Injuries continue to add up throughout the NFL. Plenty of players got banged up in Week 9, while others suffered injuries that could knock them out for several weeks or more.
Let’s round up the most notable injury updates looking ahead to Week 10.
Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen was a full participant both Wednesday and Thursday with a left hand injury.
It’s a recurring condition for Allen, who injured his left hand in the season-opener vs. the Arizona Cardinals and has been listed on the injury report every week since. However, he’s never been anything less than a full participant in practice this season, and this shouldn’t impact him at all on Sunday vs. the Indianapolis Colts.
Derek Carr, QB, New Orleans Saints
Derek Carr is dealing with an illness this week. The good news is that the New Orleans Saints quarterback has been listed as a full participant both Wednesday and Thursday.
Carr from a three-game absence last week vs. the Carolina Panthers, only to come under fire after a middling game that led to a loss and the firing of head coach Dennis Allen. Former teammate Michael Thomas was particularly harsh in his criticism of Carr.
With top wideout Chris Olave likely out due to a scary concussion suffered last week, the upside of Carr and the Saints offense as a whole is extremely limited. Even in a favorable matchup at home vs. the Atlanta Falcons, Carr is a low-level starter in two-quarterback leagues.
Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Trevor Lawrence is dealing with a left shoulder injury. Despite logging a limited practice on Wednesday and Thursday, Lawrence is reportedly unlikely to play vs. the Minnesota Vikings while he weighs his options.
As #Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence (left shoulder) continues to get treatment and weigh options for the future, sources say he’s considered unlikely to play Sunday vs the #Vikings.
Lawrence was limited in practice yesterday & coach Doug Pederson was noncommittal about his status. pic.twitter.com/9D4q5ogSe3
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 7, 2024
Rapoport also noted that surgery is still on the table for Lawrence, though that option is not imminent.
Mac Jones is Jacksonville’s QB2 and will start against Minnesota if Lawrence can’t play. Pro Football Network ranks Jones as the NFL’s 11th-best backup quarterback. The Jaguars signed QB C.J. Beathard off the Dolphins’ practice squad on Monday as extra insurance.
Will Levis, QB, Tennessee Titans
Will Levis continues to be hindered by the right shoulder injury he suffered in Week 4. The Tennessee Titans quarterback was limited for Wednesday’s practice, but returned to full practice on Thursday. This matches what head coach Brian Callahan projected for the second-year quarterback this week.
“His reps should uptick,” head coach Brian Callahan said of Levis. “We’re trying to get him back rolling and hopeful that’s sooner rather than later here. … Mason still needs to be ready to play, and he’ll still take some reps, but we’d like to increase Will’s workload this week, certainly.”
So while Mason Rudolph has stated the club’s last three games, Levis could be trending toward returning in Week 10.
Despite being listed as questionable, Levis has not been active for either of the Titans’ past three games. It may have been a soft benching for the 2023 second-round pick, who had thrown five touchdowns and seven interceptions in five games.
Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
For a moment, it looked like the entire NFL season had turned on its head when Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes went down on a non-contact play.
Mahomes fell to the turf on a fourth-quarter touchdown pass to Samaje Perine. While he was very slow to get off the field, it turned out to be a minor re-aggravation of a pre-existing left ankle sprain he suffered in Week 8 versus the Raiders.
Came into game with left eversion ankle sprain
Aggravates it on the poor footing
Not severe
Mahomes is "gumby" https://t.co/pkYw2W9ZVO— David J. Chao – ProFootballDoc (@ProFootballDoc) November 5, 2024
Mahomes ended up toughing out the rest of the team’s Week 9 overtime win over the Buccaneers, maintaining the team’s unbeaten start. After the game, Mahomes said he expected some swelling but that the ankle started feeling better once he began walking.
The Chiefs have already had their bye, so Mahomes won’t have extended time to rest until the Wild Card round if Kansas City clinches the top seed. They’ll host the Broncos in Week 10.
On Wednesday, Mahomes said his ankle was sore but noted he could still move. The two-time MVP practiced in full both Wednesday and Thursday, indicating that he shouldn’t be limited on Sunday.
Baker Mayfield, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Baker Mayfield showed up on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Week 10 injury report with a toe injury. Mayfield did not practice on either Wednesday or Thursday, which would seemingly raise alarm about his availability for Sunday vs. the San Francisco 49ers.
The good news is that offensive coordinator Liam Coen spoke on Thursday and said that Mayfield is improving and should be fine for the game.
#Bucs OC Liam Coen says Baker Mayfield (toe) is doing a little more and should be OK for Sunday vs #49ers #WeAreThe813 #WeAreTheKrewe pic.twitter.com/VmvjaRKw2S
— The 813 | Tampa Bay's Premier #Bucs Content (@The813tv) November 7, 2024
Mayfield leads the league with 23 passing touchdowns and has shined for a Bucs offense that has been pass-heavy, even without top wideouts Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. If he can’t go for whatever reason, fourth-year pro Kyle Trask is the backup and would make his first career start.
Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys
Dak Prescott entered the medical tent along the Dallas Cowboys’ sideline at the start of the fourth quarter. Dallas subsequently announced that he was questionable to return with a hamstring injury, but Prescott never re-entered Sunday’s game.
Prescott underwent an MRI on his hamstring on Monday, and the news was not positive. The Cowboys quarterback was placed on injured reserve, which will keep him out until at least Week 14.
From @GMFB: #Cowboys QB Dak Prescott is headed to IR. pic.twitter.com/ahODagAB5L
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 5, 2024
After Sunday’s game, Prescott said he thought he hurt his hamstring on a third-quarter scramble attempt.
“Yeah, we gotta get it looked at,” Prescott said. “Felt it on the little scramble to the left. Felt it, didn’t think much. Then on the next play, throwing that the stop route to the field, pulled something, I felt something I never felt. It was tough to walk on it at that point.”
Cooper Rush, who went 4-1 after relieving Prescott as the Cowboys’ starter in 2022, will be under center moving forward. Pro Football Network ranks Rush as the NFL’s 15th-best backup quarterback.
Aaron Rodgers, QB, New York Jets
The body tends to heal a little slower at age 40, and Aaron Rodgers is no exception. The New York Jets quarterback does not appear to be in danger of missing any time, but he was listed on the team’s Week 10 injury report with both knee and hamstring injuries.
The good news is that he was a full participant both Wednesday and Thursday. Rodgers was listed with the same two injuries last week and was actually limited for the first practice, so his ability to practice in full every day this week suggests progress.
Tank Bigsby, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Tank Bigsby picked up an ankle injury in Week 8 and was limited for Jacksonville’s practices all week leading up to Week 9. He ended up playing on Sunday, but Bigsby was again limited for practice Wednesday and Thursday leading up to Week 10.
Bigsby had already begun stealing work from fellow Jaguars RB Travis Etienne Jr. before the latter suffered a hamstring injury and missed Weeks 7 and 8. Etienne returned for Week 9. His presence, plus Jacksonville’s negative game script against the Eagles, rendered both backs worthless in fantasy.
Among running backs with at least 75 carries this season, Bigsby ranks No. 1 in yards after contact per attempt (4.40) and No. 3 in explosive run rate (12.9%). He’s surpassed 100 rushing yards in two of the past five weeks, scoring two TDs in both century-mark efforts.
Jonathon Brooks, RB, Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers activated second-round RB Jonathon Brooks from the non-football injury (NFI) list on Wednesday.
The Texas product is a year removed from tearing his ACL and should be expected to play in Week 10. Brooks fully practiced on Wednesday and Thursday.
Had the Panthers not activated Brooks this week, he would’ve remained on the NFI list for the rest of the season. Although Chuba Hubbard has thrived as Carolina’s starting running back, Brooks will add a much-needed offensive threat to the Panthers’ underwhelming offense.
James Conner, RB, Arizona Cardinals
James Conner has been a top-20 fantasy RB in each of the past three games, but the veteran Arizona Cardinals running back got banged up in the club’s Week 10 win over the Bears.
Conner was cleared for a concussion on Sunday, but he must have suffered a finger injury vs. Chicago. He was limited for practice Wednesday and Thursday.
A finger issue won’t be enough to keep Conner from facing the Jets in Week 10. However, New York isn’t an appetizing matchup for the veteran back. Gang Green ranks third-best in run defense efficiency and top-10 in fantasy points allowed to running backs.
Travis Etienne Jr., RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
While Etienne is still battling the hamstring injury that sidelined him in Weeks 7 and 8, the Jacksonville Jaguars RB returned to play in Week 9. He managed a limited pre-Week 10 practice on Wednesday and Thursday.
Etienne managed just 24 rushing yards on three carries against the Eagles on Sunday, adding two catches for six yards. With both Etienne and Tank Bigsby receiving work in Jacksonville’s backfield, neither can be trusted in fantasy.
Kareem Hunt, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
Kareem Hunt has been a workhorse for the Kansas City Chiefs since re-joining the club ahead of Week 4. However, Hunt popped up on the team’s Week 9 injury report with a quad issue and is dealing with the same ailment ahead of Week 10.
This doesn’t appear to be a severe problem. Hunt eventually moved to full practices last Thursday and Friday and was removed from K.C.’s injury report altogether. He’s following the same pattern this week, starting off as limited Wednesday before returning to full practice on Thursday.
Hunt’s quad injury didn’t bother him against the Buccaneers on Monday night. He posted season highs with 27 carries and 106 rushing yards, scoring two total touchdowns while finishing as fantasy’s RB11.
Bucky Irving, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Bucky Irving was limited in practice both Wednesday and Thursday with his toe injury. That’s an improvement from the last two weeks, which saw Irving go DNP-DNP-limited in his practice progression.
The rookie has taken a bit of a backseat in Tampa Bay Buccaneers backfield amid his ailment. In Week 9 vs. the Kansas City Chiefs, Irving played 34.6% of the snaps, his lowest since Week 3. He did take the most carries (seven), though Rachaad White and Sean Tucker had three each to muddle the picture.
Irving is the lead back on clear run downs, and the Buccaneers have not had a favorable game script during their three-game losing streak. Unfortunately fantasy managers can’t really expect that to change on the road vs. the San Francisco 49ers, so Irving will be touchdown-dependent again in Week 10.
Alvin Kamara, RB, New Orleans Saints
Alvin Kamara has been carrying an enormous burden for a challenged New Orleans Saints offense this season. Thus, it’s no surprise that the veteran running back has been a regular on the injury report this year with a litany of small ailments.
Ahead of Week 10, Kamara was a full participant both Wednesday and Thursday while dealing with a hand injury. The good news is that he shed the rib injury that had accompanied the hand on the practice report the past two weeks.
Kamara has had a workhorse season, taking 58% of the carries for the Saints in 2024. That’s the fifth-highest share of any player this season. The Atlanta Falcons have been stronger than you might expect against running backs, allowing the eighth-fewest PPR points per game. But Kamara is a must-start regardless.
Jordan Mason, RB, San Francisco 49ers
Jordan Mason first suffered his right shoulder injury in Week 6 vs. the San Francisco 49ers. Even after the bye, Mason is still showing some ill effects from that injury.
After being listed as a full participant on Wednesday, Mason was limited in Thursday’s practice ahead of their Week 10 game vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This doesn’t necessarily mean that Mason’s availability is in jeopardy, but Friday’s report will be telling.
Mason has shined as the lead back, ranking fourth in the NFL with 685 rushing yards. However, with Christian McCaffrey’s season debut approaching, his time as San Francisco’s RB1 is winding down.
Christian McCaffrey, RB, San Francisco 49ers
Christian McCaffrey was the consensus No. 1 overall player in fantasy football drafts this season. However, he hasn’t played in 2024 due to Achilles tendinitis. He was a surprise inactive in Week 1 and placed on IR in Week 2.
The banged-up San Francisco 49ers enjoyed a much-needed bye in Week 9 as McCaffrey continues to work toward a potential return. On Thursday, Kyle Shanahan officially delivered the word that he expected McCaffrey to make his season debut in Week 10 vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The wait is over: 49ers HC Kyle Shanahan said he expects Christian McCaffrey make his season debut Sunday vs. the Buccaneers. pic.twitter.com/69BcNRmWrk
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 8, 2024
McCaffrey was officially limited on Wednesday and Thursday, suggesting the 49ers are ramping him back up. While it remains to be seen if CMC receives a full workload in his first game back, managers can’t risk not putting the NFL’s top fantasy player in their lineups.
Tony Pollard, RB, Tennessee Titans
Tony Pollard went in the wrong direction on Thursday, being downgraded to a DNP after being limited on Wednesday with his foot injury.
Pollard did not practice all of last week but still suited up and recorded 28 carries for 128 yards. Thus, missing one practice doesn’t necessarily indicate that he’ll be out in Week 10.
However, with Tyjae Spears returning to full participation this week, perhaps the Titans consider easing off Pollard given his ailment to give him a chance to more fully recover.
Brian Robinson Jr., RB, Washington Commanders
Brian Robinson Jr. was seemingly a go in Week 9 after being limited with a hamstring injury all week. However, pregame warmups did not go well, and Robinson was made inactive for the Washington Commanders’ win over the Giants.
The third-year back continues to follow the same pattern leading up to Week 10, as Robinson was limited both Wednesday and Thursday. Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said the club is “really going to push it” with Robinson this week.
However, it’s essential to consider that Washington has a short turnaround to a Week 11 Thursday night game in Philadelphia. That could theoretically lead the Commanders to save him for the more important game to decide first place in the NFC East.
Without Robinson, Washington had a three-headed committee in its backfield of Austin Ekeler (28 snaps), Jeremy McNichols (23), and Chris Rodriguez Jr. (20).
Tyjae Spears, RB, Tennessee Titans
Tyjae Spears has missed the Titans’ past three games with a hamstring injury. He’s mixed in a few limited practices over the last few weeks but hasn’t been able to suit up for game action.
Spears was limited for Wednesday’s practice, but upgraded to full on Thursday. That’s a big step indicating that his return could finally come on Sunday.
With Spears sidelined, fellow Titans RB Tony Pollard has turned into a genuine workhorse. He’s played at least 80% of Tennessee’s snaps over the past three weeks. Despite being questionable with a foot injury in Week 9, Poillard set a career-high with 28 carries for 128 yards.
A.J. Brown, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
A.J. Brown went down in the first half of the Philadelphia Eagles’ Week 9 win over the Jaguars, but the club received good news on Monday.
Per NFL Network, Brown did not suffer a significant knee injury on Sunday. He doesn’t have any structural issues and is dealing with more of a contusion. Brown could suit up against the Cowboys in Week 10.
Brown practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday before logging a full practice on Thursday. That progression is a great sign for his Sunday availability.
Brown had been targeted four times before departing in Week 9, catching two Jalen Hurts passes for 36 scoreless yards.
The 27-year-old has already dealt with injury problems this season. Before Week 2, Brown suffered a hamstring injury that cost him three games.
Gabe Davis, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
Gabe Davis went down with a shoulder injury in the first half of the Jaguars’ Week 8 loss to the Packers and hasn’t played since. While he was limited in practice last week, Davis was eventually ruled out for Week 9.
Davis was limited again on Wednesday and Thursday, which doesn’t exactly help us determine whether he’ll be ready to face the Vikings on Sunday. Unless he has a full practice on Friday, Davis may end up as a game-time decision for the second consecutive week.
When healthy, Davis has a clear path to opportunity in Jacksonville’s wide receiver hierarchy. Fellow Jags WR Christian Kirk is on IR with a broken collarbone, leaving Davis as the club’s WR2 behind first-round rookie Brian Thomas Jr.
Keon Coleman, WR, Buffalo Bills
Buffalo Bills rookie WR Keon Coleman appeared to suffer a wrist/hand injury on Sunday. He was injured while trying to haul in a deep pass from Josh Allen with 54 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.
Coleman went to Buffalo’s locker room before the game was over. After Buffalo’s victory, he had a brace on his right wrist.
Coleman didn’t practice on Wednesday or Thursday. Head coach Sean McDermott told reporters that the second-round rookie could be sidelined for more than one week while the Bills continue to evaluate Coleman’s return.
Despite Amari Cooper’s absence (wrist), Coleman wasn’t heavily involved in Week 9. The Florida State product had managed just one 21-yard reception on two targets versus the Dolphins before departing.
Nico Collins, WR, Houston Texans
Houston Texans WR Nico Collins was off to a scorching hot start before suffering a hamstring injury in Week 5 against Buffalo. Collins was well on his way to earning first-team All-Pro honors before being placed on IR in Week 6.
The Texans are eagerly awaiting Collins’ return, as Stefon Diggs suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 8. Collins is eligible to return for the Texans this week against the Lions.
While Collins has “passed all the tests” for his hamstring injury, he was not designated to return and did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday. Houston could still designate him later this week, but Collins’ absence could signal that the Texans will exude caution with their WR1.
With Nico Collins still not practicing today and not designated to return from IR, it makes him a long shot to play Sunday night vs. the Lions. https://t.co/JxBP6D46le
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) November 7, 2024
Brandin Cooks, WR, Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys placed veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks on IR on Oct. 5 due to a knee infection. Cooks is eligible to return this week against the Eagles, and reports about his progress were encouraging last week.
Saw Cowboys WR Brandin Cooks walking on the practice field and said, I see you got those knees out.
He responded with a smile and said, “you know what that means.”
Cooks is ready to return but he has to miss four games due to being placed on injured reserve.
Two more games then… pic.twitter.com/sof4sa3FxR— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) October 24, 2024
However, he was still working off to the side as part of the rehab group as of Thursday, suggesting that he may need to ramp up his activity before returning. Because he’s on injured reserve, Dallas is not required to list a practice participation level for Cooks.
Cooks was initially expected to miss just one game due to a knee injury, but the procedure on his knee resulted in an infection. Thus, he was forced to undergo a clean-up procedure, which has sidelined Dallas’ second-best WR for at least four weeks.
Amari Cooper, WR, Buffalo Bills
Amari Cooper was a surprise inactive for the Bills in Week 9 after suffering a wrist injury in Week 8 against the Seahawks. Although Cooper practiced in limited fashion earlier in the week, the wide receiver was ruled out on game day.
Cooper was limited on both Wednesday and Thursday with the same wrist injury. He was a limited participant all week entering Week 9, so this doesn’t guarantee that he’ll return Sunday vs. the Indianapolis Colts. But with Keon Coleman battling through a more serious injury that seems likely to keep him out, the Bills could use Cooper’s return to the lineup.
The 10-year pro has five receptions for 69 yards and a touchdown in two games with Buffalo since being traded from the Browns. Cooper was still ramping up his participation before this injury, playing only 43% of the snaps so far with the Bills.
Mike Evans, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Mike Evans exited the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Week 7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens after three drives with a right hamstring injury. At the time, reports suggested he would be out through Tampa Bay’s Week 11 bye, meaning at least three games missed.
Thus, it’s no surprise to see Evans log consecutive DNPs to start the Bucs’ practice week ahead in Week 10. The 31-year-old has yet to practice since his injury.
Check back on Evans in two weeks when the Bucs return from their bye. If he’s still not practicing at that point, fantasy managers and Bucs fans alike will have more reason for alarm.
Tee Higgins, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
Week 10 status: OUT
Tee Higgins has been sidelined for two games after injuring his quad during practice, and the Cincinnati Bengals’ WR2 doesn’t appear ready to face the division-rival Ravens on Thursday night.
Higgins didn’t practice on Monday or Tuesday and was spotted on an exercise bike on Wednesday. While Bengals head coach Zac Taylor didn’t rule Higgins out for Week 10, he is officially considered doubtful to play.
Higgins also missed the first two games of the season with a hamstring injury. The fifth-year pro has 29 catches for 341 yards in 2024 and is set to enter free agency this offseason after playing on the franchise tag.
Jauan Jennings, WR, San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers are down numerous offensive weapons but could be getting healthy soon. After missing the team’s last two games before the bye week with a hip injury, wide receiver Jauan Jennings returned to practice on Monday.
Jauan Jennings sighting 👀 pic.twitter.com/4GkM7rSGG8
— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) November 4, 2024
He was officially listed as limited both Wednesday and Thursday, a promising sign for his return to play.
Jennings is in line for the No. 2 WR role with Brandon Aiyuk out for the season. He had a spectacular Week 3 game against the Los Angeles Rams, posting 11 catches for 175 yards and three touchdowns. However, in the three games combined before his injury, Jennings recorded only seven catches for 128 yards and no scores.
CeeDee Lamb, WR, Dallas Cowboys
CeeDee Lamb seemed to be battling a right shoulder issue throughout Sunday’s game. He received attention from trainers throughout the first half but never entered the medical tent or exited the contest. However, Lamb landed hard on that shoulder while trying to reel in an end-zone attempt from Cooper Rush at the start of the fourth quarter.
After the game, ESPN’s Todd Archer reported that Lamb “is dealing with a right AC joint issue with his shoulder” and added that he will have an MRI to evaluate the severity.
The good news is that Lamb spoke on Thursday and indicated that his condition had improved significantly. He noted that he didn’t even intend to wear a brace on his shoulder.
Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb sounds like he’s good to go for Sunday against the Eagles. “My shoulder is much better than it was on Sunday, I’ll tell you that. I feel like I’ve taken a big step these last 2-3 days. I’m good. I was out there running today.”
He said the injury is more… pic.twitter.com/pS5Fnbhz8r
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) November 7, 2024
Lamb was limited during practice both Wednesday and Thursday. As long as he can play against the Eagles on Sunday, Lamb will still be a top-five fantasy wideout. But his upside might not be there with Rush at QB instead of Dak Prescott.
Drake London, WR, Atlanta Falcons
Drake London caught a nine-yard touchdown on the second drive of the Atlanta Falcons’ Week 9 win over the Cowboys. However, he was seen talking to trainers after the play, which ended up being his final snap of the contest.
London was initially listed as questionable to return with a hip injury. However, the Falcons officially ruled him out for the remainder of the game at halftime.
The good news is that London was diagnosed with a hip pointer, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport. It isn’t expected to be a long-term issue, and head coach Raheem Morris called his top receiver “day-to-day” on Monday.
#Falcons WR Drake London will have tests done, but the belief is he suffered a hip pointer, source said. While those can be frustrating, they are not long-term issues. pic.twitter.com/XDEp1Hxe1R
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 4, 2024
London was able to practice in limited fashion both Wednesday and Thursday. Morris said he’s still “feeling really good” about London’s ability against the Saints in Week 10, though he won’t be out of the woods until we see his game status after Friday’s practice.
London leads the Falcons this season with 50 receptions, and his 552 receiving yards are second on the team to Darnell Mooney. His six touchdown receptions are also already a career-high (and as many as he had his first two seasons combined).
Jalen McMillan, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in desperate need of wide receivers, with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin already out. Rookie Jalen McMillan looked like the new potential No. 1 target but missed Monday night’s game versus the Kansas City Chiefs with a hamstring injury suffered on Saturday.
McMillan sat out practice both Wednesday and Thursday, suggesting it may be at least another week before the rookie is ready to return.
It’s not the first time McMillan has missed time with a hamstring injury this season, as he was out Weeks 4-5 with the same injury. At the time, head coach Todd Bowles noted how missing practice time was especially damaging for the rookie.
McMillan ran a team-high 46 routes in Week 8, the first game without both Evans and Godwin. However, it’s unclear if that hierarchy would remain after Sterling Shepard recorded six touches for 69 yards as the team’s top receiver on Monday.
Chris Olave, WR, New Orleans Saints
New Orleans Saints WR Chris Olave stayed down on the field after taking a scary first-quarter hit from Panthers safety Xavier Woods, who was flagged for an unsportsmanlike penalty on the play. New Orleans’ medical staff immediately tended to Olave, placing him on a backboard before carting him off the field.
While Olave suffered a concussion, he thankfully had movement in all his extremities. After spending time at a local hospital, he was discharged and traveled home to New Orleans with the rest of his team.
Olave’s injury is especially concerning, given that he suffered a concussion in Week 6. He missed the Saints’ Week 7 loss to Denver before returning against the Chargers in Week 8. Olave was evaluated for a concussion vs. Los Angeles but was cleared to return to the game.
The former first-round pick has a lengthy concussion history. He missed Week 6 during his 2022 rookie campaign with a brain injury, then was sidelined for Week 12 in 2023. Olave also suffered a concussion during Ohio State’s season opener in 2020.
Olave told reporters that he considered wearing a Guardian Cap — a padded helmet covering that can help reduce brain injuries — after his Week 6 concussion. However, he did not don the Guardian Cap for Weeks 8 or 9.
Unsurprisingly, Olave is not practicing, having sat out both Wednesday and Thursday. Saints interim head coach Darren Rizzi said Olave is meeting with concussion specialists, adding that no decision has been made on a potential injured reserve stint.
Michael Pittman Jr., WR, Indianapolis Colts
Michael Pittman Jr. is still battling the back injury that the Indianapolis Colts initially thought would send him to injured reserve in Week 6. Pittman miraculously played that week and suited up again in Week 7.
Indy has been managing his practice reps since. Pittman has gone DNP-Full on Wednesday and Thursday over the last three weeks, but this week broke the trend with a DNP-DNP start on Wednesday and Thursday.
Notably, he’s also dealing with a finger issue in addition to his back injury this week. A return to practice on Friday would be reassuring, but he may also need a week off. Pittman has just two catches for 30 yards over his last two games combined.
Demarcus Robinson, WR, Los Angeles Rams
Ahead of the Los Angeles Rams’ Week 10 Monday night game, Demarcus Robinson popped up as a DNP on the first practice report of the week on Thursday with a toe injury.
This was apparently a new injury suffered in last week’s win over the Seattle Seahawks, since Robinson was not on the injury report at all last week. Sean McVay didn’t sound particularly concerned, saying that they were being cautious with Robinson’s toe.
Sean McVay said Kam Curl (knee), Kevin Dotson (ankle), Demarcus Robinson (toe), Neville Gallimore (shoulder) and Rob Havenstein (ankle) won't practice today.
McVay said Dotson and Curl are expected to play vs. Dolphins. Didn't sound concerned about Robinson's toe injury
— Stu Jackson (@StuJRams) November 7, 2024
Robinson has been one of the few constants for an injury-riddled offense, playing 87.6% of the snaps this season. He caught the game-winning 39-yard touchdown in overtime last week, his team-leading fifth touchdown of the season.
Deebo Samuel Sr., WR, San Francisco 49ers
Deebo Samuel Sr. was limited for practice both Wednesday and Thursday as he continues to battle rib and oblique injuries.
Samuel, already banged up going into Week 8, suffered a rib injury late in the 49ers’ win over the Cowboys. While the 49ers labeled him questionable to return, Samuel never re-entered the game, finishing with eight touches for 86 scoreless yards. He appeared to score a long second-quarter touchdown, but it was called back due to offensive holding.
Samuel was active for Week 7 but played just four snaps while battling a wrist injury and pneumonia. Fellow 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk tore his ACL in that game, leaving Samuel as Brock Purdy’s clear WR1 for the remainder of the season.
San Francisco had a bye in Week 9, allowing Samuel to recover from his various maladies.
DeVonta Smith, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
DeVonta Smith did not practice on Wednesday while battling a hamstring injury, but returned in a limited capacity. Fellow Philadelphia Eagles WR A.J. Brown (knee) also upgraded from limited to full on Thursday, a reassuring sign for the duo’s availability vs. the Dallas Cowboys.
Smith played 96% of the Eagles’ snaps in Week 9, dominating with four catches for 87 yards and a touchdown after Brown departed in the first half. Philadelphia was likely taking it easy on its WR2, though we’ll need to confirm that Smith is present again for practice on Friday.
Assuming he’s active, Smith could have a field day against the Cowboys on Sunday. Dallas ranks third-worst in pass defense efficiency and fourth-worst in DVOA against opposing No. 2 wide receivers.
JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
JuJu Smith-Schuster was a non-participant in practice both Wednesday and Thursday ahead of Week 10, making it likely that he misses his third straight game.
The Kansas City Chiefs wideout aggravated a pre-existing hamstring injury in Week 7, and has not practiced since. The Chiefs curiously chose not to place him on injured reserve, suggesting they believe he could return by next week’s pivotal game against the Buffalo Bills.
However, the lack of presence from Smith-Schuster at practice indicates this may be more than a four-week injury. NFL IR rules do not allow a player to be retroactively placed on injured reserve, so Kansas City may wait out the wide receiver’s recovery at this point.
Darius Slayton, WR, New York Giants
Darius Slayton picked up a concussion during the New York Giants’ Week 9 loss to the Washington Commanders. With their Week 10 game in Germany, we got an early call about Slayton’s status from head coach Brian Daboll.
Giants head coach Brian Daboll said that Darius Slayton continues to remai in concussion protocol and he doesn’t expect Slayton to make the trip to Germany to play against the Panthers. pic.twitter.com/hfloSjI4fd
— Doug Rush (@TheDougRush) November 7, 2024
Slayton did not practice Thursday, confirming that he’s on track to miss at least one game. The sixth-year pro ranks second on the Giants with 469 receiving yards this season. His absence suggests that tight end Theo Johnson and Wan’Dale Robinson will likely be the main complementary pieces to Malik Nabers on Sunday vs. the Carolina Panthers.
Adam Thielen, WR, Carolina Panthers
Carolina Panthers veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen was injured in Week 3 after hauling in a 31-yard touchdown from Andy Dalton. While Thielen appeared to be trending in the right direction with Dalton at quarterback, he landed on IR due to a hamstring injury.
Thielen was not activated ahead of the team’s Week 9 game versus the Saints but appears to be nearing his return. Panthers reporter David Newton said he would be activated ahead of the team’s Week 10 game in Germany against the Giants.
Thielen still was not practicing on Wednesday or Thursday, however. Unless he can manage a limited session on Thursday or Friday, he may be unable to play in Week 10.
The 34-year-old demonstrated a strong rapport with Bryce Young last season, recording 103 catches for 1,014 yards. It was his first 1,000-yard season since 2018, the year of his last Pro Bowl berth with the Vikings.
Brian Thomas Jr., WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville’s rookie wideout Brian Thomas Jr. (chest) was a game-time decision for Week 9, but the first-round pick ended up playing in the club’s loss to the Eagles on Sunday. While he was on the field for 91% of the Jags’ offensive snaps, Thomas posted his worst game of the season, catching just two passes for 22 yards.
Thomas was limited for the first two practices of Week 10. Barring a setback on Friday, he should be good to go against the Vikings on Sunday.
Thomas ranks first among rookie receivers in yards (595), receiving touchdowns (five), and yards per route run (2.40); he’s second to Malik Nabers in receptions (35).
Dallas Goedert, TE, Philadelphia Eagles
Dallas Goedert returned to practice on Wednesday, participating in his first session since suffering a hamstring injury in Week 6. He fully practiced both Wednesday and Thursday, which is an excellent sign for his Week 10 availability.
Goedert did hedge by telling reporters he’d need to see how his week of practice goes before determining whether he can play in Week 10. However, Eliot Shorr-Parks of 94WIP suggested that it “seems pretty clear” Goedert is “intending on playing” vs. the Cowboys.
Grant Calcaterra posted at least three catches or 50 yards in three of four games as Goedert’s replacement, finishing as a top-25 fantasy TE in all three contests.
Dalton Kincaid, TE, Buffalo Bills
Dalton Kincaid was a full participant both Wednesday and Thursday with a knee injury. This is actually an upgrade from recent weeks, as Kincaid is no longer listed with a collarbone injury.
The Buffalo Bills tight end has 32 receptions for 332 yards and three touchdowns on the season. With Amari Cooper out, Kincaid played 79.7% of the snaps in Week 9, his highest since Week 6 and third-highest total of the season.
It doesn’t seem as though this should be anything to limit Kincaid vs. the Indianapolis Colts. With Keon Coleman likely missing the game, expect another similarly high participation rate for Kincaid.
Kyle Pitts, TE, Atlanta Falcons
Kyle Pitts has stayed healthy this season and is on pace for his best campaign since his 2021 rookie year. On Wednesday, however, the Atlanta Falcons tight end popped up on the club’s injury report for the first time in 2024.
Pitts is dealing with a hamstring injury. Fortunately, he has managed to log limited practices on both Wednesday and Thursday.
Pitts’ hamstring issue may have bothered him in Week 9, when he played 54% of Atlanta’s offensive snaps (his second-lowest rate of the year) while earning his worst target share (4.2%) of the season.