Several key wide receivers failed to suit up last week, forcing fantasy football owners to be on alert regarding their statuses ahead of Week 6. Michael Thomas, Keenan Allen, Rashod Bateman, Isaiah McKenzie, and Jahan Dotson are the most notable banged-up receivers, and while some look to return to the field in Week 6, others likely won't, causing all sorts of start 'em, sit 'em dilemmas for nervous fantasy owners during the first week of byes.
Below we'll give you the latest news on these WRs and break down how their injuries could potentially affect the Week 6 fantasy landscape. For the latest on banged-up pass-catchers Tyreek Hill, Tee Higgins, Drake London, Pat Freiermuth, and Chris Olave, click here; for updates on ailing RBs Rashaad Penny, Damien Harris, and James Conner, go here; for news on injured QBs Dak Prescott and Tua Tagovailoa, click here; for the latest on Jonathan Taylor, Kyle Pitts, and Dawson Knox, click here.
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WEEK 6 FANTASY: Top waiver pickups | FAAB planner | Trade advice
Michael Thomas injury update, Week 6 fantasy outlook
Thomas (toe) missed his second straight game dealing with a foot injury suffered late in the Saints' Week 4 loss to the Panthers but is on track to return to game action this week against the Bengals, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Thomas' return is a welcomed sight for a Saints' offense that's more than likely going to be without stud rookie WR Chris Olave (concussion) and potentially Jarvis Landry (ankle). Thomas didn't participate in practice last week, but look for him to return in some capacity this week. Thomas sits comfortably as a WR2 in a game where he could garner a high target share. Thomas' ability to be effective in the red zone (three TDs in three games) gives him a real chance to produce solid numbers against Cincinnati.
WEEK 6 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Keenan Allen injury update, Week 6 fantasy outlook
Allen (hamstring) missed his fourth straight game this past Sunday while dealing with a hamstring injury suffered back in Week 1. Allen racked up double-digit fantasy points in his lone game of 2022 (four receptions, 66 yards) but didn't practice all of last week leading up to the Chargers' Week 5 win in Cleveland.
In his absence, Mike Williams dominated in the receiving game, hauling in 10 catches for 134 yards and a TD. Los Angeles' next leading receiver, RB Joshua Kelly, logged just 34 receiving yards on two receptions. We'll get a better feel for Allen's Week 6 status once the Chargers' official injury report drops on Wednesday, but until he returns to the practice field, his Week 6 prospects for Monday night against Denver are unknown.
WEEK 6 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Rashod Bateman injury update, Week 6 fantasy outlook
Bateman (foot) missed Baltimore's Week 5 win over the Bengals after failing to participate in practice leading into Sunday Night's contest. Head Coach John Harbaugh took a more optimistic approach when asked about Bateman's status on Monday, hoping he might be able to return to game action this week.
With Bateman sidelined this past Sunday, fellow pass-catchers Mark Andrews (eight catches, 89 yards, one TD) and Devin Duvernay (five catches, 54 yards) took on the bulk of the receiving game and will likely do so again if Bateman misses his second straight game. If Bateman ends up being active, he's in WR3/flex territory for the Ravens' road game against the Giants. His Week 6 status should clear up once the Ravens release their initial Week 6 injury report on Wednesday.
Isaiah McKenzie injury update, Week 6 fantasy outlook
McKenzie is still in concussion protocol after missing Buffalo's Week 5 drubbing over the Steelers, but he could return to the field for the Bills' Week 6 showdown in Kansas City.
While rookie WR Khalil Shakir (three receptions, 75 yards, TD) impressed in the slot while McKenzie was sidelined in Week 5, look for McKenzie to reassume the primary slot duties if he's active. McKenzie sits as a WR3/flex in what could be a high-scoring affair in a rematch of last season's all-time Divisional bout.
Jahan Dotson injury update, Week 6 fantasy outlook
Dotson (hamstring) called himself "day-to-day" after missing the Commanders' 21-17 loss to the Titans in Week 5. With Washington playing on Thursday night, it's tough to expect the first-round rookie to suit up if he's not up to game speed. If his absence, fellow WRs Curtis Samuel, Terry McLaurin, and Dyami Brown will see the majority of targets from Carson Wentz this week.
