Week 5 was one with a lot of fantasy-relevant injuries. As a physical therapist, I try to use my knowledge and experience treating injuries to make educated guesses at who will be the best waiver pickups and how much time each player will approximately miss.

These articles are written early in the week before practice reports come out, so be sure to monitor practice reports throughout the week. As always, we like to see a full practice before putting anyone into a starting fantasy lineup.

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Top 9 Injuries To Know for the Week 6 Waiver Wire

Justin Jefferson (WR – MIN)

Justin Jefferson suffered a hamstring injury in Sunday’s game against the Chiefs. Reports came out on Tuesday morning that the Vikings will likely place Jefferson on IR, meaning he will miss at least four games with the hamstring injury. As expected, the Vikings will be cautious with their superstar WR.

Waiver considerations: K.J. Osborn

Khalil Herbert (RB – CHI)

Khalil Herbert suffered a high ankle sprain in Thursday’s game against the Commanders. Expect Herbert to miss three to five weeks with a performance dip the first few weeks after returning. It’s possible Roschon Johnson takes a commanding lead of the RB share by the time he returns. He is a top waiver add this week if available.

Waiver Considerations: Roschon Johnson

James Conner (RB – ARI)

James Conner injured his knee in Sunday’s game against the Bengals. Head coach Jonathan Gannon said that he expects Conner to miss some time. The next two players up are Keaontay Ingram and Emari Demercado. Last week, Ingram was inactive due to a neck injury but did manage back-to-back practices on Thursday and Friday, so I expect he will play next week. Demercado played after Conner left the game and averaged 4.5 yards per carry. I expect this backfield to likely be a committee if Ingram is healthy enough to go next week. Either way, it’s worth a shot to pick up one of the two.

Waiver considerations: Keaontay Ingram, Emari Demercado

De’Von Achane (RB – MIA)

De’Von Achane suffered a knee injury against the Giants in the fourth quarter and did not log a carry after getting injured. It is difficult to see what actually happened to his knee during the play, and Coach McDaniel is not eager to give information on the rookie running back. If he misses time, Jeff Wilson Jr. may be an interesting waiver addition, as well as Salvon Ahmed

Waiver considerations: Jeff Wilson Jr and Salvon Ahmed (in that order)

Anthony Richardson (QB – IND)

Anthony Richardson suffered a grade-3 AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder. Research shows that NFL players with a grade 3 AC joint sprain miss, on average, 26 days. Quarterbacks were the position that lost the most time for these injuries, so I expect Richardson to miss more than those 26 days. My current best estimate is a four-to-eight-week absence.

Waiver considerations: Gardner Minshew in 2QB leagues

Daniel Jones (QB – NYG)

Daniel Jones suffered a neck injury late in the game against the Dolphins. Jones has a concerning history of neck injury and missed most of the 2021 season with a neck injury. Jones himself said that this injury feels similar to 2021 but that he’s OK. Reports today from coach Brian Daboll are that Jones is feeling better, but we’ve seen that Daboll is not the most reliable source for injury news. If Jones misses time, Tyrod Taylor will be a decent play in 2QB leagues.

Waiver considerations: Tyrod Taylor in 2QB leagues

Tank Dell (WR – HOU)

Tank Dell entered concussion protocol on Monday. As we have seen this year, the NFL is quietly pushing players in protocol to miss at least one game. Historical data shows that players in concussion protocol tend to be there for seven days. If you have Dell, assume he is out in Week 6.

Waiver considerations: Dalton Schultz, Robert Woods, John Metchie

Zay Jones (WR – JAX)

Zay Jones has been having knee problems since Week 2. This could be a lingering issue for the season, as this is the second reinjury in just Week 5 of the season. It will be interesting to see what the MRI says. There’s a chance he will take a few weeks off to get ahead of the injury or that he opts for surgery.

Waiver considerations: None

Travis Kelce (TE – KC)

Travis Kelce injured his ankle in the first half against the Vikings on Sunday. He returned to the game, but his Week 6 status will be especially up in the air due to the quick turnaround, as the Chiefs play on Thursday. He was listed as a DNP on Monday’s estimated practice report.

Waiver considerations: If he doesn’t play, Noah Gray is a decent TE streamer

Follow me on Twitter @TheDynastyPT for more information as the week unfolds and more information is released.