Fantasy Football Week 6: Emergency Starts & Injury Replacements
Injuries are piling up and bye weeks are here, leaving fantasy managers scrambling for lineup replacements. Here are the players you can plug into your lineup for Week 6, including a few under-the-radar options who could deliver when you need them most.
Josh Jacobs - RB, Green Bay Packers
If Jacobs is somehow still available in your league, stop reading and go get him! He’s eligible to return next week, making him a must-add who shouldn’t be sitting on the waiver wire. He will be an RB1 the rest of the season, despite Green Bay's struggles to move the ball on the ground especially with the volume of targets he usually receives.
Tyler Allgeier - RB, Atlanta Falcons
With Love sidelined against the Rams, Allgeier is worth plugging in as an RB3. The Rams are currently allowing the 7th most rushing yards to opposing teams.
Austin Ekeler - RB, Washington Commanders
With Bill Croskey-Merritt ruled out due to a groin injury, Ekeler and Rachaad White should split the backfield work Monday night against San Francisco. Ekeler is a viable flex option in a pinch—and I’m starting him in one league!
Brandin Cooks - WR, San Francisco 49ers
Cooks made an immediate impact in his 49ers debut, playing 40% of the snaps, running 12 routes, and catching a touchdown. With Deebo Samuel out and Mike Evans dealing with multiple injuries, Cooks could see an expanded role in this high-powered offense. He’s worth considering as a flex, with Christian Kirk’s potential return from IR another variable to monitor.
Ja'Kobi Lane - WR, Baltimore Ravens
The rookie has been activated off IR, and his electric preseason makes him an intriguing stash. Baltimore could use another playmaker alongside Zay Flowers, but with Tyler Huntley expected to start at least one more week, we might not see that breakout game until Jackson returns under center. He's an intriguing stash.
Roschon Johnson - RB, Chicago Bears
With Kyle Monangai out again, Johnson retains his backup role. He totaled five carries for nine yards and five catches for 34 yards last week. The receiving production may be difficult to repeat given the Bears were playing through a large deficit for most of the game, but Johnson could see more rushing work against Atlanta, especially with Caleb Williams returning to the lineup.
Jalen Royals - WR, Kansas City Chiefs
With Rashee Rice out and Tyquan Thornton lost for the season, Kansas City needs additional receiving options behind Travis Kelce and Xavier Worthy. Royals could see more opportunities against a Chargers secondary that will be without Derwin James. He’s a speculative deep-league option worth monitoring.
Cyrus Allen - WR, Kansas City Chiefs
Allen could also benefit from the Chiefs’ depleted receiving corps. With Rice unavailable and Thornton out for the year, additional snaps may be available against the Chargers. He’s a deeper-league dart throw, but his potential opportunity makes him worth keeping an eye on.
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