NFL Week 5 Injury Report: Who's Hurting the Most After Week 4?

All too often fantasy football contests are decided because of injuries. That's why it's crucial to always keep an eye on the NFL injury report.

As Week 5 approaches, there are many players to keep tabs on. Some of them were hurt in Week 4, and others are still struggling to return from previous injuries.

Even though it's still early, you have to already have an eye on who is and who isn't likely to play in Week 5. Otherwise, it could be too late to make an game-saving roster move.

With this in mind, what's the latest news on the NFL's injured fantasy football stars?

Jake Locker, QB, Tennessee Titans

After separating his shoulder against Houston, Jake Locker is not expected to play in Week 5. If Locker can't go, Matt Hasselbeck will get the start and could be worth a desperation fantasy pickup. 

Locker is almost certainly out this week and could miss several more games. At this point, it may be worth dropping him in a redraft league, given his uncertain status. 

Santonio Holmes, WR, New York Jets

We don't know exactly what's wrong with Santonio Holmes' foot, but we do know he will miss at least one week. Holmes owners will need to look elsewhere for the time being.

Odds are Holmes' injury isn't too serious—X-rays came back negative—and he could be back in another week. He isn't worth dropping yet, but owners won't have him for Week 5. 

Aaron Hernandez, TE, New England Patriots

Aaron Hernandez hasn't resumed practicing yet, but he could prior to Week 5. However, Hernandez is shaky at best to play and probably isn't worth a start even if he does see the field.

The Patriots will likely take it easy on Hernandez as he recovers from his injury, and it would be wise to wait a week before relying on him. In Week 6, Hernandez is a potential start. 

Scott Chandler, TE, Buffalo Bills

After getting off to a hot start against the Patriots, Scott Chandler suffered a head injury and left the game. However, he is expected to be available for Week 5.

Not many people are starting Chandler, but if you don't have any better options, there shouldn't be any reason not to start him. 

Laurent Robinson, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars

Laurent Robinson suffered yet another concussion and is expected to miss Week 5. However, not many owners are relying on Robinson for fantasy points. 

At this point, it's hard to expect much from Robinson in 2012. He is struggling to stay healthy, and Jacksonville's anemic offense hurts any other value he may have. It may be wise to drop Robinson.

Peyton Hillis, RB, Kansas City Chiefs

Peyton Hillis didn't practice at all last week and is on the fence to play in Week 5. Even if he does play, though, Hillis isn't a good start option.

Coming off an injury, Hillis will probably receive even fewer carries than usual, and the Chiefs would lean on Jamaal Charles. Even when healthy, Hillis isn't a great start, and he definitely isn't when battling through injury.

Julian Edelman, WR, New England Patriots

A hand injury sidelined Julian Edelman in Week 4, and it could do so again Week 5. Since we don't know the nature of the injury, though, it's hard to say whether he will be able to play.

With Wes Welker putting up big numbers in back-to-back weeks, Edelman may not have much of a spot to return to. It's probably wise to wait and see on Edelman. 

Greg Jennings, WR, Green Bay Packers

Greg Jennings aggravated a groin injury in Week 4 and could miss Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts, according to Green Bay Press Gazette. Jennings has struggled thus far, and you're probably better off sitting him on the bench.

It seems likely that Green Bay will let Jennings rest, so he can better return to full strength. If he does play, though, it probably won't be at full strength, and he may not get many targets. 

Hakeem Nicks, WR, New York Giants

Early on Monday, head coach Tom Coughlin said Hakeem Nicks' knee was no better. At the moment, it seems like Nicks could miss yet another week to injury.

If Nicks plays, he's an easy start. However, it's a good idea to look at other options because he is far from a sure thing to suit up. 

Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Oakland Raiders

Even before suffering a neck injury, Darrius Heyward-Bey had struggled. Now, the Raiders enter a bye week, and DHB's status is looking good for Week 6.

With that said, there may be better options available. Heyward-Bey won't play for at least another week, and he's unlikely to offer great production anyway. Owners should look for available wideouts.

Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers

Returning from a torn ACL, Rashard Mendenhall is expected to make his 2012 debut in Week 5. The Steelers' run game has been terrible, so Mendenhall seems like an easy start.

He may still be a bit rusty, but Mendenhall is undeniably talented, and he isn't facing much competition from Pittsburgh's other backs. He's worth a shot in the dark. 

Josh Cribbs, WR, Cleveland Browns

Josh Cribbs is only really valuable in leagues that give return points, but there are certainly some owners out there. Cribbs suffered what looked like a nasty concussion, but he is expecting to return Week 5.

Though he probably won't miss any time, Cribbs really isn't worth a roster spot. Unless it's a really deep league, there are better wideout options available. Drop him.

Ben Tate, RB, Houston Texans

Ben Tate injured his toe in Houston's romp of the Titans and is awaiting X-ray results. Right now, it's nearly impossible to predict Tate's Week 5 status.

If he does play, Tate likely isn't worth a start. Arian Foster is leading the league in carries, leaving Tate little opportunity to rack up fantasy points. Most owners probably have better options. 

Dustin Keller, TE, New York Jets

The Jets cutting Dedrick Epps has to be a good sign for Dustin Keller returning in Week 5, right? Keller missed the last three weeks but seems poised to return from a hamstring injury.

Keller isn't a great option at tight end, but he isn't a horrible starter. His injury shouldn't affect his fantasy status in Week 5. 

Kenny Britt, WR, Tennessee Titans

After returning from both a torn ACL and suspension, Kenny Britt missed Week 4 with an ankle injury. The Titans are hopeful for his Week 5 return, however. 

With Jake Locker not playing, Britt's value goes down some. He is still a decent, if risky, start, though. It's uncertain that Britt will play, but if he does, there's nothing wrong with giving the talented wideout a shot.