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 all week while dealing with a hand with a left hand injury. He does not have an injury designation for Week 10.
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 was listed as a full participant in practice all week and is good to go for Sunday’s game.
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.
Jalen Hurts, QB, Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles may receive a call from the NFL regarding their injury reporting procedures.
When asked about Jalen Hurts’ limited practice on Wednesday (which was attributed to rest), Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni mentioned that Hurts was battling an ankle injury.
Here’s video of the awkward exchange at today’s press conference where Nick Sirianni may have accidentally revealed that Eagles QB Jalen Hurts is dealing with an ankle injury. 🤔 pic.twitter.com/MZNUiMhoBA
— Anthony DiBona (@DiBonaNFL) November 8, 2024
Pressed about Hurts’ condition, Sirianni backtracked and said he thought he was being asked about “something else.”
However, ESPN’s Tim McManus reported Friday that Hurts has been dealing with a “mild ankle issue for a couple weeks.” Another source told ESPN that the Eagles’ QB has “lower leg soreness,” indicating that Philadelphia prevented Hurts from “dropping and planting” during the club’s individual sessions on Wednesday.
Hurts returned to a full practice on Thursday and doesn’t appear to be in any danger of missing Week 10. Still, his ankle will be worth monitoring in the weeks ahead.
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.
While Lawrence is officially listed as questionable for Week 10, head coach Doug Pederson said his starting quarterback is trending toward sitting on Sunday.
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 is ready to return to the Tennessee Titans’ starting lineup in Week 10. continues to be hindered by the right shoulder injury he suffered in Week 4. Head coach Brian Callahan announced Friday that Levis will start for the Titans on Sunday.
Levis initially injured his right shoulder in Week 4. He recovered enough during the club’s Week 5 bye to start in Week 6. However, Levis aggravated his injury in that game and hasn’t played since.
“He looks ready to go,” Callahan said Friday.
Levis is returning in a difficult spot against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Titans are a 7.5-point road favorite, while the Bolts’ defense ranks No. 3 in EPA per pass.
Levis was the NFL’s least efficient quarterback from Weeks 1 though 6, averaging -0.31 EPA per play. Rudolph posted -0.10 EPA per play from Weeks 7-9, ranking 26th among 32 qualifying passers.
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 all week and doesn’t have an injury designation for 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.
Mayfield practiced on Friday and was officially removed from Tampa Bay’s injury report. He’s good to go for Week 10.
#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 has a partial tear of his hamstring and is set to undergo surgery to repair it. He has been placed on IR and is done for the season.
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 all week and doesn’t have an injury designation for Sunday. 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.
Fortunately, Bigsby practiced again on Friday and was removed from the Jaguars’ injury report. He doesn’t have an injury designation for Sunday’s game.
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 could make his debut in Week 10. Brooks fully practiced all week, but head coach Dave Canales still said it’s only a “possibility” that the rookie will face the Giants in Germany on Sunday.
Had the Panthers not activated Brooks this week, he would’ve remained on the NFI list for the rest of the season. Chuba Hubbard has thrived as Carolina’s starting running back and earned a four-year extension this week.
Julius Chestnut, RB, Tennessee Titans
Tennessee Titans running back Julius Chestnut is questionable for Week 10 with a foot injury. With Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears off the Titans’ injury report, Chestnut is not on the fantasy radar.
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. After participating again on Friday, Etienne was officially removed from Jacksonville’s injury report. He’s good to go against the Vikings on Sunday.
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 sessions on Thursday and Friday. Hunt will play in Week 10.
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.
Irving practiced again on Friday and was removed from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ injury report. He will suit up against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.
The rookie has taken a bit of a backseat in 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 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 on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday 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. Fortunately, Mason practiced again on Friday and was removed from the 49ers’ injury report.
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.
While CMC is officially listed as questionable for Sunday’s game, he’s fully expected to suit up, as the 49ers activated him from IR ahead of Saturday’s deadline.
All looks good for the 49ers: Christian McCaffrey, Nick Bosa and Jordan Mason all moving well at practice pic.twitter.com/TuSyc5alM4
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) 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. Fortunately, he returned to practice on Friday and doesn’t have an injury designation for Week 10.
Pollard did not practice all of last week but still suited up and recorded a career-high 28 carries for 128 yards. The Tennessee Titans likely gave him Thursday off after his massive Week 9 workload.
Titans RB2 Tyjae Spears will return from a three-game absence this week, and head coach Brian Callahan has stressed the importance of reducing Pollard’s touch count. While both backs will see snaps against the Chargers on Sunday, Pollard remains the club’s clear 1A option.
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.
Week 10 was a downgrade for Robinson. He was limited on Wednesday and Thursday but didn’t participate on Friday before officially being ruled out. Going from a game-time decision last week to being ruled out on Friday this week isn’t a good sign for Robinson’s recovery.
Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said the club was “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 might have convinced 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). Rodriguez is out of practice-squad elevations, so the Commanders will have to sign him to their active roster if they want him to play on Sunday.
Tyjae Spears, RB, Tennessee Titans
Tyjae Spears has missed the Titans’ past three games with a hamstring injury but will return in Week 10. After being upgraded to a full practice on Thursday, Spears was formally removed from Tennessee’s injury report on Friday.
With Spears sidelined, fellow Titans RB Tony Pollard 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, Pollard set a career-high with 28 carries for 128 yards.
Still, head coach Brian Callahan has been adamant that Pollard needs to see fewer touches, which could allow for Spears to make an impact on Sunday.
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 practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday before logging full practices on Thursday and Friday. He was officially removed form the Eagles’ injury report on Friday and is good to go for Week 10.
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.
Keon Coleman, WR, Buffalo Bills
Buffalo Bills rookie WR Keon Coleman will not suit up in Week 10 while dealing with a wrist injury. The second-round pick did not practice at all during the week.
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.
Coleman was injured while trying to haul in a deep pass from Josh Allen with 54 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. He went to Buffalo’s locker room before the game was over. After Buffalo’s victory, he had a brace on his right wrist.
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.
Collins has “passed all the tests” for his hamstring injury and was officially designated for return on Friday. He logged a limited practice on Friday but remains questionable for Week 10.
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
“Nico, he’s doing good,” Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said Wednesday. “We’ll see where he ends up.”
The Texans had three weeks from Friday to activate Collins to their roster. However, they wasted no time, opting to activate Collins on Saturday after just a single limited practice. He is not yet guaranteed to play Sunday night, but it stands to reason the Texans would not have activated him this soon if they did not plan to use him.
Brandin Cooks, WR, Dallas Cowboys
Week 10 status: OUT
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 all week ahead of Week 10 with the same wrist injury and is considered questionable for Sunday’s game. 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.
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 all throughout this week, which doesn’t exactly help us determine whether he’ll be ready to face the Vikings on Sunday. He 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.
Tank Dell, WR, Houston Texans
A surprise wide receiver injury was the last thing the Houston Texans could afford in Week 10 — but that’s what they got.
Tank Dell popped up on the club’s Friday injury report with a back issue. He was limited during Friday’s practice and is now considered questionable for Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions. However, according to sources, he is expected to play.
Sources: #Texans wide receiver Tank Dell expected to play against #Lions @SundayNightFB despite back injury, questionable listing @KPRC2 @UHCougarFB https://t.co/aWEJ1a9Ujn
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) November 9, 2024
Houston is already without Stefon Diggs, who’s on IR after tearing his ACL last month. Texans WR1 Nico Collins returned from IR on Saturday, but remains questionable for Sunday.
If Dell and Collins both sit, C.J. Stroud will rely on Robert Woods, John Metchie III, and Xavier Hutchinson as his top receivers. As if that weren’t enough, Detroit’s defense ranks fourth in EPA per pass.
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 was no surprise to see Evans log DNPs all 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.
Tyreek Hill, WR, Miami Dolphins
Miami Dolphins wideout Tyreek Hill didn’t participate in Friday or Saturday’s practice due to a wrist injury.
The Dolphins will face the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night, so Hill still has two more days to get healthy.
Hill has been on Miami’s injury report with a foot issue in previous weeks and even missed practices. However, he’s yet to be sidelined for a game this year.
The fact that Hill might’ve injured his wrist during practice could make this situation more severe than his prior injury problems. The Dolphins’ Saturday practice report will shed more light on his potential availability.
If Hill does sit, Jaylen Waddle could have a field day against a Los Angeles Rams defense than allows the ninth-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Waddle has averaged just 3.3 targets per game over the past three weeks but would soak up many of Hill’s looks if the latter isn’t out there.
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 practiced again on Friday and was officially removed from the 49ers’ injury report. He’s good to go for Week 10.
Jennings is in line for San Fran’s 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. Lamb was officially removed from Dallas’ injury report on Friday and will play in Week 10.
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 Philadelphia, 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 throughout the week. Morris said he’s still “feeling really good” about London’s ability against the Saints in Week 10, but Atlanta’s WR1 is officially questionable for Sunday. While participating in practice all week signals that London will be available, we’ll need to check back on Sunday morning to be sure.
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. He returned to practice on Friday, but head coach Todd Bowles said McMillan will be a game-time decision.
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, 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 did not practice this week and won’t play on Sunday. Saints interim head coach Darren Rizzi said Olave is meeting with concussion specialists. The team opted to place Olave on IR on Saturday. He will miss the next four games. In all likelihood, Olave won’t play again this season.
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. While he’d been able to fight through the issue, Pittman is now dealing with an additional finger injury and will not play in Week 10.
Indy had been managing his practice reps since. Pittman had 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. Pittman didn’t participate on Friday; players that miss a full week of practice almost never suit up on Sunday.
Pittman has just two catches for 30 yards over his last two games combined. Josh Downs should receive plenty of targets as Joe Flacco’s default WR1 in Week 10, while Alec Pierce and second-round rookie Adonai Mitchell will be in for additional opportunities.
Demarcus Robinson, WR, Los Angeles Rams
Ahead of the Los Angeles Rams’ Week 10 Monday night game, Demarcus Robinson was limited in Friday’s practice after being out with a toe injury on Thursday.
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.
McVay was true to his word when discussing Robinson’s injury. The WR was not listed on the team’s final injury report. He will play Monday night.
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 practiced again on Friday (and was not wearing a non-contact jersey) and is considered questionable for Week 10. Nothing suggest Deebo won’t be ready for Sunday’s game against the Bucs.
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 on Thursday. He logged a full session on Friday and was officially removed from the Philadelphia Eagles’ injury report.
Smith told reporters on Friday than he plans to play against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 10.
Smith played 96% of the Eagles’ snaps in Week 9, dominating with four catches for 87 yards and a touchdown after fellow WR A.J. Brown departed in the first half. 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 all week. On Friday, Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid officially ruled JJSS out for Week 10.
The Chiefs wideout aggravated a pre-existing hamstring injury in Week 7 and has not practiced since. K.C. 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.
While the Panthers have designated the veteran pass catcher to return from IR, Thielen never practiced this week and will not play in Germany on Sunday. Carolina must activate him by Week 11. Otherwise, Thielen will remain on injured reserve for the rest of the yar.
The 34-year-old demonstrated a strong rapport with Bryce Young last season, recording 103 catches for 1,014 yards. It was Thielen’s 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 every practice leading up to Week 10. Barring a setback over the weekend, 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).
Tyler Conklin, TE, New York Jets
Tyler Conklin popped up on the New York Jets’ Friday injury report with an ankle issue. While he’s listed as questionable for Week 10, Conklin was a full participant for Gang Green’s final practice of the week.
If he plays on Sunday, Conklin remains a risky fantasy TE2. He’s finished as a top-14 option in four of nine games, but he’s also ranked outside the top 30 TEs in four weeks
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 all week and is not listed on the Philadelphia Eagles’ injury report for Week 10.
Goedert hedged earlier this by telling reporters he’d need to see how his week of practice goes before determining whether he could play in Week 10. However, Eliot Shorr-Parks of 94WIP suggested that it “seemed pretty clear” Goedert was “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 all week with a knee injury. This is actually an upgrade from recent weeks, as Kincaid is no longer listed with a collarbone injury. He doesn’t have an injury designation for Week 10.
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 missing the game and Amari Cooper considered questionable, 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 managed to log limited practices on both Wednesday and Thursday. Pitts put in a full practice on Friday and was removed from Atlanta’s injury report.
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.
Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE, Carolina Panthers
Carolina Panthers tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders popped up with a limited practice on Thursday due to wrist and ankle injuries but returned for a full session on Friday. The fourth-round rookie will not carry an injury designation into Week 10.
Given that Carolina traded Diontae Johnson and Jonathan Mingo and has Thielen on IR, Sanders is a viable fantasy option. He’s posted at least four catches or 60 yards in two of his past three games.