Ahead of Week 4 of the 2020 NFL season, countless beat-up teams will be hoping some of their top contributors return to action after missing time with injuries. Injuries have been a big problem for teams this year and there are some notable ones affecting quarterbacks. Jimmy Garoppolo (ankle) and Tyrod Taylor (chest) have both missed action with injuries but will hope to return to the field soon. Meanwhile, one of fantasy football's best tight ends, George Kittle, has missed a couple of games with a knee injury. These problems will certainly have an impact on Week 4 waiver wire decisions and should also influence key start 'em, sit 'em decisions related to our Week 4 fantasy rankings.
For all the latest fantasy injury news and updates, check back here and on Twitter @SN_Fantasy.
WEEK 4 STANDARD RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight End | D/ST | Kicker
Is Jimmy Garoppolo starting in Week 4?
The 49ers have been without Jimmy Garoppolo (ankle) for the last game and a half and have rolled with Nick Mullens as their replacement for him. It looks like Mullens may once again get the nod in Week 4 against the Eagles.
According to the 49ers' official website, the team will assess Garoppolo's health when the team first returns to practice on Wednesday. He could return to action if deemed healthy enough to play, but the 49ers will undoubtedly be cautious with their well-paid quarterback in a matchup against a winless Eagles team.
If Mullens starts, San Francisco's receiving weapons should see a minor downtick in value, but nothing that would shake up our Week 4 WR rankings too much.
WEEK 4 WAIVER WIRE: Top pickups
Is Tyrod Taylor starting in Week 4?
After back-to-back 300-yard passing games, one would assume that rookie quarterback Justin Herbert would be the starter for the Chargers moving forward. However, the team's head coach, Anthony Lynn, simply isn't ready to hand the full-time starting job to the rookie.
According to Gilbert Manzano of the Orange County Register, Lynn said that he's "not in position" to rule Taylor out for the Chargers' Week 4 matchup with the Buccaneers. Taylor (chest) will have to make strides in his recovery from a freak lung injury suffered during a routine medical procedure, but if he's healthy, he'll at least draw consideration as the starter for Los Angeles.
Still, it would be a surprise to see Lynn go back to Taylor after a couple of solid performances from his rookie. Did Herbert make some mistakes? Sure, but he also helped the offense to move better than Taylor did in the season opener.
If Taylor does end up starting, his receiving weapons will be downgraded a bit, as he's not as good of a downfield passer as Herbert. Keenan Allen, Hunter Henry, and Austin Ekeler would still be solid plays, but their ceilings would be lower than they would be with Herbert at the helm.
WEEK 4 PPR RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight End | D/ST | Kicker
George Kittle injury update
Much like his teammate Garoppolo, Kittle is questionable for Sunday's game against the Eagles as he attempts to recover from a knee injury suffered against the Cardinals in Week 1. According to the team's official website, Wednesday will be a key day for Kittle as the team evaluates his potential return.
The 49ers will be hopeful that Kittle can play after top backup tight end Jordan Reed landed on IR with a knee sprain. With Reed out six-to-eight weeks, Kittle's top backup is now Ross Dwelley, who had a career high in catches (4) and receiving yards (49) against the Giants last week. Kittle would obviously be a big upgrade if he's able to return, but we'll know more about his status moving forward on Wednesday.
