Week 4 of the NFL season delivered devastating injuries that will reshape the fantasy football landscape. Tyreek Hill and Malik Nabers both suffered season-ending injuries, while stars like Lamar Jackson, Miles Sanders, and Darnell Mooney are dealing with shorter-term issues. Below, we break down every key injury from Week 4, expected return timelines, and the fantasy opportunities these setbacks create heading into Week 5.
Week 4 injuries, expected timelines, and fantasy football impacts. Always monitor late-week practice reports and inactives.
| Player | Team / Pos | Injury / Status | Expected Return | Fantasy Impact | Opportunity / Next Man Up |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lamar Jackson | BAL • QB | Hamstring strain Questionable | Unlikely Wk 5; could miss multiple games | Downgrade for BAL pass catchers. | Cooper Rush starts; hurts Flowers & Andrews. |
| Braelon Allen | NYJ • RB | Left knee MCL sprain Out | At least Wks 5–6; maybe longer | Removes depth; volume consolidates. | Breece Hall workhorse; Isaiah Davis next up. |
| Miles Sanders | DEN • RB | Right ankle Questionable | Day-to-day; chance to play Wk 5 | Even if active, limited workload. | Javonte Williams remains RB1. |
| Bucky Irving | TB • RB | Undisclosed (ankle/ribs) TBD | Pending MRI | Could miss time; uncertain workload. | Rachaad White benefits/ |
| Malik Nabers | NYG • WR | Torn ACL Season-ending | Out for 2025 | Crushes Giants’ WR1 spot. | Wan’Dale Robinson inherits lead role. |
| Tyreek Hill | MIA • WR | Knee dislocation Season-ending | Out for 2025 | Huge blow; offense loses explosiveness. | Jaylen Waddle, De’Von Achane see big upticks. |
| Darnell Mooney | ATL • WR | Hamstring strain Questionable | Should return after bye (Wk 6) | Short-term WR3/Flex loss. | Drake London, Kyle Pitts gain volume. |
| Cedric Tillman | CLE • WR | Hamstring strain Out | Wks 5–6; maybe longer | Lowers WR depth. | Jerry Jeudy, Isaiah Bond rise. |
| Ricky Pearsall | SF • WR | PCL sprain Out | Out Wk 5; possible Wk 6 return | Reduces WR rotation. | Demarcus Robinson gains routes. |
| Jauan Jennings | SF • WR | Rib injury Questionable | Day-to-day | Role players shuffled. | Kendrick Bourne gets extra snaps. |
| Calvin Austin | PIT • WR | Shoulder (SC joint) Questionable | On bye Wk 5; chance Wk 6 | Depth hit. | DK Metcalf remains WR1. |
What to Watch / Team Impacts
- Ravens: If Lamar Jackson misses time, Cooper Rush starting caps Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews’ ceilings.
- Jets: With Braelon Allen out, Breece Hall is a workhorse. Isaiah Davis is worth monitoring in deep leagues.
- Broncos: Miles Sanders is questionable; Javonte Williams could see a larger role even if Sanders suits up.
- Buccaneers: If Bucky Irving sits, Rachaad White may handle a near three-down role.
- Giants: Malik Nabers’ ACL tear removes their WR1; Wan’Dale Robinson becomes the focal point.
- Dolphins: Tyreek Hill’s season-ending injury is devastating; Waddle and Achane must carry the load.
- Falcons: Mooney’s bye week gives him recovery time; London and Pitts should benefit if he lingers.
- Browns & 49ers: Tillman, Pearsall, Jennings injuries shuffle depth charts; others step into bigger roles.
- Steelers: Austin’s bye comes at a good time; if he misses more, depth WRs must step in.
Fantasy Takeaways
- WR Fallout: Wan’Dale Robinson becomes a must-add with Nabers out; Jaylen Waddle’s stock skyrockets without Hill.
- Stream with Caution: Ravens pass catchers take a hit if Lamar sits; Andrews’ floor remains safe but ceiling is lower.
- Monitor Practice Reports: Sanders, Mooney, Jennings, and Austin all carry questionable tags that could swing matchups.