Fantasy Updates: Stefon Diggs, DeSean Jackson, Jarvis Landry, more WRs causing Week 5 start 'em, sit 'em problems

Billy Heyen

Fantasy Updates: Stefon Diggs, DeSean Jackson, Jarvis Landry, more WRs causing Week 5 start 'em, sit 'em problems image

Trade candidate Stefon Diggs has made a big week for WR injury monitoring even more confusing with his unexplained absence from Minnesota's Wednesday practice. Then there are plenty of potential starting fantasy receivers on injury reports around the league: Davante Adams, Jarvis Landry, Terry McLaurin, Michael Gallup, Tyrell Williams, Mike Williams, and DeSean Jackson. All of these names could be in fantasy lineups while healthy, but any absences would create start 'em/sit 'em questions about their backups.

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Is Stefon Diggs going to be traded?

UPDATE: Diggs practiced in full on Thursday.

Diggs was shown on the sidelines during Week 4 looking very displeased, then was listed as a Did Not Participate for Wednesday's practice for non-injury reasons. Multiple reports have indicated that Diggs is not available in a trade, but there's definitely some tension in Minnesota. Diggs returned to practice Thursday.

It's hard to even predict what the ramifications of a potential Diggs' trade would be, but he'd definitely be in a better spot than run-happy Minnesota. Assuming Diggs plays Sunday, he'll be in a good spot for production against a Giants' secondary that's struggled all season.

WEEK 5 DFS LINEUPS:
Y! cash | Y! GPP | FD cash | FD GPP | DK cash | DK GPP

Is Jarvis Landry playing Monday night?

As of Thursday morning, Landry remains in concussion protocol, according to cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot. Landy had eight catches for 167 yards in Week 4 before being injured.

The Browns don't play until Monday night, so Landry owners are in a tough spot. Antonio Callaway has returned from suspension and could step into No. 2 duties if Landry is out, but Rashard Higgins is also working his way back from an ankle injury and would be in that conversation if he's active. Damion Ratley, the No. 3 WR from Week 4, could also play a part.

WEEK 5 PPR RANKINGS: Running backWide receiver | Tight end

Is Davante Adams playing in Week 5?

It's pretty clear Adams won't play Sunday against the Cowboys, although he's yet to be officially ruled out. His absence would move Marquez Valdes-Scantling into the No. 1 WR role, while Geronimo Allison would play in the slot while Jake Kumerow presumably would be the other WR in three-wide sets.

MVS is a clear fantasy start this week if he's the Packers' top receiver, but that's about it. Allison has underwhelmed this year and won't necessarily see a role increase out of his normal slot position. Kumerow could be a DFS option if you need a really cheap wideout.

WEEK 5:
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Tetry McLaurin injury update

McLaurin (hamstring) warmed up prior to Week 4's game but was then ruled inactive. He said he's made "a lot of progress" since Sunday, and he was a limited participant at practice on Wednesday ahead of a Sunday meeting with the Patriots. McLaurin was a limited participant again at practice Thursday.

McLaurin isn't a good fantasy start even if he's active. The Pats' defense has allowed one offensive touchdown through four weeks, and the Redskins have as messy a quarterback situation as any team in the league. McLaurin would probably get a heavy dose of star cornerback Stephon Gilmore, too.

MORE WEEK 5 DFS: Stacks | Values | Lineup builder

Will Tyrell Williams play Week 5?

Williams missed Wednesday's practice in London ahead of the Raiders' Week 5 meeting across the pond with the vaunted Bears' defense. Raiders offensive coordinator Greg Olson said he hopes some rest and recovery will allow Williams to be ready to play Sunday.

Williams is, at best, a FLEX play in a tough matchup for Oakland, but he probably has some fantasy owners tempted to play him if he's active since he's caught touchdowns in every game this year. The only possible DFS value to come out of a Williams' absence would be Trevor Davis, whose ability to break a big play makes him slightly intriguing in DFS tourmanets despite the matchup.

DeSean Jackson injury update

UPDATE: Jackson missed practice again Thursday.

Jackson (groin) still hasn't returned to Eagles' practice, with Philly head coach Doug Pederson just reiterating that Jackson is day-to-day. Philadelphia is a heavy favorite in Week 5 against the New York Jets.

Alshon Jeffery's return to health has been good for the Eagles' passing game and Carson Wentz, so the Jets' matchup shouldn't pose a threat to Philly success through the air. Nelson Agholor remains a potential PPR play with plenty of points in play for Philadelphia while Jackson is out.

Mike Williams injury news

Williams missed Week 4 due to a back injury, but he returned to Wednesday's Chargers' practice in a limited fashion. Williams has battled back injuries on and off throughout his NFL career, so it's probably not going away, but it's good that he was back on the practice field.

Melvin Gordon's return means we don't quite know how this offense will play out in Week 5, but the Chargers should have some overall success against the Broncos' defense that's now without Bradley Chubb. De'Vante Bausby shapes up to cover Williams if he's active, and Bausby's allowed just 6.5 yards per attempt and no touchdowns on passes in his direction so far in 2019.

When is Michael Gallup returning?

Gallup is expected to play in Week 5 against the Packers, according to the Dallas Morning News. He also told ESPN's Todd Archer that he's yet to run at full speed, though. Devin Smith has started opposite Amari Cooper in Gallup's absence.

With Cooper being shadowed by stud corner Jaire Alexander on Sunday, another Dallas receiver might have to step up. Gallup's health doesn't sound encouraging for a full workload if he plays, though, but that would also cut into Smith's chances of doing anything. Maybe it'll be Randall Cobb stepping up in a revenge game out of the slot for Dallas.

Billy Heyen