Week 4 Gameday Injuries

Week 4 Gameday Injuries

A pair of notable wide receivers headline the Week 4 injury report, with each trending in a different direction with respect to their potential availability. The running backs have their share of health concerns as well, while the outlook of two prominent quarterbacks hasn't improved over the last week. Without further ado, a look at who's likely to take the field in Week 4:

QUARTERBACKS

The status quo holds for the Vikings' Sam Bradford, who''ll miss a third straight game with what's been confirmed as a bone bruise in his knee. Case Keenum will have an opportunity to follow up his spectacular 369-yard Week 3 effort, although he'll face a tough divisional opponent in the Lions.

The Colts' Andrew Luck also misses another game Sunday due to his shoulder issues, leaving Jacoby Brissett to spearhead the offense in the less-than-ideal scenario of a primetime game against the Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. Brissett and T.Y. Hilton thrilled fantasy owners with their Week 3 effort versus the Browns, but the step up in competition is significantly pronounced in Week 4.

As he did last week, the Panthers' Cam Newton turned in a week of limited practices, although this time around it was due to a shoulder injury. While his availability to for Sunday's matchup against the Patriots isn't in doubt, his ability to provide superior fantasy production increasingly is, as he's yet to throw for more than 228 yards and has topped out at 27 rushing yards in his first three

A pair of notable wide receivers headline the Week 4 injury report, with each trending in a different direction with respect to their potential availability. The running backs have their share of health concerns as well, while the outlook of two prominent quarterbacks hasn't improved over the last week. Without further ado, a look at who's likely to take the field in Week 4:

QUARTERBACKS

The status quo holds for the Vikings' Sam Bradford, who''ll miss a third straight game with what's been confirmed as a bone bruise in his knee. Case Keenum will have an opportunity to follow up his spectacular 369-yard Week 3 effort, although he'll face a tough divisional opponent in the Lions.

The Colts' Andrew Luck also misses another game Sunday due to his shoulder issues, leaving Jacoby Brissett to spearhead the offense in the less-than-ideal scenario of a primetime game against the Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. Brissett and T.Y. Hilton thrilled fantasy owners with their Week 3 effort versus the Browns, but the step up in competition is significantly pronounced in Week 4.

As he did last week, the Panthers' Cam Newton turned in a week of limited practices, although this time around it was due to a shoulder injury. While his availability to for Sunday's matchup against the Patriots isn't in doubt, his ability to provide superior fantasy production increasingly is, as he's yet to throw for more than 228 yards and has topped out at 27 rushing yards in his first three games.

RUNNING BACKS

The Bills' LeSean McCoy (wrist) is good to go for Sunday's showdown versus the Falcons after practicing in full all week.

Giovani Bernard is ready to roll for the Bengals against the Browns after a full practice Friday. A wrist issue had limited him in the first two days of Week 4 prep.

Isaiah Crowell (shoulder) will once again head up the Browns backfield versus the Bengals after shaking off a limited designation the first two days of the practice week and practicing fully Friday.

The same holds true for teammate Duke Johnson, who was nursing a shoulder injury of his own earlier in the week.

Shane Vereen (calf) is reportedly ready to go for the Giants' matchup against the Buccaneers despite being no more than a limited participant in practice this past week, and with that participation level not coming until Friday.

The news isn't as good for the Jets' Matt Forte, who'll sit out Sunday's contest versus the Jaguars with a toe injury. Bilal Powell, who turned in a pair of 100-yard rushing efforts late last season in the lead-back role, and rookie Elijah McGuire will take over the bulk of the team's backfield work in a tough matchup.

Jalen Richard (calf) is ready to suit up for the Raiders versus the Broncos after turning in full practices Thursday and Friday.

The Seahawks' C.J. Prosise carries a much less optimistic tag, as he's listed as doubtful for Sunday's game versus the Colts. Prosise reportedly isn't expected to play and could be looking at a multi-week absence.

Carlos Hyde (hip) is trending towards playing as per early Sunday morning reports, although the final decision will be made during pre-game warmups. Hyde was limited in each of the 49ers' three practice sessions this week and would give way to a combination of rookie Matt Breida and the undrafted Raheem Mostert versus the Cardinals if he were unable to suit up.

Although his troublesome knee has saddled the Chargers' Melvin Gordon with a questionable designation heading into Sunday's battle with the Eagles, head coach Anthony Lynn has confirmed he'll be a full go after progressing to a full practice Friday.

Despite his own questionable tag, the Dolphins' Jay Ajayi (knee) will fill his usual workhorse back role versus the Saints in London.

Although the Patriots' Rex Burkhead (ribs) returned to a limited practice Friday, he's listed as doubtful for Sunday's matchup with the Panthers. His likely absence should once again spell an uptick in opportunity for pass-catching specialists James White and Dion Lewis.

The Redskins' Rob Kelley (ribs) is shaping up as a true game-time decision for Monday night versus the Chiefs after three straight days of limited practice. Kelley missed the Week 3 contest versus the Raiders, a game in which teammate Samaje Perine suffered a bruised hand. Perine practiced fully all week, however, so he'll be available irrespective of Kelley's status. The emerging Chris Thompson should retain his usual role as a dynamic pass catcher in either scenario.

WIDE RECEIVERS

The Cardinals' John Brown turned in limited practices all week due to his quadriceps injury but is expected to play versus the 49ers as of early Sunday morning reports. However, this will be one to watch all the way until inactives are announced, given Brown's injury history. Meanwhile, Brown's teammate J.J. Nelson is questionable with a hamstring injury after three day of limited practices.

The Falcons' Julio Jones (back) doesn't have an injury designation despite three days of limited practices this week, meaning he'll be good to go versus the Bills.

The Patriots' Danny Amendola (knee) practiced fully Friday and doesn't have an injury designation heading into Sunday's game versus the Panthers.

Ditto for Amendola's teammate Phillip Dorsett, who's free of any injury tag after previously working through a knee injury.

The Raiders' Amari Cooper (knee) was back practicing fully by Thursday and is ready to go for Sunday's showdown with the Broncos.

That news is particularly encouraging considering that teammate Michael Crabtree is not expected to play due to his chest injury. Seth Roberts and Cordarrelle Patterson are expected to see a bump in snaps if he misses, with tight end Jared Cook also potentially benefitting.

The Panthers' Kelvin Benjamin (knee) was back to fully participating in practice by Thursday despite his scary-looking knee injury in Week 3 and will be ready to go versus the Patriots.

Teammate Curtis Samuel will sit out however, as his back injury will cause his first NFL absence.

Bengals rookie John Ross (knee) remains out for Sunday's matchup against the Browns.

Teammate Brandon LaFell, on the other hand, is a full go with his knee concern after returning to a full practice Friday.

The Browns' Kenny Britt mirrors LaFell's status after a full practice Friday.

Early Sunday morning reports have the Lions' Kenny Golladay trending heavily towards missing Sunday's battle with the Vikings due to his hamstring injury. TJ Jones, who began the season as the No. 3 receiver, would ascend back into that role if Golladay misses.

The Texans' Will Fuller (collarbone) appears poised to make his season debut Sunday versus the Titans after turning in full practices all week.

Teammate DeAndre Hopkins (knee) no longer has an injury designation after returning to full practice by Friday, and he'll therefore be ready to go versus Tennessee.

The Rams' Sammy Watkins (concussion) is cleared and ready to go against the Cowboys in Week 4. He practiced fully both Thursday and Friday.

The Dolphins' Kenny Stills (hand) will play Sunday in London against the Saints according to latest reports.

The Saints' Willie Snead is cleared to return from suspension and is with the team in London but will miss Sunday's game versus the Dolphins with a hamstring injury that surfaced Friday.

Martavis Bryant (illness) is a full go for the Steelers against the Ravens.

The Seahawks' Doug Baldwin is a true-game time decision versus the Colts on Sunday night due to a groin injury but will reportedly try to play through the ailment. An absence would spell a significant boost in opportunity for Paul Richardson, Tyler Lockett and Jimmy Graham.

The Redskins' Jamison Crowder was a late addition to the injury report this week with a hamstring injury and is questionable to play Monday night against the Chiefs. Were he to miss, Josh Doctson and Ryan Grant would see their prospects brighten.

Corey Davis has already been ruled out of Sunday's matchup against the Texans, leaving Rishard Matthews, Eric Decker and Taywan Taylor in line for added opportunity once again.

TIGHT ENDS

Despite a calf injury, Ben Watson is expected to suit up for the Ravens against the Steelers after returning to a full practice by Friday.

Jack Doyle will take the field for the Colts after shaking off a foot injury that limited him earlier in the week.

Delanie Walker also looks ready to roll for the Titans after practicing fully the last two days of the week despite a minor hamstring problem.

The Redskins' Jordan Reed shapes up as a game-time call for a second straight week with rib and shoulder injuries, but reports are that he's expected to play versus the Chiefs on Monday. Veteran Vernon Davis parlayed Reed's Week 3 absence into a strong effort but would presumably see a notable reduction in snaps should Reed play.

Tyler Eifert remains out in Week 4 with knee and back injuries, leaving Tyler Kroft to man the primary tight end role. Bengals receivers A.J. Green and Brandon LaFell could continue to be the biggest beneficiaries of his absence, however.

The Steelers' Jesse James (shoulder) is off the final Week 4 injury report after returning to a full practice Friday.

The Seahawks' Jimmy Graham (ankle) is also off the final injury report of the week and will suit up versus the Colts on Sunday night.

KEY DEFENSIVE PLAYERS

The Panthers' Thomas Davis is questionable to face the Patriots with a rib injury.

Sean Lee is unlikely to suit up for the Cowboys according to early Sunday reports due to a hamstring injury.

Muhammad Wilkerson is questionable for the Jets with a shoulder injury but expected to play against the Jaguars.

Fletcher Cox has been ruled out for the Eagles' contest against the Chargers with a calf injury.

Earl Thomas is free of an injury designation after working through a knee issue and will suit up for the Seahawks versus the Colts on Sunday night.

The Bucs' Kwon Alexander is out for Sunday's matchup with the Giants. Kendell Beckwith will once again start at middle linebacker.

Teammate Lavonte David's high-ankle sprain will keep him out of the same contest.

Brent Grimes (shoulder) and Gerald McCoy (ankle) are among the Bucs' walking wounded as well, but both appear to be trending towards playing.

The Colts' Vontae Davis (groin) appears ready to make his season debut for the Colts against the Seahawks on Sunday night.

The Browns' Myles Garrett (ankle) has been upgraded to questionable but is not expected to make his season debut in Week 4.

Marcell Dareus is expected play for the Bills versus the Falcons after missing Week 3 with an ankle ailment.

Jamie Collins' concussion will keep him out of the Browns' Week 4 battle against the Bengals.

The Seahawks' Richard Sherman is ready to go against the Colts on Sunday night.

The Patriots' Dont'a Hightower remained questionable with his knee injury this week but is expected to play against the Panthers according to reports.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Juan Carlos Blanco
Winner of the FSWA 2016 Newcomer of the Year Award, Juan Carlos Blanco has been playing fantasy sports for over 20 years and covers NBA, MLB, NFL, CFL and Arena Football for Rotowire.com, including serving as the beat writer for teams in multiple sports. He has previously written for KFFL.com and remains an avid season-long and daily fantasy player in multiple sports as well.
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