We've detailed the injuries surrounding the WRs and RBs thus far for Week 6. What about the best of the rest? Darren Waller, Deshaun Watson, and Daniel Jones headline that Giants-dominated list of ailments as the week continues, leaving their statuses up in the air as we approach kickoff.
Below, we'll give you the latest news on these impact players and break down how their injuries could potentially affect the Week 6 fantasy landscape. For updates on ailing RBs Saquon Barkley, Austin Ekeler, Roschon Johnson, and Jahmyr Gibbs, click here; for news on hurting WRs Tee Higgins, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Mike Evans, and Tank Dell, go here.
WEEK 6 FANTASY ADVICE:
Sleepers | Busts | Projections | Start 'em, sit 'em
Darren Waller injury update, Week 6 fantasy outlook
UPDATE: Waller returned to practice on Thursday.
Waller (groin) popped up on the injury report for the first time since Week 2 after failing to practice on Wednesday. The tight end was expected to be a fixture on injury reports all season long with the nagging hamstring injury that's hindered him for quite some time. That combination of rest and recovery appeared to work, allowing Waller to participate in every game and avoid the constant reports on a week-to-week basis. However, the latest ailment is groin-related, which Waller says won't keep him from playing in Buffalo against the Bills on Sunday. He added that Wednesday's DNP was part of "rest protocol," and he expected to return to the practice field on Thursday.
If he does return to practice and manages to play on Sunday, it could be a good matchup for Waller against a reeling Bills' defense that's lost Tre'Davious White and Matt Milano in back-to-back weeks. However, until Waller sees consistent target share and production, it's hard to expect big points from him in one of the league's worst offenses. Daniel Bellinger would assume the TE1 spot if Waller is eventually sidelined for Week 6.
WEEK 6 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Deshaun Watson injury update, Week 6 fantasy outlook
UPDATE: Watson has no "structural damage" to his shoulder, but he once again missed practice on Thursday.
UPDATE 2: CBS Sports' Josina Anderson reported Thursday afternoon that Watson will not play in Week 6 against San Francisco.
Watson (shoulder) surprised many by not returning to practice following the Browns' bye week. What was even more surprising is the fact that Watson kept himself from practicing, considering he was medically cleared prior to Week 4's 28-3 loss to the Ravens. Watson, who reportedly didn't feel comfortable playing through the injury, was ruled out with around just 90 minutes to go before kickoff, forcing the rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson into action. As far as this situation goes, we are at the mercy of Watson, who will play whenever he feels he's ready.
If Watson plays, the ceiling isn't very high against a dominant 49ers defense anyway. If possible, we'd rather avoid the Cleveland offense entirely. However, in a pinch, Watson can be a starting option thanks to his rushing ability. If Watson can't go, P.J. Walker will get the start, according to Kevin Stefanski.
WEEK 6 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Daniel Jones injury update, Week 6 fantasy outlook
UPDATE: Jones missed practice again on Thursday.
Jones (neck) didn't practice Wednesday and is still reportedly feeling sore from the weekend. According to the New York Daily News' Pat Leonard, Jones hasn't yet been cleared for contact, putting his Week 6 status in doubt. The Giants have a laundry list of injured players impacting nearly every area of the field. With a Sunday night matchup looming against the Bills, it seems like Jones has a lot of hurdles to clear and not a lot of time to do it.
While Waller and Saquon Barkley might be trending toward playing, it's almost impossible to have faith in the offense if Jones is sidelined. For all his faults, Jones has done his best to keep this team afloat with his legs. The hits add up, though, and since it's only Week 6, we think the team will be cautious with their $160 million quarterback. It's unlikely you were starting Jones in single-QB leagues, so just avoid him and his wide receivers even more if Jones can't play. Tyrod Taylor would get the start against his old team if that were to happen. No matter who starts, a violent Bills defense will be licking their chops against a horrific offensive line.