Week 5 Fantasy Football Injury Recap: CeeDee Lamb, Deebo Samuel, T.J. Hockenson and More

Can you trust CeeDee Lamb and Jaxon Smith-Njigba in Week 6? How long could Deebo Samuel and TreVeyon Henderson be out? Week 5 left fantasy managers with important decisions involving some of their biggest contributors. This Week 5 fantasy football injury recap breaks down expected absences, potential performance limitations and reinjury concerns, using medical research and our injury database to help you plan your next move.

Quarterbacks

Michael Penix Jr. — Rib Injury

Injury: Penix injured his ribs late in the fourth quarter of Atlanta’s October 11 loss to Baltimore. He missed one play, briefly returned and then did not play during overtime.

Expected Time Missed: Week 6 uncertain.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Tua Tagovailoa.

Analysis: 

Penix’s rib injury is not believed to be serious, and he has a chance to play in Week 6. His availability would be a significant boost for Atlanta’s offense.

Rib injuries can make throwing uncomfortable. The rib cage moves with the torso, and pain can restrict the rotation needed to transfer power from the lower body into the throwing arm. Pain tolerance will be important—Penix said increasing discomfort prevented him from returning in overtime.

Encouragingly, our quarterback rib-injury data shows no average decline in fantasy production in the first game back. If Penix can manage the pain and throw comfortably, I expect him to remain a viable fantasy option and keep Atlanta’s passing game productive.

Running Backs

David Montgomery — Groin Injury

Injury: Montgomery injured his groin during the first half of Houston’s October 11 victory over Tennessee and did not return. DeMeco Ryans subsequently described him as week-to-week.

Expected Time Missed: Week-to-week.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Woody Marks.

Analysis: 

Montgomery is week-to-week with a groin injury, adding uncertainty to an already disappointing fantasy season. The groin’s adductor muscles help stabilize the pelvis and contribute to sprinting and changes of direction, so lingering pain or weakness could affect his ability to accelerate and cut. 

Our running back injury dataset shows an average absence of 1.7 games and roughly a 10% decline in fantasy production in the first game back after a groin injury. 

Reinjury also warrants attention. Research in elite athletes has reported an approximately 18% recurrence rate for adductor strains. Given his struggles before the injury, I would be cautious about immediately returning Montgomery to a fantasy lineup once he is cleared. 

TreVeyon Henderson — Ankle Injury

Injury: Henderson injured his ankle during the second quarter of New England’s October 11 victory over Las Vegas and did not return.

Expected Time Missed: Week 6 uncertain.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Rhamondre Stevenson.

Analysis: 

Henderson was scheduled for an MRI Monday, but as of Tuesday morning, no results have been publicly reported. Ankle injuries can interfere with the stability and push-off needed to plant and change direction, making the diagnosis important for his fantasy outlook.

Our running back injury data shows average absences of 1.7 games for lateral ankle sprains and 2.4 games for high ankle sprains, with some players missing considerably longer. We’ll revisit Henderson’s outlook in Saturday’s preview once we have more information on his diagnosis and practice participation.

Quinshon Judkins — Ankle Injury

Injury: Judkins left Cleveland’s October 11 game in a walking boot. Todd Monken called the ankle injury a minor tweak and described Judkins as day-to-day.

Expected Time Missed: Day-to-day.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Dylan Sampson, Raheim Sanders if healthy, Jaleel McLaughlin.

Analysis: 

Judkins left Sunday’s game in a walking boot, but Cleveland considers him day-to-day with a minor ankle injury. This involves the same right ankle that required surgery for a dislocation and fractured fibula last season, making the reassuring initial update particularly encouraging.

Judkins has already struggled with rushing efficiency this season, and additional ankle pain could make planting, cutting and accelerating more difficult. Fortunately, our running back injury data shows minimal average declines in fantasy production after returning from lateral or high ankle sprains. If this remains a minor issue and he practices well, I would not expect a substantial additional drop in production from the ankle alone.

Aaron Jones — Knee Injury

Injury: Jones injured his knee during the first quarter against New Orleans on October 11. He later returned and scored a fourth-quarter touchdown.

Expected Time Missed: No confirmed absence; returned Sunday.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Jordan Mason, if healthy.

Analysis: 

Aaron Jones has dealt with another knee issue, but his return against New Orleans and eventual 113-yard, one-touchdown performance are encouraging. Minnesota has a Week 6 bye, giving him additional recovery time before facing Indianapolis in Week 7.

The broad “knee injury” designation makes historical comparisons difficult because different tissues can produce very different limitations. Based on how effectively Jones ran after returning, I am not expecting a meaningful decline in rushing efficiency if he resumes practice without a setback.

His workload may be the bigger fantasy concern. Jordan Mason is eligible to return after the bye, which could reduce Jones’ touches even if his knee is feeling good.

Will Shipley — Partial Plantar-Fascia Tear

Injury: Shipley left Philadelphia’s October 11 loss to Jacksonville with a foot injury and did not return. Monday reporting identified a partial plantar-fascia tear that could sideline him for multiple weeks.

Expected Time Missed: Multiple weeks.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Dameon Pierce and Carson Steele, if Saquon Barkley also remains out.

Analysis: 

The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue along the underside of the foot that supports the arch and stores and releases energy during running. It helps the foot manage ground forces and push off efficiently during sprinting and cutting. A tear can make those movements painful and less efficient, reducing a running back’s explosiveness.

Shipley’s partial plantar-fascia tear could sideline him for multiple weeks. Regaining the ability to repeatedly push off and change direction comfortably will be essential before he returns. I am not expecting a quick turnaround, and with his opportunity tied to injuries elsewhere in Philadelphia’s backfield, Shipley can be dropped in most redraft formats.

Wide Receivers 

CeeDee Lamb — Quadriceps Contusion Aggravation

Injury: Lamb aggravated his quadriceps injury during Dallas’ October 8 loss to Tampa Bay and was sidelined during the fourth quarter. Subsequent reporting identified a quadriceps bruise that is not considered serious.

Expected Time Missed: Week 6 uncertain; no extended absence expected.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: George Pickens and Jake Ferguson.

Analysis: 

A quad contusion is a muscle bruise caused by a direct impact, producing localized bleeding, swelling and soreness. Mild cases generally heal without lasting functional problems, although recovery can take longer than 7–10 days. Lamb’s Thursday game gives him additional recovery time, and with the injury reportedly not considered serious, I am not expecting a meaningful impact on his Week 6 production if he practices comfortably.

An uncommon complication is myositis ossificans, where bone develops within the injured muscle. This is more concerning with significant contusions or repeated trauma before recovery. Appropriate rehabilitation and protective padding help manage the injury, but nothing currently reported suggests this complication is developing in Lamb.

Deebo Samuel — Hamstring Injury

Injury: Samuel injured his hamstring on a third-quarter end-around during San Francisco’s October 11 victory over Seattle and did not return. Kyle Shanahan said Monday that Samuel is expected to miss at least a couple of weeks.

Expected Time Missed: At least a couple of weeks.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Mike Evans and Brandin Cooks.

Analysis: 

Deebo is expected to miss multiple games with a hamstring injury. His exit came after a tackle rather than an obvious full-speed sprint, although he had reportedly been favoring the leg earlier. The initial updates suggest this is more than a minor setback, and I would prepare for an absence longer than the typical hamstring injury. Injured reserve is not currently expected, but his recovery progress will be worth monitoring.

Our dataset of 210 wide receiver hamstring injuries shows an average absence of 1.7 games and approximately a 7% decline in fantasy production in the first game back. The immediate loss hurts, but the historical performance outlook is encouraging. Deebo remains worth holding and could provide meaningful fantasy value later this season once healthy.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba — Right Ankle Injury

Injury: Smith-Njigba injured his right ankle and had it taped during Seattle’s October 11 loss to San Francisco. He continued playing and finished with 102 receiving yards and a touchdown.

Expected Time Missed: No confirmed absence; returned Sunday.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Cooper Kupp.

Analysis: 

JSN’s right ankle appeared to roll inward, a mechanism consistent with a lateral ankle sprain. He briefly left the game, had the ankle heavily taped and returned to continue producing. That is encouraging, but Seattle’s Thursday game leaves little recovery time. The Seahawks did not practice Monday, and JSN was estimated as a limited participant, rather than carrying an official questionable designation.

Tuesday and Wednesday will be important to monitor. Swelling can develop over several hours after an ankle sprain, making the ankle feel stiffer and more painful the following day despite a successful in-game return.

A Thursday return remains realistic. Our dataset of 124 wide receiver lateral ankle injuries shows an average absence of 0.9 games and approximately a 14% decline in fantasy production in the first game back. Some reduced explosiveness is possible, but JSN’s talent and role still make him a must-start if active.

KC Concepcion — Concussion

Injury: Concepcion left Cleveland’s October 11 game following a first-quarter hit from Jets safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and did not return. Subsequent reporting confirmed a concussion.

Expected Time Missed: In concussion protocol; Week 6 uncertain.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Denzel Boston and Isaiah Bond.

Analysis: Concepcion is working through the concussion protocol.  He will have to clear in order to play in week 6. 

Tre’ Harris — Hamstring Injury

Injury: Harris injured his hamstring during the second half of the Chargers’ October 11 loss to Denver. He was listed as questionable to return and did not record another reception.

Expected Time Missed: Week-to-week.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Derius Davis.

Analysis: 

The season from hell continues for the Chargers. Harris is now week-to-week with a hamstring injury, putting his availability in doubt. For a receiver who makes his living downfield, hamstring function is especially important. The muscles handle substantial loads during high-speed running, and lingering pain or weakness can limit his acceleration, top-end speed and ability to separate. Reinjury is also a concern, particularly early after returning to full-speed sprinting.

Fantasy managers should prepare to be without Harris for now, but his outlook after recovery is more encouraging. Our dataset shows only a mild decline in wide receiver fantasy production in the first game after a hamstring injury. Once healthy and back to his normal workload, Harris should still have an opportunity to contribute.

Tight Ends

T.J. Hockenson — Concussion

Injury: Hockenson sustained a concussion on Minnesota’s opening possession against New Orleans on October 11 when his head struck the turf after a reception. He was ruled out.

Expected Time Missed: In concussion protocol; Week 6 uncertain.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Gavin Bartholomew for additional tight-end opportunities.

Analysis: Hockenson will have to pass through the NFL's concussion protocol before playing. 

Kenyon Sadiq — Concussion

Injury: Sadiq was injured on a reception that resulted in a fumble during the second half of the Jets’ October 11 victory over Cleveland. He did not return, and the team confirmed that he entered the concussion protocol.

Expected Time Missed: In concussion protocol; Week 6 uncertain.

Primary Beneficiary If Time Missed: Mason Taylor and Jeremy Ruckert.

Analysis: Sadiq 

will have to pass through the NFL's concussion protocol before playing. 

Conclusion

Deebo Samuel’s absence creates an immediate lineup hole, while TreVeyon Henderson’s diagnosis remains a key update to watch. CeeDee Lamb’s outlook is encouraging, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba remains a must-start if active, but his Thursday kickoff makes early monitoring essential.

Check back for our Week 6 injury preview, where we’ll combine the latest practice reports with injury data to sharpen your start/sit decisions. Follow @fantasyinjuryteam for updates throughout the week.