Fantasy football managers have plenty to monitor heading into NFL Week 5, with several major stars dealing with injuries and uncertain practice statuses.
Ja’Marr Chase, Saquon Barkley, Lamar Jackson, Justin Jefferson and Breece Hall were among the biggest names still dealing with concerns Thursday, while others such as Brock Bowers, Jayden Daniels and Tony Pollard received encouraging practice updates.
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Biggest injury updates heading into Week 5
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’marr Chase (1) gets to his feet after catching a go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 18 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns at Paycor Stadium in Downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. The Browns kicked a last second field goal to win 20-18.
Ja’Marr Chase remains in concussion protocol but practiced Thursday, giving the Cincinnati Bengals some reason for optimism.
Saquon Barkley sat out a second straight practice with his hamstring injury, while Ashton Jeanty moved from full participation to limited due to ankle/foot issues.
Brock Bowers was upgraded to a full participant, while Chris Olave joined the injury report with a foot issue. Justin Jefferson remained limited for another day, and Malik Nabers improved from no practice to limited.
Lamar Jackson remained sidelined Thursday with his ankle injury, creating significant uncertainty heading into Baltimore’s Week 5 matchup.
Jayden Daniels, however, is reportedly a “full go” for Washington, while D’Andre Swift improved from no practice to limited.
Kyle Monangai is dealing with turf toe but plans to try to play through it. DJ Moore couldn’t practice, while Mike Evans sat out Thursday but was able to run on the sideline.
DeVonta Smith ran Thursday but remained officially listed as a DNP.
Ladd McConkey missed another practice, Zay Flowers remained limited, and Jeremiyah Love was limited again.
Breece Hall was also held out for another session, while Tee Higgins worked out but did not practice.
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Aug 22, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) on the sidelines during their game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Terry McLaurin remains sidelined, while Carnell Tate sustained a back injury Thursday.
Cam Skattebo shed his no-contact jersey but remained limited, and Rhamondre Stevenson once again had his practice reps capped.
Tony Pollard was upgraded to a full participant, while Rico Dowdle logged another limited session. Tyler Shough also moved to full participation.
Michael Pittman Jr. is expected to miss several weeks, creating another major concern for fantasy managers. Jordan Addison resumed practicing, but Dontayvion Wicks suffered a hamstring injury Thursday.
Stefon Diggs worked out Thursday but remained a non-participant, while Jacory Croskey-Merritt stayed limited. Alvin Kamara provided some positive news by moving to limited participation.
With so many key players dealing with injuries, Friday’s practice reports will be critical before official Week 5 game statuses are announced. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring the situations involving Jackson, Chase, Barkley, Jefferson, Hall, and the other high-impact players before finalizing lineups.
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