Heading into Week 9, there are plenty of injuries to keep an eye on. Thursday Night Football is fast approaching, and it’s time to start paying attention to updates of the key fantasy football players on the injury report. Who’s trending in the right and wrong direction to be able to play this week? Let’s take a look at the injury reports around the league.
Update 11/07/2021: For the most recent injury news, check out our up-to-date NFL Week 9 Injury Report.
Fantasy Football Injury Report: QB update
The quarterback position is beginning to heal up, which is good news for fantasy managers everywhere. A typically reliable position has been anything but this year. Some big names have been on the injury reports in recent weeks — how are they looking for Week 9?
Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa was limited with ribs and a finger injury on his throwing hand. There doesn’t appear to be concern about his availability for Sunday.
Tyrod Taylor, Houston Texans
Tyrod Taylor has been sidelined since he injured his hamstring in Week 2. He has returned to practice on a limited basis but has yet to be elevated off IR.
It sounds like the expectation is for him to play this Sunday, but it’s not a guarantee.
Sam Darnold, Carolina Panthers
Sam Darnold is dealing with a concussion and is very much in question for Sunday. Backup quarterback P.J. Walker has been taking the first-team reps in practice, which indicates the Panthers are preparing him to start.
Taysom Hill, New Orleans Saints
In the wake of Jameis Winston’s ACL tear that has sidelined him for the year, Taysom Hill is on his way back from a concussion and looks like he’ll be ready to play on Sunday.
Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert was limited on Wednesday with an injury to his throwing hand. There’s nothing to indicate that he’s in jeopardy for Week 9.
Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
Matthew Stafford did not practice on Wednesday with a back injury. At this point, it’s nothing more than something to monitor.
Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys
Dak Prescott, who missed last week with a calf injury, is still very much in question for this weekend. Nothing definitive has been reported yet, so we will continue to follow the situation.
Fantasy Football Injury Report: RB update
There have been some key injuries to the running back position this year, and Week 9 is no different. What RB injuries are of note for this week?
Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have designated Christian McCaffrey to return from IR, giving him an opportunity to play this Sunday. He’s trending in the right direction.
James Robinson, Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars have a question at running back, with James Robinson missing Wednesday’s practice with a heel injury. If this injury carries into Friday, then he’ll be in question for Sunday.
Chase Edmonds, Arizona Cardinals
Chase Edmonds was limited on Wednesday with a shoulder injury. It doesn’t appear that he’s in danger for Sunday’s game.
Elijah Mitchell, San Francisco 49ers
Elijah Mitchell, who has taken over the 49ers’ backfield, was missing from practice on Wednesday with a rib injury. His status for Sunday is unclear.
WR Injury Update
The wide receiver position is largely in good shape for Week 9, but there are a few injuries to monitor. Which wide receivers are battling injuries for Sunday?
Cole Beasley, Buffalo Bills
Cole Beasley missed practice on Wednesday with the same rib injury that forced him out — briefly — during last week’s game. At this point, it appears to be a day of rest to get him ready for this weekend.
Jalen Reagor, Philadelphia Eagles
Jalen Reagor left last week’s game against the Detroit Lions with an ankle injury and missed practice on Wednesday because of it. Head coach Nick Sirianni is “hopeful” that Reagor will return soon from the injury.
DeAndre Hopkins, Arizona Cardinals
DeAndre Hopkins played through a hamstring injury last week but was clearly not 100%. He missed practice on Wednesday with the injury, but it seems like he will once again play through it in Week 9.
Julio Jones, Tennessee Titans
Julio Jones, who is perpetually listed as questionable with a hamstring injury, is once again … listed as questionable with a hamstring injury.
Jones missed Week 8 with the hamstring injury and is attempting to work back for this week’s matchup with the Los Angeles Rams.
TE Injury Update
The tight end position is notoriously thin, and injuries only make it worse. Fortunately for fantasy managers, a couple of big names are on their way back to the field sooner than later.
Dawson Knox, Buffalo Bills
Dawson Knox, who broke his hand in Week 6, was labeled as “day-to-day” by head coach Sean McDermott earlier this week. Knox did not practice Wednesday but has a chance to play this weekend.
Jonnu Smith, New England Patriots
Jonnu Smith, one half of the duo of tight ends that the Patriots spent big on in free agency, was limited in practice on Wednesday with a shoulder injury. He should be ready for Sunday.
George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers
The practice window has been opened for George Kittle, giving the star tight end an opportunity to play this weekend. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said they’re “not counting on it 100%” in reference to Kittle playing this weekend. Thursday’s practice will be a key test for him.