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    Is Kyren Williams Playing Today? Latest Injury Updates, Fantasy Analysis, and More

    Is Los Angeles Rams RB Kyren Williams playing in Week 11, and what does it mean for the fantasy value of the backfield in LA this week?

    With some fantasy football options set to return from the injured reserve today, managers with Los Angeles Rams RB Kyren Williams on their roster will be hoping he is close to a return. Is Williams set to play in Week 11, or will his ankle injury mean we have to wait a little bit longer to see? And what does that mean for the fantasy value of Darrell Henderson and Royce Freeman?

    Is Kyren Williams Going To Play in Week 11?

    The bad news for fantasy managers is that we already know Williams is not going to be playing this week. The Rams RB was placed on the IR ahead of Week 7, meaning he must miss a minimum of four games before he can return. With the Rams being on a bye in Week 10, that meant Week 11 would serve as the final week of that mandated absence.

    When he spoke to the media on Friday, head coach Sean McVay indicated that Williams is still on track to return in Week 12 when he is first eligible. McVay told reporters, “we’ll certainly be excited when we get Kyren back after this week.” That very much makes it seem as though Williams has not suffered any setbacks in his recovery and will be back on the practice field at the very least next week.

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    The Rams do not have any time pressure with Williams’ return. There is no set time they must activate him from the IR, and even once he is designated to return, they have a 21-day window to activate him to the 53-man roster.

    McVay has talked multiple times about getting Williams back but has never explicitly stated he will be back in Week 12. That is the expectation, but once he returns to practice, they may see that he needs a little longer and delay that return by a week or two.

    What Is the Fantasy Value of Darrell Henderson and Royce Freeman in Week 11?

    The good news in Williams’ continued absence comes for fantasy managers relying on Henderson and Freeman. Henderson was a free agent; Freeman was barely used before the injury for Williams. But both have seen considerable usage since.

    Henderson has averaged 13.3 carries and 2.3 targets per game since returning to Los Angeles. The first two games saw him score double-digit fantasy points in PPR scoring before the game in Green Bay saw a dip in production. His 10 carries in that game was his lowest of the three games and was not replaced by an uptick in passing-game work. He has struggled efficiency-wise since returning — the declining usage may well reflect that.

    In contrast, Freeman’s usage has been reasonably consistent. He had 12 carries in the first week Williams was out, nine the following week, and 12 in Week 9. He has been the more efficient of the two in terms of yards per attempt, but the lack of passing-game work has meant his fantasy returns have been touchdown-dependent.

    Fantasy managers who are relying on Henderson or Freeman are in a tough position. Neither has been particularly reliable, but the matchup with the Seahawks is a nice one. On average this year, Seattle has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game to RBs at 22.7 per game. There is enough scope for both Henderson and Freeman to have starting-level value here, but there is also reason to be concerned.

    Looking to make a trade in your fantasy league? Having trouble deciding who to start and who to sit? Setting DFS lineups? Check out PFN’s Free Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer, Start/Sit Optimizer, and DFS Lineup Optimizer to help you make the right decision!

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