In terms of injuries, last week was kind to most key skill players across the NFL (save for Mike Williams, Gus Edwards, and Derek Carr). The on-field product was mostly brutal, as teams struggled to move the ball and score points, perhaps because the Dolphins scored enough for everyone. Bad weather across the East Coast made conditions difficult for some teams in what wasn't a great week for quality of play.
Below, we'll give you the latest news on these impact players and break down how their injuries could potentially affect the Week 4 and season-long fantasy landscape. For the latest banged-up RBs Justice Hill, Austin Ekeler, and Saquon Barkley, go here; for updates on ailing WRs Odell Beckham Jr., Brandon Aiyuk, Jaylen Waddle, and Zay Jones, click here; for news on injured QBs Anthony Richardson and Bryce Young, go here.
WEEK 4 FANTASY: Top pickups | FAAB budget planner | Trade advice
Mike Williams injury update
Williams has been no stranger to injuries throughout his career, seemingly unable to avoid the inevitable. He's played one full season in seven years, and after Sunday, it's now one-in-eight. The Chargers' receiver went down in the third quarter with a knee injury that immediately sparked concern as he was later carted off the field. He was set for an MRI on Monday, which confirmed a torn ACL, ending Williams' 2023 season.
Williams was in the midst of a great showing in Minnesota as the Chargers captured their first win of the season. His production had steadily increased through the first three weeks in the team's new offense under new coordinator, Kellen Moore, but the Chargers selected Quentin Johnston with the No. 21 overall pick in April's draft. That selection seemed to signal that Keenan Allen and/or Williams would be nearing the end of their Chargers' careers. Injuries have often hit that position group for L.A., so having Johnston as an insurance option is likely to pay off now. He catapults up the list of potential waiver claims with Joshua Palmer, the two most likely to assume Williams' workload in his absence. Consider Palmer the priority add, but Johnston has plenty of long-term upside, too.
WEEK 4 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Gus Edwards injury update, Week 4 fantasy outlook
The hits just keep on coming for the Ravens, as Edwards left Week 3's game early to be evaluated for a concussion. He was later ruled out after exiting in the fourth quarter, but there was no word on whether he's officially in the league's protocol. Baltimore was already without JK Dobbins and Justice Hill (toe) in the running back room, leaving few healthy in-house options. With Dobbins out for the year and Hill dealing with a toe problem, it could be the Melvin Gordon III show in Week 4 if Edwards ends up in concussion protocol.
NFL fans know by now that the season doesn't truly begin until the Ravens have an injury report that rivals only CVS receipts in length. It presents a challenge for new offensive coordinator Todd Monken, who might need to call more designed runs for his dynamic quarterback, Lamar Jackson. With that being the likely outcome, we don't suggest wasting a waiver claim on Gordon or Kenyan Drake, who the team signed last week. Hill is worth a pickup if he's available, but obviously, he has injury issues of his own. Edwards remains the main back to roster right now and will reclaim the starter's role when he's ready to play. Baltimore's offense remains a tough one to rely on for fantasy purposes, so don't increase your exposure.
WEEK 4 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Derek Carr injury update, Week 4 fantasy outlook
It's been a rough year for big-name quarterbacks in new places, as Carr went down with a shoulder injury in Week 3. He was slammed down to the field early in the third quarter, but he appeared to avoid a major injury, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The original fear was that it would cost Carr the remainder of the season, but instead, tests revealed what is believed to be an AC joint sprain. With no additional damage, Carr's status will be determined once swelling subsides and mobility is regained.
With that in mind, it appears unlikely that he will play in Week 4 when the Saints take on the Buccaneers at home. That would put Jameis Winston in line to start against his former team. He went 10-for-16 in relief of Carr, but the Saints did not score. They held a 17-0 lead when their starter went down and would later go on to lose 18-17. New Orleans' offense hasn't been clicking thus far, scoring only 20 points once in three weeks. Alvin Kamara is eligible to return from suspension in Week 4, so that might breathe some life into their offense. Winston is a player who loves to air it out, though not always to the right team. We can expect plenty of targets for Chris Olave and Michael Thomas, but the ceiling is capped against a stout Tampa defense.
