Caleb Wilfinger
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We’ve had 8 weeks of tough, physical action in the NFL and injuries are starting to have a major effect on team lineups and the outcomes of games. Week 8 was particularly brutal on quarterbacks, with a ton of teams across the league resorting to using their backup QBs, and even 3rd-stringers in some instances.
We’ve compiled a list below of the key injuries you need to know about before locking in any bets or setting your fantasy lineups for NFL Week 9. We’ll assess which situations are most worrisome, which teams have the depth to cover for injuries and who you should consider picking up off the fantasy waiver wires if any of them miss time in Week 9.
Week 9 NFL Injury Report for Quarterbacks
Matthew Stafford (Rams) injury update
Stafford appeared to suffer a thumb injury in the second quarter of the Rams’ loss to the Cowboys, as Los Angeles eventually opted for veteran backup Brett Rypien in the second half. Stafford has been diagnosed with a UCL sprain in his right thumb per the team, and head coach Sean McVay says the QB is day-to-day ahead of their Week 9 game against the Packers this Sunday.
Kirk Cousins (Vikings) injury update
It’s unfortunate that while he was in the midst of some of the best football of his career, Kirk Cousins suffered a torn right Achilles’ in the 4th quarter of Vikings’ rout of Green Bay in Week 8. Cousins was seen limping on the sidelines in the later stages of the game before being carted to the locker room and replaced by fifth-round rookie backup Jaren Hall. The Vikings have since acquired Joshua Dobbs to be the new starting quarterback for (presumably) the remainder of the season.
Kenny Pickett (Steelers) injury update
Offense has already been an issue for the Steelers this season, and it won’t get any easier with Kenny Pickett battling a rib injury. Pickett absorbed the full weight of a Jaguars defensive lineman in Week 8 and was ruled out with a rib injury shortly thereafter. Mitchell Trubisky replaced Pickett under center and could end up getting more time against the Tennessee Titans on Thursday. However, as of Tuesday afternoon Pickett did say that he is “playing for sure” on Thursday night.
Tyrod Tyler (Giants) injury update
In his third start since replacing an injured Daniel Jones, Tyrod Taylor left in the second quarter with a rib injury after taking a hard hit on the way to the ground against the Jets. Taylor was later ruled out and replaced by rookie Tommy DeVito, who finished with -1 passing yards for the game. It is unclear if Taylor will play against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, but the Giants’ offense could be in for a world of trouble if Taylor is unable to suit up.
Ryan Tannehill (Titans) injury update
The bad news for the Titans is that veteran starter Ryan Tannehill is not expected to play this Sunday, as he is still recovering from an ankle injury that forced him out of Tennessee’s Week 7 contest against the Ravens. The good news is that rookie Will Levis surged ahead of Malik Willis on the depth chart and tossed 4 touchdowns in a massive win over the Falcons.
Brock Purdy (49ers) injury update
Following a concussion scare in Week 7, Brock Purdy ended up getting the start for the 49ers in Week 8 against the Bengals. However, Purdy struggled in the game, raising questions about how effectively he was able to clear concussion protocol prior to the weekend. San Francisco has a bye week this week before taking on Jacksonville on November 12.
Deshaun Watson (Browns) injury update
We have seen this movie before. As of this week, the Browns are “day-to-day” with Deshaun Watson’s availability for Sunday, although the general vibes around his rotator cuff issue do seem to be more positive now. PJ Walker has gotten the last 3 starts under center for the Browns and the offense hasn’t suffered much as a result, so let’s see if Watson comes back this week.
Week 9 NFL Injury Report for Wide Receivers
Drake London (Falcons) injury update
Atlanta finally went with backup QB Taylor Heinicke against the Titans last Sunday. The passing game looked a bit better, but Atlanta’s young wideout Drake London exited the game with a groin injury — leaving the NFC South contender shorthanded. It is unclear if London will be available this weekend.
Kendrick Bourne (Patriots) injury update
Kendrick Bourne had performed well over the last few weeks, but he was forced to leave the Patriots’ divisional matchup with the Dolphins in Week 8 due to a knee injury. On Monday it was revealed that Bourne suffered a torn ACL, which diminishes a Patriots receiving corps that has already struggled to produce this season.
