Every fantasy football manager is asking the same question right now: who should I start Week 4? With injuries piling up and roles shifting across the league, lineup choices this week are more challenging than ever. From running backs stepping into bigger workloads to wide receivers filling gaps left by injured stars, making the right start/sit decision could make the difference between victory and defeat.
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Major Injury Headlines Before Week 4
Injuries have created ripple effects across fantasy football this week. Here are the most important updates heading into kickoff:
- Jaylen Warren (RB, Steelers) – Ruled out with a knee injury, leaving Kenneth Gainwell as the top replacement option in Pittsburgh’s backfield.
- Mike Evans (WR, Buccaneers) – Sidelined by a hamstring injury, expected to miss multiple weeks. His absence opens opportunities for other pass-catchers.
- Chuba Hubbard (RB, Panthers) – Listed as questionable with a calf injury but trending toward playing, though his workload may be limited.
- Isaiah Likely (TE, Ravens) – Cleared to make his return after recovering from a broken foot, which could slightly cut into Mark Andrews’ targets.
- Jayden Daniels (QB, Commanders) – Out with a knee issue, meaning Marcus Mariota gets the start this week.
These updates should drive the most important start/sit decisions for Week 4.
Running Backs: Who to Start and Who to Bench
Running back depth is always tested when injuries hit. With Jaylen Warren inactive, fantasy managers need to pivot.
- Start Kenneth Gainwell (Steelers) – With Warren out, Gainwell becomes the lead option. He’s likely to handle both rushing attempts and passing downs, making him a safe RB2 or flex start.
- Start Rico Dowdle (Panthers) – If Hubbard’s calf issue limits his touches, Dowdle could benefit. He has value as a change-of-pace back with some pass-catching upside.
- Sit Chuba Hubbard (Panthers) – Unless reports confirm he’s at full health, Hubbard is a risky play this week. Even if active, his snaps may be reduced.
Managers should also monitor game scripts. Teams facing weaker run defenses offer better upside for fringe starters.
Wide Receivers: Next Men Up
Mike Evans’ injury leaves Tampa Bay scrambling for options and fantasy managers looking for replacements.
- Start Emeka Egbuka (Buccaneers) – With Evans sidelined, Egbuka should lead the team in targets. Expect an expanded role in both short and deep passing situations.
- Start George Pickens (Steelers) – Already a key option, Pickens could see even more volume with Pittsburgh adjusting its game plan due to backfield injuries.
- Sit Injured WRs – Don’t gamble on players still carrying “game-time decision” tags unless you have a secure backup. Risk of limited usage is too high.
Injury-driven opportunities are where sharp fantasy managers can capitalize.
Quarterbacks: Streaming Options and Injury Fallout
Quarterback injuries and matchups always shake up fantasy lineups.
- Start Marcus Mariota (Commanders) – Filling in for Jayden Daniels, Mariota is a solid streaming option against a defense that has struggled with mobile QBs. His rushing ability adds extra fantasy points.
- Start Brock Purdy (49ers) – Cleared and healthy again, Purdy offers reliable QB2 value with strong weapons around him.
- Sit Desperation Plays – If you’re reaching into waiver wires for low-upside QBs in difficult matchups, it’s usually better to pivot to a reliable skill-position flex instead.
Tight Ends: Balancing Safety and Upside
Tight end production often hinges on touchdown opportunities, but this week features some interesting developments.
- Start Mark Andrews (Ravens) – Still the top TE in Baltimore, though Isaiah Likely’s return could slightly reduce his target share. His red-zone usage keeps him must-start.
- Sleeper Play: Isaiah Likely – In deeper leagues, Likely could have sneaky flex appeal if Baltimore deploys more two-TE sets.
- Sit Low-Volume Options – Avoid tight ends who rely exclusively on touchdown luck without steady targets.
Start/Sit Quick Guide
Here’s a simple reference for Week 4 fantasy managers:
| Position | Start Recommendation | Sit Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| RB | Kenneth Gainwell | Chuba Hubbard (injury risk) |
| WR | Emeka Egbuka | Injured WRs with snap limits |
| QB | Marcus Mariota | Desperation streamers in bad matchups |
| TE | Mark Andrews | Low-volume, TD-dependent TEs |
Fantasy Football Strategy Notes
Beyond individual player choices, Week 4 requires smart strategy:
- Flex Spot Adjustments – With multiple injuries, the flex position becomes critical. Use it for high-upside players stepping into larger roles.
- Stacking Considerations – Pairing quarterbacks with their receivers in favorable matchups can create a scoring boost.
- Risk Management – Avoid banking on “game-time decisions” unless you have late-game replacements available.
Managers who adapt quickly to injuries and lineup shifts usually find themselves ahead in close matchups.
Final Thoughts
So, who should I start Week 4? The safest calls involve plugging in Kenneth Gainwell at running back, leaning on Emeka Egbuka at wide receiver with Evans out, and using Marcus Mariota as a streaming QB if you’re scrambling. Meanwhile, caution is advised with injured players like Chuba Hubbard, who may be active but limited.
Every fantasy week is about balancing risk and reward, but Week 4 is especially about flexibility. Stay alert to late-breaking inactives, and don’t be afraid to pivot if news shifts.
Which lineup decision are you struggling with most this week? Share your roster questions below and join the discussion with other fantasy managers.