Look, Week 6 was a total mess. If you were looking at the NFL inactives week 6 lists on Sunday morning, you probably felt like your fantasy roster was basically a hospital ward. It wasn't just a few bench warmers sitting out; we’re talking about massive, franchise-altering names. Lamar Jackson, Brock Purdy, and CeeDee Lamb all watching from the sidelines.
Honestly, the sheer volume of "DNP" (Did Not Play) designations was staggering. Some teams looked like they were barely fielding a pro squad. When you have the 49ers and the Cowboys missing their biggest offensive sparks at the same time, the betting lines start moving faster than a Tyreek Hill sprint.
The Quarterback Crisis: Lamar, Purdy, and the Rest
The biggest shocker? Lamar Jackson. He missed his second straight game with a hamstring issue. The Ravens are usually tight-lipped, but having Cooper Rush lead the huddle instead of a two-time MVP is a tough pill to swallow for any fan. It’s kinda wild how one muscle strain can derail a team's entire momentum.
Then there’s Brock Purdy. The 49ers ruled him out with a toe injury. Mac Jones got the start instead, which is... an experience. If you’re a Niners fan, seeing Purdy doing side work at practice but not suited up for the game was basically a psychological thriller.
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Interestingly, Kyler Murray was the "will-he-won't-he" story of the week. He was listed as questionable with a foot injury and honestly, most people thought he'd sit. He ended up inactive, leaving the Cardinals to figure it out against the Colts without their primary playmaker.
Wide Receiver Woes and Game-Time Decisions
CeeDee Lamb being out for the Cowboys was the hammer blow for many. He tried to push through an ankle injury, but the medical staff made the call. It’s one of those situations where you’ve got to protect the asset for the long haul, even if it hurts your chances in mid-October.
Down in Tampa, the Buccaneers' receiving corps was decimated. Mike Evans and Chris Godwin were both inactive. When you lose both your primary targets, you're asking Baker Mayfield to perform literal magic with the practice squad guys.
Over in Cincinnati, the vibes were slightly better but still tense. Ja'Marr Chase was dealing with an illness that had him as a true game-time decision. He eventually suited up, but you could tell he wasn't 100%. He was basically playing on pure willpower and a lot of Gatorade.
The Full List of NFL Inactives Week 6
If you need the raw data, here’s how the major teams shook out. It wasn't pretty.
Dallas Cowboys The Cowboys went into their game without WR CeeDee Lamb, WR KaVontae Turpin, and G Tyler Booker. They also missed LB Jack Sanborn and DT Mazi Smith. Missing your best receiver and your interior defensive anchor in the same week is a recipe for a long afternoon.
San Francisco 49ers No Purdy, no Ricky Pearsall, and no Jordan James. The Niners were thin. They did get Jauan Jennings back, who played through broken ribs and two different ankle sprains. That’s just old-school toughness right there.
Baltimore Ravens Along with Lamar, the Ravens were missing LB Roquan Smith and CB Chidobe Awuzie. That’s the heart and soul of their defense sitting on the bench. It basically forced the secondary to play "prevent" defense for sixty minutes straight.
Kansas City Chiefs The Chiefs had a relatively short list, but losing OT Josh Simmons for personal reasons meant Patrick Mahomes had to be a bit more mobile than usual. They also sat TE Jared Wiley and RB Elijah Mitchell.
Why This Matters for the Rest of the Season
When we look back at the NFL inactives week 6 report, it highlights a bigger trend: the "rest over risk" mentality. Teams are much more willing to sit a star for one game in October if it means having them healthy for a playoff push in January.
Take the Lions, for example. They sat OT Taylor Decker and CB Terrion Arnold. These aren't just depth guys; they're starters. But if Decker's ankle isn't right, you don't risk your blindside protector against a Chiefs pass rush. It just isn't worth it.
For fantasy managers, this was a week of "handcuff" success. Rico Dowdle stepped in for Chuba Hubbard and looked like a world-beater. Rachaad White took over the backfield for the Bucs because Bucky Irving was sidelined. It’s a reminder that the "next man up" mantra is more than just a locker room cliché.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans and Managers
If you're tracking these injuries for your league or just trying to stay ahead of the curve, here is how you handle the fallout:
- Monitor the Bye Weeks: The Ravens are heading into a bye, which is exactly what Lamar Jackson and Roquan Smith need. Expect them back for Week 7 or 8.
- Waiver Wire Logic: If you saw a backup excel this week (like Rico Dowdle), don't assume they keep the job. Hubbard will be back. Use these backups as trade bait while their value is at its peak.
- Watch the "Limited" Tags: Pay attention to players like Ja'Marr Chase who played through illness. Their snap counts might be lower the following week as they fully recover.
- Check Offensive Line Health: Keep a close eye on the Chargers. Missing Joe Alt and Trey Pipkins III at the same time is a disaster for Justin Herbert's longevity. If the tackles are out, fade the Chargers' passing game.
The NFL is a league of attrition. Week 6 was just a particularly brutal reminder of that fact. Keep your eyes on the practice reports moving into Wednesday, because a "DNP" on Sunday often starts with a "Limited" on Wednesday.