tournament play against the Titans defense.
Notable injuries
- CB Christian Holmes (hamstring) - Out
- TE Jonnu Smith (ankle) - Cleared
- OT Kaleb McGary (knee) - Cleared
The Falcons and Commanders have no significant injuries and head into the game with all starters in full health.
Notable injuries
- QB Nick Mullens (back) - IR
- RB Kene Nwangwu (back) - Questionable
- WR Justin Jefferson (hamstring) - IR
- WR Jordan Addison (ankle) - Cleared
- CB Akayleb Evans (knee) - Cleared
- RB Khalil Herbert (ankle) - IR
- RB Roschon Johnson (concussion) - Out
- RB Travis Homer (hamstring) - Out
- WR Equanimeous St. Brown (hamstring) - Out
- TE Cole Kmet (hamstring) - Cleared
- CB Jaylon Johnson (hamstring) - Cleared
- SAF Eddie Jackson (foot) - Questionable
The Vikings place Justin Jefferson on IR, a significant blow to a struggling Vikings team. While K.J. Osborn has played more snaps than Jordan Addison, Addison will likely ascend to the WR1 role. Addison was dealing with an ankle injury this week but has been cleared and is a strong start in all formats. Hockenson remains a must-start with a potential increase in workload. Osborn had several strong performances in 2022 is a flex option and all formats, given the matchup. The loss of Jefferson hurts Cousins' overall upside, but he is still a top-12 quarterback this week.
The Bears have ruled out Khalil Herbert, Roschon Johnson and Travis Homer, leaving D'Onta Foreman is the likely lead back for Chicago. Foreman has been inactive since Week 1 but is a flex option this week with the Chicago offense performing well in recent weeks. Foreman lacks receiving upside but had multiple 100-plus rushing yard games last year and should have a solid floor this week. The lack of running backs could increase rushing upside for Justin Fields, who is a strong start for Week 6.
DFS impact
Foreman lacks the upside for a strong tournament play unless he has multiple touchdowns. But at $4,400 on DraftKings, he's a potential value play in cash games with a reliable floor.
The Vikings as a whole are cost-effective for stacking in tournaments but Addison is the strongest play at $5,700.
Notable injuries
- QB Drew Lock (ankle) - Questionable
- WR DK Metcalf (ribs) - Cleared
- OT Charles Cross (toe) - Cleared
- OG Phil Haynes (calf) - Questionable
- LB Jordyn Brooks (knee) - Cleared
- CB Coby Bryant (toe) - Out
- SAF Jamal Adams (concussion) - Cleared
- WR Tee Higgins (ribs) - Questionable
- LB Akeem Davis-Gaither (knee) - Out
- CB Chidobe Awuzie (back) - Questionable
Tee Higgins remains questionable heading into the weekend, but it's important to note he practiced in full on Friday. Higgins is still risky if active because the injury centers around pain management and one bad hit could cause him to exit the game. Treat Higgins as a flex option. Prioritize other WR2 options and high-upside running backs in flex before turning to Higgins. If Higgins is unable to suit up, Trenton Irwin and Tyler Boyd are flex options this week.
DK Metcalf has been cleared to play and remains a strong start in all formats.
DFS impact
Higgins should be avoided in cash games if active due to reinjury risk. If Higgins is unable to play, Irwin is the value play here as he served as a direct replacement for Higgins in Week 5 with Boyd remaining in his typical role.
Notable injuries
- RB Elijah Mitchell (knee) - Questionable
- OG Aaron Banks (shoulder) - Cleared
- LB Dre Greenlaw (hamstring) - Questionable
- QB Deshaun Watson (shoulder) - Out
- WR Cedric Tillman (hip) - Out
- TE David Njoku (face, hand) - Questionable
- C Ethan Pocic (chest, knee, foot) - Questionable
- OG Joel Bitonio (knee) - Out
- DE Myles Garrett (foot) - Cleared
The Browns have ruled out Deshaun Watson for Week 6. Watson was unable to play in Week 5 and the result was disastrous for the entire Browns offense. Dorian Thompson-Robinson got the start in Watson's absence but P.J. Walker will be under center this week for the Browns. Walker does bring a veteran presence and experience to the offense and there should be improvement on the offense's Week 4 performance. However, it's difficult to trust the Browns offense without Deshaun Watson.
David Njoku is also questionable and Fantasy managers should monitor his status throughout the weekend. But, given his overall lackluster performance this season it's best to find another option at tight end this week. Amari Cooper is the only trustworthy Browns player this week.
Elijah Mitchell returned to practice this week in a limited capacity but remains questionable. Mitchell's potential return could lessen the workload on McCaffrey, but McCaffrey is still the top play at running back, despite the difficult matchup. Mitchell has shown standalone value in the past but should remain on Fantasy benches this week if active.
DFS impact
With Watson out, the entire Browns offense should be avoided in DFS. The Browns injuries are on the offensive side of the ball, and their defense remains a tough matchup. San Francisco's offense is strong but upside could be limited in this matchup.
Notable injuries
- FB Adam Prentice (knee) - Out
- TE Juwan Johnson (calf) - Out
- OT Landon Young (hip) - Out
- OG Andrus Peat (concussion) - Questionable
- DE Cameron Jordan (back) - Cleared
- SAF Lonnie Johnson (hamstring) - Out
- WR Tank Dell (concussion) - Questionable
- WR Robert Woods (ribs) - Questionable
- OT Laremy Tunsil (knee) - Cleared
- LB Christian Harris (concussion) - Questionable
- CB Shaquill Griffin (calf) - Cleared
Tank Dell is questionable for Week 6 and should be monitored throughout the weekend. Dell has been a weekly flex option and if absent, targets would likely funnel to Nico Collins. Collins is a solid WR2 this week. If Dell is active, he's a strong flex play and shouln't seem limitations.
New Orleans has several injuries but little significance to the majority of Fantasy teams, aside from those in deeper leagues who have been relying on Johnson at tight end.
DFS impact
Although the matchup isn't ideal, Collins is salary-friendly at $5,600. If Dell is out, C.J. Stroud will likely put a heavy focus on Collins and the boom potential is a strong play in tournaments.
Notable injuries
- QB Anthony Richardson (shoulder) - IR
- TE Jelani Woods (hamstring) - Cleared
- TE Mo Alie-Cox (concussion) - Questionable
- OT Bernhard Raimann (concussion) - Cleared
- OT Braden Smith (foot) - Out
- C Ryan Kelly (foot) - Questionable
- DE Kwity Paye (concussion) - Cleared
- WR Zay Jones (knee) - Out
- OT Walker Little (knee) - Out
- DT DaVon Hamilton (back) - Out
- LB Devin Lloyd (thumb) - Questionable
- LB Dawuane Smoot (Achilles) - Cleared
The Colts placed Anthony Richardson on IR this week, and Gardner Minshew will step in at quarterback. Minshew is one of the league's better backups and there's no major change in opportunities for Colts' pass catchers as a whole, though we could see continued increase in workload for Josh Downs. Downs' strongest performances have come in games with Minshew at quarterback.
Jonathan Taylor was not on the injury report for the Colts this week. However, it's important to discuss Taylor because the Colts are being cautious with his return to play and limiting his snaps. Head coach Nick Sirianni said Taylor will see an increase in snaps this week, although he didn't clarify details on the increase. Taylor is a potential flex start but Fantasy managers should remain cautious and monitor any updates on his workload throughout the weekend. Unless Taylor's workload is increased to above 50% of the snaps, Zack Moss remains a viable option.
For the Jaguars, Zay Jones has been ruled out. Christian Kirk and Calvin Ridley remain strong options with Jones out.
DFS impact
With lack of clarity around the backfield split, it's best to avoid the Colts running backs in DFS. The aforementioned connection between Downs and Minshew is intriguing in DFS. Downs is just $4,100 on DraftKings and could thrive in this matchup with Minshew at quarterback. Minshew is priced at just $5K. He's not the ideal upside play given lack of rushing upside but the pricing stacked with his receivers does open up significant space for higher upside plays in other games.
With Jones out, Kirk remains a reliable option for cash games at $5,400.
Notable injuries
- RB Miles Sanders (shoulder) - Out
- TE Giovanni Ricci (shoulder) - Out
- TE Ian Thomas (calf) - Questionable
- TE Stephen Sullivan (hip) - Questionable
- OT Taylor Moton (knee) - Cleared
- OG Chandler Zavala (neck) - Out
- OG Austin Corbett (knee) - Out
- OG Calvin Throckmorton (calf) - Cleared
- DT Derrick Brown (knee, ankle) - Questionable
- LB Brian Burns (ankle) - Questionable
- OLB Kamu Grugier-Hill (back) - Cleared
- SAF Xavier Woods (hamstring) - Out
- SAF Vonn Bell (quad) - Out
- RB Jeff Wilson (ribs) - Doubtful
- RB De'Von Achane (knee) - IR
- FB Alec Ingold (foot) - Questionable
- OG Robert Hunt (knee) - Cleared
- C Connor Williams (groin) - Out
- OLB Jaelan Phillips (oblique) - Questionable
- CB Nik Needham (Achilles) - Doubtful
Miles Sanders has been ruled out for Week 6 and Chuba Hubbard will operate as the Panthers' lead back. The Panthers backfield has been difficult to trust from a Fantasy perspective because Hubbard has seen a decent workload on a weekly basis, rendering the Panthers backfield as a borderline committee. But with Sanders out, Hubbard is a solid RB2 in PPR due to his receiving upside.
De'Von Achane suffered a knee injury in Week 5 and has been placed on IR. Achane and Mostert were splitting the workload, but Achane was the more productive back. Prior to a breakout performance, Mostert was performing as a top-12 back is a strong start in all formats. Jeff Wilson is listed as doubtful to return from IR. Mike McDaniel did confirm that even if Wilson does return from IR this week, his snap count would be limited to 25 snaps at most. The bulk of work will be seen by Mostert and Salvon Ahmed. Avoid Wilson, start Mostert and use Ahmed in very deep leagues.
DFS impact
Hubbard could be extremely chalky in Week 6 priced at just $4,300 on DraftKings but his price would open up significant salary. It's tough to imagine Carolina can maintain a strong run game while likely playing from behind. But Hubbard has receiving upside and shouldn't be scripted out of play. Mostert's salary isn't a value play but given the matchup and the likelihood of Mostert receiving the bulk of carries, it's a strong play this week with the Panthers' reeling from injuries across the entire defense.
Notable injuries
- WR Demario Douglas (concussion) - Out
- WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (concussion) - Out
- WR Tyquan Thornton (shoulder) - Questionable
- OT Trent Brown (chest) - Questionable
- OT Riley Reiff (knee) - Out
- OG Cole Strange (knee) - Out
- OG Mike Onwenu (ankle) - Questionable
- DE Trey Flowers (foot) - Questionable
- DT Christian Barmore (knee) - Questionable
- DT Davon Godchaux (ankle) - Questionable
- OLB Matt Judon (biceps) - Out
- CB Jonathan Jones (ankle) - Questionable
- CB Shaun Wade (shoulder) - Questionable
- SAF Kyle Dugger (foot) - Questionable
- WR Davante Adams (shoulder) - Cleared
- WR Tre Tucker (knee) - Cleared
- OT Justin Herron (concussion) - Out
- DE Maxx Crosby (knee) - Cleared
- CB Jakorian Bennett (hamstring) - Questionable
- CB Nate Hobbs (ankle) - Out
The Patriots have an extensive injury list for Week 6. Their offensive line has struggled this season and the injuries make it difficult for Fantasy managers to start Rhamondre Stevenson. The Raiders are a friendly matchup for running backs so Fantasy managers in deep leagues can use Stevenson. But in shallow leagues, avoid Stevenson at all costs.
For the Raiders, Davante Adams and Maxx Crosby have been cleared. Adams, Jakobi Meyers and Josh Jacobs are strong starts against the Patriots defense with the critical injuries.
DFS impact
The Patriots' typical no-go defense is extremely vulnerable. The Raiders' offensive players could thrive in this matchup -- particularly Jakobi Meyers in his first game against New England.
Notable injuries
- WR Quez Watkins (hamstring) - Out
- TE Jack Stoll (shoulder) - Cleared
- DT Fletcher Cox (back) - Cleared
- DT Jalen Carter (ankle) - Out
- DT Marlon Tuipulotu (triceps) - Questionable
- LB Nakobe Dean (foot) - Cleared
- CB Darius Slay (knee) - Out
- SAF Sydney Brown (hamstring) - Questionable
- SAF Justin Evans (knee) - Out
- RB Nick Bawden (calf) - Questionable
- WR Xavier Gipson (ankle) - Questionable
- OT Alijah Vera-Tucker (Achilles) - IR
- CB Sauce Gardner (illness) - Questionable
- CB D.J. Reed (concussion) - Out
- CB Brandin Echols (hamstring) - Out
- CB Justin Hardee (hamstring) - Out
Philadelphia will be without multiple key pieces on defense this week. While the Eagles will remain a strong, defensive matchup, the injuries do increase upside for Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson. Hall is coming off a breakout performance and while the loss of Vera-Tucker is a major blow, Hall is still a strong start.
DFS impact
Although the Jets will be without Reed, the defense remains a strong group if Gardner is able to play after showing up on the injury report Friday with an illness. That could limit the upside for Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, though the Jets' depth at the cornerback position will be tested with Echols and Hardee also out.
Notable injuries
- RB James Conner (knee) - IR
- RB Keaontay Ingram (neck) - Cleared
- WR Marquise Brown (illness) - Questionable
- DE Jonathan Ledbetter (finger) - Questionable
- LB Josh Woods (ankle) - Questionable
- SAF Jalen Thompson (hamstring) - Out
- WR Ben Skowronek (Achilles) - Cleared
- OG Joe Noteboom (groin) - Questionable
- LB Ernest Jones (knee) - Questionable
- LB Christian Rozeboom (thigh) - Cleared
Emari Demercado stepped up in Week 5 with a solid performance of 10 carries for 45 yards after James Conner suffered his injury. It's possible Demercado sees the bulk of the workload, but if Keaontay Ingram is active, Ingram could see significant work as well. The unknown makes it difficult to trust either running back in the majority of formats. However, Demercado is an option in deep leagues. Proceed with caution, unless the Cardinals provide more details in terms of workload for both backs. Marquise Brown should be monitored throughout the weekend for his availability.
DFS impact
Although Demercado and Ingram are priced below $5K, with no true details around a potential workload split and in a tough matchup, there's no strong value play here.
Notable injuries
- RB Jahmyr Gibbs (hamstring) - Out
- RB Zonovan Knight (shoulder) - Out
- WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (abdomen) - Cleared
- TE Sam LaPorta (calf) - Questionable
- TE James Mitchell (hamstring) - Out
- OG Jonah Jackson (ankle) - Out
- CB Brian Branch (ankle) - Out
- CB Emmanuel Moseley (knee) - Out
Bucccaneers
- WR Mike Evans (hamstring) - Cleared
- LB Shaquil Barrett (illness) - Questionable
- LB Anthony Nelson (concussion) - TBD
- FS Ryan Neal (concussion) - Cleared
Amon-Ra St. Brown has been cleared, while Sam LaPorta remains questionable. If LaPorta is unable to play, look for streaming options elsewhere. Jahmyr Gibbs has been ruled out and David Montgomery is likely in line for another aggressive workload. With Zonovan Knight out for the season, the No. 2 back and change of pace role remain with Craig Reynolds.
Despite missing practice earlier in the week, Mike Evans is cleared and practiced in full on Friday. Trusting receivers off hamstring injuries is difficult but Fantasy managers should feel encouraged by the early clear. Evans should start in all formats. Chris Godwin's upside is limited with Evans' return but Godwin still has a solid floor and is a strong flex play.
DFS impact
With Gibbs out, Montgomery remains a pricy but strong play. Amon-Ra St. Brown should see increased value in tournaments if LaPorta is unable to play.
Notable injuries
- QB Daniel Jones (neck) - Out
- RB Saquon Barkley (ankle) - Questionable
- RB Gary Brightwell (ankle) - Questionable
- WR Wan'Dale Robinson (knee) - Cleared
- TE Darren Waller (groin) - Questionable
- OT Andrew Thomas (hamstring) - Out
- OT Evan Neal (ankle) - Questionable
- OT Matt Peart (shoulder) - Out
- OG Marcus McKethan (knee) - Cleared
- OG Shane Lemieux (groin) - Questionable
- C John Michael Schmitz (shoulder) - Out
- OLB Azeez Ojulari (ankle) - Out
- LB Micah McFadden (ankle) - Questionable
- CB Deonte Banks (ankle) - Cleared
- TE Dawson Knox (wrist) - Questionable
- TE Dalton Kincaid (concussion) - Questionable
- DE Greg Rousseau (foot) - Cleared
- CB Dane Jackson (foot) - Questionable
Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox are both questionable for Week 6. Neither tight end has been a strong Fantasy option but it's critical to monitor their status this weekend. If one plays and the other sits, the active tight end is a viable streaming option this week. If both are inactive, targets would likely continue to funnel to Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis.
The Giants will be without Daniel Jones for Week 6. Jones said his neck injury is different from his previous one, so it's possible he won't miss extended time. But given the Giants offensive struggles, Fantasy manager should prepare to move forward without Jones. Fantasy managers will need to monitor status for Saquon Barkley throughout the weekend. Even if Barkley is able to suit up, news around his workload is critical. It's possible that Barkley is eased back into action. If he sees limited reps, combined with the Giants' offensive struggles, Barkley is a risky play in this week.
Darren Waller is also listed as questionable. Waller had a rough start but is coming off his strongest performance of the season. With Tyrod Taylor as the starting quarterback, it's tough to trust Waller to repeat his performance. But given Waller's talent and upside, if we receive news over the weekend that he is active and does not have any snap limitations, Waller is still a low-end TE1. Other Giants receivers are risky plays.
DFS impact
If Kincaid and Knox are unable to suit up this week, it's difficult to trust any replacement option in redraft leagues. However, in DFS this presents an interesting opportunity to use a player like Deonte Harty as a value play.
Notable injuries
- RB Tony Pollard (shoulder) - TBD
- WR KaVontae Turpin (ankle) - TBD
- TE Peyton Hendershot (ankle) - IR
- LB Damone Clark (shoulder) - TBD
- OLB Leighton Vander Esch (neck) - TBD
- RB Austin Ekeler (ankle) - TBD
- TE Donald Parham (wrist) - TBD
- LB Joey Bosa (hamstring) - TBD
- SS Alohi Gilman (heel) -TBD
Tony Pollard logged a full practice on Friday and looks strong heading into the weekend. The Cowboys continue to deal with injuries on defense. While they are typically one of the most difficult matchups in the league, expect the Chargers to take advantage of the injuries. Austin Ekeler practiced in full this week and is expected to return, while Justin Herbert is not listed on the injury report after dealing with a finger injury prior to the bye week.
DFS impact
With an over/under of 51 and key defensive injuries to both teams, expect strong performances from the top offensive players on both sides. The Chargers are always a strong play and there's good bounceback potential for Pollard and CeeDee Lamb this week.
