Several prominent pass-catchers are also catching injuries. It's not nearly as long of a list in Week 4, but a big name like Deebo Samuel along with other prominent players like Marquise Brown and Tyler Higbee find themselves with big question marks in relation to their Sunday status. It's something that surely will have an impact on their teams when game time rolls around, but all hope is not lost.
There are opportunities for new fantasy stars to rise in the absence of others, and we're on the hunt to find them. As you count it down to kickoff, we'll be sure to have everything you need to be put in a position for success when lineups lock.
Below, we'll give you the latest news on these impactful pass catchers and break down how their injuries could potentially affect the Week 4 fantasy landscape.
WEEK 4 INJURY UPDATES:
QBs | RBs | Barkley
Is Deebo Samuel playing Week 4?
UPDATE: ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Sunday morning that Samuel is expected to play against Arizona.
UPDATE 2: Samuel is officially ACTIVE.
Samuel (ribs, knee) seems to have traded places with fellow receiver Brandon Aiyuk ahead of the weekend. Aiyuk heads into the 49ers' Week 4 matchup without an injury designation, but the same can't be said for Samuel, who was listed as a DNP on the team's injury report for the entire practice week. Despite that, he is still listed as "questionable." Reporters said that Samuel worked on the side during Friday's practice and that the knee issue is the more concerning ailment at the moment. Fantasy owners will be left to wait for an official update since the 49ers don't kick off their Week 4 matchup against the Cardinals until 4:25 p.m. ET.
WEEK 4 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
As usual, if Samuel plays then he is a must-start. Since San Francisco has big aspirations for 2023, it's unlikely they'd risk Samuel if he's less than 100 percent for a game this early in the season. Should the Niners decide to keep him out of the lineup, the offense will take on a similar outlook as it had in Week 3. Aiyuk would be upgraded alongside George Kittle in the passing game. Jauan Jennings (shoulder) is "doubtful" for Sunday, meaning Ronnie Bell, who caught a touchdown last week, would likely step in to fill the void. He remains off the fantasy radar unless you want to take a big risk.
WEEK 4 DFS:
DK lineup | FD lineup | Best values | Best stacks
If you are going to wait for Samuel, make sure you have a pivot from the late-afternoon/prime-time games. There aren't many high-upside, widely available options, but the Chargers' Quentin Johnston stands out as the best bet. You could also try one of the Giants' WRs (Darius Slaton, Isaiah Hodgins, Parris Campbell, in that order) or Kansas City's Rashee Rice.
Is Marquise Brown playing Week 4?
UPDATE: NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Sunday morning that Brown is expected to play against the 49ers.
UPDATE 2: Brown is officially ACTIVE.
Brown picked up a thumb injury in practice on Thursday, putting his Week 4 status in doubt. After a limited practice on Friday, the hope is that Brown will be able to suit up. The Cardinals WR1 has been a popular target for Josh Dobbs, hauling in 14 catches on 22 targets for 143 yards and two touchdowns. With the Cardinals likely facing a negative game script when they kick off in San Francisco, fantasy owners will want Brown to be available.
The man they call "Hollywood" should be in your lineup if he's in uniform when showtime commences. He's scored in back-to-back weeks and has a consistent target share, something that is valuable for fantasy purposes. If Brown can't go, Rondale Moore and Zach Ertz should find themselves seeing more of the ball. Michael Wilson, the rookie, figures to factor in more in the passing game going forward, as well.
WEEK 4 FANTASY: Sleepers | Busts | Start 'em, sit 'em
Is Tyler Higbee playing Week 4?
UPDATE: ESPN's Adam Schefter reported late Saturday night that Higbee is expected to play against the Colts.
UPDATE 2: Higbee is officially ACTIVE.
Higbee (Achilles) logged a limited practice on Friday, earning a "questionable" designation for Sunday when the Rams take on the Colts in Indianapolis at 1 p.m. ET. The timing of Higbee's limited practice is interesting, however, considering the tight end inked a new contract extension on Friday for two years, $27 million. It's unclear whether he was held out of practice to avoid injury prior to the ink drying on the new contract, but it would be an interesting development and would go a long way in giving confidence to fantasy owners heading into the weekend.
WEEK 4 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
He's had a consistent workload through three weeks with 15 targets, keeping Higbee firmly on the fantasy radar at a weak position. The touchdowns aren't there yet, but that will likely come down the road with Matthew Stafford relying on No. 89 as one of a few prominent pass-catching options. If Higbee can't go, L.A. will turn to Brycen Hopkins at tight end. A potential Higbee absence shouldn't impact the other receivers, as the Rams' game plan is unlikely to change. Viable replacement options available on most waiver wires include Jake Ferguson (vs. Patriots) and Zach Ertz (@ 49ers).
