As move get set to move on from Week 8, it’s time to take a look at some of the more pressing injury concerns that are developing for Week 9. For a full list of day-to-day practice reports, stay tuned for our weekly Practice Report. These are some of the top injuries in the NFL we are monitoring for Week 9 as we look at the Fantasy Football Injury Blitz; highlighting Matthew Stafford, Derrick Henry, Drake London & Darren Waller (Week 9).
Injury Outlook
Matthew Stafford (Thumb) Doubtful for Week 9
Matthew Stafford, the Rams QB, has a chance to play in Week 9 but is more likely to miss the contest. It’s probable that he will take a seat and rest during the team’s Week 10 bye before making his return in Week 11.
Fantasy Football Impact
Stafford currently sits at QB15 on the season and has been a solid high-end QB2 this season with a team full of offensive weapons. The veteran signal-caller will be relatively easy to replace in 1QB leagues as he was a low-end starter at best, but his production could be tough to replace in Superflex leagues.
Waiver Wire Replacements to Target
- Kyler Murray (ARI): 59% rostered
- Sam Howell (WSH): 57% rostered
- Daniel Jones (NYG): 36% rostered
Injury Outlook
Derrick Henry (Ankle) Will Play in Week 9
Titans running back Derrick Henry practiced with limitations due to an ankle injury throughout the week. However, his injury designation has been removed, and he will be fully ready for Thursday Night Football in Week 9. Despite his clearance to play, anticipate a decrease in the number of touches and a decrease in efficiency with those touches this week.
Fantasy Football Impact
Henry currently sits at RB12 on the season and is a weekly must-start RB1. If he plays you have to play him barring some absurd level of depth in your running back room. If you are worried and want to pivot to a waiver wire option there are none that will produce his production, but a few who could meet his floor, including his teammate Tyjae Spears who could see an uptick in touches.
Waiver Wire Replacements to Target
- Darrell Henderson (LAR): 50% rostered
- Roschon Johnson (CHI): 47% rostered
- Tyjae Spears (TEN): 46% rostered
Injury Outlook
Drake London (Groin) Questionable for Week 9
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London currently has a questionable status for the team’s Week 9 matchup with the Minnesota Vikings. He is anticipated to participate unless he encounters any setbacks during the week of practice, so fantasy managers should keep an eye on his progress throughout the week.
Fantasy Football Impact
London currently sits at WR34 on the season and has been an inconsistent WR3 with occasional boom games. In Week 9 he will deal with both a lingering groin issue and a change at quarterback from Desmond Ridder to Taylor Heinicke. If you can avoid him this week, it’s best to do so. There are plenty of options in the WR3 range on the waiver wire to replace him and play it safe.
Waiver Wire Replacements to Target
- Rashee Rice (KC): 69% rostered
- Josh Downs (IND): 68% rostered
- Romeo Doubs (GB): 60% rostered
Injury Outlook
Darren Waller (Hamstring) Doubtful for Week 9
Darren Waller, the Giants TE, has a hamstring injury that is anticipated to sideline him for several weeks. Given his age and previous instances of multi-week hamstring injuries, it’s unlikely he will return to the lineup for an extended period of time.
Fantasy Football Impact
Waller currently sits at TE9 on the season and has been a boom-or-bust low-end TE1 for most of the season. While his absence is likely to be felt in your lineup, his inconsistency is possible to replace via streaming tight-end options.
Waiver Wire Replacements to Target
- Dalton Schultz (HOU): 64% rostered
- Trey McBride (ARI): 51% rostered
- Pat Freiermuth (PIT): 39% rostered
Check back daily at The League Winners for all the up-to-date injury updates.
