After a relatively quiet week on the injury front, Week 5 saw a couple of fantasy football's heaviest hitters exit early. Stars like Justin Jefferson and Travis Kelce were sidelined at times, and even an emerging rookie in Tank Dell couldn't avoid the same fate. Bottom line -- teams across the league felt the impact and might be feeling it for at least another week.
Below, we'll give you the latest news on these impact pass-catchers and break down how their injuries could potentially affect the Week 6 fantasy landscape.
Below, we'll give you the latest news on these star running backs and break down how their injuries could potentially affect the Week 6 fantasy landscape. For news on James Conner, Khalil Herbert, and Anthony Richardson, click here; for the latest on De'Von Achane, go here. For updates on Austin Ekeler, Saquon Barkley, and Jahmyr Gibbs, click here; for more on ailing WRs Mike Evans, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Tee Higgins, go here.
WEEK 6 FANTASY: Top waiver pickups | FAAB budget planner | Trade advice
Justin Jefferson injury update, Week 6 fantasy outlook
UPDATE: NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported Tuesday morning that the Vikings will place Jefferson on the IR this week, meaning he'll miss a minimum of four games.
Jefferson (hamstring) departed in the fourth quarter of the Vikings' 27-20 loss to the Chiefs and did not return. He managed just three catches for 28 yards prior to his departure. Hamstring injuries are always a nuisance to deal with and typically lead to some time on the sideline, but it could be even longer, as the Vikings exercise caution with their star receiver in what appears to be a lost season. At 1-4, it makes no sense to rush Jefferson back even though he'll likely push for it. Jefferson is slated for additional testing on Monday to determine the severity of the injury and what a timeline to return looks like.
Without Jefferson, the Vikings would elevate the rookie Jordan Addison into a bigger role alongside K.J. Osborn and Brandon Powell. With a negative game script, Addison and Osborn led the team in targets with nine each. The Vikings pass-first offense takes a hit if Jefferson is out, but the ceiling is still relatively high with Minnesota being forced to throw in order to compete. In addition to Osborn, guys like Josh Downs, Curtis Samuel, Rashee Rice, and Josh Reynolds make for worthwhile pickups this week.
WEEK 6 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Travis Kelce injury update, Week 6 fantasy outlook
Kelce (ankle) went down in a heap with a non-contact injury on the turf in Minnesota on Sunday. At that point, it seemed like a foregone conclusion that the star tight end would miss time. If the video wasn't enough, the slamming of the helmet on the sideline paired with a significant limp certainly had Kelce owners fearing the worst. But in typical Chiefs fashion, they keep on winning, even in the turf wars. Kelce would later return after halftime and even caught a touchdown in the second half. It's safe to say he's fine after being diagnosed with a low ankle sprain, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Considering he played the second half, Kelce's outlook for Thursday night against Denver looks pretty optimistic, but if you're a doomsday planner and would like to have those ducks in a row, Noah Gray is the guy to have in the Kansas City tight end room. You can do better with guys like Zach Ertz, Tyler Conklin, or Logan Thomas. Otherwise, continue setting-and-forgetting Kelce into the lineup every week.
WEEK 6 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Tank Dell injury update, Week 6 fantasy outlook
Dell (concussion) made a big-time catch right before the half, setting up the Texans for a field goal attempt and giving his team a 9-7 lead at the halfway point. In doing so, Dell gave up his body and hit his head hit the turf. The rookie was removed from the game immediately and was later ruled out with a concussion.
The official diagnosis is important here considering there hasn't many players in the NFL this season that have been able to clear concussion protocol and play a week later. With that reality, it's safe to assume that the Texans will likely be without Dell in Week 6 when they return home to play the Saints. Houston also has a Week 7 bye, meaning the team could elect to sideline the receiver for precaution even if he does manage to be cleared in time. If you need someone to look for on the waiver wire, Robert Woods would see a larger target share as far as receivers go. He's available in over 50 percent of Yahoo leagues like TE Dalton Schultz, who should continue to enhance his role after a 10-target Week 5.
