Injuries Ravaged NFL Stars in Week 5
Week 5 of the NFL season has come and gone.
Unfortunately, it proved to be a very impactful one in the worst way with a number of NFL stars going down with injuries over the course of the weekend. Here is a look at some of the names who are headed to IR in the aftermath of this past weekend.
WR Justin Jefferson
Of course, we start in Minneapolis where the Vikings have lost Justin Jefferson for at least the next four weeks because of a hamstring injury. Minnesota placed their star receiver on IR this week, and the offense will certainly miss his presence.
Over the first five weeks of the season, Jefferson caught 36 passes for 571 yards and 3 TDs for the Vikings and has been amongst the league leaders in all receiving categories. Minnesota will have to go into a tough four-week stretch without him.
RB De’Von Achane
De’Von Achane had already missed the season opener due to an injury, and now, the breakout star for the Miami Dolphins will be on the shelf for four more weeks. Achane suffered a knee injury during Miami’s Week 5 win over the Giants, and they placed the RB on IR.
Achane didn’t get much playing time during his NFL debut, earning just two touches against the Patriots. However, since then, he has absolutely lit up the league. Achane has averaged more than 150 rushing yards per game over the past three weeks while earning an astounding 12.3 yards per carry. Without the RB, the Dolphins will have to rely more on their passing game to win games.
LB Matt Milano
Matt Milano has really emerged as one of the best linebackers in the league over the past few years. He has been a massive piece for the Bills defense as they’ve built themselves into a perennial contender. This weekend, though, Buffalo lost Milano for the season due to a fractured leg and knee injury.
To this point in 2023, Milano had recorded 30 tackles, a tackle for loss, a forced fumble, 2 passes defended, and 2 intereptions. He has been a do-it-all defender for Buffalo, and now, the Bills will have to find a way to replace his production.
RB James Conner
The Arizona Cardinals have been one of the bigger surprises in the NFL this season, just in the fact that the majority of their games have been competitive. A main reason for that has been their RB James Conner, who has put together 364 rushing yards through five weeks, including 98 in Arizona’s win over Dallas.
Unfortunately, Conner suffered a knee injury in Week 5 against the Cincinnati Bengals, and he is yet another player set to hit IR. Now, Arizona will be relying on Keaontay Ingram and Emari Demercado to fill the void in the backfield.
QB Anthony Richardson
Anthony Richardson has begun the 2023 season as one of the best new starting QBs in the league, but injuries have now struck twice. After missing Indy’s Week 3 game against the Baltimore Ravens, Richardson is now headed to IR because of a shoulder injury suffered in Week 5.
The rookie QB has thrown for 577 yards, 3 TDs, and 1 INT over his four starts this season. He’s also added 136 rushing yards and 4 rushing TDs. Luckily, the Colts have a very competent backup in Gardner Minshew, who should be able to hold down the fort over the next four weeks.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.
