Where does the time go?  We are now into October as we get ready for Week 5 of the fantasy football season.  It looks like we have avoided catastrophic injuries to impact players for the time being, so this edition of the walking wounded will focus on several players with uncertainty as to their status for this week’s games.  There are some usual suspects on this list, but we also have a few rookies that have been making an impact of late.

Calvin Johnson (WR-DET)

Last week Calvin Johnson was limited in practice and his status for the game against the Jets was in doubt.  But he did manage to play which looked great on paper because of how awful the Jets’ secondary is.  However, Johnson was nothing more than a decoy catching only two passes for 12 yards and sitting on the sideline for most of the day.  Now he says he feels much better and should be back to his normal self against Buffalo.  There is no disputing that Johnson is a must-start, but fantasy GM’s need to get more production from him than last week. 

Arian Foster (RB-HOU)

Arian Foster continues to be one of the most frustrating and polarizing players in all of fantasy football.  He is clearly talented, but he is often injured.  He acknowledged he was not 100% last week against Buffalo which was apparent in his disastrous eight carries for six yards performance.  Foster is being limited in practice this week with his lingering hamstring injury and will again be a game-time decision.  Fantasy owners should look for a more reliable option rather than waiting with bated breath for Foster to stink up the joint. 

Vernon Davis (TE-SF)

Vernon Davis was able to come back from a leg injury, but he had to be removed from last week’s game against the Eagles with back spasms.  The extent of his injury isn’t quite known yet, but he will certainly be limited in practice and his status for Week 5 is in jeopardy.  Davis is a big part of the 49ers offense and he has been beat up badly this season.  Keep monitoring his progress but be prepared to look elsewhere for a tight end this weekend because there is a good chance Davis will not suit up.

Joique Bell (RB-DET)

Joique Bell sustained a concussion during Detroit’s win against the Jets last week.  He is now undergoing the league’s concussion protocol which puts his status for Week 5 in serious jeopardy.  Bell has shared the workload with Reggie Bush so he is nothing more than a RB2 or Flex option.  Don’t risk putting your lineup at a disadvantage and just go ahead and bench him this week.  Look for Bush to get a lot of work both running and receiving.

Marvin Jones (WR-CIN)


Marvin Jones is set to make his season debut this Sunday night against New England.  Jones has been out since fracturing his foot during the preseason.  He burst on the scene last year catching touchdowns in droves and should pick up where he left off in the Bengals’ offense.  His presence will also benefit A.J. Green who has been banged up and has not gotten off to the quickest of starts this year.  Jones’ return bumps Mohammed Sanu down to Cincinnati’s WR3 and renders him useless in most fantasy lineups. 

Carson Palmer (QB-ARZ)

If you predicted the Arizona Cardinals would be one of two teams still undefeated through Week 4 and had Drew Stanton start at quarterback for two of those games, then you need to come pick my lottery numbers for me.  Carson Palmer has been dealing with nerve issues in his throwing shoulder and had hoped to be back for Week 5 against Denver.  But he has acknowledged his situation has not progressed as much as he would have liked by now.  Palmer’s status for Week 5 is questionable at best.  With how well Stanton has played thus far, the Cardinals will more than likely be cautious with Palmer and give him another week off.

Ben Tate (RB-CLE)

Ben Tate has missed the past few weeks with a knee sprain, but he is back at practice and in line to start if everything goes to plan.  Tate was a big free agent acquisition by Cleveland so he will immediately assume the lion’s share of work carrying the ball despite Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell holding up the fort in his absence.  Tate is another player with clear talent but can never stay on the field.  If he practices well and feels good to go, he is a solid RB2 option this week against the Titans.

Mike Evans (WR-TB)

Mike Evans finally burst onto the fantasy scene thanks in large part to Mike Glennon getting the start at quarterback.  The rookie wide receiver had a big game against the Steelers but sustained a groin injury which could keep him out for a few weeks.  Stash him on your bench because he probably won’t be back until Week 8 after Tampa Bay’s bye which will give him a good three weeks to recover. 

DeAngelo Williams (RB-CAR)

The Panthers’ running back situation continues to be a disaster.  DeAngelo Williams sustained a high ankle sprain and he is now in a cast.  This is on the heels of Jonathan Stewart also being out.  Between Williams and Stewart, I don’t think you could even come close to getting a full season between them.  Williams is likely out for an extended period of time, especially considering he was already injured before making it worse.  If you are in desperate need of a running back, Fozzy Whitaker and Chris Ogbonnaya should still be available on your waiver wire.  But don’t expect much from either of them.

Teddy Bridgewater (QB-MIN)

Teddy Bridgewater got his first opportunity to start last week and made the most of it throwing for over 300 yards and scoring on an impressive rushing touchdown.  But he sustained an ankle injury late in the game and had to be carted off the field.  He did not practice Tuesday and the Vikings unfortunately have a short week with a game against Green Bay on Thursday night.  Bridgewater may have been a decent option in two-QB leagues, but for the most part he should not be in your starting lineups just yet.  If Bridgewater cannot go, then Christian Ponder will start rendering Greg Jennings, Cordarrelle Patterson, and Jarius Wright all worthless.

Niles Paul (TE-WAS)

Niles Paul emerged as a surprisingly productive tight end for a couple weeks in Jordan Reed’s absence.  Last Sunday, Paul took a devastating hit which gave him a concussion and now he is going through the concussion protocol.  His status for next Monday night against Seattle is very questionable at best.  In all likelihood, he will not be playing against the Seahawks’ crushing defense.  Reed is still questionable as well with his hamstring, so if you are looking for a healthy tight end on the Redskins there is only one man – and his name is Logan Paulsen.  His name is Logan Paulsen (ten extra points if you get the movie reference).

Michael A. Stein, Esq. is the Chief Justice of Fantasy Judgment, the industry's premier dispute resolution service, and is also the co-host of the Fantasy Alarm podcast. You can contact him at michael.stein@fantasyjudgment.com or on Facebook and Twitter (@FantasyJudgment),