By admin 
This seemingly relentless first month of the 2026 season brought more injuries this past weekend.
Read more Everything Dan Campbell Said After Disappointing Panthers Loss
The physical woes have not avoided top names, and Week 4 dinged a few big names, including Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase (concussion), Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (ankle, with walking boot), and Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (hamstring).
While we won’t know specifics about these three banged-up stars for at least another day, fantasy football managers need to prepare alternatives for their lineups.
I’ll start with the knee-jerk reactions to identify the top Week 5 waiver wire pickups and expand with more fantasy adds in the coming days.
Best Week 5 Waiver Wire Pickups To Replace Chase, Jackson, Barkley
1. Tank Bigsby, RB, Eagles (28% rostered on Yahoo Fantasy)
Saquon Barkley left with a hamstring injury in the first quarter against the Rams on Sunday, and we’re once again looking toward the Eagles’ top backup running back.
Will Shipley (1%) would certainly play a part without Barkley, but the organization trusts Bigsby to lead any non-Barkley committee that would develop.
The Auburn alum out-touched Shipley 14 to 6 on the day and holds the best skill set to take the lead on any newly opened opportunities. Tank Bigsby FAAB Bid (if Saquon Barkley were to miss time) 25%
2. Keon Coleman, WR, Bills (4%)
Fantasy’s wide receiver lot has arguably been the biggest victim of injuries, and the Bills may need to sub for DJ Moore (shoulder), even if initial reports suggest the aggravation setback isn’t serious.
Either way, the Bills may have a true No. 2 wide receiver on their hands; after Moore exited Week 4 with injury, Coleman took over the aerial offense and finished with 6-116-1 on 7 targets.
JOSH THROWS A ROPE TO KEON COLEMAN AND THE BILLS HAVE THE LEAD@NEvsBUF on CBS/Paramount+
Stream on @NFLPluspic.twitter.com/LMFJVKt5gT
— NFL (@NFL) October 4, 2026
The third-year snare showed downfield prowess and after-the-catch ability, and he has the ceiling to take over a major chunk of targets if his route-running instincts continue improving.
It’s a crowded pass-catching crew, but a measured bid that takes upside into play could go a long way, especially in half-PPR or lower. Keon Coleman FAAB Bid: 20%+
3. Tyreek Hill, WR, Free Agent (22%)
I wrote about Tyreek Hill’s 2026 fantasy value Friday.
Whispers that he would join an NFL team this year turned into tangible rumors when he tweeted an interest in playing ‘somewhere cold.’ Now, with the Chiefs looking at injuries to wideouts Rashee Rice (hamstring) and Tyquan Thornton (ankle, don’t watch the video), reports of contact with Hill’s agent Drew Rosenhaus are floating in the ether.
As seen by his already significant rostered percentage, many are speculating on a return in the coming weeks. A ramp-up to a November signing and/or debut feels like the most logical route to an NFL return, and if you can camp him out on your bench, it might be worth it.
Of course, a 32-year-old coming back from multiligament knee damage might need more time and a huge role to rise above a weekly WR3/Flex. Tyreek Hill FAAB Bid: 9%+
Related: Add Tyreek Hill in Fantasy? Only If You’re in Some Leagues
4. Keaton Mitchell, RB, Chargers (35%)
The Chargers’ backfield has been trending strongly toward a minority role for Omarion Hampton, who’s posted erratic box scores over the first four games. The Bolts also have found themselves in negative game scripts in their 0-4 start, which has dictated more snaps for Mitchell and fellow versatile back Kimani Vidal.
Their touch and snap counts may cycle every week, but remember: Mitchell profiles along the same lines of new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniels’ old Dolphins running back De’Von Achane, and a Week 4 line saw him frequently involved. Keaton Mitchell FAAB Bid: 9%+
5. T.J. Hockenson, TE, Vikings (29%)
The easy answer to “Who would benefit during a Justin Jefferson injury absence” was Jordan Addison, though Hock has regained some juice with WR1 down.
Catching all 13 of his targets for 119 yards in Week 4, Hockenson reminded us that Kyler Murray often likes targeting tight ends (Trey McBride), especially when playing the conservative ball that allowed the Vikes to control the win versus the lowly Dolphins.
Hockenson should rank as a borderline TE1 most weeks with Jefferson inactive. That only may last another week, but in many leagues, having a pair of playable TEs wouldn’t hurt. T.J. Hockenson FAAB Bid: 6%+
Stay tuned throughout Monday and Tuesday for more Week 5 waiver wire pickup recommendations, including bye-week replacements and streamers.
Read more How Did the Broncos Offense Do in Week 4 vs. 49ers? The Numbers Behind the Loss
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This story was originally published October 5, 2026 at 3:00 AM.