The NFL’s 10 most impactful injuries for Week 5

As you might expect in the National Football League, there are a lot of injuries this week. Some players we know for sure will be missing action this week, and others will be game-time decisions.

Unfortunately for the likes of Kevin White, NaVorro Bowman, and Jason Verrett, they can’t be considered for this list because they’ve been placed on IR. Jay Cutler didn’t participate in practice this week, but it might not even matter if Brian Hoyer has possibly stolen his job anyways!

Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett was placed on IR Friday afternoon, but the Pats should be just fine with Tom Brady.

As with every week, some potential absences are more impactful than others, and we ranked them for you.

The Panthers have had a rough start to the first quarter of the NFL season. Newton’s gotten banged up all year, and with a 1-3 start, they’re still on par with everyone in the division except the 3-1 Falcons. But for Newton to miss a game against division rival Tampa Bay, and potentially fall to 1-4, is monumental.

This was the blow that put Newton in this predicament:

The Panthers announced on Saturday that Newton will be on the bench Monday night, and Derek Anderson will start in his place. Anderson has been the backup in Carolina since 2011, and has started just two games, both in 2014. He was 2-0 in those starts, and the Panthers will be looking for similar results against the Bucs.

Status: Out

There’s no other way to put it, the Jets need Revis Sunday. They’re 1-3 on the year, and facing one of the more explosive offenses in the league in the Pittsburgh Steelers. Antonio Brown is having a heck of a year in receiving and twerking. There are few defensive backs in the NFL who can stop those things from happening, and although many feel he’s lost a step, you still can’t lose all faith in Revis.

Todd Bowles expects Revis to be a game-time decision, so that’s better than nothing.

Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott have done a phenomenal job keeping the Cowboys atop the NFC East despite the team’s various injuries. But Jerry Jones’ squad is coming up on a tough three-game stretch, with the Bengals up this Sunday.

It’s still a winnable game, but you can’t underestimate the loss of a receiver of Bryant’s caliber, particularly with a rookie quarterback. Prescott has looked great, but there’s always a risk of that one week where things just don’t go his way. A receiver like Bryant helps curb that, if needed.

While he’s not expected to play, it will be a game-time decision for the Cowboys.

Status: Doubtful

Jones has been one of the bigger surprises this season. He’s second in the NFL with 482 receiving yards on the year, just six yards behind Julio Jones. That’s pretty dang good company!

Jones tweaked his hamstring last week during practice but played this past Sunday. The hamstring has been lingering for Jones, but he was back at practice this week according to Detroit Lions writer Tim Twentyman.

The Lions will need Jones, as the Eagles have looked great so far through four games.

Status: Probable

The Green Bay Packers are hosting the Giants on Sunday night, and will be without one of their starting cornerbacks in Shields. Shields has been dealing with a concussion and just wasn’t able to overcome it in time for Sunday night’s game.

Damarious Randall, on the other hand, is questionable with a groin injury. He’s been limited in practice all week, and his status for this one is uncertain.

This stings for the Packers, who will be going up against a good group of receivers in Odell Beckham Jr., Victor Cruz, and rookie Sterling Shepard. The Packers, while great at stopping the run, are one of the worst teams in the league in defending the pass. They allow 307.3 yards per game. The loss of Shields, and potentially Randall, won’t help that.

Status: Out (Shields), Questionable (Randall)

This feels like a very important game for the Giants, who have been in the news this week because of Odell Beckham Jr.’s unhappiness. The Giants are towards the middle of the pack in the league when it comes to pass defense, but missing these two would be pretty significant.

Their status has still yet to be determined, and it very much appears they will be game-time decisions.

Aaron Rodgers is one of the best quarterbacks in the league. You’ll definitely want your best corners out there if possible.

Status: Questionable

Diggs has been one of the best young receivers in the league since he made his debut in Week 4 last season. He’s held up that standard in 2016, with 372 yards through four games. That’s good for 5th best in the NFL. The Vikings are already short of a quarterback in Teddy Bridgewater for the season, but Sam Bradford has done his part in keeping the Vikings afloat. It also helps they’ve got a stellar defense with an amazing name: Purple Reign. Diggs would definitely be yet another big loss on offense for the Vikings, but because of the Purple Reign, it really might not matter, especially against the Texans.

Diggs was kept out of practice all week, so his odds aren’t looking great for Sunday. Michael Fabiano reported that the team is still holding out hope, though.

His absence would be unfortunate, but being undefeated up to this point is a huge plus.

Status: Doubtful

Oakland’s offense hasn’t had a lot of problems this season. The young Raiders have looked good this season, and their only loss came against the Atlanta Falcons. Murray has a rushing touchdown in three of the four games the Raiders have played this year. His absence might seem pretty important, but they’re facing the San Diego Chargers, who have had a lot of trouble holding onto leads this season.

Ian Rapoport confirmed Friday afternoon that Murray will miss Sunday’s game:

Even if Oakland falls behind in this one, Derek Carr’s arm coupled with the threats of Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree could be all they need to come out on top.

Status: Out

Heading into Week 5, Blount is one of the top five rushers in the NFL, with 352 yards on the ground. He’s been an important piece in keeping the Patriots atop the AFC East with Tom Brady’s absence. The AFC’s Player of the Month in September has been dealing with a hip injury, and he’s been limited in practice this week.

But fear not, Patriots fans:

That’s right, Tom Brady is back in action this week. It would be nice to have Blount lined up in the backfield with him, but against the Browns and with Brady back, the Patriots can’t be too concerned.

Status: Limited

The Broncos fared well in Siemian’s absence last week. While he’s been decent, the staple of the Broncos is easily their defense. Paxton Lynch was a pretty highly touted quarterback prospect this past year, and taking into account the inexperience the Broncos will have at quarterback either way, the loss won’t hurt them that bad. The Falcons defense, which hasn’t been all that great, will help them in that regard.

Siemian threw during the week in practice:

Adam Schefter reported during the week that the plan was to have Siemian ready for Sunday. While that seemed to be the case, Schefter reported late Sunday afternoon that Paxton Lynch would get the nod, with Siemian not quite ready.

Status: Out