by Fantasy Football managers don’t have to worry about week-to-week replacements until Week 6. Unfortunately, some prominent NFL players suffered injuries in Week 4, putting their availability into Week 5, and for some, their season, in doubt. Broncos Javonte Williams suffered a knee injury during the team’s game against the Raiders. Although the team is awaiting MRI results, initial reports indicate that Williams has a significant injury. Dolphins Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered a concussion Thursday night that sparked a league and NFLPA investigation into concussion protocol. Plus, Baby chicks running back Jonathan Taylor having his ankle checked. Injuries are a very serious and often scary part of the game, but just as NFL teams must adopt a “next player up” mentality, fantasy players must do the same with their roster.
Here’s a quick list of players who will add to the waiver wire in Week 5.
Quarterback
Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh Steelers
The Mitchell Trubisky experiment as a starting quarterback for the Steel mills he may be done in Week 4. As a starter, Trubisky is 1-3 with 677 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. The Steelers made an in-game change at quarterback and decided to play rookie Kenny Pickett. The 2022 first-round pick added a spark to Pittsburgh’s passing attack on 13 carries (120 yards while gaining 9.2 yards per play). He added two rushes for 15 yards and two scores. However, Pickett threw three interceptions while unlocking the keys for George Pickens (6/102) and Pat Freiermuth (7/85). Pittsburgh has a talented receiving corps, giving Pickett potential starting value once he gains more experience in the Steelers offense. With a shaky schedule next month, Pickett is more of a bargain for now.
Andy Dalton, New Orleans Saints
Over the next two weeks, the Saints play the Seahawks and Bengals at home. In Week 4, Dalton passed for 236 yards and a touchdown against the Vikings while gaining 8.4 yards per pass attempt. It’s worth noting that New Orleans played without Michael Thomas and Alvin Kamara. Jameis Winston has been battling multiple injuries, including multiple fractures in his back. The Saints have talented wideouts, giving Dalton some starting value going forward if he continues at the starting position.
Other Quarterbacks to be added: Jared Goff-Lions, Zach Wilson-Jets, Teddy Bridgewater-Dolphins, Bailey Zappe-Patriots
Running backs
Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons
With Cordarrelle Patterson dealing with a knee problem, the Falcons turned to Allgeier and Caleb Huntley against the Browns. Allgeier gained 104 combined yards with one catch, highlighted by a 42-yard run. Atlanta had him on the field for about a third of its plays in Weeks 2 and 3. His size (5’11” and 220 pounds) gives him upside in goal-line scoring.
Latavius Murray, New Orleans Saints
Without knowing Alvin Kamara’s long-term position, it’s not easy to keep an eye on Murray. This week, he started the game as a backup to Mark Ingram, but Ingram left midgame with an injury. Murray eventually finished with 65 combined yards, a touchdown and a catch on 12 carries. He is a veteran player with a history with the Saints. At the very least, it’s a 2B handcuff on Kamara.
More runs to add: Mike Boone-Broncos, Caleb Huntley-Falcons, Craig Reynolds-Lions
Wide receivers
Jamal Agnew, Jacksonville Jaguars
With Zay Jones out this week, Agnew worked the small areas of the field for the Jaguars, hauling in four catches for 50 yards and two scores. He’s almost a running back based on his career usage and yards per catch (8.5). Agnew kept his NFL job returning kicks the previous five seasons. I only see him as short-term cover if Jones misses more time.
Christian Watson, Green Bay Packers
Through his first four games with the Packers, Watson has just six catches for 51 yards on 10 targets plus three rushes for 22 yards and a touchdown. He has the look of a game-breaking wideout who will only get better under Aaron Rodgers’ guidance. His speed and movements in space make him a buy and hold option in 2022.
Michael Gallup, Dallas Cowboys
Gallup should only be available in shallow leagues with 16 roster spots. He finished with an expected game line (2/24 in three targets) in his first game back in action, but one of his catches resulted in a score. Gallup should get a full workload in a few games while providing WR3 value for the remainder of the season.
Other wide receivers to add: George Pickens-Steelers, Corey Davis-Jets, Alec Pierce-Colts
Our full Week 5 Waiver Wire report will be posted Tuesday morning.
