Sure, there have been bye weeks with as many as six teams on the sidelines. But it’s hard to think of a single week where three of the best wide receivers in the NFL will all be spectating.

All-world pass catchers Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase and Amon-Ra St Brown will be out of action in Week 6. When you also note the absences of Tee Higgins, Jameson Williams and Jordan Addison … well … it’s time to run, not walk, to the waiver marketplace.

The cupboard’s not entirely bare. Here are five guys who can be used as spackle to patch up your receiving corps:

>> DeMario Douglas (Patriots) — The former Liberty standout broke out in Week 5 with two touchdown catches. His quarterback, Drake Maye, is on a hot streak, and that could continue for both against the Jets

>> Josh Downs (Colts) — He’s arguably the most talented receiver in Indianapolis, but he has yet to score on 20 receptions this season. If he doesn’t break out this week against the winless Titans, it may be time to give up on him.

>> Keon Coleman (Bills) — He has stepped up in the absence of D.J. Moore, tallying six catches for 116 yards and a touchdown in Week 4. And the Las Vegas defense he’ll be facing this week is nothing special against the pass.

>> Rashod Bateman (Ravens) — It’s been an underwhelming start for the former Gophers standout, with only one TD in five games. But he could thrive this week against Cleveland if Lamar Jackson returns, as we’re expecting.

>> Germie Bernard (Steelers) — The rookie from Alabama is coming off of his best pro game with six catches for 80 yards against Indianapolis. Aaron Rodgers targeted him nine times and could give him similar work against Tampa Bay.

SITTING STARS

His game-ending stupidity against the Giants notwithstanding, there are a million reasons not to start Washington QB Jayden Daniels against the 49ers’ stifling defense. … Tampa Bay’s defense is sneaky good, so expect Steelers RB Jaylen Warren to cool off and WR D.K. Metcalf to stay frigid. … Denver WR Jaylen Waddle will continue to disappoint against Seattle. … Don’t even think about using new Texans wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. until he shows some life when reunited with his Ohio State QB, C.J. Stroud. … And we saw the bad Deshaun Watson again last week in the rain in the Meadowlands. The Cleveland QB hear from the home boo birds again Sunday against Baltimore.

MATCHUP GAME

Green Bay running back MarShawn Lloyd finally woke up this week against Chicago, and he’s a great option again this week against Dallas. … This might be the last week Seattle RB Emanuel Wilson has the No. 1 job to himself, so start him against Denver. … Houston RB Woody Marks looked good off the bench last week and could hit paydirt against Jacksonville. … Two veteran receivers we expect to star this week are the Giants’ Malik Nabers versus New Orleans and Houston’s Nico Collins against the Jaguars. … Raiders QB Kirk Cousins cooled off last Sunday In New England, but he’ll find Buffalo’s defense more to his liking. … And even though Indy quarterback Daniel Jones has mostly stunk this season, he’ll rebound against the lowly Titans.

INJURY WATCH

We’re getting some big names back this week. In addition to Lamar Jackson, Bears QB Caleb Williams is expected back on the field. … The Eagles are hoping the same for RB Saquon Barkley. … The Jets won’t be rushing back RB Breece Hall thanks to the strong play of Braelon Allen. … Players who went down in Week 5 include Cleveland RB Quinshon Judkins, Patriots RB TreVeyon Henderson, Houston RB David Montgomery and San Francisco wideout Deebo Samuel.

DEEPEST SLEEPER

Philadelphia wideout Darius Cooper has caught only seven passes this season. However, the second-year pro out of Tarleton State has touchdowns on four of those. If you do the math, that’s paydirt on a stunning 57 percent of receptions. He’ll get a shot to improve on that statistic thanks to injuries plaguing teammates Devonta Smith, Hollywood Brown and Dontayvion Wicks. The Carolina defense that recently gave up 59 points to Chicago won’t get in his way.

THE THURSDAY PICK

Seahawks at Broncos (+2½):

Pick: Seahawks by 3

BREAKING NEWS

We’ll be updating our column, based on the latest injuries and innuendo, right up until Sunday’s kickoff. Go to TwinCities.com/theloop.

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.