After back-to-back weeks with positive news for fantasy managers, the NFL’s Week 6 fantasy news is shaping up to reverse that trend. Multiple injuries have sidelined key players this week – and for the foreseeable future.

Which players will fantasy owners need waiver wires to cover? Find out that and much more in the NFL Week 6 Fantasy News update.

Indianapolis Colts QB Anthony Richardson on Injured Reserve List

After a concussion sidelined Colts QB Anthony Richardson earlier this season, Indianapolis will be without the rookie’s services again after suffering an AC joint sprain in his right shoulder. The injury occurred during the Colts’ 23-16 win over the Tennessee Titans in Week 5.

Fantasy Impact: Expect Gardner Minshew will serve as Richardson’s replacement for the next four to eight weeks. In his two games starting this year, Minshew has completed 69 percent of his passes and a pair of TDs. With Colts RB Jonathan Taylor back in the mix, fantasy owners should look for other QB options beyond Minshew to fill their roster spot.

Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson To Miss Multiple Weeks

In last week’s 27-20 loss to Kansas City, Vikings star WR Justin Jefferson suffered a hamstring injury. With Minnesota immediately suggesting this injury may take multiple weeks to recover from, reports have suggested Jefferson will go on the IR list, meaning he’ll miss at least four games due to the injury.

Fantasy Impact: To make matters worse, Jefferson may miss more games as his contract situation remains unclear, meaning the WR would likely sit to avoid further injuries in a seemingly lost season for Minnesota. Expect TE T.J. Hockenson and WR Jordan Addison to be the biggest beneficiaries of Jefferson’s targets moving forward.

Seattle Seahawks QB Geno Smith Expected To Play Week 6

Seattle HC Pete Carroll told reporters that QB Geno Smith – who was injured in his team’s 24-3 win last Monday night – was ready to play for this week’s road contest against the Cincinnati Bengals. Smith participated in Monday’s practice without limitations, according to multiple reports.

Fantasy Impact: Before his injury against the New York Giants, Smith was en route to a stellar day. With Carroll confirming Smith’s status for the Bengals, fantasy owners should expect the veteran QB to have a decent outing against the Bengals. Cincinnati is allowing QBs to complete 60% of their passes and yielding over 230 yards to teams with fantasy-relevant signal callers.

Cincinnati Bengals WR Tee Higgins Could Sit Again Sunday

Speaking of the Bengals, Cincinnati has injury concerns on both sides of the ball. Importantly, WR Tee Higgins was a last-minute scratch by HC Zac Taylor after feeling uncomfortable with Higgins’ recovery from a fractured rib. The standout WR could again sit Sunday, multiple reports suggested.

Fantasy Impact: Fantasy owners have been frustrated with Higgins and the Cincinnati offense in general in 2023. Higgins had one monster game – Week 2 against Baltimore – but has caught only four of 20 targets for 40 yards beyond that game. With the bye week ahead of the Bengals, owners should look elsewhere for help in Week 6.

Miami Dolphins RB De’Von Achane Out Multiple Weeks

Rookie RB De’Von Achane will miss multiple weeks and could be placed on the IR list after sustaining a knee injury against the New York Giants, according to several reports Wednesday. Achane was the second-leading rusher in the NFL this season, averaging an eye-popping 12.1 yards per rush on 38 carries.

Fantasy Impact: Achane split the backfield work with RB Raheem Mostert, but the Dolphins’ two-headed RB monster had made both players fantasy-relevant. Expect Miami to turn to RBs Chris Brooks or Salvon Ahmed in the short term, although neither will have the impact Achane produced for the Dolphins.