The 49ers are one of the NFL's most banged-up teams. Their starting quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo, missed Week 3 against the Giants with an ankle injury, and tight end George Kittle hasn't played since Week 1 after suffering a knee sprain. They are two of the big-name injuries at QB and TE with Jared Cook of the Saints rounding out a trio of important fantasy contributors. These maladies could have an impact on Week 4 fantasy rankings and start 'em, sit 'em decisions, and we have the latest updates below.
For updates on banged-up WRs, including Michael Thomas, Julio Jones, Davante Adams, and more, click here; for the latest on injured RBs, including Raheem Mostert, Zack Moss, Chris Carson, and more, go here; for news on DeAndre Hopkins, Leonard Fournette, Kareem Hunt and more, click here. 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?
According to 49ers reporter Cam Inman, Garoppolo (ankle) didn't practice for the team on Wednesday. That doesn't necessarily mean that he's out for Sunday's game against the Eagles, but it does mean that he would have to see some improvement at practice on either Thursday or Friday to see the field.
If Garoppolo can't play, Nick Mullens would continue to start for the team. Mullens fared well in Week 3 against a weak Giants defense and would have a chance to be a viable starter in two-QB/Superflex leagues against an Eagles team with a weak secondary.
WEEK 4 FANTASY: Sleepers | Busts | Start 'em, sit 'em
Is George Kittle playing in Week 4?
UPDATE: Kittle will be ACTIVE for Week 4.
Unlike Garoppolo, Kittle did return to 49ers practice on Wednesday, and according to ESPN's Nick Wagoner, he was "a full go." That should bode well for his chances of playing against Philadelphia.
The Eagles have a weak linebacker unit and their safeties aren't as strong without Malcolm Jenkins in the fold. Because of this, Kittle can be trusted as a top TE this week.
WEEK 4 PPR RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight End | D/ST | Kicker
Jared Cook injury update
UPDATE: Cook is officially OUT for Week 4.
Cook left the Saints' loss to the Packers with a groin strain and didn't return to action in the contest. He missed Wednesday's practice and it looks like he will be truly questionable for the Saints' Week 4 game against the Lions.
If Cook is out, rookie tight end Adam Trautman, veteran Josh Hill, and Swiss Army Knife Taysom Hill will be the top options at the tight end position for the Saints. Drew Brees may spread the ball around, so none would appear to be particularly fantasy-relevant. Perhaps Michael Thomas (if healthy) and Alvin Kamara would absorb some of the targets normally reserved for Cook if the tight end can't get back on the field just yet.
