Live NFL Injury Updates – Week 5
Week 5 brought a flurry of injury news across the league, with several notable players sidelined or limited as teams push for playoff positioning. Here is the latest from teams around the league, including the Chargers, Eagles, Patriots, 49ers, Lions, Colts, and more. This update concentrates on the key injuries that could influence lineups, fantasy rosters, and coaching decisions.
Chargers place Omarion Hampton on IR
The Los Angeles Chargers announced that running back Omarion Hampton will be placed on injured reserve. The move ends Hampton’s season-long bid to contribute in a crowded backfield, forcing coach adjustments as the club relies on veterans and other playmakers. With Hampton out, the Chargers will turn to other backs to shoulder the workload, potentially affecting both the rushing attack and pass protection schemes. Fantasy managers should note the shift in carries and red-zone opportunities as San Diego recalibrates its depth chart.
Eagles’ Barkley dealing with knee soreness, eyeing Week 6 return
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley was listed with a knee issue and missed a practice session, per early reports. NFL Network later clarified that Barkley is dealing with “general soreness” and is expected to be available for Thursday’s game against the New York Giants, a quick turnaround that could determine whether the Eagles lean on Barkley or rely on the committee behind him. The team’s offense has looked dangerous at times this season, and Barkley’s health will be a focal point during warmups and pregame testing. For fantasy owners, Barkley’s availability remains a key factor in lineups this week.
Commanders optimism on McLaurin; rest could help
Washington Commanders coach Dan Quinn expressed optimism about Terry McLaurin returning for Week 6 against the Chicago Bears. McLaurin has missed consecutive games with a quad injury, and the extra rest from Week 5’s schedule could help his recovery. Quinn also noted other players, including Noah Brown and Sam Cosmi, trending in the right direction. The team will continue to monitor practice participation, but a return in Week 6 appears increasingly plausible depending on breakthrough in rehab and on-field readiness.
Patriots lose Gibson to ACL, reshaping RB duties
The New England Patriots lost running back Antonio Gibson to a torn ACL during a kickoff return against the Bills, effectively ending his season. Gibson’s injury compounds a shifting Patriots backfield, where Rhamondre Stevenson and rookie TreVeyon Henderson are now tasked with shouldering more carries. The team will reassess play-calling and special-teams roles, and may lean more on alternative options as they navigate the remainder of the season without Gibson in the lineup.
49ers: Malik Mustapha nearing return from ACL
San Francisco 49ers safety Malik Mustapha could return to action as soon as Week 6 after opening his practice window. Mustapha has been out since suffering a torn ACL last season, and his impending activation could bolster the secondary after injuries and roster changes. If activated, he would join a depth chart that has featured rookies and veterans in the safety rotation, potentially giving the defense a needed boost down the stretch run of the season.
Lions recover, but Arnold sidelined for an extended period
Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold will be out for an extended period with a shoulder injury suffered in the win over the Bengals. Arnold, a high-draft pick in 2024, had contributed early on with tackles and passes defensed. The Lions will likely lean on their veteran secondary and potential replacement options as they navigate the injury implications at cornerback.
Colts’ Shrader suffers season-ending knee injury
Indianapolis Colts kicker Spencer Shrader sustained a serious knee injury on a PAT during the win over the Raiders, ending his season. Shrader had emerged as a breakout performer in special teams, earning AFC Special Teams Player of the Month honors in September. The Colts now face the task of identifying a reliable replacement, with possible candidates including Maddux Trujillo and other free agents ready to step in for both kicking and kick-return roles.
What this means for Week 5 and beyond
Week 5’s injury waves will ripple into both game plans and fantasy rosters. Teams like the Eagles and 49ers may lean on depth and strategic matchups as key players rotate in and out of practice. Coaching staffs are tasked with balancing risk and reward, weighing rest days against the need to maintain a competitive edge. For fantasy players, monitoring practice participation, injury reports, and late-week designations will be crucial to lineup decisions.
Bottom line
With multiple players sidelined or limited, Week 5 presents more than a few injury-driven storylines that could alter outcomes and fantasy results. Stay tuned to official team updates and league reports for the most current information as teams finalize their game plans.
