With Week 4 in the books, I am back with another edition of the injury round-up. As always, I am a physical therapist using my knowledge and experience with injuries to guide the week’s waiver wire pickups. As always, these articles come out early in the week before any practice reports, so a lot of this information is based on educated guesses at this time. Practice reports are the most important part of the week when it comes to injuries, and we like to see a full practice before placing someone in our fantasy lineups.

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The Top Injuries to Know for your Week 5 Waiver Wire Pickups

Tee Higgins (WR – CIN)

Higgins had suffered a rib fracture in Sunday’s blowout loss to the Titans. The bad news is that a typical rib fracture takes approximately six weeks to heal, but the good news is that most NFL players will play through a partially healed rib at around two to four weeks. He will likely miss time with this injury, although the Bengals coaching staff have shown they are willing to play their players through injuries.

Waiver considerations: Tyler Boyd if you project a turnaround from the Bengals’ offense

Justin Herbert (QB – LAC)

Herbert had a fracture of his middle finger on his non-throwing hand on Sunday. Luckily for Chargers fans and Herbert managers, he won’t miss any time with this, although it may slightly decrease his ball security when taking sacks. Either way, he is going to be a must-start for the rest of the season.

Waiver considerations: None

Javonte Williams (RB – DEN)

Williams suffered a hip flexor strain in Week 4 against the Bears. 66% of players with a hip flexor strain returned within six days of injury and 19% between 7-13 days. Based on the data, we can assume he’ll play this week although he might be limited. Or the Broncos may choose to rest him for a week before returning him due to him coming off an ACL tear last season. Either way, Jaleel McLaughlin looked great and should probably be rostered because he may have carved out a role, even if Javonte were to play next week.

Waiver considerations: Jaleel McLaughlin, Samaje Perine

Davante Adams (WR – LV)

Adams suffered a shoulder injury during his game on Sunday, then ultimately returned, but said after the game that it does not feel good. Based on the mechanism of injury, it seemed to be an AC joint injury similar to what Derek Carr had. As I mentioned last week, this is more of a pain tolerance issue but it’s going to be painful. Luckily for Davante, it’s a little bit easier to catch than to throw with this type of injury. Monitor his practice reports to see the severity of the injury.

Waiver considerations: Probably none, Hunter Renfrow if Davante sits and you’re desperate.

Pat Freiermuth (TE – PIT)

It was a rough day for the Steelers, as both Freiermuth and Pickett went down with injuries. Freiermuth’s injury was a hamstring strain which was said to be “more than a tweak.” I wouldn’t be surprised if he was placed on IR for four weeks, either way, I’d prepare for at least a three-week absence from the tight end.

Waiver considerations: Darnell Washington in very deep leagues, he flashed in camp but has mostly been used as a blocker so far this year.

Kenny Pickett (QB – PIT)

Pickett suffered a bone bruise in his knee following a sack in Sunday’s contest. Luckily, he avoided major injury, but bone bruises can be a tricky injury depending on severity. Based on the buzz coming out about it, it seems to be a relatively minor bone bruise. I expect he will play next week, or miss a game but I am not projecting him to miss extended time especially with him being a QB and not requiring multiple hard cuts per game.

Waiver considerations: Mitch Trubisky in 2 QB leagues

Mike Evans (WR – TB)

Evans suffered a hamstring “tweak” on Sunday. The Bucs have a bye in Week 5, so if it’s truly just a tweak he will be fine for Week 6, but if it lingers he could miss a week. Either way, you probably don’t want to make any waiver moves regarding the Bucs this week, but Cade Otton becomes more appealing if Evans were to miss time.

Waiver considerations: Possibly Cade Otton next week

Players returning or potentially returning from injury this week:

Cooper Kupp (WR – LAR)

Eligible to return from IR this week. The Rams opened his practice window, so monitor his practice reports to see if he is likely to play this week.

Jonathan Taylor (RB – IND)

Appears he is likely healthy enough to return to play this week coming off IR. Coach Steichen said he expects Taylor to be at practice Wednesday. This has been an interesting story, as Taylor stated he doesn’t want to play for the Colts before the season, but he looked primed to return. Make sure he is practicing this week before dropping Zack Moss.

Saquon Barkley (RB – NYG)

I’ll give Barkley a 65% chance to suit up next week following a high ankle sprain. High ankle sprains are notorious for reducing performance the first few weeks after returning, so don’t be surprised if he starts slow upon return.

Jameson Williams (WR- DET)

Suffered a hamstring strain during the preseason, and he was reinstated this week for his suspension for gambling. He was surprisingly reinstated two weeks early, so he’s likely on waivers in your league and could be a good player to hold if you have an extra bench spot.

Jeff Wilson (RB – MIA)

Eligible to return from IR this week. The updates have been few and far between for Wilson since being placed on IR. It will be interesting to see what role he has with all four backs healthy and Achane emerging.

Follow me on Twitter @TheDynastyPT for more information throughout the season.