Navigating the Week 9 Injury Hayes

As we turn the calendar to November, a new week of NFL football is upon us. The leaves are changing, the temperatures are dropping, and the Injury Hayes is thickening! Last week created a plethora of new injuries, highlighted by what’s likely a season-ending injury to Lamar Jackson.  Fantasy managers across the nation slotted Lamar back into their lineups, excited to see the return of their superstar QB. The return was short-lived, as Lamar was back on the sideline after the Ravens’ first play from scrimmage. It was a tough break for one of the league’s most explosive players, and I wish him a speedy recovery. We’ll get more into his injury and what to expect from the rest of the offense moving forward.

Overall, it was an average week for start/sit calls last week. We had some boom performances from Michael Wilson, DJ Moore, and Dalton Kincaid. Injuries really hampered some of our plays, as Lamar Jackson, Kendrick Bourne, and Hunter Henry exited with injuries. Both Jonah Coleman and Dylan Sampson provided great weeks off the waiver wire for managers and hopefully saved some RB-needy lineups.  

Not everything was roses, as JK Dobbins, Samaje Perine, and Tyler Warren all disappointed.  Perhaps the most disappointing performance came from Ja’Kobi Lane. He put up one catch for 13 yards in a spot where I predicted he’d announce his arrival to the NFL. However, silly me didn’t account for both Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley exiting with injuries. Given the QB issues, he is borderline droppable in redraft, though I’d give it a week to see what Jacoby Brissett can provide. Fingers crossed we get Ja’Kobi in the Michael Wilson role! I’ll provide some start/sit advice throughout, but if your conundrum wasn’t included here, check out some additional start/sit advice from the AngleRanks Fantasy Philosopher below:

The Great Debate: To Start or Not To Start? Week 9

A position-by-position look at this week’s most difficult fantasy lineup decisions, the matchups behind them, and a few choices that shouldn’t be so difficult.

AngleRanksFantasy Philosopher

Did I mention he’s the top ranker on AngleRanks?  He really knows his stuff!

Now that we’ve finished with some receipts, it’s time to stop looking at the past and start looking ahead to the future! As always, I want to make it clear that I am no medical expert, and all opinions regarding injuries are speculative and not based on any medical background. For that, go to Dr. Ribu!  You can find his injury article below for ALL things injuries, including defensive players for those in IDP formats: 

Week 9 Injury Desk: Wilson is out. Here is your next move.

Wilson is out, Hall is returning, and the Week 9 board keeps moving. Quick PT takes with weekly, season long and dynasty decisions.

AngleRanksRibu Thomas

Get out your flashlights, put on your favorite adventure hat, and tighten those bootstraps!  It’s time to venture into the Injury Hayes!

🔴Red Light: Already Out, Seek Other Avenues🔴

Kyler Murray - Minnesota Vikings

Kyler is week-to-week with a hamstring injury, and he has already been ruled out for Week 9.  Even when he returns to full health, there’s no guarantee he gets his job back. Kyler finally put up a solid fantasy day in Week 8, but it didn’t lead to offensive success for the Vikings, who have been winning in spite of the poor offensive showings.  

I speculate whether or not this is a “soft benching” like we saw with J.J. McCarthy last season.  Carson Wentz takes over in Week 9, and if he’s able to lead the offense to even a modest output, this may be his job for the rest of the season.

Bottom Line
Don’t count on Kyler going forward. He’s already set to miss time, and it’s not set in stone that he regains his job when he returns.  In the meantime, there are a lot of ratty quarterbacks making starts that may be available on the waiver wire. Gardner Minshew, Drew Lock, Joe Milton, and Shedeur Sanders all are slated to start for their respective teams. Jacoby Brissett also becomes a rest-of-season option in Baltimore, though he won’t be usable until Week 10. Malik Willis is also an option in a good matchup against the Lions.

Lamar Jackson/Tyler Huntley - Baltimore Ravens

Though the Ravens played Thursday night, it’s still important to note the injuries to the Ravens’ QB duo. Lamar Jackson injured his thumb on the first play from scrimmage against Buffalo in Week 8 and didn’t return to the game. Later on in the same game, Tyler Huntley went down with a toe injury. Both have been placed on IR, and both are expected to miss the rest of the season.  

While the offense was putrid in their rainy Week 9 game against Jacksonville, all hope is not lost. The Ravens acquired QB Jacoby Brissett to help manage the offense, which is great news for Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews. Both of these gentlemen should benefit from the arrival of the Checkdown King. What this means for Ja’Kobi Lane and Rashod Bateman remains to be seen.  

Bottom Line
With both QBs out for the season, all eyes are on Jacoby Brissett to help keep this offense afloat. Zay still needs to remain in starting lineups, but with severely tempered expectations until we see how the offense operates with Brissett at the helm. For those who are light in the quarterback department, there likely aren’t any special options available on the waiver wire, especially in superflex leagues. There’s a lot of QB shakeups around the league, so look to scoop up Gardner Minshew, Joe Milton, Carson Wentz, Drew Lock, or even Shedeur Sanders for Week 9, and add Brissett for the weeks ahead. I’m not calling for many of these guys to have a fantastic day, but they’re QBs who now will see the field, which is good enough in superflex. Managers may have to get creative and trade for some underperforming quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield or Justin Herbert just to get another quarterback on the roster. It’s gross, but things aren’t always pretty in superflex.

In single QB formats, you won’t need to scrape the bottom of the barrel for a QB; look for guys like Malik Willis or Drew Lock to get you through the week.

Sam Darnold - Seattle Seahawks

I mentioned Drew Lock as a possible replacement for managers who roster Lamar Jackson, and that’s because Sam Darnold is out this week due to a quadricep injury. According to Brady Henderson of ESPN.com, Sam is considered week-to-week and is not expected to go on injured reserve.  

We’ve seen Lock complete essentially two full games this season, one of them being a QB9 finish in Week 2 against this same Cardinals’ defense. I’m comfortable running him out there again.  Drew is capable in favorable matchups, and Arizona more than qualifies as favorable.

Bottom Line
It’s unclear exactly how long this injury will linger, but it could be a multi-week absence. With the Seahawks having a bye in Week 11, it wouldn’t shock me if they shelve Darnold until Week 12. The Seahawks face the Cardinals and Raiders in the coming weeks, both of which are great matchups. Add Drew Lock if he’s available and play him for the next two weeks.  

Cam Skattebo - New York Giants

While Cam isn’t TECHNICALLY out, he’s listed as doubtful. In NFL terms, that’s a synonym for out. Cam is dealing with a hamstring injury (I feel like I’ve noted that about a lot of players this season), and his timetable for return is unknown. While head coach John Harbaugh hasn’t officially shut the door on the possibility of Skattebo suiting up, the doubtful tag is pretty damning.  

With Tyrone Tracey also on IR, Devin Singletary will lead this backfield group into battle against an Eagles’ defense that has been gashed on the ground lately. Rookie Gregory Desrosiers tails him on the depth chart.  

Bottom Line
Hamstring injuries can be unpredictable, so it’s best to prepare for the worst.  Singletary becomes a must-add off the waiver wire for this week, and is the easiest plug-and-play for managers who are without Cam.  Browns’ pass-catching back Dylan Sampson should also be picked up as a reserve option going forward.  Sampson has a date with the Saints this week, and could be in line for some decent work against a lousy defense.

David Montgomery - Houston Texans

Preseason hotness David Montgomery is once again going to be in street clothes as he deals with a groin injury. Coming out of a Week 8 bye, he’s still not quite healthy enough to return to action, which means Woody Marks will be the workhorse for the running attack. He gets a decent matchup against the Chargers in Week 9.

Bottom Line
Head coach Demeco Ryans has noted Monty is trending in the right direction, per Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle, so he could return to lineups soon. In the meantime, hopefully the contingency plan that managers have fallen back on since Monty went down is still intact. For those needing another option, Devin Singletary and Dylan Sampson are must-adds.

Jeremiyah Love - Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals’ rookie running back finds himself on IR after tweaking his ankle yet again. This’ll sideline him for at least four weeks. In the meantime, Tyler Allgeier will take the backfield reps, fresh off a blazing two-touchdown, 194-scrimmage-yard performance against Dallas in Week 8.  

Bottom Line
Love will be out for awhile, so hopefully managers were able to snag his handcuff in Tyler Allgeier, who will be poised for a big role with both Love and Bam Knight out of the lineup. If not, seek out Devin Singletary or Dylan Sampson as recommended previously.

AJ Brown/TreVeyon Henderson - New England Patriots

AJ Brown is set to miss Week 9 due to an ankle and knee injury. Brown was unable to practice this week, and as a result will miss his sixth game of the season. Demario Douglas once again figures to play a big role in the passing game.

On the other hand, TreVeyon Henderson is dealing with an illness and will miss Week 9’s action.  This illness is more serious than just the common cold, so please don’t take this situation lightly.  It has come out that Henderson experienced an “unusual medical emergency involving a series of unexplained neurological symptoms”, as reported by Mike Reiss of ESPN.com. I wish TreVeyon the best, and hope he’s able to work through these issues and return to play soon. In his absence, Rhamondre Stevenson figures to have a huge workload, with assistance from Corey Kiner.

Bottom Line
While neither player is on IR officially, I’d be surprised if we see Henderson suit up again this season. For fantasy purposes, this isn’t a huge blow as he had become an afterthought in the New England backfield. Brown should be considered week-to-week, and managers need to monitor his status going forward. For those in need of help at receiver, Demario Douglas, Demarcus Robinson (if healthy), Caleb Douglas, and Malachi Fields are all usable options.  

Devonta Smith/Dontayvion Wicks - Philadelphia Eagles

Both Smith (hamstring) and Wicks (ankle) have been ruled out for Week 9. This marks the third consecutive week the Eagles have been without their top two receivers.  

Darius Cooper and Makai Lemon will lead the receiving room, though it is unclear how they’ll produce with new quarterback Joe Milton taking over.  

Bottom Line
The Eagles are on bye in Week 10, so hopefully both receivers can get healthy for the stretch run. Until I see what Joe Milton can do, I’m avoiding the skill players in this offense. Lemon figures to be the WR1 still, but until I see Joe accurately deliver some balls to him, I’m passing on this situation. I’d much rather pick up Demarcus Robinson, Demario Douglas, Caleb Douglas, or Malachi Fields for this week.

Garrett Wilson - New York Jets

Garrett Wilson has been ruled out due to a concussion. Players recover from concussions at different rates, so managers will need to monitor this situation heading into Week 10 for updates on Garrett’s progression.

His absence will open up opportunities for both Adonai Mitchell and Omar Cooper Jr. in the passing game.

Bottom Line
There is a chance Wilson returns in Week 10, but managers should prepare a backup plan just in case. If you’re unable to throw Mitchell or Omar Cooper into your lineup, the options suggested above in the Devonta Smith and A.J. Brown sections are all solid weekly streamers in Week 9.

Mike Evans/Deebo Samuel/Christian Kirk - San Francisco 49ers 

Let’s knock these out all in one swoop: Mike Evans is out due to an achilles injury, Deebo is sidelined with a hamstring issue, and Christian Kirk is out with a meniscus injury that may require surgery.  

This leaves the options at receiver pretty bare in San Francisco. Demarcus Robinson very well could be the teams WR1 if he’s able to suit up, accompanied by both Brandin Cooks and Jordan Watkins. All three are fine desperation options, though I lean towards Demarcus as my preferred option.

Bottom Line
It’s likely Kirk will be out for the season, so hopefully Evans and Deebo get back on the field soon. If not, it’s a dart throw choosing who to play on this offense outside of George Kittle and Christian McCaffery.

🟡Yellow Light: Questionable, Proceed with Caution🟡

Kyle Monangai - Chicago Bears

Monangai finally returned to the practice field Friday, and he is officially questionable heading into Week 9 after missing the last four weeks with a toe injury.

If he plays, I’ll likely be starting him on a team because of how barren my RB room is. However, for those that are more prepared than myself, he’s a very risky start. It’s unclear how many touches he’ll get in his return, and he comes back to face a Tampa Bay run defense that is allowing only 80 yards per game.  At best, he’s a touchdown-dependent flex play in my estimation.

Bottom Line
I had him pegged as a sit-candidate last week if he had played, and I maintain that stance in Week 9. I want to see the workload he gets coming off injury before I recommend playing him.  For those that are desperate like myself, you can hope he falls into the end zone to save his day. Otherwise, I’d be looking to add Singletary or Sampson as I’ve mentioned previously. 

Amon-Ra St. Brown - Detroit Lions

Amon-Ra enters Week 9’s game as questionable due to a rib injury.  He was able to log limited practice sessions all week, which is a positive sign heading into Sunday against a lowly Dolphins team.  However, managers should monitor this one closely for an official update as we get closer to game time.  

If Amon-Ra were to be held out, Jameson Williams would take over as the teams WR1, and Isaac TeSlaa would suddenly become a very interesting option.

Bottom Line
Monitor this situation heading into Sunday. If he’s available, there’s no doubt that he should be in fantasy lineups. If he’s out, I wouldn’t mind taking a flyer on Isaac TeSlaa in a favorable matchup.

DJ Moore - Buffalo Bills

Moore was limited in practice as he deals with a lingering shoulder injury. He carries a questionable tag into the weekend, but I don’t think his status is really in question. He was able to suit up last week, producing four catches for 82 yards and a touchdown while playing 66% of offensive snaps, per Sleeper.  

The Bills do have a Monday night date with the Vikings that muddies the waters slightly. It’s already a negative matchup against a top-notch Minnesota defense, and a last minute scratch could leave managers with no options. DJ is still startable, but I would try to pick up a Minnesota or Buffalo receiver as an emergency option.

Bottom Line
Start him unless better options are available on your bench. If you’re planning on going with him, make sure to have an emergency receiver on the bench heading into Monday night.

Emeka Egbuka - Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Egbuka enters the weekend as questionable after a two-week hiatus due to a foot injury and concussion. He has cleared concussion protocol, but he is still being hampered by the foot issue.  

Even if Egbuka plays, I’m not recommending rushing him back into lineups. Tampa has been a weird offense the last two weeks; they’re undefeated, yet have only gotten seven completions for 64 yards from Baker Mayfield over this span.  Week 8 was a bit of an anomaly as Tampa found themselves in a monsoon.  However, the running game has shown it can carry the offense, which potentially leaves little for the pass-catchers. Mix this with Tampa playing in the Sunday Night timeslot, and you get a recipe for potential disaster if you start Egbuka.

Bottom Line
The offensive gameplan the last two weeks, Emeka’s injury, and the timeslot are all enough for me to wait until after Tampa’s Week 10 bye to put Emeka back in lineups. See the AJ Brown or Devonta Smith write-up for some potential Week 9 streamers.

George Pickens - Dallas Cowboys

George once again finds himself on the Cowboys’ injury report due to a hamstring injury.  It appears he has overcome the shoulder injury that he was dealing with, so there’s at least one bit of positive news for fantasy managers. He was able to practice in a limited fashion, which gives me confidence he’ll suit up in Week 9.  It may come with a limited role, so temper expectations slightly.  

Should he miss, Ryan Flournoy figures to play more of a role in the offense alongside Ceedee Lamb.

Bottom Line
Start him if he’s playing. If he’s out, add Flournoy to the list of streamable Week 9 options.

🟢Green Light: Expected to Play (no tags)🟢

Breece Hall - New York Jets

After a five-week absence, Breece managers can rejoice as it appears he’ll be ready to go Sunday, albeit against a stout Chiefs’ defense. Breece has been hampered by a quad injury since Week 3, but enters the weekend off the injury report and ready to go.

This is a tough blow to Braelon Allen managers, though the young back performed well enough to earn some touches even with Breece back. I wouldn’t be surprised if this becomes more of a committee than Breece owners would like. This’ll be an interesting backfield to watch.

Bottom Line
Unless you’ve got much better options, Breece can safely return to lineups, though I don’t expect a huge day from him against the Chiefs. It’ll be interesting to see if Breece goes back to being the bellcow, or if he’s now in a timeshare with Braelon Allen.  Braelon should still be rostered as the backfield roles unfold.

Christian McCaffery - San Francisco 49ers

CMC has been dealing with a nagging hamstring injury, but he was able to practice in limited capacity both Thursday and Friday.  He’s been cleared from the injury report and appears to be inline for another massive day in the receiving game.  San Francisco comes into this week’s matchup against Las Vegas down Mike Evans, Christian Kirk, and Deebo Samuel.  There is a high probability both McCaffery and George Kittle will be relied upon heavily in the passing attack.

Bottom Line
Nothing to see here. Start him 

Christian Watson - Green Bay Packers

A week removed from leaving last week’s game in an ambulance, only to return to the stadium in said ambulance and get back onto the field (a scene that couldn’t have been scripted any better in the WWE), Watson is officially off the injury report and good to go. He has been diagnosed with a broken rib, and he plans to play through the injury. 

Watson has been a target hog in the Packers’ aerial attack, seeing eight or more targets in all but one game.  He’ll look to continue this trend in Week 9 against the Patriots.

Bottom Line
Get him in your lineups.

Jaylen Waddle - Denver Broncos

Waddle had previously been dealing with a chest injury. However, he was able to practice in full throughout the week, and he enters the weekend with no injury designation.

Waddle has been a disappointment thus far, but has a nice matchup against a Panthers’ secondary that has gotten carved up on multiple occasions this season.  Waddle looks to continue to build momentum after finding the end zone in Week 8.

Bottom Line
The Broncos’ passing attack seems like it’s getting back on track. It doesn’t feel great, but I’d throw Waddle in lineups, especially given the matchup. He’s tough to predict.

Malik Nabers - New York Giants

Malik found himself on the injury report early in the week due to a knee issue, but John Harbaugh said Malik will be a “full go” against the Eagles, per Matt Citak of the Giants’ official website. This is an excellent matchup against a disappointing Eagles team, and I fully expect Malik to take advantage.

Bottom Line
Start him.

Dalton Kincaid - Buffalo Bills

Kincaid has been dealing with a chest injury but was able to log a full practice Friday and find himself off the injury report heading into the weekend. Dalton has had an up-and-down season, producing three games with 18+ points, and just as many under five.  Dalton faces a stout Minnesota defense this week. Temper expectations.

Bottom Line
Even in a tough matchup, I’d still start Kincaid.  This Bills’ offense has too much potential to be scared off by a talented defense.  He remains one of the top options in the passing game, and has the potential for some big weeks.  He’s an every week starter when healthy, and managers just need to ride the wave, taking the good with the bad.

Recap

Below is a recap of the players we’ve talked about and who I’ve recommended to start or sit, assuming health, and some of our waiver hire heroes for the week:

Starts: Breece Hall, Christian McCaffery, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Christian Watson, DJ Moore, George Pickens, Jaylen Waddle, Malik Nabers, Dalton Kincaid

Sits: Kyle Monangai, Emeka Egbuka

Already Out: Kyler Murray, Lamar Jackson, Sam Darnold, Tyler Huntley, Cam Skattebo, David Montgomery, Jeremiyah Love, TreVeyon Henderson, A.J. Brown, Christian Kirk, Deebo Samuel, Devonta Smith, Dontayvion Wicks, Garrett Wilson, Mike Evans

Waiver Heroes 

QB: Carson Wentz, Drew Lock, Gardner Minshew (SF only), Jacoby Brissett (long-term outlook), Joe Milton, Malik Willis, Shedeur Sanders (SF only)

RB: Dylan Sampson, Devin Singletary

WR: Caleb Douglas, Demarcus Robinson (if healthy), Demario Douglas, Isaac TeSlaa (if Amon-Ra is out), Malachi Fields, Ryan Flournoy (if Pickens is out)

TE: Greg Dulcich, Mike Gesicki

For other waiver wire heroes, check out this week’s “Waiver Wire “Angle from Dynasty Angle below.  Though some may be already rostered, it’ll offer additional names to check for in your leagues, outside of what I’ve already suggested here.  Be sure to return to AngleRanks every Tuesday to get this article hot off the presses before your leagues waiver wire period!

Waiver Wire Angle - Week 9

We break down the Week 9 consensus top adds, FAAB recommendations, premium stashes, players to avoid chasing, and the best quarterback options for both 1-QB and Superflex leagues.

AngleRanksDynastyAngleFF

Final Thoughts

Injuries to our star players can derail even the strongest of fantasy teams. While we can’t prevent them, we can do our best to give ourselves multiple options to prepare for the worst case scenario. In fantasy, it is better to be proactive and not reactive. If you’re reacting after players are marked OUT, you’re likely going to be too late in acquiring the best possible replacements for your lineup. Be diligent: roster your handcuffs so you’re prepared for any situation, collect depth pieces throughout the year, and stay in the know by taking in all the amazing content found on angleranks.com.

May your players stay healthy and be showered with touchdowns! If you enjoyed this, be sure to follow @TheDynastyCafe on X for more fantasy related content. Also, feel free to reach out for any roster related questions as the season goes on!  Remember: injury situations are fluid and rapidly changing, so keep an eye out for any updates after this article is released.