Ja’Marr Chase might be practicing, but don’t get too comfy for Week 5, folks: Lamar Jackson is still sidelined Thursday with an ankle injury, throwing a massive curveball into Baltimore’s upcoming game and leaving everyone guessing. This isn’t just a fantasy football headache, it’s a huge question mark hanging over a pivotal matchup and it’s got to be frustrating for fans wanting clarity.
The Big Names Still Facing Roadblocks
So yeah, Jackson’s ankle issue has him on the sidelines, creating a ton of uncertainty for Baltimore heading into their Week 5 game. That’s a gut punch, right? Meanwhile, Chase, the Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver, is in concussion protocol but at least he hit the practice field Thursday. That’s a glimmer of hope, sure, but protocol is protocol. Saquon Barkley’s hamstring injury kept him out of a second straight practice, which is never a good sign, and Ashton Jeanty saw his participation drop from full to limited because of ankle/foot issues. Justin Jefferson remained limited for another day, which is better than nothing but still not “full go,” and Breece Hall was also held out for another session. Tee Higgins worked out, but didn’t practice. Guys like DJ Moore couldn’t practice at all, and Mike Evans sat out Thursday, though he did get some running in on the sideline. DeVonta Smith ran but was still officially a DNP, and Ladd McConkey missed another practice entirely. Zay Flowers and Jeremiyah Love both remained limited. Terry McLaurin? Still sidelined. And Michael Pittman Jr. is looking at missing several weeks, which is a significant blow. Don’t forget Dontayvion Wicks, who picked up a hamstring injury Thursday, and Stefon Diggs worked out but was a non-participant. Jacory Croskey-Merritt stayed limited.
A Few Sparks of Good News, But Not Many
It’s not all doom and gloom, though. Brock Bowers got an upgrade to full participation, which is a fantastic sign. Jayden Daniels is reportedly a “full go” for Washington, so that’s a win for them. Tony Pollard also moved up to full participation. D’Andre Swift improved from no practice to limited, which is progress you love to see. Tyler Shough is now a full participant too. Jordan Addison resumed practicing, giving his team a boost. Alvin Kamara brought some positive news by moving to limited participation. Kyle Monangai is dealing with turf toe but he’s got that grit, planning to try and play through it. Cam Skattebo shed his no-contact jersey but stayed limited, and Rhamondre Stevenson still had his practice reps capped. Rico Dowdle logged another limited session. But the bad news still outweighs the good for too many teams: Chris Olave joined the injury report with a new foot issue, Malik Nabers improved from no practice to limited which is a step, but not a leap, and Carnell Tate sustained a back injury on Thursday.
Week 5 is going to be all about who steps up. With so many key players either out or questionable, every team’s depth is about to get seriously tested. It’s going to be a wild one.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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