It was a rough Week 4 for all-world pass catchers.
First, it was the Giants’ Malik Nabers who blew out his knee. This led New York fans to start imagining ways to blame the injury on Russell Wilson.
Then Miami’s Tyreek HIll dislocated his knee. The injury was so graphic and so nauseating that hall of famer Jason Taylor’s wife leapt back into her seat in the former Dolphin’s suite.
Week 5 is a bad time for this receiving void, as standouts on bye include Pittsburgh’s D.K. Metcalf, Chicago’s Rome Odunze, Atlanta’s Drake London and Green Bay’s Romeo Doubs.
So you’ll have to dig deep. Here are some of your options:
Darius Slayton (Giants) — Nabers’ immediate replacement had four catches for 44 yards after his exit. He’ll be needed to do much more going forward.
Darius Slayton #18 of the New York Giants runs with the ball against the Los Angeles Chargers during their game at MetLife Stadium on Sept. 28, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Wan’Dale Robinson (Giants) — Likely Jaxson Dart’s new favorite, Robinson had a 142-yard game in Week 2 in Dallas. Had 93 catches with three touchdowns last season.
Wan’Dale Robinson #17 of the New York Giants catches a pass for a touchdown in the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on Sept. 14, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
Jalen Coker (Panthers) — Second-year wideout is coming off injured list. Will be rejoining an improved Carolina offense this week against a bad Miami defense.
Jalen Coker #18 of the Carolina Panthers secures a first down against the Dallas Cowboys during the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium on Dec. 15, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Alec Pierce (Colts) — Averaged nearly five catchers per game before entering concussion protocol. Had seven TD catches in ‘24. Returns this week against Las Vegas.
Alec Pierce #14 of the Indianapolis Colts is tackled by Riley Moss #21 of the Denver Broncos in the game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sept. 14, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
JuJu Smith-Schuster (Chiefs) — Patrick Mahomes found him last week six times, one of them for a touchdown. Can be productive, at least until the return of Rashid Rice from suspension.
Juju Smith-Schuster #9 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs with the ball during the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Arrowhead Stadium on Sept. 28, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
Sitting stars
Cleveland’s tough defense will travel well to London, so don’t expect great things from Vikings QB Carson Wentz or RB Jordan Mason. … Las Vegas RB Ashton Jeanty will cool off against Indy after his huge Week 4. … Same goes for Jaguars RB Travis Etienne versus K.C. … Chargers WR Ladd McConkey will remain underutilized against Washington. … Bench Cincy WR Tee Higgins, but not Ja’marr Chase, in Detroit. … Neither of the Eagles’ top WRs, A.J. Brown nor DeVonta Smith, will thrive against Denver. … That goes doubly for Broncos QB Bo Nix.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz (11) is sacked by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig during an NFL football game at Croke Park in Dublin, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025. (Gregory Payan/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Matchup game
Browns rookie RB Quinshon Judkins could have his coming-out party against the Vikings. … As may Arizona’s Trey Benson versus lowly Tennessee. … Giants RB Cam Skattebo is a great bet for at least one touchdown against winless Saints. … Miami WR Jaylen Waddle will pick up the lion’s share of Hill’s workload in Carolina. … Texans’ Nico Collins, who faces injury-riddled Baltimore, is back to being a No. 1 receiver. … Tight ends we’re high on this week are Indy’s Tyler Warren and Miami’s rejuvenated Darren Waller. … And The Loop Team is having a hard time deciding between our two QBs: the Jets’ Justin Fields vs. Dallas and the Cardinals’ Kyler Murray against Tennessee.
Quinshon Judkins #10 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Huntington Bank Field on Sept. 21, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Injury watch
Baltimore is in full panic with a 1-3 record and quarterback Lamar Jackson doubtful with an injured hamstring. But even a limited No. 8 is worth starting against Houston. … San Francisco QB Brock Purdy is hurt again and could give way to Mac Jones on Thursday night against the Rams. … Pittsburgh RB Jaylen Warren is iffy, and probably inferior to Kenneth Gainwell, anyway. … Three notable receivers were injured in Week 4: Atlanta’s Darnell Mooney, 49ers’ Ricky Pearsall and Cleveland’s Cedric Tillman. … We’re awaiting updates on Week 4 absentees: Washington QB Jayden Daniels and WR Terry McLaurin, and Dallas WR CeeDee Lamb. … Other questionables include Tampa RB Bucky Irving, Jets RB Braelon Allen, Niners WR Jauan Jennings and Titans WR Calvin Ridley.
Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens sits on the sidelines during the fourth quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on Sept. 28, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Amy Kontras/Getty Images)
Deepest sleeper
Houston running back Woody Marks appears to have taken over the Texans’ starting job over Nick Chubb. The rookie from Southern California had his coming-out party last Sunday in the victory over Tennessee. Twenty-one touches for 119 yards with a touchdown run and a TD catch. His matchup this week against injury-ravaged Baltimore is no longer considered daunting, even with the Texans’ leaky offensive line.
Woody Marks #27 of the Houston Texans celebrates a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans during the fourth quarter in the game at NRG Stadium on Sept. 28, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
The Thursday pick
49ers at Rams (-5½)
Pick: Rams by 7
Puka Nacua #12 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts during the fourth quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at SoFi Stadium on Sept. 28, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
You can hear Kevin Cusick on Thursdays on Bob Sansevere’s “BS Show” podcast on iTunes. You can follow Kevin on X — @theloopnow. He can be reached at kcusick@pioneerpress.com.
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