Injuries are part of the game. In the NFL, injuries might be the whole game.
Fantasy football rosters, just like their real-life counterparts, are in shambles after just five weeks with no relief in sight. And the infamous injury bug is enjoying the buffet being offered, taking a bit out of stars, role players and just about everything in between.
The Week 6 injury report could be confused for a Pro Bowl roster. Instead, it's just the list of players that are wounded and fighting for your "IR" lineup spots.
Four teams get the week off, so the pickings are even slimmer than usual.
Here are some of the most prominent players dealing with nagging ailments or returning from major issues who will most impact fantasy managers in Week 6. As always, keep
an eye on the latest developments leading up to kickoff with our player notes page.
WEEK 6 RANKINGS: QB | RB | WR | TE | K | DST | FLEX
QB Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
Glimmer of hope? NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that there is "some hope" that Jackson will play against the Browns in Week 6. The quarterback is dealing with an ankle sprain and his head coach, Jesse Minter, told reporters on Oct. 12 that Jackson is "definitely doing better" after missing Week 5. Snoop Huntley led the Ravens to victory in Jackson's absence, so Baltimore could afford to be cautious with its star.
QB Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears
Williams appears on track to return against the Falcons in Week 6. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that "all signs point" to the Bears signal-caller getting back into game action this week.
QB Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons
Coach Kevin Stefanski said Penix is dealing with a rib injury and will provide an update on Wednesday, Oct. 14. The quarterback expressed some optimism about his availability for Week 6 when he met with reporters following the loss on "Sunday Night Football" on Oct. 11.
"Knowing me, I'm going to be ready to go next week because I sat out enough in my career, but I'm going to do everything I can in the training room, make sure I get back to where I want to be," Penix said.
RB Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles
Coach Nick Sirianni expressed that he is "hopeful" for some reinforcement to return on offense in Week 6, but wouldn't commit to any practice time for the team's injured stars – including Barkley. The Eagles have previously noted that the running back is considered "week-to-week" with a hamstring strain. Philly is currently down to just Dameon Pierce and Carson Steele at the position.
RB Breece Hall, New York Jets
Hall didn't practice ahead of Week 5 and the Jets haven't provided an update about the running back's quad injury aside from announcing he is "week-to-week."
RB Quinshon Judkins, Cleveland Browns
Judkins was spotted in a walking boot after the Browns' loss to the Jets in Week 5, but head coach Todd Monken said the running back is "day-to-day." The coach told reporters on Oct. 12 that it was a precautionary thing and he wouldn't rule out Judkins for Week 6.
WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle Seahawks
Smith-Njigba was listed as limited on the Seahawks' estimated practice report for Monday and Tuesday ahead of the team's Week 6 "Thursday Night Football" contest against the Broncos. He suffered an ankle injury in a Week 5 loss, but didn't exit the game. Barring a sudden turn for the worse, "JSN" appears in no danger of missing Week 6.
WR CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys
Lamb's quad injury isn't considered serious, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Called a "quad bruise," Lamb was given some extra time to rest after "Thursday Night Football" in Week 5, giving him 10 days to prepare for Dallas' trip to Green Bay.
WR Rashee Rice, Kansas City Chiefs
Rice suffered a hamstring injury in Week 4. There hasn't been an update since the Chiefs had a bye in Week 5, leaving his status unclear for the team's matchup against the division-rival Chargers.
WR DeVonta Smith, Philadelphia Eagles
Like Barkley, Sirianni expressed hope that the team would get some players back on offense in Week 6. NFL Network's Mike Garafolo noted that the receiver has "a shot" to return this week, but the team will see how the practice week goes.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fantasy football injury report: Latest Week 6 updates on Jackson, Barkley, Lamb
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