Fantasy Injury Updates: JuJu Smith-Schuster, Tyrell Williams, Julian Edelman, more affecting Week 5 start 'em, sit 'em calls

Matt Lutovsky

Fantasy Injury Updates: JuJu Smith-Schuster, Tyrell Williams, Julian Edelman, more affecting Week 5 start 'em, sit 'em calls image

The injury bug is running wild throughout the league, and no position is feeling it more in Week 5 than wide receiver. Davante Adams, DeSean Jackson, Christian Kirk, Tyreek Hill, Taylor Gabriel, and Parris Campbell have already been ruled out, while JuJu Smith-Schuster, Tyrell Williams, Julian Edelman, Terry McLaurin, Mike Williams, and Michael Gallup are "questionable" for Sunday afternoon games (as are T.Y. Hilton and Sammy Watkins for Sunday night). Fantasy owners need the latest updates before making their final start 'em, sit 'em decisions, and we have them below.

For updates on injured RBs Devin Singletary and Tevin Coleman, click here, and for the latest on Sunday Night Football worries Marlon MackT.Y. HiltonSammy Watkins, and Damien Williamsgo here. For the Week 5 weather report, click here, and for all the latest news and fantasy updates, follow us on Twitter @SN_Fantasy). 

WEEK 5 NON-PPR RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker

Is JuJu Smith-Schuster playing Week 5?

UPDATE: Smith-Schuster is officially ACTIVE.

Smith-Schuster (toe) didn't practice much this week and was ultimately listed as "questionable" ahead of Sunday's game against Baltimore. At no point during the week did the Steelers seem to express much concern about his availability, and QB Mason Rudolph made a point to say he wants to get the ball to JuJu more. 

Smith-Schuster hasn't done much with Rudolph under center aside from a big catch-and-run in Week 3, but it's plays like that that remind us just how explosive and skilled the young receiver is. His ceiling is certainly lower now than it looked to be on draft day, but he's still a worthwhile starting option this week.

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

Is Tyrell Williams playing Week 5?

UPDATE 2: Williams is officially INACTIVE.

UPDATE: NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Sunday morning that Williams is a "longshot" to play.

Williams (foot) missed practice all week, though Raiders OC Greg Olson said he's "hopeful" Williams will be able to play in London against the Bears.

Williams has scored in every game this year, so his owners will likely be hesitant to sit him if he's active. But given his injury and the matchup, he's a risky play. If he can't go, expect more targets for TE Darren Waller and WRs Trevor Davis and Hunter Renfrow. 

MORE WEEK 5 DFS: Stacks | Values | Lineup builder

Julian Edelman injury update

UPDATE 2: Edelman is officially ACTIVE.

UPDATE: ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Sunday morning Edelman is expected to play.

Another week, another (likely) meaningless "questionable" designation for Edelman (chest). The veteran receiver has played all year when "questionable", and we fully expect him to suit up against the Redskins.

Given the matchup, Edelman is a must-start, as only the Eagles are allowing more standard-league fantasy points per game (FPPG) to WRs.

WEEK 5 PPR RANKINGS: Running backWide receiver | Tight end

Is Terry McLaurin playing Week 5?

UPDATE: McLaurin is officially ACTIVE.

McLaurin (hamstring) managed to get in limited practices this week after missing Week 4, and it's being reported that he will be a "game-time decision" for Week 5 against New England.

It might be a blessing in disguise for McLaurin owners if he's out. His outlook with Colt McCoy under center against one of the league's premier defenses isn't positive, and he probably shouldn't be started unless you're in a bind. There is garbage-time potential if he plays, but he figures to be at less-than 100 percent going into the game. The Redskins might opt to take him out if things get out of hand. Paul Richardson, Trey Quinn, and TE Jeremy Spinkle figure to see more targets if McLaurin is out.

Mike Williams injury update

UPDATE: Williams is officially ACTIVE.

Williams (back) got in a full practice on Friday and said, "I'm playing; I'm solid," when asked about his availability for this Sunday's game against Denver. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported early Sunday morning that Williams is expected to play.

After a breakout sophomore season, Williams has done little this year (eight catches, 157 yards, no TDs in three games), and against a stellard Denver secondary, he looks like a low-upside, TD-or-bust play. Travis Benjamin and Geremy Davis would fill in if Williams is out.

Michael Gallup injury news

UPDATE: Gallup is officially ACTIVE.

Gallup (knee) was limited all week in practice, but he's fully expected to play Sunday against the Packers. His effectiveness is in question, though, as he said earlier in the week that he can't run at full speed despite being able to cut

The second-year receiver has impressed this year with 13 catches on 15 targets in two games, but he's a risky play against a Packers pass defense allowing the second fewest standard FPPG to WRs.

Vance McDonald injury update

UPDATE: McDonald is officially ACTVE.

After missing last week's game, McDonald (shoulder) only practiced on Friday and is listed as "questionable" for this week's game against Baltimore. It's anyone's guess as to whether the veteran TE will suit up.

Even if he does, fantasy owners would be wise to play it safe and leave him on their benches. Baltimore is allowing 7.7 standard FPPG to TEs, which is decidedly middle of the road. McDonald would likely split time with Nick Vannett if he's active.

Matt Lutovsky

Matt Lutovsky Photo

Matt Lutovsky has been a writer and editor for The Sporting News since 2007, primarily writing about fantasy sports, betting, and gaming.