Fantasy Football: Top injuries heading into Week 4

Heading into Week 4 Fantasy Football, here are the top injuries to be mindful of when finalizing starting lineups.

Sep 25, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) is tackled by San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Eli Harold (58) during the third quarter at CenturyLink Field. Wilson was injured on the play. The Seahawks won 37-18. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

Before we know it, it will be Week 10 of fantasy football and we will be starting practice squad players. It’s only Week 4 and there are a substantial amount of injuries.

Related Story: Fantasy Football: Top 10 Sit 'Em Picks For Week 4

I know that running backs put their bodies through a lot but, this many injuries is usually what we see in the later half of the season. Ladies and gentleman, it’s only going to get worse!

This week, there is more of a questionable trend. Many players are listed as questionable but are presumed to play. Or, are game decisions.

I have broken down by position, the top injuries of Week 4. Be sure to keep track of these players and change your fantasy football lineup accordingly.

Next: 5. Not a huge fantasy influence, but they can be impactful

Sep 22, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) warms up before their game against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

5. Tight Ends

When it comes to fantasy football, there are not many high valued tight end choices, especially this season as some players haven’t lived up to their expectations. So when we see players like Rob Gronkowski still listed as questionable in Week 4, it leaves owners with a little doubt.

Have no fear, Gronkowski will play this week. However, some other tight ends are out or listed questionable for Week 4.

Questionable Status: Julius Thomas (Jacksonville Jaguars), Eric Ebron (Detroit Lions), Delanie Walker (Tennessee Titans), Jimmy Graham (Seattle Seahawks)

Out Status: Virgil Green (Denver Broncos), Luke Stocker (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Doubtful Status: Antonio Gates (San Diego Chargers)

Filler Options: Hunter Henry, Dennis Pitta, Kyle Rudolph

Next: 4. These players are injury prone

Sep 18, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) breaks free for yardage during the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

4. Running Backs

Week 4 offers an unruly amount of running back injuries. On a positive note, many backup players fantasy football ownership is less than 50 percent. Unless a team has stated a player will start, I never suggest starting any questionable players.

Don’t be surprised by all the running back injuries, it happens every year! But, if you have a game plan, it shouldn’t affect your weekly fantasy football lineup.

Questionable Status: Rashad Jennings (New York Giants), Jamaal Charles (Kansas City Chiefs)

Out Status: Jonathan Stewart (Carolina Panthers), Jeremy Langford (Chicago Bears), Thomas Rawls (Seattle Seahawks), Kenneth Dixon (Baltimore Ravens), Doug Martin (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Charcandrick West (Kansas City Chiefs)

Filler Options: Jordan Howard, Jerick McKinnon, Christine Michael, Charles Sims, Orleans Darkwa

Next: 3. You can't exclude them from the injury list

January 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jeff Janis (83) misses catching a pass against Arizona Cardinals cornerback Justin Bethel (28) and cornerback Jerraud Powers (25) during the second half in a NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

3. Defense/Special Teams

Not only will injured players affect your weekly fantasy football lineup but, injured defensive players may affect your other players as well. For example, if a key cornerback is out, the opposing wide receiver may have a better advantage.

Questionable Status: Justin Bethel (Arizona Cardinals), Jalen Collins (Atlanta Falcons), Senquez Golson (Pittsburgh Steelers), Jarran Reed (Seattle Seahawks), DeAngelo Hall (Washington Redskins)

Out Status: Brandon Flowers (San Diego Chargers), Austin Howard (Oakland Raiders)

When choosing this week’s D/ST, make sure the players are healthy and ready to go. One or two missing links in a defense can make or break a game.

Next: 2. They have the ability to earn over 20 points per game

Sep 15, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Eric Decker (87) catches a pass in front of Buffalo Bills defensive back Nickell Robey (21) during the second half at New Era Field. The Jets beat the Bills 37-31. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

2. Wide Receivers

Every year there is an argument over who has more fantasy football value, running backs or wide receivers. Either way, you don’t want to have to replace either of these positions.

Unfortunately, Week 4 also offers a ton of banged up wideouts. Keep in mind, several of the players on the list are game decisions. On the other hand, some are listed questionable but, are expected to play. If your player appears on this week’s injury report, make sure you track them up until game time.

Questionable Status: Phillip Dorsett (Indianapolis Colts), Marvin Jones (Detroit Lions), Alshon Jeffery (Chicago Bears)

Out Status: Bills WR Sammy Watkins (Buffalo Bills), Eric Decker (New York Jets), Willie Snead (New Orleans Saints), Dez Bryant (Dallas Cowboys), Stefon Diggs (Minnesota Vikings)

Filler Options: Quincy Enunwa, Kevin White

Next: 1. Don't risk starting any of these players

Sep 18, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) injured after a play against the Miami Dolphins in the first quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

1. Quarterbacks

If you drafted Teddy Bridgewater or Robert Griffin III you have probably already sorted out your fantasy football quarterback issue. However, there are a couple of questionable quarterback injuries this week, that will leave fantasy owners in a tough situation.

My rule of thumb; never chance it with a quarterback. He won’t be playing his best, he may be limited, or he can hurt himself worse than before. Your starting quarterback needs to have practiced in full and be 100 percent active.

Questionable Status: Jimmy Garoppolo (New England Patriots), Jacoby Brissett (New England Patriots), Russell Wilson (Seattle Seahawks)

Doubtful Status: Jay Cutler (Chicago Bears)

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Out Status: Tony Romo (Just for Laughs)

Filler Options: Brian Hoyer, Tyrod Taylor, Blaine Gabbert