Week 5 delivered another wave of setbacks across the NFL, with injuries to Omarion Hampton, Antonio Gibson, and Brock Bowers shaking up fantasy rosters. A few quarterbacks are hobbling into Week 6, while several teams are forced to find quick replacements. Here’s everything you need to know, plus what it means for your fantasy squad.
Omarion Hampton, RB – Los Angeles Chargers
Injury: Left Foot/Ankle Sprain
Projected Return: Out at least 4 weeks (on IR)
Impact: Hampton’s injury leaves a major void in the Chargers’ backfield. Rookie Kimani Vidal and veteran Hassan Haskins are expected to share duties, though neither offers Hampton’s explosiveness. Expect the Chargers to lean more on the passing game and potentially explore outside help through a trade or free-agent pickup.
Kyler Murray, QB – Arizona Cardinals
Injury: Foot Injury
Projected Return: Expected Week 6
Impact: Murray briefly exited for evaluation but returned to finish the game, suggesting a minor issue. That said, post-game swelling could delay his return to practice. If Murray can’t go, veteran Jacoby Brissett would step in — which would stabilize the offense but cap its explosive upside. Fantasy managers can start Murray with cautious optimism if he practices in full by Friday.
Darius Slayton, WR – New York Giants
Injury: Hamstring Strain
Projected Return: 2–3 Weeks
Impact: The Giants can’t catch a break at wide receiver. Slayton’s absence opens up opportunities for Wan’Dale Robinson and Jalin Hyatt, who both should see more targets, especially in short and intermediate routes. Expect the Giants to lean more heavily on Theo Johnson and Cam Skattebo in the meantime.
Antonio Gibson, RB – New England Patriots
Injury: Right Knee (Possible ACL/MCL Tear)
Projected Return: Season-Ending (TBD)
Impact: Gibson’s injury looked severe on replay, and early reports indicate a likely season-ending ligament tear. The immediate beneficiary is rookie TreVeyon Henderson, who should see expanded work.
Bucky Irving, RB – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Injury: Left Foot Sprain & Shoulder Subluxation
Projected Return: Week 7–8
Impact: Irving’s two-pronged injury means the Bucs will stay cautious. With him sidelined, Rachaad White becomes a volume-based RB2, handling almost all early-down and goal-line work. Sean Tucker may spell White occasionally but is unlikely to see standalone fantasy value unless White also gets hurt.
Brock Bowers, TE – Las Vegas Raiders
Injury: PCL Sprain Aggravation
Projected Return: Week 7–9
Impact: The Raiders’ offensive centerpiece is once again sidelined, and it shows. Michael Mayer will step in as the primary tight end, but the passing attack will now funnel even more through Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker. Expect Geno Smith to rely on quick-hitting routes and shorter depth of target until Bowers is back to full speed.
Mac Jones, QB – San Francisco 49ers
Injury: Left PCL Aggravation
Projected Return: Expected Week 6 (10 days rest)
Impact: Jones gutted through Thursday night’s game and should start again in Week 6. Mobility remains limited, which caps his ceiling but keeps him usable in Superflex formats. With Brock Purdy out, expect Kyle Shanahan to design a conservative game plan emphasizing Christian McCaffrey and quick passes to tight ends and slot receivers.
Brock Purdy, QB – San Francisco 49ers
Injury: Turf Toe Aggravation
Projected Return: 2–4 Weeks
Impact: Purdy’s injury forces the Niners to turn to Mac Jones, recently acquired for insurance. Expect a dip in overall passing efficiency and fantasy output for receivers like Ricky Pearsall and Juaun Jennings, while Christian McCaffrey likely sees an uptick in carries. The 49ers’ defense and run game will have to shoulder the load until Purdy returns.
🏈 Fantasy Takeaways
- Streamers: Mac Jones (Superflex), Michael Mayer (deep TE leagues).
- Downgrades: 49ers WRs, Raiders passing attack, Cardinals receivers if Murray limited.
- Long-Term Fallout: Gibson’s injury opens the door for TreVeyon fantasy relevance.