2026 Week 4 Fantasy Football Injury Preview

Week 4 is here, and basically everyone is fucking injured. Below are the injuries and practice reports that matter for fantasy lineups on Sunday and Monday, with the latest availability expectations and players positioned to gain opportunities.

Practice statuses are Wednesday / Thursday / Friday. DNP = did not practice; LP = limited; FP = full. Monday teams follow Thursday / Friday / Saturday, with final designations due Saturday.

Quarterbacks

Lamar Jackson — Back

Injury: Jackson was limited Wednesday with a back injury before practicing fully Thursday and Friday.

Practice Status: LP/FP/FP

Expected Time Missed: No time missed expected; cleared for Week 4.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Tyler Huntley

Analysis: 

I’m not expecting much issue here. Lamar has dealt with mild back injuries time and time again with little to no consequence. Acute back injuries that are not associated with fractures or disc herniations generally respond well to rehab. Our sample size is small, but it shows no drop in QB fantasy production after a back injury. Lamar remains a set-it-and-forget-it QB1 with elite upside.

Jayden Daniels — Left Elbow Dislocation

Injury: Daniels remains out after dislocating his left elbow in Week 2. He resumed limited practice this week.

Practice Status: LP/LP/LP

Expected Time Missed: Out for Week 4; no confirmed return date.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Marcus Mariota

Analysis:

Daniels won’t play this week as he continues to rehab and regain as much stability as possible in his left elbow. As I’ve mentioned before, when he does hit the field again, his play should be good, but the re-injury risk is massive. Fantasy managers won’t feel comfortable watching Jayden play, but if he can avoid falls or hits that stress the elbow, he can still play well.

Caleb Williams — Right Hamstring Strain

Injury: Williams remains sidelined by the hamstring injury sustained in Week 2 and will miss his second straight game.

Practice Status: DNP/DNP/DNP

Expected Time Missed: Out for Week 4; week to week.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Tyson Bagent or Case Keenum; starter not yet announced.

Analysis: 

Caleb is not ready to play yet and will miss his second game with his right hamstring strain. Right-handed passers rely on the right hamstring to help generate force when throwing, and a running QB like Caleb needs it to scramble as well. Returning before the hamstring is ready increases the risk for re-injury, which we know is common with hamstrings.

In our sample, QBs average missing two games, but I would not be surprised if Caleb misses more. More concerning is the major dip in fantasy points seen in that sample, with QBs averaging a greater than 20% dip across their first six games after returning. That is a concerning trend, especially for a QB whose fantasy upside relies partly on his legs.

Baker Mayfield — Right Thumb Dislocation

Injury: Mayfield dislocated his throwing-hand thumb in Week 3 and did not practice this week.

Practice Status: DNP/DNP/DNP

Expected Time Missed: Out for Week 4; expected to miss at least three weeks.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Jalon Daniels

Analysis: 

Baker is going to miss at least three weeks rehabbing to regain thumb stability, strength, and dexterity before attempting to return to action. Reporting indicates there is no ligament or tendon damage, and Todd Bowles does not expect surgery. That is encouraging, though a thumb dislocation can still injure the capsule and other structures that stabilize the joint. UCL tearing can occur with a thumb dislocation, and re-dislocating is a big risk.

My concern when Baker returns is re-dislocation if instability persists, along with a potential performance drop if pain, stiffness, or weakness makes gripping the ball difficult. In single-QB redraft leagues, he can be dropped if you need the roster spot. In two-QB leagues, you can hold, but you should be looking for alternatives.

Drake Maye — Right Shoulder

Injury: Maye is listed with a right shoulder injury but practiced fully throughout the week.

Practice Status: FP/FP/FP

Expected Time Missed: No time missed expected; cleared for Week 4.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Tommy DeVito

Analysis: 

A unique situation, as Maye, who has not looked good this year, appeared on the injury report with a right shoulder issue. This is the same shoulder he dealt with before the Super Bowl, though it’s unclear if the injuries are related.

Maye was a full participant all week and carries no game designation, which suggests this is mild. Still, in conjunction with his shaky start to the season, it does make him a bench candidate. All this despite our sample of over 20 QBs showing no fantasy drop-off after a shoulder injury. The injury itself does not appear to be a big deal, but he has not been good.

Bryce Young — Knee

Injury: Carolina lists Young with a knee injury. He practiced fully all week without a game designation.

Practice Status: FP/FP/FP

Expected Time Missed: No time missed expected; cleared for Week 4.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Kenny Pickett

Analysis: 

Young practiced fully all week and looked like he was moving around with no issues.  I don't expect any dip in his fantasy production this week. 

Running Backs

Breece Hall — Quadriceps

Injury: Hall is sidelined by the quadriceps injury sustained in Week 3 and did not practice this week.

Practice Status: DNP/DNP/DNP

Expected Time Missed: Out for Week 4; week to week.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Braelon Allen; Isaiah Davis also gains work.

Analysis: 

Hall won’t play this week, and it’s possible he misses multiple weeks due to his quad injury. Hall appeared to get injured as he was being dragged down before being slammed to the turf. The quad muscles are power and speed generators, and it is very difficult to play through an injury to them. Medical research on elite athletes shows annual quad re-injury rates averaging 8% and reaching as high as 19%. Re-injury remains a concern when he returns, particularly early on.

The good news is our sample of 45 RBs coming off quad injuries shows almost no drop-off in fantasy points, meaning there is reason to expect Hall to be reliable again when he comes back.

Rachaad White — Shoulder

Injury: White sustained a shoulder injury in Week 3 and did not practice this week.

Practice Status: DNP/DNP/DNP

Expected Time Missed: Out for Week 4; no confirmed return date.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Kaytron Allen also gain opportunities.

Analysis: 

White will miss this week due to a shoulder injury. The good thing about a shoulder injury is it does not directly affect the weight-bearing joints used for running, so his speed and cutting ability may be less affected. That does not eliminate re-injury risk, and taking hits, blocking, and securing the ball can still be an issue. The bad news is he won’t play this week.

Our sample of 32 RBs averages missing one game due to a shoulder injury, with no performance dip when they return. That is encouraging for his fantasy outlook once he is ready to play.

Bucky Irving — Glute

Injury: Irving was limited Wednesday and Thursday with a glute injury before practicing fully Friday.

Practice Status: LP/LP/FP

Expected Time Missed: No time missed expected; cleared for Week 4.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Kenny Gainwell and Sean Tucker

Analysis: 

Glute and hip bruises occur in football, though a “hip pointer” specifically refers to a bruise over the pelvic bone. Tampa Bay has only described Bucky’s injury as “glute,” so the exact diagnosis is unclear. If this is a bruise, production should return as pain, swelling, and stiffness subside.

The glutes are the powerhouse of the lower body and are essential for sprinting, changing direction, and running power. When injured, these movements can be slower. Full practice Friday and no game designation suggest Bucky is moving well, and I don’t expect much impact. Our sample of 22 RBs coming off hip injuries shows almost no performance drop-off. Bucky can be a reliable starter.

D’Andre Swift — Knee Soreness

Injury: Swift missed Thursday with knee soreness following Monday night, then practiced fully Friday and was cleared.

Practice Status: Not listed/DNP/FP

Expected Time Missed: No time missed expected; cleared for Week 4.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Kyle Monangai

Analysis: 

The weekly DNP for Swift was followed by a full practice and clearance from the injury report.  This is completely normal for D'Andre Swift and should not affect his ability to score you points. 

Tony Pollard — Foot

Injury: Foot injury. He returned to full participation after missing Wednesday.

Practice Status: DNP/FP/FP

Expected Time Missed: No time missed expected; cleared for Week 4.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Tyjae Spears, if active.

Analysis: 

Pollard logged two full practices after missing Wednesday with a foot injury. Foot injuries vary significantly based on the structure injured and how severe the injury is. With Pollard logging two full practices and carrying no game designation, I would imagine his injury is on the mild side. Our data set shows a 14% dip in fantasy points on average for RBs after a foot injury. However, given his practice participation, I would not expect much negative effect from his injury.

Jadarian Price — Chest Aggravation

Injury: Price re-aggravated his chest injury during the week and missed Thursday and Friday.

Practice Status: LP/DNP/DNP

Expected Time Missed: Out for Week 4; no confirmed timetable beyond this game.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Emanuel Wilson and George Holani

Analysis: 

We don’t usually see chest injuries become aggravated in practice, but that happened to Price, and he will miss this week. Chest injuries can involve the ribs, musculature, cartilage, and sometimes, in more severe cases, the disc. It’s unclear what Price is dealing with, and remember, at one point this was described as a shoulder injury.

This is likely still not a long-term issue. Our data set of over 40 RBs with chest/rib injuries shows an average of 1.9 games missed. The encouraging sign is that after the first game back, which shows a 10% dip in fantasy points, production returns to baseline. Keep holding Price; it's been a slow start, but he has plenty of talent and can pop at any time.

Tyjae Spears — Ankle

Injury: Spears progressed from no participation to limited and then full practice but remains questionable.

Practice Status: DNP/LP/FP

Expected Time Missed: Day to day; questionable for Week 4.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Tony Pollard

Analysis: 

Spears progressed from missing Wednesday to a full practice Friday, though he remains questionable with an ankle injury. That progression is encouraging, but the type and severity of the injury are unclear. The ankle is essential for pushing off and changing direction, so lingering pain or stiffness can limit his explosiveness. I would expect the injury to be on the mild side given his full practice, but with Pollard also cleared, Spears remains a risky fantasy start. Check the inactive list before considering him.

Jaylen Wright — Foot

Injury: Wright progressed from limited participation Wednesday to full practice Thursday and Friday.

Practice Status: LP/FP/FP

Expected Time Missed: No time missed expected; cleared for Week 4.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Ollie Gordon II

Analysis: 

Wright logged two full practices and has no game designation after dealing with a foot injury. Foot injuries vary significantly based on the structure injured, but his practice participation is encouraging. Our data set shows an average 14% dip in fantasy points for RBs after foot injuries, though I would not automatically expect that decline for Wright given his two full practices. With Achane out, there is an opportunity here, but the split with Ollie Gordon is the bigger uncertainty. Wright is worth holding, though I would prefer to see how the workload shakes out before trusting him.  Miami stinks, and they both could be irrelevant. 

George Holani — Rib

Injury: Holani remained limited throughout the week with a rib injury but received no game designation.

Practice Status: LP/LP/LP

Expected Time Missed: No time missed expected; cleared for Week 4.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Emanuel Wilson

Analysis: b

Holani was limited all week with a rib injury but carries no game designation, and he is expected to play. Rib injuries can make taking hits, securing the ball, and rotating the trunk painful, even when a player is cleared. Our sample of over 40 RBs with chest/rib injuries shows a 10% dip in fantasy points in the first game back, followed by a return to baseline. With Price out, Holani has an opportunity for more work alongside Emanuel Wilson. Still, the limited practices and uncertain workload make him a desperation flex rather than a reliable starter.

Wide Receivers

Justin Jefferson — Ankle

Injury: Jefferson injured his ankle in Week 3 and missed all three practices. Minnesota ruled him out.

Practice Status: DNP/DNP/DNP

Expected Time Missed: Out for Week 4; day to day beyond this game.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Jordan Addison and Jauan Jennings

Analysis: 

Jefferson will miss this week as he continues to rehab his ankle. He was unable to practice at all this week, which is not encouraging and will make next week’s status very interesting. There is some speculation this is a medial sprain, though that is unconfirmed. Medial sprains involve the deltoid ligament on the inside of the ankle, which can be tricky but is not impossible to rehab.

Medical research tracking 380 medial ankle sprains in athletes found that 8.2% were recurrent injuries. That does not give us Jefferson’s exact re-injury risk, particularly with his diagnosis unconfirmed, but recurrence is something to monitor.

Jefferson is so dominant when on the field that general statistical trends following ankle injuries would not make me bench him once he is healthy enough to play. The injury risk, however, is notable. We will check back in next week.

Puka Nacua — Hip and Groin

Injury: Nacua returns after missing two games. He progressed from limited practice to full participation Friday.

Practice Status: LP/LP/FP

Expected Time Missed: Returning for Week 4.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Davante Adams

Analysis: 

Puka’s situation has been the talk of the fantasy football internet over the past week. McVay’s comments about “pre-hernia” symptoms suggest to me that this could involve the groin tendon near its attachment on the pubic bone, though the exact structure has not been confirmed. He explicitly stated this is not a hernia. Let me explain the confusion.

A sports hernia, also called athletic pubalgia or a core muscle injury, can involve the shared attachment tissue connecting the groin and abdominal muscles near the pubic bone. These structures are connected by fascia and functionally work together. Injury to one can change the demands on the other, and both can be involved. So an injury to the groin tendon in this region raises concern about the neighboring abdominal attachment, but it does not mean Puka already has a sports hernia or that his injury will automatically worsen.

He plays a position that places significant demands on these structures due to rapid cutting and changing direction. The pelvis can rotate while the foot is planted, requiring a unique balance of stability and power from the groin and abdominal muscles. One awkward step or mistimed cut could be a problem.

But let’s look at the positives. Puka is a dominant force in this league, and our sample of 79 WRs coming off groin injuries shows no drop-off in fantasy points. That sample likely includes muscle-belly injuries as well as tendon injuries, and it is nearly impossible to separate the two due to lack of clarity in the reporting. Still, it is an encouraging trend. If he can avoid a setback, I expect him to dominate.

Nico Collins — Hamstring

Injury: Collins returned to practice after missing two games and finished the week with full participation.

Practice Status: LP/LP/FP

Expected Time Missed: Returning for Week 4.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Kayshon Boutte

Analysis: 

Collins will play after missing two games with a hamstring injury. This is right on track with our data set of 203 WR hamstring injuries, which shows an average of 1.7 games missed.

Collins is a deep threat, and as such, his body asks a lot of his hamstrings. Hamstring loading increases significantly as running speed approaches maximum, making those deep routes demanding on a healing muscle. Fantasy managers need to recognize that his risk for another injury is elevated, especially in the first few weeks after returning.

Still, our data set shows only an 8% dip in fantasy points after a hamstring injury. For a player as good as Collins, that means fantasy managers can plug him right back into their lineups.

DeVonta Smith — Hamstring

Injury: Smith did not practice this week and Philadelphia ruled him out with a hamstring injury.

Practice Status: DNP/DNP/DNP

Expected Time Missed: Out for Week 4; no confirmed return date.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Dontayvion Wicks and Makai Lemon; Marquise Brown is also out.

Analysis: 

Smith may have aggravated the hamstring injury that limited him last week. He is now expected to miss multiple games. The assessment here is similar to Collins above, as they are both deep threats who place significant demands on their hamstrings. In Smith’s case, the concern is a possible aggravation, which could mean more time missed and a more difficult return.

I expect Philly to be careful here. Smith is clearly their top option, and they cannot afford to have him constantly in and out of the lineup all season. They must give him time to properly rehab and reduce the chance of further recurrences.

Again, our data set of 203 WR hamstring injuries shows an average of 1.7 games missed. It’s possible Smith misses more if this is an aggravation of the same injury.

Ladd McConkey — Foot

Injury: McConkey is now listed with a foot injury. He missed Thursday between two limited practices.

Practice Status: LP/DNP/LP

Expected Time Missed: Day to day; questionable for Week 4.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Quentin Johnston and Tre’ Harris

Analysis: 

This is a tough situation. McConkey went from LP to DNP, followed by another LP, and remains questionable. He was observed limping on Thursday, which does not give much confidence that he can fully push off, plant, cut, and trust his injured foot.

Foot injuries that alter gait mechanics have the potential to significantly impact a receiver with McConkey’s playing style. He does much of his work in the slot and needs the ability to quickly change directions to be great.

History is not in his favor either, with our sample of 29 WRs with foot injuries showing a major 48% dip in fantasy points after injury. That does not guarantee the same decline for McConkey, but combined with the limping and limited practice, it adds to the concern. Even if he plays, you’ll want to consider other options.

Terry McLaurin — Hamstring

Injury: McLaurin was added Friday with a hamstring injury and limited participation; the grade and side are unreported.

Practice Status: Not listed/Not listed/LP

Expected Time Missed: Day to day; questionable for Week 4.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Stefon Diggs and Antonio Williams

Analysis: 

McLaurin was added to the injury report Friday with a hamstring injury and is questionable. A late-week addition is concerning because there is little time to rehab and demonstrate that he can tolerate full-speed running before Sunday. McLaurin is a deep threat, and those routes place significant demands on the hamstring. Even if he plays, a fresh injury creates concern for limited explosiveness and an aggravation.

Our data set of 203 WR hamstring injuries shows an average of 1.7 games missed and only an 8% dip in fantasy points after returning. The important distinction is that McLaurin may be attempting to play through a fresh injury rather than returning after rehab. I would lean toward another option unless we get encouraging updates before kickoff.

DJ Moore — Shoulder and AC Joint

Injury: Moore remains listed with the shoulder injury previously reported as an AC joint sprain. He was limited all week.

Practice Status: LP/LP/LP

Expected Time Missed: No time missed expected; cleared for Week 4.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Khalil Shakir; Keon Coleman if active.

Analysis: 

Moore was limited all week but carries no game designation, so he is expected to play through the AC joint sprain he sustained in Week 2. The encouraging part is he already played through this injury last week, with no reported setback since. Tolerating game action gives more confidence than practice participation alone.

The AC joint is where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade. This injury does not directly affect his ability to sprint or change direction, but reaching for catches, taking hits, and landing on the shoulder can still be painful. Buffalo is managing it with limited practices, but having already played and now carrying no game designation is encouraging.

Our data set shows WRs returning to baseline fantasy production in their second game after an AC joint injury, which is where Moore is this week. I would not bench him solely because of the injury, though another hard landing could aggravate it.

Mike Evans — Rib Strain

Injury: Evans sustained a rib injury in Week 3. Shanahan calls him a game-time decision against Denver.

Practice Status: Wed DNP / Thu DNP / Fri participation not independently verified.

Expected Time Missed: Day to day; questionable for Week 4.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Deebo Samuel; George Kittle also benefits from targets.

Analysis: 

Evans is as tough as they come and will be a game-time decision as he battles the rib injury that took him out of last week’s game. It’s unclear if he has a fracture. This was reported as a “rib strain”, which is imprecise since bone cannot be strained. That wording suggests an injury to the surrounding musculature, potentially the obliques or intercostals, though the exact structure is unconfirmed. These injuries can make rotating to catch passes and reaching overhead difficult, and getting hit definitely hurts.

Evans is tough, so he may play, but if he does, I would be concerned about him seeing less than his usual snap share. The good news is our data set of 62 WRs with rib injuries shows no average fantasy decline. Still, a reduced snap rate could cut into his stats. He has upside if active, but I would have another option ready.

Zay Flowers — Hamstring

Injury: Flowers practiced fully Thursday, then returned to limited participation Friday and remains questionable.

Practice Status: LP/FP/LP

Expected Time Missed: Day to day; questionable for Week 4.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Rashod Bateman

Analysis: 

Flowers produced for fantasy managers on only 33% of snaps last week. With no confirmed setback reported, I expect that number to increase this week, though returning to limited practice Friday and remaining questionable leaves some uncertainty about his workload. His early-season dominance gives plenty of reason for optimism if he is active.

Flowers is a speedster, which stresses the hamstring significantly. With him already aggravating the same injury, re-injury remains a major concern, particularly in the first few weeks after returning. That makes October a period to watch closely, though we cannot put an exact end date on his elevated risk. Still, the production is so good right now that if he is active, you have to roll with him.

Chris Godwin Jr. — Ankle

Injury: Godwin missed Wednesday with an ankle designation before practicing fully Thursday and Friday.

Practice Status: DNP/FP/FP

Expected Time Missed: No time missed expected; cleared for Week 4.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Emeka Egbuka and Ted Hurst 

Analysis: 

Godwin logged two full practices after missing Wednesday with an ankle injury and carries no game designation. That is encouraging, particularly for a receiver who needs to plant and change direction quickly. The exact structure injured is unclear, but two full practices suggest he is tolerating those demands well. I would not expect much impact from the injury itself, and Godwin can remain in your lineup if you were planning to start him.

Keenan Allen — Groin

Injury: Allen was limited Wednesday and Thursday, then missed Friday with groin and rest designations.

Practice Status: LP/LP/DNP

Expected Time Missed: Day to day; questionable for Week 4.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Josh Downs and Tyler Warren

Analysis:

Keon Coleman — Ankle

Injury: Coleman missed Wednesday before logging consecutive limited practices with an ankle injury.

Practice Status: DNP/LP/LP

Expected Time Missed: Day to day; questionable for Week 4.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Khalil Shakir and DJ Moore

Analysis: 

Coleman progressed from DNP to two limited practices but remains questionable with an ankle injury. The improvement is encouraging, though the type and severity of the injury remain unclear. The ankle is essential for pushing off, planting, and changing direction, and it also has to tolerate the landing after contested catches.

Without a full practice, I have less confidence that Coleman is ready for his usual workload. He could still make a big play or find the end zone if active, but I would prefer a healthier option rather than banking on that upside.

Jalen Coker — Quadriceps

Injury: Coker missed Wednesday, then practiced on a limited basis Thursday and Friday with a quadriceps injury.

Practice Status: DNP/LP/LP

Expected Time Missed: Day to day; questionable for Week 4.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Tetairoa McMillan and John Metchie III

Analysis: 

Coker remains questionable with a quad injury, with Carolina planning to reassess him Saturday. Returning to limited practice is encouraging, but he has not demonstrated that he can tolerate a full practice workload, and he has an extensive history of quad injuries. The quad muscles are power and speed generators, and pain or weakness can limit acceleration and the ability to plant and cut.

With Legette out, there is an opportunity for targets if Coker plays, and our data set shows no fantasy decline for WRs after quad injuries. But opportunity does not eliminate the injury concern. I would prefer another option unless we get encouraging updates about both his availability and expected workload.

Adonai Mitchell — Finger

Injury: Mitchell missed all three practices with a finger injury and has been ruled out.

Practice Status: DNP/DNP/DNP

Expected Time Missed: Out for Week 4; no confirmed return date.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Garrett Wilson

Analysis: 

Mitchell will miss this week after being unable to practice with a finger injury. The exact diagnosis is unclear, so we cannot confidently project how much time he will miss. Finger injuries do not directly affect running or cutting, but they can make catching and securing the ball difficult, which is obviously a major issue for a receiver. We will reassess when he returns to practice. For now, he belongs on your bench, with Garrett Wilson positioned to absorb more of the passing-game opportunities.

Tight Ends

Mark Andrews — Hand

Injury: Andrews is listed with a hand injury but practiced fully throughout the week and was cleared.

Practice Status: FP/FP/FP

Expected Time Missed: No time missed expected; cleared for Week 4.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Josh Cuevas

Analysis: 

Andrews was a full practice participant all week and is not on the injury report.  Expecting no issues here.

Kenyon Sadiq — Back

Injury: Sadiq was limited all week with a back injury and remains questionable with Mason Taylor already out.

Practice Status: LP/LP/LP

Expected Time Missed: Day to day; questionable for Week 4.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Jeremy Ruckert; Garrett Wilson for additional targets.

Analysis: 

Sadiq was limited all week with a back injury and remains questionable. The exact diagnosis is unclear, which makes it difficult to project how much this will affect him. Back pain can limit trunk rotation and the ability to tolerate contact, both of which matter for catching and blocking. Three limited practices are encouraging for availability, but do not give the same confidence as a full practice.

With Mason Taylor out, Sadiq has an opportunity for more work if active. Still, the injury and uncertain workload make him a risky start. He is an option if you are desperate at tight end, but I would prefer a healthier alternative.

Darren Waller — Toe

Injury: Waller missed Wednesday with rest and toe designations before practicing fully Thursday and Friday.

Practice Status: DNP/FP/FP

Expected Time Missed: No time missed expected; cleared for Week 4.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Tommy Tremble and Mitchell Evans

Analysis: 

Progressing to two full practices makes it unlikely Waller is dealing with a major injury.  A sore toe that has resolved, perhaps? I would not expect him to be negatively affected. 

Colby Parkinson — Knee and Shoulder AC Sprain

Injury: Parkinson added a shoulder AC sprain in Week 3 to his knee issue and missed every practice.

Practice Status: DNP/DNP/DNP

Expected Time Missed: Day to day; questionable for Week 4.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Tyler Higbee; Terrance Ferguson is also out.

Analysis: 

Parkinson missed every practice this week and remains questionable. McVay reported no setback with his knee injury, but confirmed a new AC joint sprain from last week’s game. The AC joint is where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade, and an injury here can make reaching for catches, blocking, and landing on the shoulder painful.

The encouraging part is he returned to last week’s game after the injury. The concerning part is he has not practiced since. With Ferguson out, there could be more opportunity, but I would not trust Parkinson in fantasy this week given the missed practices and potential for a limited workload.

Terrance Ferguson — Ankle

Injury: Ferguson did not practice this week with an ankle injury and has been ruled out.

Practice Status: DNP/DNP/DNP

Expected Time Missed: Out for Week 4; On IR.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Tyler Higbee

Analysis: 

Ferguson sustained a medial ankle sprain last week, and reporting now indicates the Rams have placed him on IR. This involves the deltoid ligament on the inside of the ankle, which helps provide stability when planting and changing direction. He initially returned to the game before leaving again, and the IR move means this is now a multiweek absence.

Ferguson can be moved to an IR spot if you have one. In shallow redraft leagues without that flexibility, he is a drop candidate. Dynasty managers should continue holding him.

Conclusion

Week 4 decisions center on the returns of Puka Nacua and Nico Collins, the absences of Justin Jefferson and Breece Hall, and uncertain availability for Ladd McConkey, Terry McLaurin, Mike Evans and Zay Flowers. Check the early London inactive list at 8 a.m. ET Sunday, retain a late-game alternative for Evans, and check Saturday’s final Monday-night reports before locking lineups.