It’s only four short weeks into the NFL season, but injuries are starting to reshape entire offenses. Week 4 saw Ja’Marr Chase, Lamar Jackson, Rashee Rice, Saquon Barkley, DJ Moore, and several other fantasy-relevant players leave games early, giving us our best look yet at where touches, targets, routes, and snaps will go when these stars are unavailable. Sometimes the answer was the obvious backup. In other cases, an injury completely changed how an offense used players who were already on the field.
This weekly piece will look at those trends and make recommendations for players who might be worth rostering or starting in our fantasy lineups. For Week 4, we will dive into some ambiguous and uncertain situations that developed over the last three weeks to see how different roles played out.
If you have interesting usage notes, feel free to reach out to me on Twitter/X (@CableBoxScore) and let me know. Let’s dive into the 2026 NFL Week 4 usage!
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NFL Week 4 Usage Trends
ARIZONA CARDINALS
Marvin Harrison Jr. scored his first touchdown of the season, but his playing time is becoming something to monitor. Arizona used 13 personnel on a season-high 24 plays, and Harrison played just one of those snaps. That dropped him to a season-low 65.2% snap share and 82.1% route participation. He remains an obvious fantasy starter, but Arizona’s personnel tendencies aren’t helping him.
ATLANTA FALCONS
The Falcons absolutely ran the ball down the throat of the New Orleans Saints, with the two Robinsons (Bijan and Brian) combining for 207 rushing yards and five scores on the ground. That didn’t leave much for the passing game, but Drake London still was able to produce with five catches for 96 yards. In a game where the Falcons scored 45 points, Kyle Pitts had two receptions for 19 yards. Welcome to the waiver wire, buddy.
BALTIMORE RAVENS
The impact of Lamar Jackson’s ankle injury on Zay Flowers was clear. Jackson played all 33 first-half snaps before leaving, and Baltimore scored 24 points. The Ravens didn’t score after halftime, and Flowers essentially disappeared along with the offense. Flowers still led Baltimore’s receivers with 47 snaps and entered the week healthy enough to resume a full workload, but his ceiling takes a major hit if Jackson misses time.
BUFFALO BILLS
DJ Moore left just before halftime with his shoulder injury, completely changing Buffalo’s receiver rotation. Keon Coleman, Khalil Shakir and Joshua Palmer each played at least 21 of 26 second-half snaps after Buffalo had been rotating four receivers. Coleman took advantage with seven catches for 81 yards, including 56 after the catch. He would be the biggest fantasy winner if Moore misses time.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Jalen Coker and Xavier Legette were both out, and you probably saw that Tetairoa McMillan erupted. McMillan played 89% of the snaps, ran a route on 89% of dropbacks, and commanded 16 targets, a huge 41% target share, turning them into 14 catches, 192 yards, and two touchdowns. Carolina should keep moving McMillan around the formations even when Coker returns.
Chuba Hubbard also had huge usage, handling 86% of the snaps and 22 of 28 running back opportunities before Carolina’s late kneel-downs. A.J. Dillon is clearly just giving Hubbard occasional breaks with Jonathan Brooks not around anymore.
CHICAGO BEARS
Chicago’s quarterback injuries have forced the Bears to lean heavily on the running game, and Kyle Monangai was the latest beneficiary. D’Andre Swift didn’t play much after fumbling, allowing Monangai to go for a career-high 30 carries as Chicago ran 89 offensive plays and piled up 232 rushing yards. Caleb Williams’ eventual return will help the receivers, but Monangai is forcing his way into a bigger role no matter what happens in the passing game.
CINCINNATI BENGALS
Ja’Marr Chase’s concussion gave us perhaps the most interesting injury fallout of the week. Chase and Tee Higgins played 10 of Cincinnati’s first 11 snaps, with Dohnte Meyers at six. After Chase left, Meyers played 35 of 37 available snaps before Higgins also went down late. Meyers finished with seven catches for 82 yards and would have a full-time role if either star misses Week 5.
CLEVELAND BROWNS
Quinshon Judkins’ role keeps expanding with Dylan Sampson on injured reserve. Judkins played 66% of Cleveland’s snaps and ran 15 routes, while commanding a 21.2% target share. He caught a career-high six passes and also got the goal-line carry for a touchdown. Suddenly Judkins goes from potential bust to productive workhorse. We will see if it remains.
DALLAS COWBOYS
Javonte Williams scored three touchdowns, but underneath the huge fantasy day was an interesting side development. Javonte Williams (74%) got his normal workload in terms of snaps and carries. But backup Tyler Goodson got 21% of snaps out of nowhere. He only got three touches, but it’s worth remembering that name if Javonte Williams were to get injured.
DENVER BRONCOS
Pat Bryant’s third-quarter leg injury opened a potential role for Troy Franklin. Before the injury, Courtland Sutton played 26 first-half snaps, Jaylen Waddle 24 and Bryant 22. Denver then used 11 personnel on 13 of its final 15 plays, with Franklin taking over as the third receiver. Bryant missing time would make Franklin interesting but would probably just put more targets to Sutton and Waddle, especially with the running game struggling.
DETROIT LIONS
Sam LaPorta had his best fantasy performance of the year, but the underlying usage actually went backward. After playing 95.4% of Detroit’s snaps across Weeks 2-3, LaPorta posted his lowest route participation of the season (79% of snaps). A pass-heavy game covered it up this week, but it’s something to monitor, regardless.
GREEN BAY PACKERS
Chris Brooks’ first-quarter leg injury finally simplified Green Bay’s three-man backfield. Brooks had nine snaps to MarShawn Lloyd’s seven before leaving, while Kaleb Johnson didn’t play a first-quarter snap. Afterward, Lloyd became the receiving back, and Johnson received twice as many carries as Lloyd over the final three quarters. If Brooks sits, Johnson looks like the preferred early-down fantasy option, but I truly don’t want any of these pieces until the offensive line improves.
HOUSTON TEXANS
Nico Collins’ return finally gave us a look at Houston’s preferred receiver group. Collins immediately reclaimed the WR1 role, but the surprise was Jaylin Noel playing 62% of snaps after just 26% in Week 3. Kayshon Boutte also stayed ahead of Xavier Hutchinson, while Noel caught three passes for 85 yards. Collins, Boutte and Noel appear to be the top three.
The backfield also shifted slightly toward Woody Marks. This week Montgomery got only the first series before Marks took the second. Marks had six carries for 22 yards and scored for the second straight week, making this split worth watching closely. Montgomery played 56% of snaps (63% in Week 3), and Marks was at 44% (37% last week).
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Indianapolis was without Alec Pierce and Keenan Allen, forcing another reshuffling of the receiving corps. Laquon Treadwell continued replacing Pierce on the outside, while Josh Downs became the player Indianapolis everyone wanted in fantasy this week. With two of the Colts’ top three receivers unavailable, Laquon Treadwell and Ashton Dulin actually led the team in targets (six apiece).
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Brian Thomas Jr. finally moved in the right direction, jumping from a 37.1% snap share in Week 3 to a season-high 62.3%. Parker Washington and Jakobi Meyers remain Jacksonville’s top two receivers, but Thomas was more involved as Jacksonville increased its passing game usage. Bhayshul Tuten also reached a season-high 59% snap share, so there were multiple encouraging developments for Jacksonville’s fantasy-relevant players.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Rashee Rice lasted only a few snaps before suffering a hamstring injury, and Jalen Royals immediately took over, playing 16 of 18 snaps. Unfortunately, Tyquan Thornton then suffered his own serious ankle injury after producing 111 yards and two touchdowns. Xavier Worthy was arguably the more important beneficiary, playing 75%. Kansas City’s entire receiver hierarchy could look different in Week 5, depending on these injuries.
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
Ashton Jeanty handled 15 carries and was heavily involved as a receiver, catching six of eight targets for 68 yards. That’s 23 opportunities for Jeanty compared with nine for Mike Washington, and Jeanty produced 126 total yards despite averaging only 3.9 yards per carry. Jeanty’s rushing efficiency remains frustrating, but the passing-game involvement continues to protect his fantasy value. Washington is developing into a strong handcuff, not a true threat to Jeanty’s lead role.
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
This backfield has officially become a three-man headache. Keaton Mitchell actually led the Chargers running backs in snaps by one, while Omarion Hampton got the touchdown and Kimani Vidal led the group in carries and added five catches for 24 yards. That’s 15 total touches for Vidal with all three backs healthy. Hampton’s fantasy ceiling is getting pushed from both directions, with Mitchell taking early-down work and Vidal involved in passing situations.
LOS ANGELES RAMS
Kyren Williams is separating from Blake Corum again. Williams played 83.3% of the snaps and, once the Rams fell behind, handled 56 of their final 61 snaps compared with only four for Corum. Game script contributed to this, of course, but Williams has also averaged more yards per carry and yards after contact per carry. This is trending back toward a clear lead-back situation.
MIAMI DOLPHINS
Our first real Ollie Gordon II/Jaylen Wright comparison without De’Von Achane favored Gordon, much to the delight of fantasy managers. He played 59% of the snaps and handled 68.8% of Miami’s backfield opportunities, while Wright was at 30% and 31.2%, respectively. Gordon turned nine carries into 100 yards and a touchdown and was also the only Miami running back targeted. He’s the clear fantasy favorite for now and those who spent $80+ on him in FAB can breathe easier.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Aaron Jones continues to get the kind of receiving work that keeps his fantasy floor extremely high. Against Miami, Jones handled 20 carries for 94 yards and drew eight targets, catching four for another 34 yards. That’s 28 opportunities in a game Minnesota never needed to chase points, which is exactly the kind of workload fantasy managers want from their RB1. Jordan Addison (four catches for 52 yards) proved he isn’t the one to trust with Justin Jefferson out. That would be T.J. Hockenson (13 catches for 119 yards, and a touchdown that would have been scored had the timing worked in his favor).
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Mack Hollins’ calf injury really shook things up for the Patriots, considering they were already without A.J. Brown. Hollins left in the third quarter, and Efton Chism III took over his role. Chism played 27 of 40 possible second-half snaps without Hollins and caught the game-winning touchdown. He’s the name to watch on the waiver wire if Hollins sits. But I would still rather roll the dice with Romeo Doubs, who had six catches and two touchdowns.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
With Travis Etienne on IR, New Orleans relied on Alvin Kamara and Kendre Miller in the backfield. Kamara was the more valuable fantasy option because of his receiving role, catching three passes for 24 yards and a touchdown in the first half alone.. Miller also lost a first-half fumble that Atlanta turned into a touchdown. For now, this still looks more like a Kamara-led committee as he scored a second touchdown (rushing this time) later in the game. Between the two, I would pick up Kamara.
NEW YORK GIANTS
Cam Skattebo remains the lead back, but this was an odd game for him against the Cardinals. Tyrone Tracy Jr. played a season-high 12 snaps and took over most third-down work, while Najee Harris also mixed in on early downs and had nine carries in this game. Skattebo consequently fell to 64% of early-down snaps. He’s still the starter, but he is getting subbed out on far too many snaps to be considered anywhere near RB1 at this point.
NEW YORK JETS
With Breece Hall sidelined by a quad injury, the Jets didn’t use a committee. Braelon Allen completely took over the backfield, playing 30 of New York’s 32 offensive snaps (94%) while Isaiah Davis played only two. Allen also handled 14 running back carries, rushing for 59 yards, and caught both of his targets for eight more. The Jets’ inability to do anything on offense against Chicago limited the fantasy production, but the usage couldn’t have been any better.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Saquon Barkley lasted only four offensive snaps before suffering a hamstring injury that took him out for the rest of the game. Philadelphia immediately turned to the backups. Tank Bigsby handled early downs, and Will Shipley handled passing downs. Bigsby then injured his leg late in the fourth quarter. If Barkley and Bigsby both miss Week 5, Shipley becomes a priority waiver wire add.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Jaylen Warren has made a compelling case to keep the lead job even when Rico Dowdle returns. Warren played more than 90% of Pittsburgh’s snaps for the second consecutive game with Dowdle sidelined; there have been only three 90%-plus running back games in the NFL this season, and Warren owns two of them. Dowdle’s return will cut into that, but Warren has earned the larger side of the committee.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
San Francisco’s receiver injuries have left Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel Sr. surrounded by backups, and Evans entered Week 4 with a rib issue that he played through. But more interesting is what’s happening with Christian McCaffrey. He dropped from 83% of snaps to 74% and had 18 touches. He rushed 15 times for 52 yards, so the efficiency continues to not be there, but he did score his fourth touchdown.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Jadarian Price landing on injured reserve gave Emanuel Wilson his big chance, and he proved to be a workhorse. He played 36 of 60 offensive snaps (60%) compared with George Holani’s 22 (37%). Wilson finished with 24 touches, 120 yards, and two touchdowns. Holani had only eight touches. Wilson is clearly Seattle’s back to roster while Price is out, although Zach Charbonnet’s eventual return and the signing of Joe Mixon to the practice squad could complicate things.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Bucky Irving’s workload is becoming a concern, especially with the mobile Jalon Daniels replacing Baker Mayfield. Irving played just 57% of the snaps, down from 79% in Week 2, while Kenneth Gainwell played 43%. Irving still led the backfield with 16 carries for 61 yards, but Gainwell handled 26 snaps and caught both of his targets for 22 yards and a touchdown. Daniels scrambled eight times for 55 yards, taking additional rushing opportunities for himself. Even Sean Tucker stole three short-yardage carries and scored at the goal line. Irving appears to be a first- and second-down, between-the-20s running back.
TENNESSEE TITANS
Tyjae Spears was able to play through his ankle injury, but Tony Pollard remained the clear leader. Pollard handled 16 carries for 48 yards and a touchdown and played roughly 63% of the snaps, compared with about 46% for Spears. Spears’ presence prevents Pollard from reaching true workhorse territory, but any further ankle injury would immediately push Pollard toward a much larger workload. Pollard was again the one who scored in Week 4.
WASHINGTON COMMANDERS
Terry McLaurin’s injury absence didn’t create a clear winner, as the Commanders were down to their third-string quarterback for most of the game. Washington rotated Stefon Diggs (66% snaps), Dyami Brown (56%), Antonio Williams (69%), and Treylon Burks (59%). The fact that Washington still used four receivers without McLaurin makes this a difficult group to trust, especially until Jayden Daniels returns. When they are at full strength, Brown, Williams, and Burks are not worth rostering.
Make sure to check out all of our Week 5 Fantasy Football Rankings and Analysis!
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