NFL Fantasy News for Week 5
The injuries continue to pile up for NFL squads this season. Kansas City – which had already lost starting running back Isiah Pacheco will now be without wide receiver Rashee Rice for an extended period of time due to a knee injury Sunday.
While that’s the bad news heading into Week 5, the good news is that replacement players for fantasy managers exist for these players. Who did Kansas City turn to for Pacheco’s replacement? Former Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt, who promptly racked up 85 yards from scrimmage in his first outing of the 2024 season.
With the mounting injuries taking their toll on the actual field, what players can fantasy owners count on to provide relief this season? We’ll share some of the injury news and how managers can find replacements for those stars.
Indianapolis Colts QB Anthony Richardson Practiced Wednesday
After going down in the first quarter, fantasy owners were relieving their worst nightmares from last season as the quarterback was lost early in the 2023 campaign. His ability to practice on Wednesday was encouraging that he may not miss time this season.
Fantasy Impact: Get Joe Flacco. The ageless wonder came off the bench and threw 168 yards and two touchdowns for the Colts, and the offense didn’t miss a beat with their starter. He’s a proven commodity who is available in nearly every league.
Houston Texans RB Joe Mixon Did Not Practice Wednesday
Houston running back Joe Mixon was primed for a big season, but the early efforts have been derailed due to an ankle injury. The running back has still not returned to practice this week, early reports showed.
Fantasy Impact: Houston does not have a strong replacement option, so look for Chuba Hubbard in your league. The running back was available in more than 70 percent of leagues heading into Week 5, but after a strong showing the past two weeks may be a scarce commodity soon.
Kansas City Chiefs WR Rashee Rice Injury Uncertain
Against the Los Angeles Chargers, Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes threw an interception. As he went for the tackle, he hit star wide receiver Rashee Rice awkwardly, and immediate fears centered around torn ACLs. After multiple rounds of tests, the extent of Rice’s injury remains unclear.
Fantasy Impact: To be clear, New York Jets receiver Allen Lazard is no Rice and will only partially fill the stat sheet like Rice did. But Lazard is available in 61 percent of ESPN Fantasy Leagues, and the pass-catcher has 16 receptions for 206 yards and three touchdowns. Plus, the Jets will need Aaron Rodgers to spread the wealth in a tough upcoming stretch of games.
Cleveland Browns TE David Njoku Limited Participant In Practice
After sustaining a high-ankle sprain in the season-opener, the Browns have not had the services of tight end David Njoku in subsequent games. Last year, Njoku was a top-10 fantasy producer at the position, and he has four catches for 44 yards in less than one full game of action.
Fantasy Impact: Njoku should be ready this week, but managers shouldn’t trust him to produce big stats off the bat. Instead, stay in the AFC North division and grab Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki, who is available in nearly 70 percent of ESPN fantasy leagues.
The Bengals face the Ravens, an enticing matchup this week for the tight end position. Baltimore has allowed 7.25 receptions and 81.75 yards per game to TEs this season, a clear opportunity for Gesicki to have a strong outing as quarterback Joe Burrow’s safety blanket.
