Week Five Injury Report: Eli Manning, Wes Welker, Jerricho Cotchery and More

As we head into Week Five of the NFL season, there are a lot of injuries fantasy owners need to be aware of.  Who’s going to play? Should I pick up their replacement?  Let’s take a look at a few of the bigger questions:

Roy Williams, who has been a bitter disappointment to begin with, is listed as doubtful due to a rib injury.  It would appear unlikely that he’s going to suit up this week and is best left on your bench. 

His absence could open the door for Miles Austin to have a big game, but it is more likely that Jason Witten, who was only targeted four times last week, gets extra looks.

Eli Manning is officially listed as questionable, but until he doesn’t actually step foot onto the field I have a hard time believing he isn’t going to play.  No matter who the QB is, be it Manning or David Carr, there is no reason to shy away from Steve Smith.

Kevin Boss, another potential target, is listed as doubtful, though he’s not a top tight end option to begin with.  Domenik Hixon is listed as probable, but has fallen on the depth chart while he’s been out of action.  Unless he regains a prominent offensive role, he’s not worth using.

There’s no status update yet, but Jericho Cotchery was held out of practice due to a hamstring injury.  Keep checking for potential updates, but the early talk is he easily could miss Monday night’s showdown with the Dolphins. 

With that said, if there is no word before the start of games on Sunday, you just can’t take the risk.

Wes Welker is listed as questionable due to a knee injury, just as he was last week when he not only played, but was targeted 10 times.  I’d have to expect him to play, but keep checking for any news on his status.

Willie Parker has already been declared out for Sunday giving Rashard Mendenhall another chance to emerge as the main back in Pittsburgh.  Some people having been questioning Parker’s ability to carry the load since the preseason.

If Mendenhall can even come close to repeating his 165-yard performance from last week, Parker could see himself as the No. 2 back.  Mendenhall is a safe play in all formats.

Jamal Lewis is listed as questionable due to a hamstring injury.  After missing last week he really is a non-issue for fantasy owners this week. 

Jerome Harrison took a huge step forward and another big day could help him emerge as the full-time starter.  This week, however, the two could see equal carries if Lewis does take the field, so even Harrison should be knocked down a peg or two.

Matthew Stafford is listed as questionable with a knee injury and is a game-time decision.  He has been growing from week-to-week, but if you had grabbed him in a two-quarterback league, you likely were smart enough to have a capable back up (or starter, with Stafford serving as the back up) as well. 

Even if he were to take the field, you would be better off leaving him on your bench.

There’s a trio of offensive weapons on the injury report for the Lions in Kevin Smith, Calvin Johnson and Brandon Pettigrew.  All of them are expected to be in the line-up on Sunday.

Felix Jones (doubtful) and Marion Barber (probable) are both on this week’s injury report.  Barber is expected to play, while Jones isn’t. 

Barber should return to your fantasy lineup immediately while Jones runs the risk of falling into anonymity if Tashard Choice can prove capable of sharing time with Barber.  Keep Jones stashed for now, but in another week or two, that may change.

Darren McFadden has already been scratched from Sunday’s game with a knee injury.  Like the Raiders offense couldn’t get any worse, right?  At this point, there is very little usable coming out of LA.

Antonio Bryant is listed as questionable with a knee injury but should once again take the field for the Buccaneers.  He had his biggest day of the season last week, with 4 catches for 44 yards and 1 TD. He could continue to grow.

Cedric Benson is listed as probable with a hip injury, but is expected to play on Sunday as he has been participating in full practice.  Taking on the stout Ravens defense, the fact that he’s injured or healthy shouldn’t matter.  You are better off turning to another option if possible.

Donovan McNabb is expected to return to the starting lineup for the Eagles and therefore should be active in all fantasy formats.

Frank Gore is out of action once again, giving Glen Coffee another chance to shine.  Coffee should be active in most formats (unless you're loaded at RB) while he’s getting regular touches.  He has the advantage of being the main back and not having to share carries in SF.

Derrick Mason is listed as probable with a neck injury as has been limited in practice but is expected to take the field.  I wouldn’t shy away from him, as he has been on fire of late with 12 catches for 206 yards and 2 TD over the past two weeks.

Steve Breaston is listed as questionable with a knee injury.  At this point, it is anyone’s guess if he is able to play or not.  Keep checking for any potential updates, but the unknown makes it better that he stays on your bench if you have a capable replacement.

Correll Buckhalter is out for the Broncos with an ankle injury.  This is Knowshon Moreno’s chance to finally emerge as the man.

Matt Hasselbeck is listed as probable and is expected to return to the Seahawks starting line-up.  If you are in a two-quarterback format, he’s a solid play.  If you aren’t, I’d leave him on your bench until he proves he can perform at a solid level and is worth using again.

What are your thoughts?  Which injury will have the biggest effect?  Which player have you tried to grab?

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