What are the latest fantasy football updates from the QB and TE injury report heading into Week 6? As the first NFL injury updates for Sunday games begin to filter in, we examine the fantasy implications of all the latest news, including the absence of Aaron Rodgers from practice on Wednesday.
Practice status listings are as follows: DNP – did not participate, LP – limited participant, FP – full participant.
QB Injury Report Heading Into Week 6
Aaron Rodgers, GB | Thumb (DNP)
After the Packers’ made the trip back from London, head coach Matt LaFleur informed reporters that Aaron Rodgers would not practice on Wednesday, as he is dealing with a thumb injury. However, LaFleur said that there is not “much concern as far as gameday.” Therefore, we should proceed through the week as though Rodgers will be the starter and the offense will run as normal.
If Rodgers’ status becomes more uncertain as the week progresses, things would change drastically. Jordan Love being under center would see a major downgrade for all the pass-catching options. We could also see an uptick in touches for the running backs, Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon, if Love is playing QB.
Dak Prescott, DAL | Thumb (DNP)
Despite being seen throwing left-handed in the open portion of practice on Wednesday, Dak Prescott was listed as a non-participant. Ahead of practice, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy indicated that they would prepare for Cooper Rush to start this week. That somewhat limits the upside of any pass catchers outside of CeeDee Lamb, as the offense has been very conservative with Rush under center.
Tua Tagovailoa, MIA | Concussion (LP)
Teddy Bridgewater, MIA | Concussion (DNP)
Ahead of practice on Wednesday, Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel announced that they expect rookie seventh-round pick, Skylar Thompson, to be Miami’s starting QB this week. While McDaniel said we should see both Tua Tagovailoa and Teddy Bridgewater back at practice this week, he was not certain either would be available on Sunday. The presence of Thompson hurts all the receiving weapons in Miami, but Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill should still remain fantasy-relevant regardless of the QB under center.
Mac Jones, NE | Ankle (LP)
We saw Mac Jones in practice once again to open Week 6, but his status for the weekend remains uncertain. According to a report from NBC Sports Boston, Jones was moving well and putting weight on his plant foot at practice. Jones would likely still be somewhat limited if he does play in Week 6, so his mobility may be impacted.
MORE: RB Injury Report Week 6
Regardless of whether it is Jones or Bailey Zappe under center, the only Patriots WR you can really trust this week is Jakobi Meyers. The combination of Nelson Agholor, DeVante Parker, and Tyquan Thornton will likely take too many looks away from each other to carry significant value.
Jameis Winston, NO | Back (Limited)
After missing the last two games and not practicing during that stretch, Jameis Winston returned to the practice field Wednesday. While it was in a limited capacity, his presence on the field would suggest he could potentially return to the field in Week 6.
If he plays, his fantasy value would very much hinge on which receivers are available. If the Saints end up rolling with Marquez Callaway and Tre’Quan Smith as their lead options, it will be hard for Winston to provide much value above a 10-team Superflex option.
Baker Mayfield, CAR | Ankle (DNP)
Despite Baker Mayfield suffering a high-ankle sprain in Week 5, interim Carolina Panthers’ head coach Steve Wilks told reporters that Mayfield is day-to-day and has a chance to play Sunday. He also said that Sam Darnold could be cleared to return next week.
If Mayfield plays, we would expect him to be limited, at least. That will have an impact on his ability to make plays outside of the offensive structure and extend plays outside the pocket. If he misses time, P.J. Walker appears set to be the starting QB in Carolina. This could provide a boost in value for pass catchers based on the struggle they have seen in the first five weeks with Mayfield under center.
TE Injury Report Heading Into Week 6
Kyle Pitts, ATL | Hamstring (LP)
After Kyle Pitts missed last week with a hamstring injury, the Atlanta Falcons tight end is hoping to be on the field this week. If he does play, Pitts could be limited by the injury which makes for a tough decision for fantasy managers. It is extremely hard to leave Pitts out of your lineup, but after his struggles this year, it is risky to play him if he is not at 100 percent entering Sunday.
Dalton Schultz, DAL | Knee (LP)
As Dalton Schultz continues to manage his knee injury, we at least saw him at practice in a limited fashion Wednesday. Unfortunately, since suffering the knee injury, Schultz has been a tough fantasy asset to trust. Until we get an indication he is back at 100 percent, fantasy managers should look to stream at the position instead.
Pat Freiermuth, PIT | Concussion (DNP)
With Pat Freiermuth coming off his third concussion in two years on Sunday, it is not surprising to see him absent from practice Wednesday. We will see how he progresses, but the likelihood is that he misses this week. In his absence, there is no tight end in Pittsburgh who carries significant fantasy value.
Dawson Knox, BUF | Foot/Hamstring (LP)
It was positive to see Dawson Knox limited to open practice this week after he missed Week 5. Knox has an intriguing matchup this week against the Kansas City Chiefs defense. However, if he is limited entering the game, it will be tough to trust him as a streaming option. If he is absent, Quintin Morris has extremely-deep-league streaming potential after his five targets last week, but it is a tremendous risk to start him.
Jonnu Smith, NE | Ankle (LP)
Jonnu Smith was one of a number of Patriots players listed as limited this week. We will need to keep an eye on the injury report because if he is out, it provides a reasonably significant boost to the fantasy value of Hunter Henry. If Smith is active, then neither Smith nor Henry are 12-team starting options this week.
