NFL Injury Report: Marcus Mariota, Sam Bradford, Wendell Smallwood

For the injury report on key fantasy-relevant players for Week 5, wide receivers outnumber the quarterbacks/tight ends/running backs, so they get their own space. Many players this week are listed as questionable but are unlikely to play. Fantasy owners should be making other plans, especially since this is the week that byes come into play as well.

Players already ruled out include Andrew Luck, Dalvin Cook, Chris Carson, Paul Perkins, Dwayne Washington, Matt Forte, Tyler Eifert, and Jack Doyle. Additionally, C.J. Prosise and Ty Montgomery are both listed as doubtful this week and neither is expected to play in Week 5. And don’t forget that Atlanta, Denver, New Orleans and Washington are all on bye. As always be sure to check the inactive report before the games.

Positional Rankings: QB I RB I WR I TE I DST I K I Flex

Note: All times are ET and all games are on Sunday, Oct. 8 unless otherwise noted.

Sam Bradford (knee), QB, Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears,  8:30 p.m. (Mon.)

All week, the reports have been that Bradford has a chance to play in Week 5. Unfortunately for fantasy owners, the Vikings don't play until Monday night. Bradford owners (likely those in 2-QB leagues) would be wise to leave him on the bench. However, the pass catchers on the Vikings will get a bump in value if Bradford is back. After getting in practices, it does seem like Bradford will play, if that helps in making a start/sit decision for Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs.

Marcus Mariota (hamstring), QB, Tennessee Titans at Miami Dolphins, 1 p.m.

After leaving Week 4 with a hamstring injury, Mariota is listed as questionable for Week 5. Odds are against him playing, although he does seem to want to. He's officially a game-time decision. Mariota is a quarterback who relies on running the ball (he ran for 39 yards and two touchdowns in Week 4) and if that is jeopardized, he will be a risky play for both the Titans and fantasy owners. Don't count on him for this week, although he may be back in Week 6.

Derek Carr (back), QB, Oakland Raiders vs. Baltimore Ravens, 4:05 p.m.

For some reason, Carr is listed as questionable even though it is highly unlikely that he will play in Week 5. He suffered a fracture in his back, however, the initial timetable for his return was 2-6 weeks. He has said he's feeling good, and he may be able to play in Week 6. Fantasy owners should sit tight and keep him on their rosters as his return may be sooner than originally anticipated.

Wendell Smallwood (knee), RB, Philadelphia Eagles vs. Arizona Cardinals, 1 p.m.

When Smallwood showed up on Wednesday's injury report with a knee injury and he did not practice, it raised an eyebrow. However, when he continued to not practice Thursday and Friday and although he has a questionable tag, it doesn't look like he will play in Week 5. Keep an eye on the injury. While it doesn't seem serious, fantasy owners should be sure Smallwood is practicing next week.

Ben Watson (calf), TE, Baltimore Ravens at Oakland Raiders, 4:05 p.m.

After being listed as questionable for Week 4, Watson played and had five receptions for 43 yards. Fantasy owners should expect similar totals for Week 5. The matchup against the Raiders is a good one (they allowed A.J. Derby to catch four passes for 75 yards and two touchdowns last week), but Watson is still a TE2.

— Written by Sarah Lewis, who is part of the Athlon Contributor network and lives, eats, and breathes fantasy football. She also writes for SoCalledFantasyExperts.com among other sites. Have a fantasy football question? Send it to her on Twitter @Sarah_Lewis32.