Week 4 of the NFL season got off to an explosive start with tremendous fantasy output by several Vikings and Rams players.  The dual theme of this edition of the injury report is the nagging injuries of some elite wide receivers coupled with the hopeful returns of some key running backs.  Be sure you accumulate depth on your roster at all positions because you may not find out about the status of some players until the last minute.  So without any further ado, let’s delve into the next edition of the 2018 fantasy football emergency room.

DeAndre Hopkins (WR-HOU)

Hopkins is dealing with a multitude of nagging injuries to his ankle, thumb and hamstring.  He has been limited in practice but that will not prevent him from being on the field against the Colts this weekend.  He is an elite WR1 with 20 catches for 274 yards and one touchdown thus far. 

A.J. Green (WR-CIN)

Green suffered a pelvic injury last week returned to practicing in a full capacity on Thursday and will certainly be on the field this weekend against Atlanta.  This is a salivating matchup for Green who will be going against a depleted Atlanta secondary.  Green already has four touchdown catches on the season and should be able to add to that total against a susceptible defense.

Keenan Allen (WR-LAC)

Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen has missed the past couple days of practice as he continues dealing with a knee injury.  He does have a lengthy history of knee issues so there is some concern about his status for Week 4.  Right now he should be considered questionable which makes Mike Williams a solid fantasy option this Sunday against a demoralized 49ers team.  Follow for more updates in the next 48 hours to see whether there is a chance Allen can add to his 17 catches for 219 yards and one touchdown.

Randall Cobb (WR-GB)

Cobb has landed on Green Bay’s injury report with a hamstring issue likely sustained during practice.  We will see whether he can practice on Friday which should be a good indication whether he can take the field on Sunday against Buffalo.  Cobb has 17 catches for 194 yards and one touchdown thus far, but most of that damage was done during Week 1 without much since then.  Check back in over the weekend to see whether Cobb will play and consider Geronimo Allison as a streaming option if he does miss the game.

Jake Butt (TE-DEN)

Fantasy GMs are suffering butt pain as the Broncos tight end suffered a season-ending ACL tear in practice on Thursday.  Jake Butt already suffered two ACL tears to his right knee and can now add another to his left knee.  He is done for the season and will be replaced by the uninspiring duo of Matt LaCosse and Jeff Heuerman .  Butt finishes the year with eight catches for 85 yards and no touchdowns, and he can be dropped in all league formats.

Evan Engram (TE-NYG)

It is reported that Engram is expected to miss two to four weeks with a sprained MCL that he sustained last week against Houston.  He will certainly be out this weekend against New Orleans and likely again next week.  Rhett Ellison will replace Engram in the starting lineup and would only be a streaming option for GMs if they are desperate to complete a legal lineup this week. 

Rex Burkhead (RB-NE)

The Patriots placed Burkhead on injured reserve due to his neck injury and re-signed Kenjon Barner .  Burkhead had rushed for 86 yards and also caught three passes for 31 yards before being shut down.  Sony Michel is undoubtedly the Patriots number one running back and Burkhead’s absence should clear the way for James White to have a big role in the passing game.

Blaine Gabbert (QB-TEN)

The Titans offense is a mess with major issues at the quarterback position.  Marcus Mariota is still trying to work through a pinched nerve in his right elbow which has limited his throwing ability.  Backup quarterback Blaine Gabbert sustained a concussion last week against Jacksonville and is in the league’s concussion protocol.  Mariota should get the start, but regardless of who is under center it does not bode well for Titans wide receivers from a fantasy perspective.

Josh Lambo (K-JAX)

Jaguars kicker Josh Lambo did not practice on Thursday due to a hip injury.  His status for Week 4 is questionable so you should seek an alternative streaming option on the waiver wire.  Lambo is 5-for-5 in field goals and has made all six extra point attempts thus far, but feel free to set him loose if you need a replacement.

ON THE MEND

Joe Mixon (RB-CIN)

Mixon has indicated that he feels great and wishes he could return this weekend against Atlanta.  He would have an appetizing matchup against a vulnerable Atlanta defense, but fantasy GMs will likely have to wait another week before he can take the field after recovering from minor knee surgery. 

Leonard Fournette (RB-JAX)

Fournette has been limited to just one half this season rushing for 41 yards and no touchdowns.  He has been dealing with a hamstring injury since Week 1 and has been practicing in a limited capacity this week.  He did the same thing last week before being held out against Tennessee, so it is impossible to get a clear sense on what his status will be this Sunday.  Follow for more updates over the weekend but be prepared to be without him for a third consecutive week.

Devonta Freeman (RB-ATL)

Freeman has missed the past two weeks with a knee injury and only practiced in a limited capacity on Thursday.  There is a chance he will play this weekend against the Bengals because Atlanta needs an injection of energy and production in the backfield after Tevin Coleman did not do anything last week.  Even if he is active, he will still likely split carries with Coleman which makes him a RB2 option.

Jay Ajayi (RB-PHI)

Ajayi has indicated that he suffered a back fracture and will attempt to play through it depending on how badly the pain is affecting him.  He is expected to return this weekend against Tennessee but given the revelation of a back fracture you can expect that Corey Clement and Wendell Smallwood will have opportunities to spell Ajayi.  Keep Clement on your roster because Ajayi is playing with fire as any hit he sustains could be the end of his season. 

Doug Baldwin (WR-SEA)

Baldwin has proclaimed that he is ready to play this week against the Cardinals but the team has not cleared him yet.  He is dealing with a knee injury on top of lingering effects on his other knee.  Baldwin is still looking for his first reception of the season and would be a welcome addition to Seattle’s offense as Russell Wilson is struggling to put up his customary statistics.

LeSean McCoy (RB-BUF)

McCoy has been practicing this week but without contact which indicates that his rib injury is still a concern.  He would clearly like to be on the field, especially coming off of Buffalo’s shocking win last week in Minnesota.  He has not produced much when he has played this year, so temper expectations if he does end up in your lineup for Week 4.