The start of the 2025 NFL season is being shaped by injuries to star players. Week 5 adds even more to the list. Miami Dolphins star wide receiver Tyreek Hill and New York Giants star receiver Malik Nabers are the headliners. Other names to watch include Bucky Irving, Ricky Pearsall, Lamar Jackson, Cedric Tillman, and Darnell Mooney. Teams now face the challenge of finding short-term answers.
NFL Week 5 Injuries: Key Losses and Potential Replacements
Tyreek Hill and Malik Nabers: Devastating Losses
Hill suffered a gruesome dislocated knee on Monday night against the New York Jets. It was one of the ugliest moments of the season. Miami loses its most dangerous weapon for the rest of the year, and his production cannot be replaced. Second-year speedy receiver Malik Washington will see more snaps. His speed allows him to stretch the field, but he is nowhere close to Hill’s level.
The Giants suffered their own blow Sunday when Malik Nabers went down with a season-ending ACL injury. He had become a true superstar and was on pace for a huge statistical season. Through four weeks, he looked like one of the league’s most dominant receivers and a Pro Bowl lock. Darius Slayton and Wan’Dale Robinson will see more targets, but neither can match the impact of Nabers.
Bucky Irving Injury Concern
Bucky Irving is dealing with a foot sprain and was spotted in a walking boot at the Buccaneers walkthrough on Wednesday, per Greg Auman of FOX Sports. NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that the injury is week-to-week, but the Buccaneers believe it is not a long-term issue. With Irving out, Rachaad White would step into a much larger role, and Sean Tucker could also see touches. Irving’s injury is one of the most important NFL Week 5 injuries, given his impact on Tampa Bay’s offense and fantasy football lineups.
Ricky Pearsall, Darnell Mooney, and Wide Receiver Depth
San Francisco’s injury problems continue. Ricky Pearsall is dealing with a knee issue and is unlikely to play on Thursday. That leaves Jauan Jennings, Kendrick Bourne, and Demarcus Robinson in line for more opportunities.
In Atlanta, Darnell Mooney left with a hamstring injury on Sunday. The Falcons expect him back after their bye week, likely in Week 6. If he misses more time, Ray Ray McCloud could get more snaps, while Drake London will remain the clear number one target.
Cedric Tillman to IR: Isaiah Bond Steps Up
Cleveland recently placed receiver Cedric Tillman on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. The Browns will now lean on Jerry Jeudy and Isaiah Bond. The latter was projected as a first or second-round pick before legal issues hurt his draft stock, and he went undrafted. He flashed his upside with a highlight grab against Detroit on Sunday and continues to earn more snaps. With Dillon Gabriel taking over at quarterback, Bond could quickly become a key weapon in the Browns’ offense.
Lamar Jackson’s Short-Term Absence
The Ravens are bracing for life without superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson, who is expected to miss two to three weeks with a hamstring injury. Cooper Rush will start against Houston in an important AFC matchup. Baltimore is already without Marlon Humphrey, Ronnie Stanley, Roquan Smith, and Nate Wiggins. On top of that, defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike is out for the year. Outside of Nabers and Hill, Jackson’s injury is one of the most damaging NFL Week 5 injuries, and Baltimore must survive this stretch to stay in the playoff race, as they are 1-3. to start the year.
Main Image: Rich Storry-Imagn Images
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