Early Week 6 Waiver Targets Shift After Week 5 Injuries

Injury-driven role changes plus practice returns have created short-term starters and touchdown-dependent adds for managers making Tuesday claims.

Overview

Samaje Perine delivered a workhorse role for the Bengals with 14 carries, 68 rushing yards and a touchdown, making him a viable short-term add for teams that can stash him while Cincinnati is on bye.
Dameon Pierce has taken over as the Eagles’ de facto lead back after Will Shipley left Sunday’s game, Tank Bigsby went on IR and Saquon Barkley remains unavailable, which boosts Pierce’s immediate startable value.
Ryan Flournoy and Darius Cooper present startable upside if primary receivers remain sidelined, with Flournoy finishing with 90 yards after CeeDee Lamb exited and Cooper posting efficient production in DeVonta Smith’s absence.
Tank Dell’s return to Texans practice signals a possible return to the rookie-level target volume he once had, while Dylan Sampson remains a speculative add for teams tracking a potential Cleveland return if Quinshon Judkins’ injury persists.
Tight ends Pat Freiermuth and Brenton Strange are touchdown- and volume-dependent waiver plays and the Buccaneers D/ST is a recommended matchup stream versus Pittsburgh, but all adds depend on follow-up injury reports and Tuesday waiver timing.