The amount of injuries this year in the NFL has been staggering. In Week 8, five starting QBs left their respective games; one of them (Kirk Cousins) has already been ruled out for the rest of the season due to an Achilles injury. It is tough sledding for fantasy football managers with their starting QBs, and now there are three more that have injury concerns heading into Week 9. Here are the latest updates on Josh Allen, Deshaun Watson, and Matthew Stafford.
Latest News and Injury Updates Impacting Fantasy
Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills
Allen initially injured his right shoulder during Week 6, when the Bills beat the New York Giants. It has not seemed to be much of a concern, as it hasn’t impacted his playing time over the last few weeks. During the Week 8 game against Tampa Bay, he did land awkwardly on that shoulder and did get looked at, but he did not miss an offensive play.
However, this week, Allen did not practice on Wednesday. He was initially going to be a limited participant, but it was reported that he missed the entire session. Allen told the media that if he would have had to practice today, he would have.
“Obviously, it is unfortunate when it’s your throwing shoulder,” Allen said. “As a thrower, you don’t like feeling any sort of, I wouldn’t even call it pain, just discomfort in there. So, we’re just trying to stay on top of it and get ahead of it when we can.
“Obviously, I hate not practicing, I hate not being involved in what we’re doing, but at the same time, I know this is probably what’s best, and putting myself in the best situation to make sure that I’m ready to go tomorrow and for Sunday.”
Allen should be fine for a juicy game against the Bengals this week.
Deshaun Watson, QB, Cleveland Browns
Fantasy managers have been having to live without Watson in their starting lineup lately. He entirely missed Week 4, Week 6, and Week 8 and only played 16% of the snaps in Week 7. Watson was limited at practice on Wednesday as he continues to deal with a rotator cuff strain in his throwing shoulder.
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Head coach Kevin Stefanski said that PJ Walker would make his second straight start if Watson were unable to go.
Matthew Stafford, QB, Los Angeles Rams
Stafford hurt the thumb on his throwing hand during Sunday’s game and looked to be in significant pain. He did return to the game but looked to reinjure himself during a two-point conversion, and he ultimately had to head to the bench. Brett Rypien had to come in and finish the game.
On Monday, head coach Sean McVay announced that Stafford is dealing with a UCL sprain in his right thumb and is considered day-to-day. Stafford did not practice on Wednesday, and the Rams have not completely ruled out IR. The Rams’ bye looms near, and Rypien might get the start this week against the Packers.
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