Week 4 Fantasy Football injuries: Expecting Puka Nacua and Nico Collins back, DeVonta Smith concern — SkimNews
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- Puka Nacua is expected to practice in full Thursday and play in Week 4, per Sean McVay, with his return taking some of the fantasy shine off Davante Adams and Tyler Higbee.
- Nico Collins is also expected back for the Texans, giving fantasy owners two elite pass-catchers returning to start October after a brutal September at the position.
- DeVonta Smith did not practice Thursday with a hamstring injury that nagged him in camp and Week 3; the source warns Jalen Hurts falls outside the top 12 if Smith sits, with Dontayvion Wicks becoming a high-end WR3.
- Justin Jefferson was not seen at the open portion of practice after leaving Week 3 with an ankle injury, and the source projects a run-heavy Vikings game plan that would make Aaron Jones a must-start over Kyler Murray.
- Mike Evans remained out of practice Thursday with a rib injury, and the source expects him to take the week off — elevating Deebo Samuel to a high-upside WR3 and casting doubt on a potential Evans return.
- D'Andre Swift was a surprise DNP after a knee injury was added to Thursday's injury report, and the source notes Kyle Monangai would leap into the top 12 at running back if Swift can't go.
- Rachaad White missed another practice with a shoulder injury, and the Buccaneers' signing of Austin Ekeler signals concern; Jacory Croskey-Merritt is ranked as a mid-range flex in a favorable matchup against the Colts.
Why it matters: Fantasy owners face a Week 4 minefield at receiver: two elite pass-catchers return, but three other starters (Smith, Jefferson, Evans) trend toward sitting, with downstream effects on quarterbacks (Hurts, Murray) and handcuff running backs (Monangai, Croskey-Merritt) who suddenly hold Week 4 lineup value.
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