Fantasy football Week 5 inactives: Kyle Monangai, Lamar Jackson out
Updated inactives and analysis based on the latest reports and official announcements leading up to kickoff.
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Whom should you start? Whom should you sit? To help you set your fantasy football lineups and avoid starting an offensive player who won't be in the lineup, we'll post fantasy-relevant updates and analysis here as NFL teams release their official inactives lists.
Official Sunday inactives should begin coming in approximately 90 minutes before the scheduled kickoff times: around 11:30 a.m. ET for the early games and 2:30 p.m. ET for the late-afternoon games.
Refresh often for the latest information.
Don't forget to check these out: Mike Clay's Playbook | Week 5 Buzz Week 5 Rankings | Matchup rankings for Week 5
Biggest concerns heading into Week 5
Dallas Goedert, TE, Eagles (knee): Goedert was able to return to practice this week, albeit in a limited fashion. But he will play in Week 5. He should operate as the top target for Jalen Hurts, especially in the red zone. Still, some names to play Goedert over this week are Brenton Strange, Dalton Schultz, and Michael Mayer.
Ja'Marr Chase, WR, Bengals (concussion): Chase was able to practice this week and has a chance to suit up Sunday. Obviously, if Chase plays, you start him. If he sits, you can look at Dohnte Meyers, who saw nine targets last week, or Mitchell Tinsley, who saw seven. Mike Gesicki is also a potential "in-house" replacement option, as the Dolphins have allowed the fourth-most TE fantasy PPG.
Tee Higgins, WR, Bengals (adductor): Higgins was a DNP to start the week but returned to action in full Friday. He is questionable for this week. Fantasy managers should have a backup plan in place, just in case. As previously stated, you could go with Meyers and Tinsley -- but, ideally, there are more trustworthy options. Some receivers you should consider starting instead this week are Carnell Tate, Romeo Doubs and Denzel Boston.
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Raiders (ankle/foot): The Raiders' star RB popped up on the injury report Thursday after logging a limited session. He did not practice Friday and is now questionable for Week 5. Sure, if Jeanty plays for the Raiders, he starts for your fantasy football team.
However, if he sits, Mike Washington Jr. would be a borderline RB1 play. The "floor" is less certain for Washington -- run and check to see if he's still available on the waiver wire -- but the speedy, big-play threat brings a lot of upside. If he draws the start for Las Vegas, play him over Braelon Allen, David Montgomery, Omarion Hampton and Will Shipley.
Justin Jefferson, WR, Vikings (ankle): The star wideout returned to practice this week, and though he is questionable, he said the plan is for him to play. If Jefferson suits up, you play him in fantasy. If he sits, Jordan Addison should be viewed as a top-20 receiver.
Jordan Addison, WR, Vikings (hamstring): Addison returned to practice this week after sitting out Wednesday. He is listed as questionable but seems likely to suit up. Star wideout Justin Jefferson (ankle) is also listed as questionable, but has said the plan is for him to play. If both players suit up, Addison would be in the WR3/flex range, as a low-floor, high-upside play. If Jefferson were to sit, Addison could be viewed as a top-20 WR.
Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, Patriots (knee): Stevenson was able to log limited practice sessions this week and is questionable for Week 5. He did tell ESPN reporter Mike Reiss that he is "ready to go." If he suits up, expect the Patriots backfield to remain a split. Stevenson is the "safer floor" option, with TreVeyon Henderson being the "home run hitting" play. Both are in the flex range. If he were to sit, Henderson becomes a must start.
Alvin Kamara, RB, Saints: Kamara is being listed as questionable, even though he was able to practice this week and seems likely to play. He should once again operate as the Saints' lead back. While he needs catches and touchdowns to make up for his inefficiency, volume has him in play as an RB3/flex option.
Cam Skattebo, RB, Giants (shoulder): Skattebo was limited at practice, wearing a red noncontact jersey to start the week. Still, he appears to be good to go heading into Sunday. Skattebo is one of the safest bets for volume each week and should be started as an RB2, even in a tough matchup on paper. Plus, with bad weather potentially in the forecast, he could even see an uptick in usage.
Isaiah Likely, TE, Giants (knee/groin): Likely was limited to start the week but does not carry an injury designation heading in Week 5. Likely has seen a 33% target share with Jameis Winston under center. That duo is coming off their best game together. Plus, the Commanders have allowed the most passing touchdowns in the league. It's a good setup for Likely, who is the Giants' top red zone option. He should be started with confidence.
Malik Nabers, WR, Giants (knee): Nabers sat out Wednesday's practice due to soreness in his knee, but will play in Week 5. This seems like something fantasy managers need to get used to, as mid-week rest days could become a frequent sight this season. Nabers is coming off his best game of the season and should comfortably be started this week.
Rico Dowdle, RB, Steelers (toe): Dowdle has been limited at practice this week and is questionable for Week 5. Still, practicing all week puts him on pace to return. Jaylen Warren has thrived with Dowdle sidelined and I would expect him to continue to operate in the lead-back role. While Dowdle will be involved, Warren remains a top-15 RB play this week. Dowdle is someone who should be benched in fantasy until we have more clarity on his role. However, check for him on your league's waiver wire as he was dropped by a fair amount of fantasy teams over the past two weeks.
Carnell Tate, WR, Titans (back): Tate was added to the injury report on Thursday, which caused a scare in the fantasy community. However, he is good to go for Week 5 and should be started. He has seen his target rate continuously climb, reaching 43% in Week 4. Not only that, but 26 out of his 32 targets have come against zone coverage, which the Texans have played on 83% of their plays. Lastly, the Texans are top two in both yards and touchdowns allowed to receivers.
Jayden Daniels, QB, Commanders (elbow): Daniels has been practicing with a brace on his left elbow and will play in Week 5. While there is some added risk to be found here, fantasy managers should look to get Daniels back into their starting lineups. Even if the Commanders have less designed runs for their star QB, the upside is too high to get away from. Daniels is a top-5 QB option in Week 5.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt, RB, Commanders (groin): JCM joins seemingly all of his teammates on the injury report this week. He has been limited this week but is not on the final injury report and will play in Week 5. The Giants have allowed 99 RB rushing yards per game and allow explosive runs at the third-highest rate (12.5%). With Daniels coming off of his injury, do not be surprised if the Commanders run more than usual. Plus, game script could be on his side. Croskey-Merritt is a high-upside flex option.
Rachaad White, RB, Commanders (shoulder): After missing Week 4, White has been able to return to the practice field. He is expected to play on Sunday. That likely puts some restraints on JCM's fantasy value. Still, Croskey-Merritt is the preferred option of the two Commanders backs. Consider both to be flex options in a favorable matchup.
Terry McLaurin WR, Commanders (hamstring): McLaurin was able to log a limited session Friday and is expected to play Sunday. Even if he can go, he is a riskier option than normal, as hamstrings are always at risk of flaring up. He would be more of a flex option than his usual WR2 status. With Stefon Diggs not playing, the Commanders could be thin at receiver this week. Antonio Williams (eight targets last week) would be a sleeper flex option, likely operating as the top Commanders target. Chig Okonkwo, who was limited at practice this week but will play, would be a sleeper tight end for those in need of a streaming option.
Ladd McConkey, WR, Chargers (foot): McConkey has not practiced this week and is on the wrong side of questionable heading into Week 5. If McConkey sits, Tre' Harris and Oronde Gadsden could see a bump in volume. That said, even with the Broncos potentially playing without their top two CBs, I would look to completely avoid the Chargers offense.
Zay Flowers, WR, Ravens (foot): Flowers has been no stranger to the injury report this week. He has practiced all week in a limited fashion and is questionable for Week 5. While he seems likely to play, it would not be a bad idea for fantasy managers to have a pivot option just in case. His fantasy value takes a hit without Lamar Jackson, but Flowers is still in play as a WR3 or flex option. In 10 career games with Tyler Huntley he has averaged six targets, 4.6 catches and 66 yards per game. He scored four touchdowns in those games.
DJ Moore, WR, Bills (shoulder): Moore missed practice to start the week. This has been a recent trend from him, but he always seems able to suit up. Still, he seems up in the air heading into Monday night. Even if he can play, the bigger problem is that he has had to leave the game early twice in the last three weeks. That makes it difficult to trust him.
If you have any other option you feel good about -- for instance I am sitting him for Nabers in one league and Christian Watson/Parker Washington in another -- I say you take it. If you do roll the dice on Moore, make sure to have an insurance policy in place since the game is on Monday night. Keon Coleman would be the top option, but Khalil Shakir is another.
Ruled out before Sunday
Lamar Jackson, QB, Ravens (ankle): The two-time MVP had his ankle rolled up last week and is in jeopardy of missing a couple of games. It's unfortunate because Jackson has been playing at a very high level. He's working a career high in yards per attempt (10.1) and completion percentage (70.8%), while averaging 58 rushing yards per game. With him out, Huntley will start for the Ravens, but he's more suited for superflex leagues. Some streaming options this week for managers in need are Jacoby Brissett, Jameis Winston and Aaron Rodgers.
Kyle Monangai, RB, Bears (thumb/toe): Monangai will be out for Week 5. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler has reported that Monangai is dealing with "turf toe" and could possibly even miss another week or two. D'Andre Swift continues to deal with a knee injury. Although he has not missed any time due to his injury, his fumbling woes have caused his coach some concerns. Swift should see even more volume and is a must-start fantasy RB1 with Monangai out.
Pat Surtain II, CB, Broncos (ankle): Neither Surtain nor Riley Moss have practiced this week and both are out for Week 5. That would certainly make life easier for all Chargers pass catchers, if you're into that sort of thing.
Rashawn Slater, OT, Chargers (ankle): The Chargers tackle is expected to be sidelined for four-to-six weeks due to a high ankle sprain. This just makes it tougher to trust Justin Herbert and Omarion Hampton. I would look to avoid both of those players against a tough Broncos defense. Additionally, OT Joe Alt suffered a neck injury and has not practiced this week. It's very tough to trust any Chargers this week.
Quentin Johnston, WR, Chargers (chest): The Chargers receiver is out for Week 5 against the Broncos. That should lead to a bump for Harris and the other available Chargers pass catchers. Still, given their offensive woes and O-line injuries, the Chargers should be avoided by fantasy managers this week.
Mack Hollins, WR, Patriots (calf): Hollins has not practiced this week and has been ruled out for Week 5 That would makes Romeo Doubs, who had nine targets last week, even more appealing. Doubs should be started over Deebo Samuel Sr., Roman Wilson, KC Concepcion, and Courtland Sutton.
Saquon Barkley, RB, Eagles (hamstring): Barkley exited last week's game and is out for Week 5 due to a hamstring injury. The Eagles also placed RB Tank Bigsby on IR this week, leaving Will Shipley as their lead back. Fantasy managers may need to use Shipley this week, but should look to avoid him if possible. He faces the Jaguars, a team that has allowed the fewest RB rushing yards per game -- and just one rushing touchdown all season.
DeVonta Smith, WR, Eagles (hamstring): Smith is out heading into the Eagles' London matchup against the Jaguars. That leaves Dontayvion Wicks and Makai Lemon as the team's top receivers. Still, no Eagles pass catcher reached as many as 35 yards last week and the team will now be operating without two expected starters on their offensive line. While one could opt to simply pivot to Dallas Goedert, it's probably best to seek options elsewhere to replace Smith.
Michael Pittman Jr, WR, Steelers (foot): Pittman has aggravated a foot injury and will miss multiple weeks. He had been off to a slow start, so fantasy managers should have already been looking in another direction. This means more run for Roman Wilson, who has become a Rodgers favorite of late. Wilson is a deep-league flex option in a favorable matchup.
Stefon Diggs, WR, Commanders (hamstring): Diggs, who saw nine targets last week, did not practice this week due to a hamstring injury that will keep him out for Week 5. With Terry McLaurin also up in the air, the Commanders are suddenly looking very thin at receiver. Antonio Williams (who saw eight targets last week) would be a sleeper flex option, likely operating as the top Commanders target. Chig Okonkwo, who was limited at practice this week but appears likely to play, would be a sleeper tight end for those in need of a streaming option.
