Fantasy football Week 6 inactives: Hurts, Jackson ruled out; Flowers to play
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 6 Buzz Week 6 Rankings | Matchup rankings for Week 6
Biggest concerns ahead of Sunday
Michael Penix Jr, QB, Falcons (ribs): Penix has been a full participant at practice all week long. He has been removed from the injury report and will start Sunday. Penix has yet to throw multiple TD passes or score 15 fantasy points in any game this season. He is purely for use in superflex formats, but his availability is great for Bijan Robinson and Drake London. Both are elite options with Penix under center.
Zay Flowers, WR, Ravens (toe): Flowers was added to the team's injury report Thursday but is not on the final report, meaning he will play in Week 6. His production took a hit without Jackson last week, but Flowers still saw nine targets in that game from QB Tyler Huntley, who will be under center again this week. Volume should keep him in play as a WR2. It's also worth noting that Rashod Bateman missed practice this week due to a shoulder injury but is also not on the final injury report, so he will play too. Rookie WR Ja'Kobi Lane is practicing in full and Jeremy Fowler reports he is "good to go" for Week 6. He is worth stashing if you have a bench spot available.
Caleb Williams, QB, Bears (hamstring): Williams has been a full participant at practice and is questionable in Week 6. He might opt to run less initially, but Williams is still in play as a QB1. I would use him over Trevor Lawrence, Jameis Winston and Jacoby Brissett. However, I would go with either Kirk Cousins or Jordan Love over Williams.
Quinshon Judkins, RB, Browns (ankle): Judkins missed practice to start the week before getting in a limited session Friday. He is questionable and his status truly seems to be up in the air for Week 6. If he sits, the Browns will be left with Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime on the active roster. McLaughlin is the preferred play and, while the floor is low, he'd be in the flex conversation due to volume. It's also worth noting that Dylan Sampson had his 21-day window for return opened this week, but he is out for Week 6.
KC Concepcion, WR, Browns (concussion): Concepcion has cleared the league's concussion protocol and will play in Week 6. Though we have seen flashes, Concepcion is more of an upside depth stash for now. Fantasy managers should instead go with some of the other streaming WR options listed in this article.
Denzel Boston, WR, Browns (foot): Boston was limited to start the week but no longer carries an injury designation, meaning he will play Sunday. The rookie is one of just 10 players since 2010 to have posted 330-plus yards and at least three touchdowns over their first five career games. He has seen at least seven targets in three of his last four games. That volume could turn to production against the Ravens, who have allowed the fifth-most WR yards. Boston is a strong WR2 play this week.
Tyler Warren, TE, Colts (groin): Warren popped up on the injury report Friday, which is never ideal. If he ends up suiting up, fantasy managers should play him as he has just one game with fewer than double-digit fantasy points, and he had nine in that game. However, it is not a bad idea to grab a streaming option now just to cover your bases. Some options are Tyler Higbee, Pat Freiermuth, Darren Waller and Michael Mayer.
A.J. Brown, WR, Patriots (ankle): The star receiver is questionable for Week 6. Ian Rapoport reports that the Patriots "will likely activate" Brown on Sunday. If Brown plays, he brings more risk than usual, but given all the byes and injuries, he'd be worth getting into starting lineups. While he brings upside and likely will see safe volume, it usually takes some time for a player to return to 100% after a high ankle sprain, so temper expectations a bit. If he sits, Romeo Doubs would be the top Patriots receiver and a boom-or-bust WR3 option.
Alvin Kamara, RB, Saints (back): Kamara might be questionable but he has been on the injury report all season long and not yet missed any time. However, he does not bring a ton of safety due to his lack of efficiency so far. That said, volume -- particularly in the passing game -- keeps him as a flex option.
Chris Olave, WR, Saints (illness): Olave missed practice to start the week due to an illness and is listed as questionable for Sunday. Still, it seems likely he will suit up. If he plays for the Saints, he plays for fantasy managers. If he sits, it means more volume for Devaughn Vele and Juwan Johnson. Both would be worth starting against the Giants.
Omar Cooper Jr, WR, Jets (ankle): The rookie is set to return from a Week 1 ankle injury that landed him on the IR. With Adonai Mitchell still sidelined, Cooper should operate as the Jets' No. 2 WR. Though he is not worth plugging into starting lineups just yet, he is worth a flier for those with an open bench spot in deeper leagues.
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Jets (concussion): Sadiq is questionable for Week 6. He was able to log a full practice and HC Aaron Glenn said he expects him to play. Still, there are better streaming options this week such as Tyler Higbee, Juwan Johnson, and Pat Freiermuth.
DeVonta Smith, WR, Eagles (hamstring/toe): Smith was able to return to practice this week and is not on the final injury report, meaning he will play in Week 6. He will be more of a risk/reward play than usual given his team's downgrade at QB, but still in the WR3 range due to his big-play ability.
Dontayvion Wicks, WR, Eagles (hamstring): Wicks played through the injury Sunday and missed practice to start the week but is off the practice report. Given that Hurts is out for this one and Smith is back to be the WR1, fantasy managers should go in a different direction. Tre Tucker, Xavier Worthy, Germie Bernard and Khalil Shakir are better options.
DK Metcalf, WR, Steelers (illness): Metcalf has been removed from the injury report for Week 6. He is in play as a WR2.
Pat Freiermuth, TE, Steelers (calf): Friermuth was added to the injury report on Saturday and is questionable for Week 6. Still, a Saturday addition has him very much up in the air. If he were to miss, it would mean more volume for Metcalf and Bernard. Darnell Washington becomes a deep league streamer for those in need. At least he brings the chance at a touchdown.
Rico Dowdle, RB, Steelers (toe): This week, Dowdle was able to log his first full practice since injuring his toe. While he is questionable, that still puts him on track to play on Sunday. Still, Jaylen Warren has thrived in his absence, averaging 163 yards per game over the last three weeks. Mike McCarthy confirmed that Warren will remain the lead back. He should be started in all leagues. Dowdle should be rostered, but he's more of an insurance back until we see otherwise.
Tyjae Spears, RB, Titans (knee): After being limited Wednesday, Spears did not practice Thursday before logging a full session Friday. He is questionable heading into Week 6. He is coming off a season-high nine targets, although his usage has been too inconsistent to trust. His availability does impact Tony Pollard, who will see many of those passing downs if Spears is out. Pollard is a low-floor RB2, who will get a bump in upside if Spears sits.
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DJ Moore, WR, Bills (shoulder): Moore did not practice to start the week and returned Friday, once again wearing the red noncontact injury. He is questionable for Week 6. The Bills have their bye in Week 7 and could opt to let Moore take the extra time to recover. Last week in his absence, the Bills spread the ball around. Khalil Shakir is my preferred play of the other Bills receivers, as the Raiders rank top four for the most yards and touchdowns allowed to slot receivers. Keon Coleman is an upside flex option. The top Bills option to play would be Dalton Kincaid, as the Raiders have allowed the third-most TE touchdowns.
Ladd McConkey, WR, Chargers (foot): He is not on the practice report for Week 6, meaning he will play. How much he plays, however, is anybody's guess. He was active in Week 5 but did not play on a single snap. McConkey is a high-risk, somewhat high-reward type of play in Week 6. I'd prefer to stream players like Tucker, Worthy, Bernard or Shakir.
Quentin Johnston, WR, Chargers (chest): Johnston has practiced in a limited fashion this week and is not on the final injury report, meaning he will play in Week 6. Johnston has not surpassed 40 yards in any game this season. The Chargers' offensive line (and their offensive attack in general) is in shambles right now. It's best to use the streaming options listed above for McConkey.
NONE
Stefon Diggs, WR, Commanders (hamstring): After missing Week 5, Diggs did not practice to start this week. However, he was able to return Friday. That gives him a chance to play Monday night. Terry McLaurin remains the top option in the Commanders' passing attack. It would probably be a good idea for managers risking a potential zero (by waiting on Diggs) to have a backup option in place. Brandin Cooks, Antonio Williams or Chig Okonkwo (who led the Commanders with six targets last week) are all options fantasy managers could nab off the waiver wire to cover their bases.
Terry McLaurin, WR, Commanders (hamstring): McLaurin was limited Thursday before logging a DNP on Friday. It is listed as rest, so fantasy managers should not panic just yet. However, with this game being Monday night, it would not be a bad idea to have one of the listed options above, just to cover your bases.
Mike Evans, WR, 49ers (ribs/Achilles): Evans is questionable heading into Monday night. He has been banged up a lot this season and continues to play through his injuries. He played through this same rib ailment last week. I would expect him to play, but fantasy managers should have a pivot option just in case. Brandin Cooks would be the top option on waivers, with Antonio Williams being another.
Ruled out before Sunday
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Cardinals (ankle): Love did not practice this week and is out for Week 6. Tyler Allgeier becomes an RB2 worth starting for volume alone. Allgeier would not only lead the Cardinals on the ground and see goal line usage, but he could see a good number of targets if they're in catch-up mode. I would play Allgeier over Woody Marks, Kamara, Omarion Hampton or Jacory Croskey-Merritt.
Lamar Jackson, QB, Ravens (ankle): Jackson did not practice this week and has been ruled out for Week 6. Tyler Huntley will once again start in his place. Last week, Huntley threw for 201 yards and two touchdowns, while running for 20 yards and a score. While he is more of an option for those in superflex leagues, it's nice to see that he brings upside.
For those in need of help in one-QB leagues, I prefer Jordan Love, Kirk Cousins, Tyler Shough, Jameis Winston and Jacoby Brissett. However, I would use Huntley over Daniel Jones, Geno Smith or as a Jalen Hurts replacement in two-QB formats.
Kyle Monangai, RB, Bears (thumb/toe): Monangai did not practice this week and is out for Week 6. The Falcons have been tough against the run, but his absence means more volume for D'Andre Swift. Despite the matchup, Swift is a must-play option at a beat-up RB position.
David Montgomery, RB, Texans (groin): Montgomery is out for the London matchup against the Jaguars. Woody Marks will start in his place. The Jaguars are an extremely tough matchup to run on, having allowed a league-low 42 RB rushing yards per game. They've allowed explosive runs at the second-lowest rate in football. The one thing going for Marks is that Jacksonville has allowed the fifth-most RB receiving yards. Some backs to play Marks over are Hampton, Kamara and J.K. Dobbins. Backs I would play instead of Marks are Braelon Allen, Emanuel Wilson, Pollard, Cam Skattebo and MarShawn Lloyd. The Texans have also ruled out WR Tank Dell for Week 6, but he is nearing a return.
Rashee Rice, WR, Chiefs (hamstring): Rice has not yet practiced coming out of the Chiefs bye and will not play in Week 6. With Rice out, expect Xavier Worthy to operate as the top receiver for the Chiefs, who are also without Tyquan Thornton. I would play Worthy over Ladd McConkey, Germie Bernard, Romeo Doubs and Jakobi Meyers. What this especially means is more targets for Travis Kelce, who is a must-start tight end. Cyrus Allen is worth a speculative add in deeper leagues.
TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Patriots (ankle): Henderson is currently expected to be sidelined for multiple weeks. That will mean more work for Rhamondre Stevenson, who had 16 touches, at least 74 yards and a touchdown in both of the last two games. He should be started for as long as Henderson is out. This is especially true this week against the Jets, who rank top eight in terms of the most rushing yards and RB fantasy points allowed.
Jalen Hurts, QB, Eagles (blood clot): This news caught the NFL world by surprise on Thursday and it's possible that Hurts will be out beyond just this week. However, Adam Schefter reports that the Eagles are not planning to put him on IR. Tanner McKee will be the Eagles starter, but he's only useful for desperate maangers in superflex leagues. Ideally, you can find better streaming options -- such as Cousins, Jordan Love, Shough, Winston or Aaron Rodgers. As for the Eagles' pass catchers, I'd look to go in other directions. Dallas Goedert would be the one to trust the most, just because the bar for TE success is so low. He's likely to be McKee's top target, especially in the red zone.
Will Shipley, RB, Eagles (foot): Last week's top waiver-wire pickup was injured after scoring a touchdown in London. He will be sidelined for multiple weeks. That leaves Dameon Pierce as the Eagles' lead back until Saquon Barkley returns. Pierce is a volume RB2/flex option in a fantastic matchup against the Panthers. Carolina ranks top four in terms of the most rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, yards after contact and RB fantasy PPG allowed.
Roman Wilson, WR, Steelers (finger): Wilson joins Michael Pittman Jr and Ben Skowronek as Pittsburgh players who have been ruled out for Week 6. That leaves Germie Bernard, who was a popular waiver-wire target this week, as the team's No. 2 receiver opposite of DK Metcalf. Bernard's style fits well with Rodgers and he can be used as a streaming option this week. Pat Freiermuth should also see a boost in volume and is a Week 6 TE streamer.
Deebo Samuel Sr, WR, 49ers (hamstring): The veteran receiver will not play in Week 6, but has thus far avoided the IR, which is a positive. The 49ers have a Week 8 bye, so it's possible we could see him return after that. It's worth mentioning that the 49ers have opened Christian Kirk's 21-day window to return, meaning he is closing in a comeback. As for Week 6, Brandin Cooks would be the go-to in-house replacement. However, previously listed outside streaming options are the way to go, if possible.
Ruled out before Monday
Jacory Croskey-Merritt, RB, Commanders (groin): JCM is out for Week 6. That leaves Rachaad White as the lead back for Washington. He is in the RB3 and flex range, but brings more upside due to the volume he will see, particularly in the passing game. It is a tough matchup as the 49ers have allowed explosive runs to backs at the lowest rate in the league and have allowed them to score just two rushing touchdowns this season.
