Fantasy Football Week 4 Injury Recap

The following is an overview of some of the Week 4 injury recaps in fantasy football to be aware of. 

Quarterbacks 

The first big story that everyone has been watching involves Tua Tagovailoa of the Miami Dolphins. The situation is well-documented at this point, and with his concussion, Tagovailoa is out for Week 5. He was hurt in Week 3, and then in Week 4, on Thursday night, he sustained a head injury against the Bengals. 

Since it was his second head injury in less than a Week, the recovery time is longer than what would be normally expected. 

Head coach Mike McDaniel already announced the quarterback would be out for Week 5. There’s a chance he’ll also be out in Week 6, and Teddy Bridgewater is set to start Sunday, going against the Jets. 

From the New England Patriots, quarterback Brian Hoyer started in Week 4 with Mac Jones out because of an ankle sprain. He then left in the first half because of a concussion, so Bailey Zappe, who is a third-stringer, took his place. 

Mac Jones may still potentially miss Week 5 against the Lions. If Hoyer can’t clear the protocol and Jones is still out, then Zappe will probably be playing next Sunday. 

Daniel Jones, the quarterback for the New York Giants, has a left ankle sprain, leaving him questionable for Week 5. Jones was tackled on an attempted scramble. The backup, Tyrod Taylor, came into the game, but then because of a concussion, he exited as well. Initial testing for Jones didn’t show any structural damage, but right now, it’s being labeled day-to-day. 

Russell Wilson from the Denver Broncos is struggling with shoulder soreness after the game against the Raiders in Week 4. 

Running Backs

Javonte Williams of the Denver Broncos is out for the year. His 2022 season came to an end after a major injury to his right knee against the Raiders. Williams took a carry, and then, right as he approached the scrimmage line, he planted his right leg, bracing for contact. His knee buckled, and the injury led to damage to the ACL, the LCL, and the postero-lateral corner. 

This type of multi-ligament injury usually means at least a year is spent in recovery, rather than a 9-month recovery that’s the norm for just an isolated ACL tear. 

Injuring his left ankle was Jonathan Taylor, running back for the Colts. He’s questionable for Week 5. 

Cordarrelle Patterson of the Falcons is expected to return after being placed on injured reserve because of a knee procedure. Patterson’s out for at least the next four weeks, based on what’s currently known. 

Wide Receivers

Kenny Golladay from the New York Giants is out for Week 5 with an unspecified knee injury. 

Treylon Burks of the Titans is out for multiple weeks with turf toe and could end up on the injured reserve. Burks is the number 18 overall pick for the Titans, and he injured his left foot on Sunday playing against the Colts after he caught a pass. His foot and ankle became trapped beneath a defendant while he was being tackled, and that’s why his Week 4 came to an early end. For a WR, turf toe can be especially tough because the big toe is stressed when pushing at the scrimmage line and when running stride. 

Jahan Dotson of the Washington Commanders is out for the next one to two Weeks with a hamstring injury. For wide receivers in the NFL, hamstring injuries are the most common, and they usually lead to a minimum of one missed game. 

The Buffalo Bills’ Jamison Crowder is out for the year with a sprained left ankle and a fibula fracture. He suffered the injury on Sunday, playing against the Ravens. 

Also, on the Buffalo Bills, Isaiah McKenzie is out with a concussion. He’s following the concussion protocol and is questionable for Week 5. Since Jamison Crowder is out for the year, McKenzie has an opportunity to play as every down slot wide receiver. He’s been taking advantage of his limited playing time for the last two Weeks. 

Tight End

Finally, Jonnu Smith of the New England Patriots is likely out for the next few Weeks with a sprained left ankle. Smith’s left leg was rolled out, and he was exited into the medical tent after limping from the field. Then, shortly after that, it was announced he wasn’t returning. He’s not relevant for fantasy football necessarily, but with his injury, Hunter Henry could get more open playing time.