Week 6 kept the fantasy injury bug alive and well, striking stars across every position. From Puka Nacua’s ankle scare to Marvin Harrison Jr.’s concussion and Calvin Ridley’s hamstring, this week’s list might sting more than your bench depth can handle.
Let’s break down every key injury, expected recovery timelines, and what it means for your fantasy squads heading into Week 7.
Puka Nacua, WR – Los Angeles Rams
Injury: Left Ankle / Foot Sprain
Projected Return: Week 7–9
Impact: Nacua rolled his ankle but managed to return as a decoy. Given the Rams’ Week 8 bye, Sean McVay could hold him out this week to get him right for the stretch run. If Nacua sits, Davante Adams becomes the featured target, with Jordan Whittington a speculative waiver add. Nacua should be back close to full strength by Week 9 — don’t panic long term, but plan for a one-week absence.
Marvin Harrison Jr., WR – Arizona Cardinals
Injury: Concussion
Projected Return: Week 9 (after the bye)
Impact: Harrison slammed the back of his head on the turf and will now enter concussion protocol. With Arizona’s Week 8 bye, it makes sense to rest him until Week 9. Expect Michael Wilson to serve as WR1 and Trey McBride to dominate targets — especially if Jacoby Brissett starts again. Harrison remains a hold in all formats and should return without long-term limitations.
Garrett Wilson, WR – New York Jets
Injury: Knee Hyperextension
Projected Return: Out through Week 9 bye
Impact: Wilson avoided major ligament damage, but swelling will sideline him for a couple of weeks. With the Jets 0–6, there’s zero reason to rush him. Expect short passes from Justin Fields to Mason Taylor and Josh Reynolds while Wilson recovers.
Calvin Ridley, WR – Tennessee Titans
Injury: Right Hamstring Strain
Projected Return: 2–5 Weeks (potential short-term IR)
Impact: Ridley’s injury likely keeps him out until after Tennessee’s Week 10 bye. The Titans’ passing game is already lifeless, and this won’t help. Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike get modest boosts but remain desperation plays. Ridley managers should hold but prepare for at least a month without him.
Emeka Egbuka, WR – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Injury: Hamstring Strain
Projected Return: 2–4 Weeks (expected after Week 9 bye)
Impact: Another week, another hamstring for Tampa Bay. Egbuka’s absence opens opportunities for Sterling Shepard, Tez Johnson, and Cade Otton. Shepard is the most intriguing pickup in deeper leagues. Expect the Bucs to play it safe with Egbuka as they maintain playoff positioning.
David Njoku, TE – Cleveland Browns
Injury: Knee Hyperextension / Thigh Contusion
Projected Return: Week 7–10
Impact: Njoku is banged up yet again, and trade rumors add another wrinkle. He’s likely to miss time or see limited snaps. Rookie Harold Fannin Jr. becomes an intriguing stash and could see a breakout opportunity if Njoku sits.
Mike Gesicki, TE – Cincinnati Bengals
Injury: Pectoralis Injury (Possible Tear)
Projected Return: TBD (Likely IR)
Impact: Gesicki is expected to miss significant time — possibly the rest of the season if surgery is needed. The Bengals deployed a committee of Drew Sample, Noah Fant, and Tanner Hudson, but none have standalone fantasy value. This funnels more red-zone looks to Ja’Marr Chase and Joe Mixon.
Geno Smith, QB – Las Vegas Raiders
Injury: Knee Sprain
Projected Return: TBD
Impact: Smith tweaked his knee during a scramble but played through it. With a Week 8 bye ahead, expect the Raiders to be cautious. If swelling lingers, Kenny Pickett could start, which would downgrade Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker.
DJ Moore, WR – Chicago Bears
Injury: Undisclosed (Hospitalized Postgame)
Projected Return: Questionable for Week 7
Impact: Moore was taken to a D.C. hospital postgame for precautionary testing. While details remain unclear, early reports suggest no structural damage. If he misses Week 7, Rome Odunze will operate as the Bears’ WR1.
Joshua Palmer, WR – Buffalo Bills
Injury: High Ankle Sprain
Projected Return: Questionable for Week 8 (post-bye)
Impact: Palmer left early Monday night but benefits from Buffalo’s Week 7 bye. Keon Coleman and Khalil Shakir will pick up the slack if Palmer remains limited. Dalton Kincaid could also see increased short-yardage work while Palmer heals.
Emari Demercado, RB – Arizona Cardinals
Injury: Ankle Sprain
Projected Return: Week 8–10
Impact: Demercado’s absence further depletes Arizona’s backfield. Bam Knight appears next in line for touches, with Michael Carter mixing in. This is shaping up as a messy committee that’s best avoided outside of deep leagues.
Blake Corum, RB – Los Angeles Rams
Injury: Right Ankle Sprain
Projected Return: Week 7
Impact: Corum briefly exited but returned after being taped up. He’s fine long term and remains strictly a Kyren Williams handcuff. Fantasy managers can move along — no significant value change.
Dontayvion Wicks, WR – Green Bay Packers
Injury: Ankle Sprain
Projected Return: Week 7–8
Impact: Wicks’ injury opens the door for rookie Matthew Golden, who has shown flashes in limited snaps. Still, Green Bay’s offense continues to run through Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and Tucker Kraft, keeping Golden’s upside capped.
Dylan Laube, RB – Las Vegas Raiders
Injury: Hamstring Strain
Projected Return: TBD
Impact: Minimal fantasy significance. Laube’s injury won’t affect the Raiders’ rotation.