The Detroit Lions head into their bye in Week 5 at an ideal time for healing. Matthew Stafford is dealing with a hip issue and wide receiver Danny Amendola was inactive in Week 4 with a chest injury. Things got worse in their loss to the Kansas City Chiefs when rookie tight end T.J. Hockenson tried to hurdle a defender and landed hard on his upper body.
Hockenson was evaluated for a concussion during the game and ruled out the rest of the day. The Lions have not provided an updated timeline for Hockenson’s return to football activities, but he will not be going on injured reserve, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The report mentioned “landing hard on his right shoulder,” but Hockenson will likely also have to clear the concussion protocol.
Fantasy analysis: The Lions have a bye in Week 5, so he gets extra time to get through the protocol. We’ll await word on medical exams on his shoulder, as that could be the injury that keeps him out longer. Jesse James would get snaps in his place, but is not a viable fantasy football option.