The stresses and pressures of fantasy football are caused by many things, but perhaps none as much as injuries.  We all know they happen frequently and that everyone is equally susceptible.  We all try and prepare for such devastating events by drafting well and accumulating depth through the waiver wire and trades.  However, no matter how much you do, it still may not be enough to withstand the loss of certain players at certain times of the season.  But that is also partially why we love fantasy football and the inherent challenges it brings us.  So without further adieu, here is the next edition of the gridiron walking wounded.

Andrew Luck (QB – IND)

After missing the past couple games with a shoulder injury, all signs are now pointing for a return by Luck this week against New England.  Luck could have an epic statistical performance in this classic matchup because you know the Patriots want to light up the scoreboard after last year’s Deflategate playoff game.  Indianapolis is coming off an emotional win led by backup Matt Hasselbeck and has gotten their season back on track.  Keep checking for updates over the weekend and make sure the signs continue pointing toward him playing because we thought it was a possibility the last two weeks as well.

Jamaal Charles (RB – KC)

The news was as expected after Jamaal Charles tore his right ACL.  He is done for the season and will undergo surgery to repair the damage.  Charles is 29 years old and has time to recover before next season.  However, there will be major red flags with him in 2016 so his keeper status for next year will be an agonizing decision.  Charcandrick West is now the Chiefs’ primary running back and should be scooped up off your league’s waiver wire if he is still available.

Odell Beckham, Jr. (WR – NYG)

Beckham suffered a hamstring injury after scoring a touchdown against the 49ers last Sunday night.  He left the game but did return at the end to be a decoy during Eli Manning’s game-winning touchdown drive.  Beckham didn’t practice most of the week but reports are that he is feeling better and moving around without pain.  The good news is the Giants play on Monday night so he will have an extra day of rest.  He is an elite WR1 who could have a monster game in the national spotlight, so plan on putting him in your lineup as long as there is even a chance he plays against the Eagles. 

Justin Forsett (RB – BAL)

Forsett has not practiced all week but that could change on Friday.  He is dealing with an ankle injury but the Ravens expect him to play this week against San Francisco.  Forsett has been running the ball really well the past couple weeks and would absolutely have RB1 status against a 49ers defense that just got lit up by the Giants last Sunday night. 

Alshon Jeffery (WR – CHI)

For several weeks now, fantasy owners have been expecting Jeffery to get back on the field.  However, for several weeks that has not happened.  Jeffery has missed significant time with a hamstring injury and he remained limited at practice this week.  The good news is Jeffery claims to be feeling significantly better this week and there is a decent possibility he actually suits up and gets on the field.  You should remain skeptical until it actually happens, but he would be a big boost to your offense as a WR2 with a favorable matchup against Detroit this week.

Tyrod Taylor (QB – BUF)

Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor is dealing with a sprained MCL in his knee and has been limited in practice this week.  Backup EJ Manuel has gotten most of the work with the first team which is a strong indication that Taylor will not play this week against Cincinnati.  Taylor has been a big fantasy surprise this year but has not emerged as a starter just yet in standard 12-team leagues.  Manuel is certainly not a streaming option and expect diminished results from all other Buffalo offensive players.

Ronnie Hillman (RB – DEN)

Hillman suffered a hamstring injury late in last week’s game against Oakland.  However, even before that he had a terrible statistical day.  The Denver running back situation is one of the biggest cesspools of horse manure there is in fantasy football.  You should not trust any of them, whether it be Hillman, C.J. Anderson or Juwan Thompson.  We know the Broncos are going to try running the ball, but we don’t know who will get the majority of attempts, who will stay healthy, or who will be productive.  Just stay away from the situation altogether.

Stevie Johnson (WR – SD)

Johnson remained out of practice this week and is unlikely going to play on Sunday.  He had been a solid WR3 option enjoying the fruits of San Diego’s offense, but now it is looking more and more like he will miss his second consecutive game.  If he is unable to practice on Friday then don’t even consider him as a possibility for Sunday.

DeSean Jackson (WR – WAS)

Jackson has been out for several weeks with a hamstring injury but had been practicing this week aiming towards a return on Sunday.  However, he felt a twinge in his hamstring when chasing a deep pass and took himself out of practice.  That does not bode well for his status against the Jets in Week 6, although Jackson seems to think he will be able to play.  Washington will have a difficult enough time throwing the ball against a terrific Jets secondary, so don’t expect Jackson to take part in much even if he does somehow make it onto the field.

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).