Fantasy Football Week 5 Injury Report: Jonesing for Health

The 2025 NFL week 5 brought us only a few injuries that will impact our fantasy teams. I will continue to update the injury tracker and post any updates as team reports come out. For now, let's dive into what injuries occurred.

Kyler Murray, QB Arizona Cardinals

Injury: Foot Injury

Projected Timetable: Week 6

Initial Thoughts:

Returned to the game after going into the locker room to have his foot examined. There have been no details released but it seems that it was no big deal and he was able to play the remainder of the game. Monitor his week 6 practice status as sometimes these injuries swell and stiffen after the game and lead to missed time.

Carson Wentz, QB Minnesota Vikings

Injury: Left Shoulder Sprain

Projected Timetable: Week 7

Initial Thoughts:

Returned to the game after receiving direct contact from a helmet onto his left shoulder. Minnesota has a bye week upcoming, so I would expect any pain and range issues to be resolved for week 7. JJ McCarthy may not be ready yet coming off of his high ankle, so this is good news regarding Wentz' status.

Mac Jones, QB San Francisco 49ers

Injury: Left PCL Aggravation

Projected Timetable: Week 6

Initial Thoughts:

Jones fought through pain after appearing to aggravate his left PCL sprain multiple times even with wearing a dynamic brace. The good news is that he has 10 days to prepare for week 6 after playing on Thursday night, which is good considering Brock Purdy will likely be out for a few weeks after aggravating his own turf toe injury. Jones will likely be dealing with PCL aggravations all year long, but should be able to suit up.

Bucky Irving, RB Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Injury: Left Foot, Shoulder Subluxation

Projected Timetable: Week 7-8

Initial Thoughts:

More information was reported on Irving's status just before games started on Sunday. Along with the foot sprain, he also suffered a shoulder subluxation, which is reportedly the higher concern. While this sounds bad, that is actually good news regarding the foot, because a subluxed shoulder can allow a player to return within 2-3 weeks, depending on pain levels and joint stability. Once swelling is down and stability regained, I would expect him to be able to play, though likely with a shoulder harness. For now, plan on him missing week 6 with a chance to return after that.

Omarion Hampton, RB Los Angeles Chargers

Injury: Left Foot/Ankle

Projected Timetable: TBD

Initial Thoughts:

Hampton appeared to be favoring his left foot after getting clipped by a defender as he entered into his route, and then was spotted testing out his ankle or foot on the sidelines but did not appear comfortable pushing off of the left side. He did not return to the game and was spotted in a CAM boot as he was leaving the facility. I would not panic yet, as the boots are often used precautionary to minimize load bearing immediately and accelerate early healing rates. There have been plenty of cases where we hear players are in a boot and then they are out of it within a day or two. The downside here is that we will unlikely get any helpful information out of Jim Harbaugh aside from the customary "he is working through something" phrase. Monitor his practice status. I do think this one is a toss-up between it being a mild low ankle sprain that he could play through for week 6 or it leading to multiple weeks missed, but I need more information at this time.

Antonio Gibson, RB New England Patriots

Injury: Right Knee, Concern for ACL+

Projected Timetable: TBD

Initial Thoughts:

By video, it appeared that his right knee buckled inwards just before making contact with the incoming defender, leading to concern for ACL, MCL and possibly meniscus. He had to be assisted off of the field by trainers and was visibly upset, a typical response when a player knows that it is a significant injury. He was also ruled out very quickly. I am anticipating season-ending news for Gibson.

Xavier Worthy, WR Kansas City Chiefs

Injury: Ankle

Projected Timetable: Week 5-6

Initial Thoughts:

Worthy was added to the injury report after he experienced ankle swelling on Sunday. From the reports that I have seen, it sounds like something that he could play through, but we really will not know until we see the game active status. Have a backup option prepared for if Worthy is ruled out prior to Monday night football. If active, I do think he will be safe to play.

Darius Slayton, WR New York Giants

Injury: Hamstring Strain

Projected Timetable: 2-3 Weeks

Initial Thoughts:

The hits keep coming for the Giants wide receiver group. Slayton was knocked out of the week 5 game with a hamstring strain, and the team plays on Thursday night for week 6. It is very likely that he will be out and possibly miss 1-2 more games on top of week 6. Monitor for updates on his status but I would expect the Giants to bring in wide receiver help.

Brock Bowers, TE Las Vegas Raiders

Injury: PCL Sprain Aggravation

Projected Timetable: Week 7-9

Initial Thoughts:

I know this is frustrating to be without the elite Bowers, but trust me that this will be a good thing for the long-term and his production ability to the remainder of the 2025 season. In fact, I wish the team had shut him down immediately after his initial injury so that it could heal properly. Reports have surfaced that it was recommended to him to shut down, but he insisted on playing. I am preparing for him to miss 1-2 more games and then be re-evaluated. I do think he can return to near-100% this season despite the injury and aggravation.

Malik Nabers, WR New York Giants

Injury: Right ACL/Meniscus, Turf Toe, Shoulder Labral Tear

Projected Timetable: Season-Ending ACL/Meniscus Surgery

Initial Thoughts:

Providing an update on his status, Nabers will undergo surgery to repair his ACL and likely trim a meniscus tear. I would not double count these injuries, as the meniscus should not increase his timetable to return. It is not a significant as having an MCL, LCL or PCL involvement. In other news regarding his other injuries, reports surfaced that he will not be undergoing surgery to address his shoulder labral tear or the turf toe injury. I understand this in regards to the shoulder, considering he has been able to function well with the labral tear and it clearly is not creating any mechanical faults that would require surgery. He can undergo a PRP injection and aggressive rehabilitation to manage the shoulder.

However, I do not understand why he is not addressing the turf toe injury that has hampered him since college. I have concerns about persistent aggravations and biomechanics issues with the turf toe not being addressed. Hopefully, he can do rehab for the toe while he is doing rehab for the ACL reconstruction. Either way, considering his elite athleticism, very strong utilization, and age, I consider him a strong buy in dynasty.