Head injuries and headaches -- name a better duo. These two go together in the NFL like bread and butter or peas in a pod. Unfortunately, that is the reality of a violent sport, and the quarterbacks are finding that out the hard way in advance of Week 4. Anthony Richardson and Jimmy Garoppolo are in the league's concussion protocol, and Bryce Young is still dealing with that nagging ankle injury.
Where does that leave these signal-callers before the weekend? Can we expect to see them on the field? How will their teams fare without them if they can't suit up?
Below, we'll give you the latest news on these key QBs and break down how their injuries could potentially affect the Week 4 and season-long fantasy landscape. For updates on hurting RBs Saquon Barkley, Austin Ekeler, Miles Sanders, and Gus Edwards, click here; for news on ailing WRs Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, Jaylen Waddle, Odell Beckham Jr., and Treylon Burks, go here.
WEEK 4 FANTASY: Sleepers | Busts | Start 'em, sit 'em
Anthony Richardson injury update, Week 4 fantasy outlook
Richardson (concussion) is still in the league’s protocol, but he's trending in the right direction. The rookie did log full practices on Wednesday and Thursday, however, which puts him on track to be cleared in advance of Sunday’s matchup with the Rams. Considering his lack of practice last week, this is an encouraging sign provided he doesn’t suffer a setback.
If and when Richardson is cleared, he’s back to must-start territory, as his rushing ability has shined through the first five quarters of his career. His return could cap the ceilings of the pass-catchers not named Michael Pittman Jr., as well as running back Zack Moss. Richardson, unlike Gardner Minshew, is capable of using his size and athleticism to get into the end zone around the goal line, hurting that touchdown upside that other players might rely on.
If Richardson can’t clear protocol or is held out for any other reason, Matthew Stafford (@ Colts) or C.J. Stroud (vs. Steelers) project as worthy streaming options available in at least 50 percent of Yahoo leagues.
WEEK 4 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Jimmy Garoppolo injury update, Week 4 fantasy outlook
Garoppolo (concussion) entered the NFL’s protocol following the conclusion of the Raiders’ loss to the Steelers on Sunday night. He remained in the game despite taking some big hits. Unlike Richardson, Garoppolo didn’t participate in Wednesday’s practice. His status is in doubt for the weekend, and if history is any indication, we should consider him unlikely to play.
Brian Hoyer and rookie Aidan O’Connell would be in line to start, but it’s hard to believe the outlook changes that much for Vegas. Davante Adams would remain a must-start, Josh Jacobs would likely see more carries, and Jakobi Meyers remains in flex territory. It’s unlikely you had Garoppolo in your lineup anyway, but don’t worry about taking the other Raiders out for this week.
WEEK 4 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Bryce Young injury update, Week 4 fantasy outlook
Young (ankle) practiced fully on Wednesday, putting him on track to return to his starting role in Week 4. Andy Dalton filled in admirably last week, providing a glimpse into some of what we could expect from Carolina’s offense going forward. Young’s return represents a downgrade for other Panthers in the short term, particularly in the passing game.
WEEK 4 DFS:
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However, the good news is that his team plays the Vikings this week, a team that has been more than generous to opposing offenses. Young is not a starting option for fantasy purposes at the moment, but his teammates are. The ceiling might not be as high, but we should expect some improvement in the passing game, making Adam Thielen a solid WR3.
