Week 5 NFL Injury Update: Calvin Johnson, Arian Foster and More

Week 5 of the 2014 NFL season is here. The Thursday night game is a thing of the past and soon the Sunday and Monday games will be, as well. However, before the games can sound off or bets can be placed, we all need to find out which big name players are toughing it out through injuries or will be sitting this week out.

Whether it’s for NFL betting or to finalize your weekly fantasy football lineup, knowing the latest injury updates for the biggest names is pretty key. Calvin Johnson playing or not playing can be a world of difference. Let’s run through the biggest names and see what the latest buzz is surrounding their specific ailments:

Carson Palmer Remains Out

Palmer has a nerve issue in his shoulder and has been ruled out for the Arizona Cardinals’ week five duel in Denver with the Broncos. Naturally the odds favor the Broncos in this one, as Drew Stanton makes his third straight start. Oddly enough, Arizona is a perfect 3-0 thanks to Stanton helping them to their last two wins.

Calvin Johnson Expected to Play

Head coach Jim Caldwell has gone back and forth on Megatron’s status, but the latest word is that “the expectation” is that the Detroit Lions will have their best offensive player on the field. Or they won’t. He played last week at less than 100% and seemed to make it out OK, so there’s a decent chance he’ll do the same in this one. Elsewhere, backup running back Joique Bell has already been ruled out of this one due to concussion symptoms. Reggie Bush gets a full workload against the Buffalo Bills at home.

Arian Foster Listed as Probable

Foster played last week despite being questionable, and it looks like he’s jumped up to probably for week five. He still isn’t 100% and is playing with a shaky hamstring issue, so he’s not the safest guy to role with in fantasy leagues. Needless to say, his lack of reliability doesn’t make it easy to bet on the Texans topping the Cowboys this week, either.

Ben Tate Concerned About Status

Tate has sat out with a knee sprain since week one, but has a real shot at finally getting back to the field in week five. He’s expressed concern about it actually happening, though, and has to be considered questionable to play. Playing would be in his best interest if he’s able, as the Tennessee Titans have a pretty leaky run defense. For now, it looks like his status is up in the air.

Vernon Davis Missing Practice

The 49ers’ star tight end has now missed three straight days of practice, which is a pretty good sign that he’s not playing this week. Davis is dealing with a sore back on top of an ankle that really isn’t 100%. Look for the Niners to rest him so they can get him back to 100%.